Episodes

  • Catching the Fall Bite Off North Carolina's Vibrant Atlantic Fishing Scene

    Catching the Fall Bite Off North Carolina's Vibrant Atlantic Fishing Scene
    Nov 22 2024
    As of November 22, 2024, the fishing scene in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina is vibrant, despite the cooling temperatures. Here’s what you need to know for today’s fishing trip:

    **Weather and Tides:**
    A high pressure ridge is building into the Carolinas, but another front is expected mid-week. Today, expect northwest winds around 10 to 15 knots, with seas ranging from 3 to 5 feet. The tidal conditions will see moderate chop in adjacent sounds and rivers, with waves generally 1 to 3 feet[3].

    **Sunrise and Sunset:**
    Sunrise is at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM.

    **Fish Activity:**
    The fish activity has been robust, especially with the cooling water temperatures. Inshore anglers are seeing a pickup in speckled trout action, particularly around deeper bridges and areas like the Haystacks or Newport River. Live shrimp or soft plastics under popping corks are working well for speckled trout and red drum. Red drum are also hitting live shrimp or mullet on a Carolina rig, especially around oyster rocks and creek mouths[1][5].

    **Deep Water and Nearshore:**
    Anglers fishing deep water areas around the Port and bridges are catching gray trout and bluefish. Stingsilvers, Beach Bum lures, or other glass minnow style jigs are highly effective. King mackerel are in the 50-75 foot depth range, with live bait outproducing other lures. You might also catch some blackfin tuna and wahoo in these areas using the same slow-trolled live baits[1].

    **Beachfront and Cape Lookout:**
    The false albacore bite has been red hot along the beachfronts and near the shoals off Cape Lookout. Anglers are having success casting into surface-feeding frenzies using Albie Snax, Beach Bum lures, and Hogy Epoxy lures. Bluefish are also abundant around the inlets and off Cape Lookout[1].

    **Hot Spots:**
    - **Cape Lookout:** For false albacore and bluefish.
    - **Nearshore Reefs:** Such as AR-315 and AR-320 for gray trout and king mackerel.
    - **Haystacks and Newport River:** For speckled trout.
    - **Oyster Rocks and Creek Mouths:** For red drum.

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    - **Lures:** Stingsilvers, Beach Bum lures, Albie Snax, and Hogy Epoxy lures.
    - **Bait:** Live shrimp, live or cut mullet, and slow-trolled live baits for king mackerel and other species.

    With these conditions and tips, you should have a productive and enjoyable fishing trip in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina today.
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    3 mins
  • Fall Fishing Frenzy: Trout, Drum, and Albies Off the Carolina Coast

    Fall Fishing Frenzy: Trout, Drum, and Albies Off the Carolina Coast
    Nov 21 2024
    As of November 21, 2024, the fishing scene in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina, particularly around Atlantic Beach, is buzzing with activity.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    Today, the sun rose at 6:47 AM and will set at 4:58 PM, giving us about 10 hours and 11 minutes of daylight. The tidal coefficient is relatively low at 44, indicating moderate tides. The first low tide was at 4:47 AM with 0.5 ft, and the first high tide was at 11:18 AM with 4.1 ft. The next low tide will be at 6:09 PM with 0.7 ft, and the next high tide will be at 11:49 PM with 3.2 ft[4].

    ### Fish Activity
    The cooler water temperatures have really fired up the fish activity. Inshore anglers are seeing a significant pickup in speckled trout action, especially around deeper bridges and areas like the Haystacks or Newport River. These trout are hitting both live baits and artificial lures, with soft plastics under popping corks or rigged on a jig head being particularly effective[1][5].

    Red drum are also plentiful, with live shrimp or live/cut mullet being the go-to baits. Targeting oyster rocks and other structures near creek mouths has been yielding good results[1][5].

    Off the beach, the false albacore bite has been red hot. Anglers are finding acres of these fish feeding out around Cape Lookout, and they are most willing to hit fly setups or smaller metal jigs like Albie Snax, Beach Bum lures, and Hogy Epoxy lures. Riding around and casting into surface-feeding frenzies has been the most successful tactic[1].

