Episodes

  • Wilmington, NC Fishing Report: Reds, Flounder, and Spanish Mackerel Thrive in Transitional Weather

    Wilmington, NC Fishing Report: Reds, Flounder, and Spanish Mackerel Thrive in Transitional Weather
    Sep 29 2024
    As of September 29, 2024, the fishing scene around Wilmington, NC, is looking promising, especially with the transitioning weather.

    ### Weather and Tides
    Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 78°F and a low of 64°F. The winds will be light, coming in from the northeast at about 5 mph. Tides are crucial, and for today, the high tide is at 8:47 AM, and the low tide is at 3:04 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:58 AM, and sunset will be at 6:54 PM, giving you ample time to enjoy both the morning and late afternoon bites.

    ### Fish Activity
    The cooler weather has really gotten the redfish fired up. They are actively feeding, especially in areas where mullet are abundant. You can find them in the creeks, along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) docks, and around oyster rocks. Topwater plugs like MirrOlure Top Dog Jr’s or Top Pup’s are working well early in the morning, while artificial lures such as Berkley Gulp Shrimp on Fusion Jigheads are effective later in the day.

    Flounder fishing is also excellent, with many being caught on nearshore structures and inshore grass banks. Live bait like mud minnows and small finger mullet are highly effective, but artificial lures are also producing good results.

    Spanish mackerel are starting to show up near the inlets and along the beaches, particularly when there are cleaner water conditions. Casting small spoons like Big Nic Spanish candies or trolling Clark spoons can put some Spanish mackerel in your boat.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For redfish, use Carolina rigs with live or fresh cut bait such as mullet or menhaden. Artificial lures like Berkley Gulp Shrimp in colors like sugar spice glow or molting are also good options. For flounder, live bait such as mud minnows and small finger mullet are top choices. For Spanish mackerel, small spoons and trolling Clark spoons are recommended.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **ICW Docks and Oyster Rocks**: These areas are hotspots for redfish, especially with the mullet run in full swing.
    - **Nearshore Structures**: Places like the hard bottoms and artificial reefs are great for catching flounder and Spanish mackerel.
    - **Masonboro Island**: This area is known for its rich inshore waters and is a good spot for catching a variety of inshore gamefish including redfish, flounder, and Spanish mackerel.

    Overall, the fishing conditions are favorable, and with the right bait and lures, you should have a productive day on the water.
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    3 mins
  • "Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Redfish, Mackerel, and Flounder Abound in the Warm September Waters"

    "Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Redfish, Mackerel, and Flounder Abound in the Warm September Waters"
    Sep 28 2024
    As of September 28, 2024, the fishing scene around Wilmington, North Carolina, is looking promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Tides
    The weather is expected to be warm with a slight cool-down, typical for this time of year. Sunrise is at around 7:00 AM, and sunset will be at about 7:00 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:30 AM and a low tide at 3:30 PM, making the early morning and late afternoon ideal times for fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a lot of activity from redfish, Spanish mackerel, and flounder. The cooler weather has the redfish biting well, especially in the creeks, along the Intracoastal Waterway docks, and around oyster rocks. Spanish mackerel are abundant near the inlets, beaches, and artificial reefs, with schools often indicated by jumping fish and diving birds.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Several anglers reported catching a good number of redfish, with some larger ones showing up on hard bottoms and around the inlets. Spanish mackerel were plentiful, with many caught using small spoons and trolling. Flounder fishing was also productive, particularly with live bait such as mud minnows and small finger mullet.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For redfish, Carolina rigs with live or fresh cut bait like mullet or menhaden are effective. Artificial lures such as Berkley Gulp Shrimp on 1/8oz or 1/4oz Fusion Jigheads, and top-water plugs like MirrOlure Top Dog Jr’s or Top Pup’s, work well along marsh grass lines and shallow oyster rocks. For Spanish mackerel, casting small spoons like Big Nic Spanish candies on light spinning tackle is recommended. For flounder, live bait on Carolina rigs or small artificial lures can be successful.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Masonboro Island**: This area is known for its rich inshore waters and is a hotspot for catching redfish, flounder, and other inshore species.
    - **Intracoastal Waterway Docks**: These docks and the surrounding oyster rocks are great spots to target redfish and other inshore gamefish.
    - **Nearshore Artificial Reefs**: These reefs are excellent for catching Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and other larger predator fish.

    With the mullet run starting to pick up, the fishing in Wilmington is only going to get better. So pack your gear, grab some sunscreen, and head out to enjoy the great fishing that September has to offer.
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    3 mins
  • Wilmington NC Fishing Report: Tides, Weather, and Top Spots for Redfish, Flounder, and Spanish Mackerel

    Wilmington NC Fishing Report: Tides, Weather, and Top Spots for Redfish, Flounder, and Spanish Mackerel
    Sep 27 2024
    As of September 27, 2024, the fishing scene in Wilmington, North Carolina, is looking promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Tidal Report
    Today, the high tide is at 8:32 AM and 8:57 PM, with low tide at 2:33 PM. These tidal changes will bring in a fresh supply of bait, making it an ideal time to catch some of the area's prized species.

