Fresh New Hanover County Fishing Reports

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.

Inshore fishing for red drum along the ICW, creeks, bases in the Wrightsville Beach area. Targeting these fish using live bait and artificial lures. Fun for all ages!

A Good bite on the Atlantic Bonito is filling in. Access this hard fighting, great eating fish within a few miles of the beach throughout the month of April. Easily caught trolling Mackeral Tree's or deep divers, but for the best action try casting metal jigs and ripping back to the boat when the fish are up, or vertically jigging if they are staying down. Book a trip today dates are filling fast.

Inshore fishing the ICW, creeks, bays around Wrightsville Beach NC for red drum, speckled trout, flounder, black drum. Targeting these fish using artificial and live bait, great for all ages!

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!

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.