Nearshore Bite is ON FIRE – Spring Run H

March 30, 2026 Wilmington 2 photos
Black Drum
Black Drum
Weakfish
Weakfish
Tautog
Tautog
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bonito
Bonito
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Scup (Porgy)
Scup (Porgy)
Shark (Bull)
Shark (Bull)
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Seabream (Gilt-head)
Seabream (Gilt-head)
Seabass (Black)
Seabass (Black)
Grouper (Broomtail)
Grouper (Broomtail)

Trip Summary

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!
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...

Other reports from this charter

Spanish Mackerel & Flounder Nearshore Bi
Spanish Mackerel & Flounder Nearshore Bi
August 13, 2026
The nearshore bite is strong right now, with Spanish mackerel providing some of the most consistent action around the jetties. Large schools of silversides are moving through, birds are actively working the bait, and the Spanish are feeding heavily. We’ve been finding fish by trolling around the jetties, then stopping to cast and jig once we locate a school. The second half of the outgoing tide has been especially productive, although we’re seeing fish throughout the day, including early mornings and afternoons. Mullet are also becoming very plentiful, bringing plenty of life into the inshore waters. Flounder are around in excellent numbers, and with North Carolina’s September 1–14 flounder season approaching, it’s a great time to plan a trip if you’re hoping to bring home a keeper. A little farther offshore, king mackerel are providing good trolling opportunities, particularly during the first few hours after sunrise. Bottom fishing remains productive throughout the day and becomes less dependent on the tide as we push farther offshore. Looking ahead, we’re approaching one of our favorite stretches of the fishing calendar. September and October bring changing water temperatures and increased fish movement, creating excellent opportunities both nearshore and offshore. Wahoo fishing should continue building into the fall, with September through November offering some of our best opportunities for offshore trolling. Current highlights: Spanish mackerel, flounder, king mackerel, bottom fish and plenty of bait — with the fall offshore season right around the corner.
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