    Deep water areas around the Port and bridges are producing gray trout and a bunch of bluefish. Stingsilvers, Beach Bum lures, or other glass minnow style jigs are having the most success here[1].

    King mackerel have started moving off the beach and are now over nearshore structures, with some blackfin tuna and wahoo mixed in. These species are hitting the same slow-trolled live baits used for kings[1].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For speckled trout, use soft plastics under popping corks or rigged on a jig head. For red drum, live shrimp or live/cut mullet are the best choices. For false albacore, go with fly setups or smaller metal jigs like Albie Snax, Beach Bum lures, and Hogy Epoxy lures. For gray trout and bluefish, Stingsilvers, Beach Bum lures, or other glass minnow style jigs are recommended[1].

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Cape Lookout**: This area is teeming with false albacore and is a hotspot for surface-feeding frenzies.
    - **Haystacks or Newport River**: These deeper bridge areas and backwaters are where speckled trout are staging up.
    - **Nearshore reefs**: Areas like the Big 10/Little 10 are good for king mackerel, blackfin tuna, and wahoo.
    - **Oyster rocks and creek mouths**: These are prime spots for red drum[1][5].

    Overall, the fishing is excellent right now, with a nice variety of fish available in good numbers. Make sure to check the weather forecast and tidal conditions before you head out, as these can significantly impact your fishing trip.
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    4 mins
  • Vibrant Fishing Scene Off North Carolina's Atlantic Coast - Tidal Movements, Fish Activity, and Top Lures/Bait

    Vibrant Fishing Scene Off North Carolina's Atlantic Coast - Tidal Movements, Fish Activity, and Top Lures/Bait
    Nov 17 2024
    As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina is quite vibrant, despite the cooling temperatures.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    Today, the sun rose at around 6:40 AM and will set at about 5:02 PM, giving us a good 10 hours and 21 minutes of daylight. The tidal coefficient is high, indicating significant tidal movements, which can be beneficial for fishing. High tides are expected at around 5:36 PM, and low tides at 11:42 AM and 11:39 PM[4].

    The weather is somewhat chilly, with air temperatures ranging from 58 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and water temperatures hovering around 62 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds are moderate, coming from the north at about 11 knots[5].

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a variety of fish being caught in these waters. In the surf zone, anglers caught bluefish, Spanish mackerel, sea mullet, and even some speckled trout. The pompano and sea mullet were particularly active, with many caught using sand fleas and sand flea-flavored Fishbites[2].

    Red drum are still active, especially around the ICW docks and jetties, where cut finger mullet on Carolina rigs or jig heads have been effective. Speckled trout are starting to show up in the creeks, particularly during falling tides, and are hitting soft plastics, MirrOlures, and shrimp imitations[2].

    Spanish mackerel and false albacore are present near the inlets and beaches, with trolling spoons and sight casting to surface-feeding frenzies yielding good results. King mackerel are moving offshore as the water cools down, but can still be found in the 5-10 mile range[2][3].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For red drum, using fresh cut or live menhaden or mullet on Carolina rigs with circle hooks is highly recommended. Artificial lures like Gulp Shrimp on 1/8oz or 1/4oz Fusion Jigheads are also effective, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons. Topwater plugs like MirrOlure Top Dog Jr’s or Top Pup’s work well along marsh grass lines and shallow oyster rocks[1].

    For speckled trout, shrimp imitations on 1/2 oz jig heads, such as D.O.A. or Vudu, are working well in deeper areas. Slowly working these baits around current seams off oyster bars has been particularly successful[2].

    For Spanish mackerel and false albacore, small spoons like Big Nic Spanish candies on light spinning tackle are effective. High-speed spinning reels can significantly increase the number of bites[1].

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is around the ICW docks, where red drum and black drum are being caught consistently. The jetties are also producing good results for red drum, especially on the incoming tides[2].

    The creeks, particularly those closer to the inlets, are starting to see a decent speckled trout bite. Targeting areas around the inlet and creek mouths during falling tides can yield good results[2].

