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Fresh Fishing Reports from Onslow County

Making the best of a windy day
Making the best of a windy day
May 16, 2023
Weather is always a challenge, especially in the spring season when it feels like summer and winter are fighting it out. This is why it's good to have a little flexibility in your schedule. Had a half-day charter for Alex's birthday, joined by his father-in-law, and two brothers in law. The first day was just too rough, so we rescheduled and got out there. With the inlet crossing a little gnarly due to tides and winds, we had to make an extended boat ride down to Masonboro Inlet where we had the protection of a jetty and deeper water. It was still a bit of a rodeo going out, but once we hit open water it was a lot more manageable. The wind was not supposed to come up until later in the day, but as usual, the forecast was off and it was already gusting over 10 knots when we came out of the inlet. With whitecaps forming and waves close together, I made the quick decision to keep the trip close to shore... which is fine, because the Spanish mackerel are running strong. The bite wasn't fast, but it was steady and we put plenty of good fish in the boat. All of the fish were legal size or better, which was a nice change from the last trip where we had to release so many shorts. The bluefish and lizard fish put in a brief showing as well, and kept things lively. We finished the day in fairly rough conditions, and I think everyone was ready to come back in. 15 Spanish and a blue will make for plenty of fish tacos as this crew finishes out their vacation week!
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What anglers said about fishing in Onslow County

Enjoying everything they have to offer. Fishing, sights and the great restaraunts.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Enjoying everything they have to offer. Fishing, sights and the great restaraunts.
Danny  G.
Danny G. Sanford, North Carolina
We didn't fish Emerald Isle. We went out of Beaufort but the fishing was great and the weather was beautiful. I had a great time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We didn't fish Emerald Isle. We went out of Beaufort but the fishing was great and the weather was beautiful. I had a great time.
BRUCE  M.
BRUCE M. Charlotte, NC
Be prepared for weather to change on you but May is great for Mahi and may still find some Wahoo around. If you are wanting to target Blue Marlin this is a good place to do so.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for weather to change on you but May is great for Mahi and may still find some Wahoo around. If you are wanting to target Blue Marlin this is a good place to do so.
Kalvan  P.
Kalvan P. Garner, NC
Be prepared for changes in weather and ensure you pick and experienced Captain.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for changes in weather and ensure you pick and experienced Captain.
Chris  A.
Chris A. Coal Grove, OH
When you are researching a boat to fish with, contact the Captain and get their opinion when it would be best to go fishing for what you want to catch. I talked often with my Captain so we could plan for a great trip on the water.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
When you are researching a boat to fish with, contact the Captain and get their opinion when it would be best to go fishing for what you want to catch. I talked often with my Captain so we could plan for a great trip on the water.
Christopher  L.
Christopher L. Mechanicsburg, PA
Charter a short local trip or go out with a friend who has some knowledge of fishing in the area. The best way to learn is from someone that already knows what they are doing, especially if you have never fished much. Once you learn a few basic skills and have some simple equipment, it can be pretty easy and excellent fishing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Charter a short local trip or go out with a friend who has some knowledge of fishing in the area. The best way to learn is from someone that already knows what they are doing, especially if you have never fished much. Once you learn a few basic skills and have some simple equipment, it can be pretty easy and excellent fishing.
Gary  S.
Gary S. Elkader, IA
We stayed on Emerald Isle and drove to Beaufort. The trip was about 35 minutes and easy.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We stayed on Emerald Isle and drove to Beaufort. The trip was about 35 minutes and easy.
Flint  S.
Flint S. Belmont, NC
Don’t set high expectations and just enjoy the time out with friends and family. Might be great fishing but will most likely be a great time either way.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Don’t set high expectations and just enjoy the time out with friends and family. Might be great fishing but will most likely be a great time either way.
Adam  W.
Adam W.
Did not fish for multiple species due to time constraints. Blue fish were biting and with time it's seems we could've done well with others as well.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Did not fish for multiple species due to time constraints. Blue fish were biting and with time it's seems we could've done well with others as well.
John  W.
John W. Wilton, NY
Yes. Even though it was a bit early in the season, the captain was fantastic, and the experience was worthwhile!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes. Even though it was a bit early in the season, the captain was fantastic, and the experience was worthwhile!
James  F.
James F. Hornell, NY
When you book, look at the time time of year it is. If you book too early you will miss a very good fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
When you book, look at the time time of year it is. If you book too early you will miss a very good fish.
Joe  F.
Joe F. Winfield, TN
Definitely call fishing booker to schedule a fishing trip..many trips are available to target various species of saltwater fish
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Definitely call fishing booker to schedule a fishing trip..many trips are available to target various species of saltwater fish
Brian  B.
Brian B. PT CHARLOTTE, FL
Spanish Mackerel and Blue Fish are what you're going to catch in August. Atlantic Beach is a family friendly town with a laid-back feel. The men went fishing this morning while the women had a spa day. A small price to pay for a summer day on the water.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Spanish Mackerel and Blue Fish are what you're going to catch in August. Atlantic Beach is a family friendly town with a laid-back feel. The men went fishing this morning while the women had a spa day. A small price to pay for a summer day on the water.
Joseph  K.
Joseph K. Fredericksburg, VA
Mid day trips get really hot in August so it's best to get out there early!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Mid day trips get really hot in August so it's best to get out there early!
Tiffany  M.
Tiffany M. Lexington, KY
Know your targets...different tactics for certain species...so ask and they will fish to your wants!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Know your targets...different tactics for certain species...so ask and they will fish to your wants!
Gary  M.
Gary M. Jacksonville, North Carolina
Stay inshore. Fish migration makes trophy fishing challenging unless you go way off-shore
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Stay inshore. Fish migration makes trophy fishing challenging unless you go way off-shore
Kevin  F.
Kevin F. Lowell, MI
Spanish Mackerel fishing is a good choice - close to shore, trolling or sight casting, great to eat.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Spanish Mackerel fishing is a good choice - close to shore, trolling or sight casting, great to eat.
Kenneth  B.
Kenneth B. United States
Get a sea sickness patch. Find the boat the day before so you can get there on time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Get a sea sickness patch. Find the boat the day before so you can get there on time.
Rhonda  W.
Rhonda W. Melbourne, KY
Take snacks and water. Only fish with the locals recommended because they are experienced and know where the fish are. If its early take a light wind breaker because it is a bit chilly in the morning.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Take snacks and water. Only fish with the locals recommended because they are experienced and know where the fish are. If its early take a light wind breaker because it is a bit chilly in the morning.
Edson  V.
Edson V. Gering, NE
Just remember that it is what it is when fishing. Great weather doesn't always present fish. That's why they call it fishing and not "catching!"
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Just remember that it is what it is when fishing. Great weather doesn't always present fish. That's why they call it fishing and not "catching!"
Roger  H.
Roger H. Denver, NC