Top 4 fish to target in Carolina Beach, NC

Article by: Mark Mayo

Some of the most sought out fish, both for sport and for table fare, are flounder, redfish, whiting and speckled trout. Let’s take a look at some of the characteristics, fishing methods, and frequent habitats of these four popular fishes. For best times of the year to fish, and the best tides, check any good tackle shop for information. Since you will be fishing close to heavy structure, braided line is strongly recommended. Twenty pound is sufficient for inshore and for offshore, up to 80 pound is recommended.

Flounder

Flounder are possibly the most popular fish in the Atlantic Ocean. Flatfish, as they are often called, are delicious to eat and fun to catch. While flounder can show up nearly anywhere, they do have favorite hangouts. You can find them in inlets, creeks, waterways, the surf, near piers, and Artificial Reefs (AR’s). The bottom line is, as in most fishes, they like to hang around structure on the bottom. Popular structures are docks, rock jetties, ledges (drop-offs), old wrecks or AR’s), and marinas. The easiest way to catch them is with live bait. Flounder feed on small menhaden (pogies), finger mullet, mud minnows and squid. While flounder prefer live bait, they will fall for soft artificial baits that resemble live baits. Slowly move live bait near one of the structures above and when you feel the bite, give the fish some slack! Do Not JERK. Flounder typically will scale your bait before they swallow it and get hooked. You should learn to count patiently when flounder fishing. Twenty to thirty seconds is typical, but sometimes more or less time is needed before you set the hook. If you are using soft plastics on a small jig head, no waiting is required; just set the hook on the strike. Always use a landing net if you are fishing from a boat. A medium to medium lite rod works best.

Redfish

Redfish are known for their fighting ability. Red drum, another of the many names they are frequently called, are found in the many of the same areas as flounder; in other words, near structure. They can be found in schools and many times if you catch one, you will catch more. Artificials (soft plastics and hard top water baits) work well. Meat baits are often more productive and they can be alive or dead, whole or in chunks. Bait should be oily and fresh for redfish. Usually a stouter rod is needed due to strength of these fish. Cast you bait near the structure and let it sit. When a redfish bites you will know it by the hard pull and the bend in your rod. Try to pull the fish away from the structure (braid line is recommended due to the many perils of structure) and reel each inch of slack you get.

Whiting

Whiting are typically a cooler water fish and when around can be caught in large numbers. Typically, they are caught near or from piers, in the surf and near river mouths that empty in the ocean and therefore are salty. Whiting or Virginia mullet as they are often called are relatively easy to catch. Whiting usually run from just under a pound (too small) to two pounds (very nice) and sometimes larger. Their white meat is a favorite among many true whiting lovers. Using a two hook bottom rig with #6 long shank hooks, a bank sinker sufficient to hold bottom and fresh (not frozen) shrimp or sand fleas on a medium rod is all that is needed to catch these delectable fish.

Speckled Trout

Speckled Trout or specks, also called spotted seatrout, are a popular fish in our area due to their abundance and they put up a pretty good fight. Speckled Trout can be aggressive feeders and will hit on both natural and artificial baits. Younger trout will eat small crustaceans most notably shrimp. Once a speck has matured shrimp and small fish like finger mullet are on their menu. The most popular bait is shrimp. For artificial baits use spoons and soft plastic lures to target speckled trout effectively. Specks are a lot of fun to fish for and the they are a good tasting fish to boot.

This is just a beginning to fishing for these four fishes. More information may be obtained from professional guides and tackle shops. Fishing schools and seminars can be helpful as well.

Mark Mayo

I research and report on fishing, fishing gear/equipment, survival topics, and marketing for outdoors related businesses. I assist here on CB Fishing as the editor. Articles may contain AI researched content. All content is published for education and entertainment purposes only, NOT LIFE, HEALTH, SURVIVAL, FINANCIAL, BUSINESS, LEGAL OR ANY OTHER ADVICE. Learn more about Mark Mayo