Carolina Beach Fishing, Fishing Reports, Fishing Charters, Fishing News

Front page
Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charter angler with a nice inshore black drum

Caption: Carolina Beach Fishing: angler with a nice inshore black drum

Description: Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charter angler with a nice inshore black drum

This nice speckled trout and flounder was caught by Dillon while fishing in the Cape Fear River

Caption: Carolina Beach Fishing: Carolina Beach Fishing: This nice speckled trout and flounder was caught by Dillon while fishing in the Cape Fear River

Description: This nice speckled trout and flounder was caught by Dillon while fishing in the Cape Fear River. A few whiting, small black bass, and croakers are starting to bite on the bottom around Southport using shrimp. In the backwaters still catching some red drum and a few speckled trout. Up the river still catching a few striped bass and red drum. It’s that time of year to get out your fishing equipment and make sure everything is in good working order. Spring is just around the corner. Keep fishing and stay safe.

red drum caught inshore fishing

Caption: Carolina Beach Fishing: another redfish

Description: red drum caught inshore fishing

Capt Christian Wolfe fishing

Caption: Carolina Beach Fishing: Capt Christian Wolfe hooked up in Buzzards Bay

Description: Capt Christian Wolfe

fishing reports

Carolina Beach Local Fishing Reports #94RT

Carolina Beach, NC Fishing Report – Mid-September Update As we hit mid-September, fishing in Carolina Beach, NC is nothing short of excellent, offering a variety of species and experiences for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you prefer inshore, nearshore, or surf fishing, the waters around Carolina Beach are teeming with activity, making it an ideal time to head out and drop a line. Starting with inshore fishing, the red drum bite is thriving. Anglers are reporting solid action on red drum, especially with fish ranging from 19 to 27 inches, the prime slot size. Some bull reds, stretching up to 30 inches, are also being hooked, adding to the excitement. These redfish are feeding actively across all tide phases, meaning there’s no bad time to fish. The go-to setup for these feisty fighters has been live finger mullet on Carolina rigs or under floats, both of which have proven....

Carolina Beach Local Fishing Reports #823

Carolina Beach Local Fishing Reports #83RT

Carolina Beach Local Anglers are reporting: Inshore  Anglers are reporting decent catches of finger mullet and red drum. Despite the heat, some days are proving to be excellent for fishing. A majority of the red drum caught are averaging around 22 inches. Using finger mullet as bait on jig heads or Carolina rigs is proving effective. Flounder are present in significant numbers. Speckled trout are being caught occasionally, and the sizes have been impressive. Red drum activity is consistent, even though they're dispersed in their summer patterns. Early morning fishing increases chances due to cooler temperatures. The Cape Fear River is a hotspot for flounder fishing. Bottom-rigging live bait in redfish areas is getting bites. Top water baits and soft plastics are the go-to for speckled trout. Black drum are being caught near hard structures using live shrimp or fiddler crabs. While targeting other species, anglers are encountering a lot....

Carolina Beach Local Fishing Reports #723

Carolina Beach Local Fishing Reports #73RT

Carolina Beach Local Anglers are reporting: Surf & Pier Local anglers share that surfcasting has been rewarding with a diverse catch including pompano, whiting, bluefish, pint-sized sharks, and flounder. Bottom fishing enthusiasts, in particular, have reported a steady haul of sizable whiting and bluefish. Inshore The river has seen a huge surge of bait from Bald Head, extending into the downtown area, leading to a heightened red drum activity. Anglers should scout locations like oyster beds, tidal creek mouths, and spoil island cuts for the best outcomes. The increased water clarity from Snows Cut and southward is enhancing the bite. Reports highlight that the river is delivering the most promising inshore action, yielding good numbers of sheepshead around sturdy structures. Red drum and the occasional speckled trout are found in abundance around shell banks and deeper grass lines. Red drum fishing has been particularly successful with live bait including menhaden....

