This week, the nearshore bite is on fire. Summer flounder fishing has really turned on, the mullet run is in full swing, and redfish are moving in and out of the jetties consistently. Big barracuda are also showing up just off the beach, providing exciting action on light tackle. When the weather gives us a good offshore window, the fishing has been excellent. Live bait has been producing quality bottom catches, while early morning trolling has been putting king mackerel in the boat. Farther out in the Gulf Stream, anglers are finding big wahoo along with quality snapper and grouper. Whether you’re looking for a fun family trip close to the beach or an action-packed offshore adventure, now is a great time to get on the water. If you have any questions about planning a fishing trip out of Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach, feel free to reach out. We’d be happy to help you choose the trip that’s best for the current conditions and the species you’d like to target.

Fishing along the Carolina Beach coast continues to produce plenty of action despite the summer heat. Sharks remain one of the most consistent bites, making for exciting trips with opportunities at quality fish throughout the day. One of the biggest highlights right now is the number of large barracuda showing up. These fish are incredibly aggressive around hooked fish, and it’s common to watch them follow a catch all the way to the boat—or even steal it before you can land it. Getting them to commit, however, takes the right presentation. Large barracuda have seen plenty of rigs over the years, so lighter, less visible wire leaders often produce more bites. That said, presenting a large live bait can trigger an instinctive reaction, and even cautious fish will often crush a properly presented offering. For anglers looking to bring home dinner, flounder, red drum, and black drum continue to provide good opportunities around the inlets, docks, marsh edges, and other inshore structure. Live bait remains the top producer, and the larger schools of mullet finally beginning to arrive should only improve the bite over the coming weeks. This year’s mullet run started a little later than normal, but the bait is finally showing up in good numbers. Nearshore anglers should also keep a live bait ready for king mackerel. Big kings are still cruising just off the beaches and can provide an unforgettable fight when conditions allow. If offshore conditions become too rough, don’t overlook the jetties and Intracoastal Waterway. Success inside has been highly dependent on the tides, with moving water producing the best action. Planning your trip around a favorable tide can make all the difference on days when the ocean isn’t cooperating. Offshore, the fishing remains excellent whenever the weather provides a window. American red snapper season is open, giving anglers another outstanding opportunity to fill the cooler. Grouper and snapper fishing continues to be very productive, while big amberjack are providing hard-fighting action over the wrecks and ledges. Blue water anglers are also finding solid numbers of mahi and wahoo, making offshore trips well worth the run when sea conditions allow. As always, weather determines everything this time of year, so keep an eye on the forecast and take advantage of the calm days when they come. Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the water!

July is doing what July typically does along the Carolina coast—the fish are still here, but they’re more spread out than they were in the spring. That means patience, fresh bait, and making the most of every opportunity. Nearshore, we hooked a nice cobia this week, proving they’re still around for anglers willing to put in the time. Live bait and fresh-cut bait are producing far better than frozen this month and are the biggest keys to success. Big barracuda are stacked up on the nearshore reefs and wrecks. If you’re targeting them, scale down your wire leader and present a large live bait naturally. Many of these fish have seen plenty of lures, so a stealthy presentation makes all the difference. Spanish mackerel continue to blitz bait along the beaches, but with so much natural forage in the water, they’ve become a little more selective. You may not get as many bites as earlier in the season, but the quality has been excellent. Grey trout and red drum are still being caught, although they aren’t feeding as aggressively as they do during the spring and fall transitions. Working live bait around structure during moving water has been the most consistent approach. The sponey dog fish have slowed up when Shark fishing and will be replaced by much larger sharks luke big tiger sharks, hammer heads, bull sharks and black tips so not as many shark but overall kich bigger and more exciting. Overall, we’re catching fewer fish than we were a month ago, but the quality has remained outstanding. Summer fishing is all about adapting to the conditions, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Book your trip now and let us put you on the fish—whether you’re chasing sharks, Spanish, cobia, barracuda, or whatever decides to bite next.

Summer Fishing is Heating Up! The summer bite is in full swing, and there are fish to target no matter what type of trip you’re looking for. Gulf Stream: Bottom fishing has been outstanding, with coolers filling up with scamp grouper, silky snapper, blackfin snapper, and vermilion snapper. If you’re looking for a serious fight, the amberjack have been absolutely massive. On the troll, we’re seeing consistent action from mahi, with many fish showing up in the 35-50 mile range. The annual mullet migration is finally getting underway. Bait schools are getting thicker by the day and will continue to build throughout July and August, setting the stage for even better fishing in the weeks ahead. Nearshore: Shark fishing remains one of our most consistent trips, with plenty of action and opportunities at multiple species. Mixed in with the sharks, we’re catching black sea bass, ringtails, flounder, gray trout, and Spanish mackerel. The Spanish bite has slowed some as the warm water has spread across the coast, but they’re still around for anglers willing to put in the effort. One of the most exciting bites right now is the big barracuda stacked up on the nearshore reefs and wrecks. These fish are visual predators, and watching one explode on a live bait is something you’ll never forget. Large live baits are the key, and a natural presentation is important since many of these fish have already seen a few hooks this season. Whether you’re looking to battle sharks close to the beach, fill the cooler offshore, or make the run to the Gulf Stream for premium bottom fishing and mahi, there’s no shortage of action right now. I’d love the opportunity to get you and your crew on the water, make some lifelong memories, and put you on fish. Summer dates are filling quickly, so book your trip now and let’s go fishing!

Offshore at 20 miles, we’re seeing vermilion snapper, sea bass, and amberjack, with kingfish hitting best early. Bottom fishing stays strong all day. Grouper are in season until August 2—book now before gag grouper close. American red snapper season runs July 1 to August 31—our first long season in years. Further out, the Gulf Stream is producing wahoo and growing numbers of mahi. Mullet are in, providing top bait. Nearshore, bluefish are still around, sharks are strong all summer, and barracuda will stack up in July and August. Kingfish action stays hot. Book now to catch prime season species.

Fishing has been excellent across all fronts as we move deeper into summer. Nearshore Fishing The Spanish mackerel bite remains one of the most consistent options right now, with plenty of fish being caught along the beaches, inlets, and nearshore structures. King mackerel are showing up in good numbers as well, and anglers are finding opportunities to target flounder, Black Sea bass, and a variety of shark species. Shark fishing has been especially productive, providing steady action and plenty of excitement for anglers of all ages. Offshore Fishing Offshore trips continue to produce quality catches. King mackerel are feeding aggressively, while keeper Black Sea bass and vermilion snapper are providing excellent bottom fishing opportunities. Amberjack action has also been strong, with larger fish becoming more common as water temperatures continue to rise. Gulf Stream Fishing The Gulf Stream bite is absolutely on fire. Snapper and grouper fishing has been outstanding, with anglers regularly returning to the dock with impressive catches. Wahoo and mahi-mahi continue to be reliable targets, providing consistent action and opportunities at trophy-class fish. If you’re looking for the best chance at filling the cooler and bending rods all day, now is an excellent time to make a Gulf Stream run. With warm water, active fish, and multiple species biting throughout the region, this is one of the best times of the year to get on the water. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly nearshore trip, offshore bottom fishing, or a full Gulf Stream adventure, the fishing has been delivering.