Prime Time Fishing: Bonito, Trout & Offs

The nearshore bite is strong right now, with Spanish mackerel providing some of the most consistent action around the jetties. Large schools of silversides are moving through, birds are actively working the bait, and the Spanish are feeding heavily. We’ve been finding fish by trolling around the jetties, then stopping to cast and jig once we locate a school. The second half of the outgoing tide has been especially productive, although we’re seeing fish throughout the day, including early mornings and afternoons. Mullet are also becoming very plentiful, bringing plenty of life into the inshore waters. Flounder are around in excellent numbers, and with North Carolina’s September 1–14 flounder season approaching, it’s a great time to plan a trip if you’re hoping to bring home a keeper. A little farther offshore, king mackerel are providing good trolling opportunities, particularly during the first few hours after sunrise. Bottom fishing remains productive throughout the day and becomes less dependent on the tide as we push farther offshore. Looking ahead, we’re approaching one of our favorite stretches of the fishing calendar. September and October bring changing water temperatures and increased fish movement, creating excellent opportunities both nearshore and offshore. Wahoo fishing should continue building into the fall, with September through November offering some of our best opportunities for offshore trolling. Current highlights: Spanish mackerel, flounder, king mackerel, bottom fish and plenty of bait — with the fall offshore season right around the corner.

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!