    ### Weather
    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of 78°F and a low of 64°F. The gentle breeze and cooler temperatures make for perfect fishing conditions.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 7:01 AM, and sunset will be at 7:04 PM, giving you ample daylight to explore the waters.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a lot of activity from Redfish, Flounder, and Spanish Mackerel. The Redfish were particularly active in the creeks, along the Intracoastal Waterway docks, and around oyster rocks. Flounder were biting well on live bait and artificial lures, especially in areas with mud minnows and small finger mullet. Spanish Mackerel were abundant near the inlets and along the beaches, with many caught using small spoons and high-speed spinning reels.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
    Several anglers reported catching a good number of Redfish, with some bigger ones showing up in the ocean on hard bottoms and around the inlets. Flounder catches were consistent, with some larger ones taken on artificial lures. Spanish Mackerel were plentiful, and many were caught while casting to feeding surface fish and trolling Clark spoons.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For Redfish, Carolina rigs with live or fresh cut bait, such as menhaden or mullet, are highly effective. Artificial lures like Berkley Gulp Shrimp on Fusion Jigheads and top-water plugs like MirrOlure Top Dog Jr’s are also recommended. For Flounder, live bait like mud minnows and small finger mullet work well, while artificial lures such as small jigs and spoons can catch larger fish. For Spanish Mackerel, small spoons like Big Nic Spanish candies and high-speed spinning reels are the way to go.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Masonboro Island**: Known for its rich inshore waters, this area is perfect for targeting Redfish, Flounder, and other inshore species.
    - **Intracoastal Waterway Docks**: These docks and surrounding oyster rocks are hot spots for Redfish, especially during the changing tides.
    - **Nearshore Artificial Reefs**: These areas attract a variety of fish, including Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and other larger predator fish.

    With the right gear and knowledge of these hot spots, you're set for a great day of fishing in Wilmington, NC. Enjoy your time on the water
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    3 mins
  • Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Red Drum, Speckled Trout, and Flounder Abound on September 26, 2024

    Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Red Drum, Speckled Trout, and Flounder Abound on September 26, 2024
    Sep 26 2024
    As of September 26, 2024, the fishing scene in Wilmington, North Carolina, is looking promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    The sunrise today is at 6:58 AM, and sunset will be at 6:54 PM. Tides are crucial, and today you can expect a high tide at 9:17 AM and a low tide at 3:33 PM. The weather is forecasted to be partly cloudy with a high of 78°F and a gentle breeze out of the southeast.

    ### Fish Activity
    Red drum fishing continues to be steady, with these fish fired up due to the abundance of mullet in the inshore waters. You can find them staged up along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and on flats in the backs of the marshes. Speckled trout are also starting to show up, particularly in areas south of Wrightsville Beach and around the inlet and jetties.

    Flounder fishing has been exceptional, with tons of flounder on nearshore structures and grass banks inshore. Live bait has been the most effective, but they are also hitting artificials. Spanish mackerel and bluefish are active near the inlet and just outside, although the king mackerel bite is still slow and requires venturing out to the 15-20 mile range.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For red drum, topwater plugs have been successful early in the morning, followed by Z-Man soft plastics in sexy mullet or chartreuse color patterns once the sun is up. Chatterbaits and Carolina-rigged live mullet are also effective. For speckled trout, live mullet on Carolina rigs during the low to incoming tide has been productive.

    For flounder, live bait is the way to go, but they are also hitting artificials like 4-5” D.O.A. swim baits. Spanish mackerel and bluefish can be caught using casting action when the water conditions are clean.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Intracoastal Waterway (ICW):** Target areas along the ICW, especially ICW docks during higher tides and grass banks during lower or falling tides.
    - **Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island:** These areas are known for their rich inshore waters, where you can catch redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.
    - **Jetties and Inlet:** These spots are good for catching red drum, speckled trout, and flounder, especially during the low to incoming tide.

    With the right gear and knowledge of these hot spots, you're set for a productive and enjoyable day of fishing in Wilmington, North Carolina.
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    3 mins
  • Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Mackerel, Snapper, and Bull Reds Biting Near Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island

    Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Mackerel, Snapper, and Bull Reds Biting Near Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island
    Sep 25 2024
    If you're planning to head out fishing in the Wilmington, North Carolina area today, here's what you can expect:

    First off, the weather is looking decent, though it's still a bit windy, which is typical for this time of year. As of September 25, the sunrise was at about 6:58 AM, and the sunset will be around 7:04 PM. Tides are important, and today you're looking at a high tide around 10:30 AM and a low tide around 4:30 PM.

    Fish activity has been pretty good lately. Yesterday, anglers were catching a variety of species. Nearshore waters around Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island were producing some nice catches. King Mackerel, Amberjacks, and even some Red Snapper were on the bite. There were also reports of catching Bull Redfish, particularly in areas where mullet are abundant, as the red drum are really active with the mullet presence in the inshore waters.

    For lures, artificial lures like spoons and jigs worked well for the King Mackerel and Amberjacks. However, live and cut bait were the way to go for the Red Snapper and Bull Redfish. Mackerel themselves made excellent bait for larger predators.

    If you're looking for hot spots, consider the nearshore waters around Wrightsville Beach, especially the areas near the inlets and jetties. Masonboro Island is another great spot, with its numerous reefs and wrecks that attract a wide variety of fish. For those willing to venture a bit further out, the ledges and wrecks about 20 miles offshore can yield some impressive catches, including Mahi Mahi and possibly even Sailfish.

    Overall, it's a great time to be fishing in the Wilmington area, with the warm days, less boat traffic, and excellent fish activity making for a memorable day on the water.
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    2 mins