The nearshore action is heating up. Atlantic bonito are trickling in, and in a week or two, they’ll be here in numbers. Right now, folks are picking them off one by one. Meanwhile, big gray trout are showing up, and even tautog have made an appearance. On top of that, we’ve got porgies, ringtails, and black sea bass in the mix. If you’re looking to catch this wave, April is your window, because once the run is on, boats will fill up fast.

Spring fishing is starting to fire up along Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach. Right now the nearshore wrecks are loaded with black sea bass. The bite has been extremely consistent, and limits are coming fairly quickly on most trips. If you’re looking for steady action and great table fare, the nearshore sea bass fishing is about as reliable as it gets at the moment. A lot of bait has moved onto the beaches, including silversides and other small baitfish, which is a great sign for what’s coming next. Atlantic Bonito have already started showing up 10–12 miles offshore, and as soon as water temperatures push consistently above 55°F, they should move much closer to the beach. When that happens the bite can be fast and exciting with fish feeding aggressively on the surface. Historically, the bonito run is short but intense, typically lasting only 2–3 weeks, with late March through early April being the prime window. Once the bonito push through, we’ll start seeing a strong run of Spanish mackerel along the beaches, followed by increasing king mackerel activity both nearshore and offshore. Offshore fishing has also been productive with large king mackerel already being caught, but this time of year the key is finding the right weather window. Spring conditions can still be a little volatile offshore, so trips further out depend on the forecast. If you want the most consistent fishing right now, the nearshore trips targeting black sea bass are producing every day. And with the bonito run expected any time, the next few weeks should offer some of the most exciting fishing of the spring season. Tight lines!

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.