    Offshore, the 5-10 mile range is good for king mackerel, and those venturing further out are finding some good wahoo action, with fish in the 30-40 lb range[2].
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    4 mins
  • Fishing Forecast: Sunny Skies, Active Fish in Atlantic Off North Carolina

    Fishing Forecast: Sunny Skies, Active Fish in Atlantic Off North Carolina
    Nov 16 2024
    Today, November 16, 2024, the fishing scene in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina is looking promising despite the recent stormy weather. Here’s what you need to know:

    ### Weather and Tides
    The morning started sunny and clear, with an air temperature of 74 degrees. However, winds are expected to pick up, coming in from the West-Northwest at about 9 miles per hour. High tides are at 2:24 AM and 3:24 PM, while low tides are at 8:52 AM and 9:24 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a mix of fish activity, with several species being caught. Anglers reported catching bluefish, Spanish mackerel, triggerfish, small cobia, and sea mullet. In the morning, fish like bluefish, gray trout, Spanish mackerel, and sea mullet were common catches. As the day progressed, triggers, sea mullet, sand perch, and small croaker and flounder were also landed.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For catching the active species, topwater plugs like MirrOlure Top Dog Jr’s or Top Pup’s are effective in the early mornings, especially for red drum and speckled trout. Soft plastics, such as Gulp Shrimp on 1/8oz or 1/4oz Fusion Jigheads, work well as the day moves on. For Spanish mackerel and false albacore, small spoons like Big Nic Spanish candies on light spinning tackle are recommended. Live bait, including smaller mullets, mud minnows, and live shrimp, is also highly effective, especially for red drum and black drum.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots is around Jennette's Pier, where anglers have been catching a variety of fish including bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and sea mullet. Another good spot is the Cape Fear River, particularly the southern end, where speckled trout and red drum are active. The inlets and areas around oyster bars and shallow coves are also productive for red drum and black drum.

    ### Additional Tips
    When targeting red drum, use fresh cut or live menhaden or mullet on Carolina rigs with circle hooks. For sheepshead, mud crabs or big fiddler crabs around docks and hard structures in the Cape Fear River are effective. Keep an eye out for jumping Spanish mackerel and diving birds, as these indicate active fishing areas.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on the water in North Carolina, with a variety of species active and plenty of opportunities to catch some impressive fish.
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    3 mins
  • Bountiful Fishing off North Carolina's Atlantic Coast - Tides, Weather, and Prime Catches

    Bountiful Fishing off North Carolina's Atlantic Coast - Tides, Weather, and Prime Catches
    Nov 15 2024
    As of November 15, 2024, the fishing scene in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina is thriving, especially with the cooler waters setting in. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Tides and Weather
    Today, the sun rises at 6:45 AM and sets at 5:08 PM. The tidal coefficients are very high, indicating significant tidal movements. For Oak Island, the tides are as follows: high tide at 6:16 AM with 6.5 feet, low tide at 12:45 PM with -0.3 feet, high tide at 6:41 PM with 5.4 feet, and low tide at 11:57 PM with -0.7 feet[3].

    ### Fish Activity
    Fall fishing is in full swing, and the variety of fish is impressive. Inshore anglers are enjoying a hot speckled trout bite, particularly in the creeks and around shell bottoms and shell banks. Live shrimp under a cork is the go-to bait for these trout. Red drum, both slot and over-slot, are being caught in good numbers using cut bait around docks and deeper grass banks. Flounder are also abundant, especially when fishing around creek mouths and oyster structures[5].

    ### Best Spots
    For inshore fishing, target the creeks and areas around Dutchman Creek and the shell-bottomed areas near Oak Island. Nearshore, the structures off the beach are producing bull red drum, spanish mackerel, and even some cobia. The local piers are also seeing spanish mackerel and other surf species like bluefish, spot, whiting, and red drum[5].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For speckled trout, live shrimp under a cork is the best option. For red drum, cut pogies or live shrimp on the bottom are highly effective. Nearshore, trolling with jigs can catch spanish mackerel and bluefish. Bottom fishing in the 10-15 mile areas is yielding black sea bass, gray trout, and porgies, while offshore, king mackerel and cobia are hitting drift lines[5].