Digital Artwork by Mark Mayo

Carolina Beach Local Fishing Reports #63RT

Reports coming in from around the area... Inshore Fishing The inshore fishing scene around Cape Fear and Snows Cut areas has been heating up with some excellent catches reported. Sheepshead have moved back inshore for the summer and have been landing on the ends of local anglers' lines. A few black drum have also been brought in using bottom-rigged fiddler crabs and fresh shrimp. Other species like pinfish and croakers have been abundant. Bluefish are showing up in large numbers inside the inlet, striking at live bait, cut bait, metals, and soft plastics alike. Red drum have been favoring live bait such as menhaden and mud minnows. Anglers have reported success in grass flats with some structure, and shell points on lower tide cycles. Z-Man and Gulp soft plastics have been working wonders on calmer days. There are some good reports of speckled trout in the mornings when high tide....

"spec" Digital Artwork by Mark Mayo

Carolina Beach Fishing Reports #53RT

Surf Fishing Reports Bluefish starting to appear as beachfront water temperatures rise Whiting catch inconsistent, but larger in size Daily mixed bag includes: Black drum Croakers Pompano Occasional sheepshead Inshore Fishing Reports Cape Fear River Red drum broken into smaller groups, staging around structure Schools spreading out, with plenty of smaller reds and slot-sized fish mixed in Best target areas: Shell bottom banks Lower tides Effective bait: Dead shrimp Live mud minnows Black drum mixed in the action Mostly 15-17” fish Staged in similar areas as reds Most productive bait: dead shrimp Speckled trout up to 24 inches caught in early mornings Red drum fishing downriver picking up with pogies in the area Carolina-rigged menhaden effective Black drum in good numbers Shrimp top producing bait (live or dead) Targeting hard bottoms, rocks, oyster shells, and structures Depths: 2' to 12-14' Sheepshead in the same areas Mud or fiddler crabs on....

"Big Red" Digital Artwork by Mark Mayo

Current Fishing Report and Trends and....

Here's what's being reported by local fisherman for April: Inshore fishing Inshore fishing has seen anglers successfully targeting red drum in the bays along the Cape Fear, with black drum fishing remaining steady. The recent cold snaps have delayed fish from transitioning into spring patterns, but warmer waters should help change this soon. Speckled trout are present but mostly smaller, and they are expected to become more active as temperatures rise. Offshore Offshore, king mackerel are still found by the Tower, while Atlantic bonito schools are spotted over deeper structures. Black sea bass action has been excellent for those targeting live bottoms and ledges in deeper waters, and good numbers of blackfin tuna and wahoo are present over offshore rocks and ledges. As April progresses, anglers can anticipate increased Atlantic bonito and false albacore action, with early bonito schools already reported in the 3-10+ mile range. Spanish mackerel are also....

Carolina Beach Spring Fishing

Early Spring 2023 Carolina Beach Fishing....

We're in the very beginning of spring and as the warming temperatures signal the start of a new season of fishing. The Cape Fear region of North Carolina is known for its diverse fishery, and local anglers are looking forward to the variety of species that will be available in the coming weeks. As water temperatures reach the upper 50s, anglers can expect better numbers of whiting to arrive in the area. These fish can be caught using bottom rigs with bait shrimp in the surf, deeper holes around the inlet, and down around the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Additionally, smaller flounder can also be caught in the surf in the coming weeks. Red drum can be found just about everywhere in the creeks and marshes of the Cape Fear, making them a popular target for anglers. Some schools of red drum can be found staged in shallow....

Grouper, snapper, beeliners, black bass, ringtail, grunts, & sharks

Grouper, snapper, pompano, black bass, ringtail,....

