Mid-October Fishing Report
October 09, 2025 Wilmington 3 photos

Trip Summary

As we hit mid-October, the local fishing scene is really coming alive. Here’s what you need to know: Inshore and Nearshore Updates: • Bait Situation: You’ll notice mullet starting to thin out, especially on the ocean side. In the rivers, you’ll still find a few, but as a substitute, live shrimp is your go-to bait right now. • Speckled Trout: The speckled trout run is in full swing inside the jetties. It’s a fantastic time to target them, and using live shrimp is really paying off. If you can get out past the jetty, you’ll also find some great trout spots offshore. • Mackerel and Kingfish: Spanish mackerel are still hanging around, and kingfish will be nearshore for the next month or so. Offshore and Gulf Stream: • Wahoo and Tuna Action: The Gulf Stream is heating up, literally. It’s extremely hot with wahoo and tuna action really picking up. As we move deeper into the cooler months, trolling is only going to get better as that warmth consolidates and the fish stay active. Final Tips: Overall, it’s shaping up to be a great season ahead. Just keep an eye on the weather, as your targeting options will depend on those good weather days. But right now, things look fantastic, especially for those speckled trout inshore.
Gabriel Chandler
Wilmington, North Carolina, United States
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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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