fishing reports

Carolina Beach Local Fishing Reports #94RT

Article by: Mark Mayo

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 highly effective. Whether you’re fishing around oyster beds, grass flats, or creek mouths, red drum are providing consistent action for everyone, from weekend warriors to seasoned pros.

For those looking to mix it up, the flounder bite is also turning on, particularly around the docks, pilings, and other hard structures in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). With flounder season still open for a little while longer, many anglers are taking full advantage, pulling in fish ranging from 17 to 21 inches. Some larger flounder are being hooked as well, adding an extra thrill to each cast. Live bait like mullet continues to produce results, with the flatfish responding well to baits fished along the bottom. The excitement is building as anglers aim to land a big one before the season’s closure due to stricter regulations.

Sheepshead and black drum are also biting well, especially around dock pilings and bridge structures. Both species are responding best to live shrimp presentations. The sheepshead bite is consistent, making for a fun challenge as they nibble bait off hooks with their notorious precision. Meanwhile, the black drum are showing up in good numbers and tend to mix in with the red drum, providing inshore anglers with a nice variety of fish to target. These fish offer an exciting change of pace, particularly for those focusing on structure fishing.

Moving onto speckled trout, while they are a bit more elusive compared to the other species, they are still out there for anglers willing to put in the work. The best results have been coming from oyster bars and grass flats, with live bait such as mullet or shrimp fished under a slip cork proving successful. Soft plastics, like paddle tails and shrimp imitations, are also drawing strikes, particularly in areas where there’s a good amount of current. Most of the trout are smaller, but some fish up to 22 inches have been reported, making the hunt worthwhile for those looking to land a prized catch.

Surf fishing is offering a diverse and mixed bag of species right now. Anglers fishing from the beach are catching a good variety, including whiting, croaker, spot, and the occasional pompano. Bottom rigs baited with shrimp, sand fleas, or cut bait have been the go-to choice for surf anglers. As the water temperature continues to cool with the arrival of fall, the surf action is expected to pick up even more, making it a great time to hit the beaches for some classic North Carolina surf fishing. The cooler temperatures should bring in even more species like bluefish and larger pompano, increasing the potential for a full cooler by the end of the day.

On the nearshore front, Spanish mackerel are slowly making a comeback after what has been a challenging summer season. As the water begins to cool, the mackerel should start biting more reliably, and anglers are already noticing a slight uptick in their numbers. The king mackerel bite is also starting to pick up, although it remains somewhat slow for now. However, as we head into fall, king mackerel are expected to become more active, particularly for anglers trolling around nearshore reefs and wrecks with live bait or cigar minnows.

For those targeting the deeper wrecks and reefs, the fishing is equally exciting. Anglers are finding success with flounder and red drum near the structures, while the deeper areas are holding bigger game species like amberjacks and barracudas. These larger fish provide a tough fight and are perfect for anglers looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience. The potential for landing wahoo or even blackfin tuna on longer offshore trips is also increasing as we move further into the fall season, making it an excellent time for those looking to venture beyond the breakers.

All in all, Carolina Beach is delivering some of the best fishing opportunities of the season. Whether you prefer the simplicity of surf fishing or the thrill of offshore battles, now is the time to gear up and get out on the water. From red drum to flounder, sheepshead to Spanish mackerel, the diversity and quality of fishing here is hard to beat. The transition into fall promises even more action, so don’t miss the chance to make the most of this fantastic time on the Carolina coast.

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