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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