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Fresh Catch and Cruise NC - World Cat Fishing Reports
Shark fishing is on fire!
May 25, 2026
Shark fishing is heating up in a big way right now off the Carolina coast. We’re seeing increasing numbers of big sand sharks, spiny dogfish, bull sharks, tiger sharks, and other reef sharks moving into the area, and the action has been nonstop. The best part about shark fishing this time of year is you don’t have to wait for a perfect bite window. These fish are feeding aggressively and will hit throughout the day, giving anglers a great shot at steady action and some serious drag-screaming runs. Whether it’s your first shark trip or you’re looking to battle something with real power, these fish absolutely deliver. With massive bait schools along the beaches and warmer water continuing to push in, the shark bite should only continue getting better from now into summer. These trips are hands-on, exciting, and guaranteed to leave you with a lasting memory and some incredible photos. If you’re looking for bent rods, adrenaline, and a trip you’ll be talking about long after it’s over, now is the perfect time to get out shark fishing.
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Fishing report 5/12/26
May 10, 2026
The coastal bite is continuing to build in a big way here along the North Carolina coast, and some of the best fishing of the year is right on the horizon. The shark fishing is about to really fire off, with warmer water and massive schools of bait pushing down the beaches. If you’ve been wanting to battle big fish, now is the time to get on the calendar. Nearshore, we’re seeing bigger and bigger king mackerel showing up every week, along with solid numbers of Spanish mackerel feeding aggressively just off the beach. Pogies are absolutely everywhere right now, and the mullet run is starting to build behind them. With this much bait moving through the area, predator fish are stacked up and feeding hard. A little further offshore, the action has been extremely consistent. We’ve been regularly limiting out on king mackerel and black sea bass, with plenty of action throughout the trip. The offshore bite is shaping up nicely as water temperatures continue to improve. For crews looking to make the run out to the Gulf Stream, the variety of species available right now is hard to beat. Wahoo, mahi, tuna, snapper, and grouper are all in the mix, and every trip has the potential to turn into a true mixed-bag fishery. The fishing is only getting better from here, and the next few weeks are setting up to be some of the strongest action we’ve seen so far this season. Tight lines!
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Prime Time Fishing: Bonito, Trout & Offs
April 7, 2026
Nearshore action is hot: Atlantic bonito are close, grey trout are plentiful, and red drum plus sea bass are showing in numbers. Every nearshore trip has strong potential. Offshore: This weekend offers perfect conditions from Saturday to Monday. Kingfish are reachable offshore. In the Gulf Stream, the bite is on fire: wahoo, tuna, mahi, and multiple snapper species. Sunday is a rare prime window. No matter the trip, from nearshore to the Gulf Stream, this is the time to be on the water—plenty of fish are running.
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Wrightsville & Carolina Beach Fishing Re
April 2, 2026
Spring fishing just hit a whole new level. Atlantic bonito are officially here and they’re blowing up right off the beach. We’re seeing fish busting on the surface consistently, and this is shaping up to be the peak 7–10 day window to get in on the action. This run comes fast and leaves just as quick—if you’ve been waiting, this is your shot. On top of that, big gray trout showing up consistently every trip, Black sea bass still stacked up in solid numbers. A full mix of nearshore action depending on where we set up Water temps are sitting around 61–62 degrees, which has everything fired up. It’s one of those rare windows where everything lines up at once—and it only happens a couple times a year. If you’re trying to get in on the Atlantic bonito bite or load the box with quality fish, now is the time to go. Reach out and lock in your trip while this bite is at its peak.
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Nearshore Bite is ON FIRE – Spring Run H
March 30, 2026
We’re heading into one of the strongest weeks yet. Every week’s gotten hotter, and last week was absolutely on fire at the nearshore wrecks. We’re pulling in big gray trout, black drum, red drum, and a solid mix of bottom fish. The key is simple—right bait, right spot. I’ve got slots open in the coming days if anyone’s ready to get on the water. Also, Atlantic bonito are confirmed—trolling at sunrise on the nearshore wrecks will get them. And in just a couple weeks, Spanish mackerel will start pushing in, with kingfish right behind. Spring’s full-on, and the next two months are prime—book now while it’s hot!
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Spring Bite Heating Up — Nearshore Actio
March 29, 2026
Water temps are finally climbing into the mid to high 50s, and we’re starting to see the first real signs of the spring transition along the Carolina coast. Inside the inlets, tidal swings are pushing slightly warmer water out of the river, and that’s been enough to get things moving. The nearshore bite is officially turning on, with consistent catches of: • Gray trout • Red drum • Black drum • Mixed bottom species If you can get outside the jetty, there’s fish to be caught right now. Conditions have been a little choppy this past week, but that’s typical this time of year. As we move further out of winter, we’ll start to see more consistent weather windows, which is when things really take off. ⸻ ? What’s Coming Next (This Is the Important Part) Here’s where it gets interesting… We’re already seeing Atlantic bonito being caught within 5 miles. That tells us everything: ? The fish are on the move ? The warm water is pushing in ? It’s only a matter of time before that bite is a free for all very close to the beach. First comes the bonito… Then the Spanish… Then the king mackerel right behind them When that chain reaction starts, the nearshore bite goes from “good” to wide open. ⸻ ? Offshore Outlook Offshore trips are already producing solid action, with chances at: • American red snapper • Keeper black sea bass • Larger snapper species • Amberjack • Hogfish • Big grunts As we push further toward the Gulf Stream, the quality improves even more. And a big one to note: ? Grouper season opens May 1st, which adds another major target to the mix. ⸻ ? Bait = Everything We’re starting to see more bait moving along the coast, and that’s always the trigger. More bait → more predators → better fishing As that bait continues to push in over the next few weeks, expect the bite to ramp up quickly across all trip types. ⸻ Best Time to Fish Is Right Now (And The Next 6–8 Weeks) April and May are hands down some of the most productive months of the year here. You’ve got: • Active nearshore fishing (great for families and action) • Migratory species moving in • Offshore opportunities getting better by the week This is that window where everything overlaps—and when it’s right, it’s really right. ⸻ ⚓ Trip Options Right Now • Nearshore Trips: Consistent action, great for families and light tackle • Offshore Trips: Bigger fish, more variety, and improving fast • Spring Transition Fishing: Best of both worlds as species move in ⸻ If You’re Thinking About Going — Don’t Wait This is the ramp-up phase. Once the migratory fish fully arrive, prime dates start filling fast. If you’ve been thinking about getting on the water, the next few weeks are one of the best opportunities of the year.
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Gabriel Chandler
Wilmington, North Carolina, United States
Catch and Cruise NC - World Cat
Excellent
4.9
/
5
(60 reviews)
Catch and Cruise NC welcomes you to the stunning waters of Wilmington. Having logged many hours on these tides, Captain Gabriel knows them forwards and back. There's no guarantee when you're fishing, but just some of the species you can catch ar...
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Other reports from North Carolina
Other reports from North Carolina
Nearshore Grey Trout Jigging Success
Aug 29, 2026
Wilmington
Rennie Clark
Lots of Flounder and a Few Sharks
Aug 26, 2026
Wilmington
Rennie Clark
Jigging for Grey, Silver Trout & Sharks
Aug 24, 2026
Wilmington
Rennie Clark
See all fishing reports in North Carolina
See all fishing reports in North Carolina
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