dknudsen

I am looking for specifics on which seafoods to especially look for on our trip to North Carolina's Outer Banks (staying in Nags Head) and around the Williamsburg VA area from May 30-June 6. Not necessarily the "best seafood restaurants" (although those suggestions are welcome, too) rather, the exact items for which the area is most noted, and possibly those which may be most plentiful during the first week of June.

suewoo

I can't speak specifically to the Banks, but down here I know that much depends on currents and weather. Shrimp season came early this year because winter was warmer than usual.

I think your best bet is to go to the dock in the afternoon and ask the the fishing professionals what's running and what they caught.

obxgirl

North Carolina shrimp, scallops, flounder and speckled trout are my choices. I think it's soft-shell crab season when you visit.

obxgirl

Agree with suewoo to ask around for what's been caught. See what the local markets are selling (Austin's & Carawan's are a couple of them).

http://www.stopnshopobx.com/blog/ will tell you what people are catching from the shore or the fishing piers.

suewoo

obxgirl, I THINK softshell season is over. I know it is down here. It was also early this year, but boy were they good.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7751576...in/photostream

Ackislander

Don't get your heart set on oysters or hard shell crabs before fall.

Gretchen

Soft shells are finished--short and early season this year. Grouper is delicious. I MUCH prefer it to flounder. Oysters will be available. Whether local or not is immaterial to me--I eat 'em all.
Shrimp definitely.

suewoo

Gretchen, a local purveyor told me they still have some in NC. But I bet they're getting a little crunchy!

I had some nice oysters from BC last week. But as nice as they were, they weren't as good as out locals.

I got some shrimp just off the boat last week as well and they were so good. Of course, I'd been without since fall!