Fishing report 5/12/26

Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach fishing report. Fishing has been hot both nearshore and offshore! Nearshore, there’s a ton of bait around with Spanish mackerel feeding hard. We’ve been putting fish in the boat trolling the schools and floating live bait. Offshore has been producing some serious fish, with big sharks, amberjack, grouper, snapper, triggerfish and more hitting the deck. Plenty of action right now—come get in on the bite!

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.

This week, the nearshore bite is on fire. Summer flounder fishing has really turned on, the mullet run is in full swing, and redfish are moving in and out of the jetties consistently. Big barracuda are also showing up just off the beach, providing exciting action on light tackle. When the weather gives us a good offshore window, the fishing has been excellent. Live bait has been producing quality bottom catches, while early morning trolling has been putting king mackerel in the boat. Farther out in the Gulf Stream, anglers are finding big wahoo along with quality snapper and grouper. Whether you’re looking for a fun family trip close to the beach or an action-packed offshore adventure, now is a great time to get on the water. If you have any questions about planning a fishing trip out of Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach, feel free to reach out. We’d be happy to help you choose the trip that’s best for the current conditions and the species you’d like to target.