    ### Recent Catches
    Yesterday saw a nice mix of catches. Anglers reported catching speckled trout, red drum, flounder, and a variety of surf species. The nearshore waters produced bull red drum, spanish mackerel, and some king mackerel. Offshore, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and sailfish were also caught by those venturing out to the Gulf Stream[2][4].

    With these conditions and the right gear, you're set for a fantastic day of fishing in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina. Enjoy your time on the water
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    3 mins
  • Autumn Fishing Bounty: Trout, Drum, and Pelagics Thrive Off North Carolina's Atlantic Coast

    Autumn Fishing Bounty: Trout, Drum, and Pelagics Thrive Off North Carolina's Atlantic Coast
    Nov 14 2024
    As of November 14, 2024, the fishing scene in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina is looking promising, especially with the cooler waters attracting a variety of species.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    Today, the sun rose at 6:44 AM and will set at 5:09 PM. The tidal coefficients are very high, indicating significant tidal movements. For Oak Island, the tides are as follows: high tide at 5:24 AM with 6.3 feet, low tide at 11:51 AM with -0.3 feet, high tide again at 5:51 PM with 5.5 feet, and low tide at 11:57 PM with -0.7 feet[4].

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a mix of fish activity, with cooler waters bringing in more species. Anglers reported catching a variety of fish, including speckled trout, red drum, black drum, and sheepshead. The speckled trout action has been picking up as water temperatures cool down, with these fish staged around deeper bridges and areas like the Haystacks or Newport River[3].

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Red drum are abundant and biting well on live shrimp or live/cut mullet. Black drum action is expected to pick up around Thanksgiving as water temperatures continue to cool. Bluefish are everywhere, starting right outside the inlets, and false albacore are feeding actively out around Cape Lookout. King mackerel have moved to nearshore structures, and some blackfin tuna and wahoo are mixed in this nearshore bite[3].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For speckled trout, soft plastics under popping corks or rigged on a jig head are effective, as are live shrimp or mullet on a Carolina rig. Red drum are hitting live shrimp or live/cut mullet. Bluefish and false albacore are being caught with Stingsilvers, Beach Bum lures, or other glass minnow style jigs. For king mackerel, slow-trolled live baits are working well[3].

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the best spots right now is around Cape Lookout, where false albacore are feeding in large schools. The inlets and deeper bridges like the Haystacks or Newport River are also productive for speckled trout and red drum. Nearshore reefs such as the Big 10/Little 10 are holding king mackerel, wahoo, and nice-sized black sea bass[3].

    With the right gear and knowledge of the tides and fish behavior, today promises to be a great day for fishing in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina. Make sure to check the weather forecast and surf conditions before you head out, as these can significantly affect your fishing trip.
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    3 mins
  • Cooler Temps and Ideal Conditions for Fishing Off North Carolina's Atlantic Coast

    Cooler Temps and Ideal Conditions for Fishing Off North Carolina's Atlantic Coast
    Nov 10 2024
    As of November 10, 2024, the fishing scene in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina is buzzing with activity. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Tidal and Weather Report
    Today, expect high tides at around 6:43 AM and 7:05 PM, with low tides at 12:36 PM. The winds are blowing from the northeast at about 10 knots, and the ocean temperature is a comfortable 70 degrees. The morning is sunny with light shore winds, making for ideal fishing conditions.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:52 PM, giving you ample daylight to catch a variety of fish.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a lot of action in the waters off Atlantic Beach and Carolina Beach. Anglers caught a mix of species including bluefish, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, and red drum. The speckled trout action is picking up significantly as water temperatures cool down, with these fish staging up around deeper bridges and areas like the Haystacks or Newport River.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    - **Speckled Trout**: These are becoming more active as the water cools. Topwater plugs, hard suspending lures, and soft plastics are working well, especially around creek mouths and current lines[4][5].
    - **Red Drum**: Found in good numbers, these are striking soft plastics under popping corks or rigged on a jig head. Live shrimp or mullet on a Carolina rig are also effective, particularly around oyster rocks and other structures near creek mouths[4][5].
    - **Bluefish**: These are abundant, starting right outside the inlets and extending out to nearshore areas. Stingsilvers, Beach Bum lures, or other glass minnow style jigs are recommended[5].
    - **False Albacore**: These have been the star of the show, especially around Cape Lookout. Anglers are having success with fly setups or smaller metal jigs[5].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    - For speckled trout, use topwater plugs, hard suspending lures, and soft plastics.
    - For red drum, live shrimp or live/cut mullet are highly effective.
    - For bluefish, Stingsilvers and Beach Bum lures work well.
    - For false albacore, fly setups or smaller metal jigs are preferred.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Cape Lookout**: This area is hot for false albacore and bluefish, with schools of fish feeding on the surface.
    - **Cape Fear River**: The southern end of the river is producing a lot of flounder, speckled trout, red drum, and sheepshead. Creek mouths and current lines through deep holes are particularly productive[4].
    - **Haystacks or Newport River**: These areas are seeing increased speckled trout activity as the fish move into deeper waters[5].

