Surf Fishing Update
- Bluefish emerging as coastal water temperatures increase
- Whiting catches fluctuating, though larger in size
- Daily variety consists of:
- Black drum
- Croakers
- Pompano
- Occasional sheepshead
Inshore Fishing Update
Cape Fear River
Red Drum
- Divided into smaller clusters, gathering near structures
- Schools dispersing, with an abundance of smaller and slot-sized fish mixed in
- Prime targeting locations:
- Shell bottom banks
- Low tides
- Effective lures:
- Dead shrimp
- Live mud minnows
Black Drum
- Involved in the action
- Predominantly 15-17” fish
- Located in areas similar to reds
- Top-performing bait: dead shrimp
Speckled Trout
- Catching fish up to 24 inches during early mornings
- Red drum fishing improving downriver with pogies nearby
- Carolina-rigged menhaden proving effective
Black Drum
- Present in significant numbers
- Shrimp as the best bait (live or dead)
- Targeting hard bottoms, rocks, oyster shells, and structures
- Depths: 2′ to 12-14′
Sheepshead
- Found in the same regions
- Mud or fiddler crabs on bottom sweeper jigs
Red Drum
- Located in grassy flats
- Soft plastic paddle tails on 3/8 or 1/4 oz. jig heads
- Menhaden on slightly weighted Carolina rigs or under Billy Bay corks
Speckled Trout
- Dispersed
- Live shrimp or topwater plugs
- Focus on current eddies around rocky bottoms in 2-8’ depths
Whiting and Croaker
- Caught while bottom fishing
- Cut shrimp or synthetic bait strips
Casting Action
- Increasing with Spanish mackerel and bluefish
- Red drum fishing unpredictable, shifting into smaller groups
- Speckled trout mixed in, bite remaining consistent
- Black drum activity strong in creeks
- Carolina-rigged dead shrimp near oyster or dock structures
Nearshore Fishing Update
- Atlantic bonito present
- Trolling and sight-casting within 1-3 mile range
- Decent-sized bluefish
- Spanish mackerel (various sizes)
- Tranquil, transparent conditions
- Atlantic bonito and Spanish mackerel in 3-5 mile range
- Stingsilvers and similar jigs proving effective
Offshore Fishing Update
- King mackerel residing in 70-degree waters further out
- Fish approaching beaches with bait
- Anticipating a similar pattern off Pleasure Island in upcoming weeks
Seasonal Projections
- Rising water temperatures likely to attract larger Spanish mackerel and boost activity for other species
- As bait floods inlets, red drum distribution will improve fishing chances
Tips for Success
- Aim for areas with structure or hard bottoms for black drum and sheepshead
- Concentrate on current eddies around rocky bottoms in 2-8’ depths for speckled trout
- Keep an eye on water temperatures and bait movement for ideal fishing circumstances
Come join us on the water and see for yourself why Carolina Beach is the premier destination for fishing enthusiasts. We look forward to seeing you on the water!
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