On the piers a few Virginia mullet, large bluefish, croaker, some small flounder, & shark. In the surf large bluefish, a few Virginia mullet, pompano, red & black drum, small flounder, & shark. Inshore we had a good spring run of Virginia mullet but the big run is over now. Still catching speckled trout, red & black drum, flounder, small croaker, & shark. Offshore on the bottom grouper, snapper, beeliners, black bass, ringtail, grunts, & sharks. Fishing tip of the week: This is the time of year that fishing starts to pick up a little bit in the waterways, river, & bays. But don't forget that it's just May. Don't let your expectations be too high. The good fishing starts when you start seeing lots of minnow & shrimp. This will be around late June through November. That's when you will have some great catches! So if you catch a....

Cape Fear River grand slam

Cape Fear River grand slam, check out the photos with this grand slam.  Flounder, Blues, Red Drum, Speckled Trout  these guys had a blast. Inshore – the Flounder fishing has been great now the Finger Mullet have finally moved in which is even better.  Speckled Trout fishing is still doing well in the Cape Fear River.  Red Drum fishing has been good around the docks in the ICW.   Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach Inlets have some of these fish in the 30 inch range. Nearshore – right outside the Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach inlets the Spanish are still doing well with a few Kings and Cobia mixed in.  Capt Charles Powell Charlie’s Charters 910-279-0966 charliesfishingcharters.com  

Fishing is on fire

Hi Folks, Fishing is on fire this past week. Spanish mackerel head the list with reds a close second. We even caught a nice king on a 1/4 oz. “Maria” jig. Please see the photo gallery on my website for all the pics. Now here’s my report: Inshore: Redfishing has heated up and fish are biting very well. Live bait has moved into the area and the reds seem to like it. Flounder are doing well near the inlets and some are biting in Snow’s Cut and the river. A few big bluefish in the 6 pound range have been terrorizing live bait in some of the creeks. Near Shore: Spanish mackerel continue to be the big bite here. Trolling with clarkspoons and bird rigs or casting with small jigs....

Inshore Fishing

The inshore fishing continues to be good with catches of red drum, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, sheephead, spanish mackerel and bluefish. I have been concentrating my efforts on redfish and speckled trout lately and picking up a few flounder, black drum, ladyfish, and bluefish mixed in. The spanish mackerel have been thick right off the beach. The speckled trout bite has slacked off a bit but we are still catching them on the nicer days with light winds. The redfish bite has been good. We just have to cover some water and locate the small schools around oyster points and docks. Some points and docks may produce as many as twelve to fourteen fish. Check out some of the photos from the past couple of weeks. These are just....

Fishing and catching everyday

Hi Folks, Whew, what a week, plus. We have been fishing everyday and catching too. Flounder, reds and spanish have been our main catches, but lots of other fish are biting as well. Now here’s my report: Inshore: Flounder are biting at the usual spots near the inlets and in the waterway. The river is also producing some nice fish. Live menhaden on carolina rigs work well but don’t hesitate to use GULP SW and a jig head. They catch fish too. Reds have been biting on the falling tide in the ICW and the creeks. chunk bait (any oily fish) will get the job done. Near Shore: Spanish mackerel are THE bite. Possibly the best spanish bite in many years. Clarkspoons trolled on planers and bird rigs, casting jigs....

Cape Fear River Fishing tip of....

Fishing tip of the week: This time of year it is a lot of fun to go to the mouth of the Cape Fear River & hook up with large black tip & hammerhead sharks. If you want to catch a 75 to 125 pound shark you need a heavy duty rod & reel, 40 to 60 lb test line, steel leader, & a big hook. For bait I use whatever is available. There is always small fish at the mouth of the river. Just use a pier rig to catch a smaller fish & use the whole fish as bait for shark. Be sure to set your drag. Inshore the flounder bite has picked up. A lot of small speckled trout, bluefish, some red & black drum, a few Virginia mullet,....

It’s very important to get a....