    With the cooler temperatures and favorable tides, today promises to be an excellent day for fishing in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina. Make sure to check the local fishing reports and adjust your tactics accordingly to maximize your catch.
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    3 mins
  • Atlantic Angler's Delight Off North Carolina's Coast

    Atlantic Angler's Delight Off North Carolina's Coast
    Nov 9 2024
    As of November 9, 2024, the fishing scene in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina is buzzing with activity. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    Today, the sun rises at 6:39 AM and sets at 5:12 PM, giving you a good 10 hours and 33 minutes of daylight. The tidal coefficient is relatively low, indicating smaller tidal ranges and weaker currents. The high tide is at 11:59 AM, and the low tides are at 5:25 AM and 6:40 PM[5].

    ### Fish Activity
    The cooling water temperatures have really kicked off the fall fishing season. Speckled trout are becoming more active, particularly in the early mornings and late afternoons. You can find them around deeper bridges, creek mouths, and areas like the Haystacks or Newport River. Topwater plugs, hard suspending lures, and soft plastics are all working well for trout[1][2].

    Red drum are abundant, with good numbers found in deeper creeks, along grass banks, and around oyster rocks. Live shrimp or mullet on a Carolina rig, as well as soft plastics under popping corks, are highly effective. As the day progresses, look for them on sand and mud flats for sight casting opportunities[1][2].

    False albacore are the stars of the show right now, with acres of them feeding out around Cape Lookout. These fish are hitting fly setups, smaller metal jigs, and lures like Albie Snax and Hogy Epoxy lures. Be prepared to ride around and cast into surface-feeding frenzies[1].

    Bluefish are everywhere, starting right outside the inlets and along the beachfronts. They are also mixed in with the false albacore and can be caught using similar lures. Gray trout are starting to show up over deeper structures and around Cape Lookout, with Stingsilvers and Beach Bum lures being good choices[1].

    For those venturing further out, king mackerel are active around nearshore reefs and structures, with some blackfin tuna and wahoo mixed in. Live baits like shrimp or mullet are effective for these species. Out in the Gulf Stream, wahoo and sailfish are being landed[1].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    - For speckled trout: Topwater plugs, MirrOlure MR-17s, and soft plastics.
    - For red drum: Live shrimp or mullet on a Carolina rig, soft plastics under popping corks, and Gulp Shrimp on jig heads.
    - For false albacore: Fly setups, smaller metal jigs, Albie Snax, and Hogy Epoxy lures.
    - For bluefish and gray trout: Stingsilvers, Beach Bum lures, and other glass minnow style jigs.
    - For king mackerel, blackfin tuna, and wahoo: Live baits like shrimp or mullet.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Cape Lookout**: This area is hot for false albacore and bluefish, with plenty of surface activity.
    - **Cape Fear River**: The southern end of the river is good for speckled trout, especially during early mornings.
    - **Nearshore Reefs**: Areas like the Big 10/Little 10 reefs are great for king mackerel, blackfin tuna, and wahoo.
    - **Inlets and Creek Mouths**: These areas are good for red drum and speckled trout, particularly around oyster rocks and grass banks.

    With the right gear and knowledge of these hot spots, you're set for a productive day of fishing in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina.
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    4 mins