Fishing Tip#61420 is about weather conditions. The day before you go fishing it is very important to get a good weather report paying special attention to tides and wind direction. Some fishermen make their mind up where they’re going to fish & don’t take into consideration wind direction. Think about the wind & think about the spot you’re going to fish. Wind direction makes a big difference in how your boat will lay & how rough the water will be. You can always find a good fishing spot out of the wind if you think about wind direction & what direction your spot faces. If you see a spot you’ve never fished at that looks good don’t pass it up, fish it. That’s what makes a good fisherman. You will be....

Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charters

910-619-5053

23' Kencraft Bayrider 239 Bay – Backwaters, river, creeks, bays and ocean nearshore. 22' Kencraft Bay Rider with T-Top powered by a Yamaha 150 Fourstroke – Flats, Backwaters, Creeks, Bays, Sound, River, and Ocean Nearshore. 20’ Bayrider Skiff – Backwaters, flats, creeks, river, and bays.

Carolina Beach - Available Now!

Call For Reservations.

Take Me Fishing, Learn More

Professional Charter Boat Service:

Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charters

910-619-5053

Types of Fishing: inshore, nearshore, and backwater, light tackle fishing

Targeted Fish: Whether it's nearshore fishing for bull redfish or Cobia, sight casting to redfish on the flats, live bait fishing for large flounder in the Cape Fear River, or casting lures to speckled trout in the creeks. Captains Jeff Wolfe and Christian Wolfe were raised on the local backwaters and have the knowledge to put you where the fish are.

No. of Passengers: up to 4

Charlie’s Charters

910-279-0966

With over 30 years of fishing experience, Captain Charlie Powell is passionate about sharing his knowledge and life experience, guiding you to a fun, memorable and successful Coastal Carolina inshore and near-shore fishing experience.

Carolina Beach - Available Now!

Call For Reservations.

Take Me Fishing, Learn More

Professional Charter Boat Service:

Charlie’s Charters

910-279-0966

Types of Fishing: Inshore and Near-Shore, Sightseeing cruises also available

Targeted Fish: Specializing in flounder, red & black drum, speckle & gray trout, bluefish, Spanish & king mackerel, croakers, spots and many more.

No. of Passengers: up to 6

Wet N Wild & Fish Dance Charters

910-367-0884

Wet N Wild is a 54′ Custom Carolina Gillikin and Fish Dance is a 43′ Uniflite Sportfisherman. Both vessels are located at the municipal docks in Carolina Beach, NC. Over thirty years experience. Our professional and friendly crew will do the best job possible to assist you with catching the big ones.

Carolina Beach - Available Now!

Call For Reservations.

Take Me Fishing, Learn More

Professional Charter Boat Service:

Wet N Wild & Fish Dance Charters

910-367-0884

Types of Fishing: Nearshore, Offshore, Gulfstream, Bottom Fishing, Tournaments

Targeted Fish: King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Barracuda, Amberjack, Shark, Bonita, Mahi-Mahi, Billfish, Black Seabass, Grouper, Snapper

No. of Passengers: We are U.S. Coast Guard approved for groups up to six people.

Stress Reelief Charters

910-458-7337 or 910-443-4708

Captained by Capt. Fred Holland, the Stress Reelief of Carolina Beach, NC is equipped with the latest electronics and fish finding equipment. We provide all rods, reels, bait and tackle to cover near-shore to gulfstream fishing. Private dock with free parking

Carolina Beach - Available Now!

Call For Reservations.

Take Me Fishing, Learn More

Professional Charter Boat Service:

Stress Reelief Charters

910-458-7337 or 910-443-4708

Types of Fishing: Specialize in Near Shore fishing

No. of Passengers: Up to 6 people per trip on split or open charters

Professional Charter Boat Service:

Advertisements must be fishing related and helpful to our readers.

admin@cbfishing.com

910-685-7118

Targeted Location: Carolina Beach, North Carolina and surrounding areas.

Advertise on CBFISHING.COM targeting recreational fishing and sport fishing enthusiast in the Carolina Beach, NC and surrounding areas!

Call today to get a listing on our site.

Thank you for your interest, Mark Mayo

Back

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This