Episodes

  • Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Cooler Temps, Changing Tides, and Hot Spots for Drum, Trout, and Mackerel

    Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Cooler Temps, Changing Tides, and Hot Spots for Drum, Trout, and Mackerel
    Nov 10 2024
    For November 10th in Wilmington, North Carolina, the fishing scene is looking promising, especially with the cooling water temperatures. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Conditions
    - **Tides**: Expect high tide around 10:30 AM and low tide at 4:30 PM. The changing tides will create ideal conditions for targeting fish in various habitats.
    - **Weather**: The forecast shows mild temperatures with a high of 68°F and a low of 50°F, along with partly cloudy skies. This weather should keep the fish active.
    - **Sunrise and Sunset**: Sunrise is at 6:47 AM, and sunset will be at 5:02 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish.

    ### Fish Activity
    - **Red Drum**: These fish are biting well, particularly in deeper creeks and along grass banks with oyster beds or deeper holes. Anglers have been catching them using live bait, cut bait, and artificials. Target oyster points and shallow coves on high tides, and use live or cut mullet in areas with shell-covered bottoms on lower tides[5].
    - **Speckled Trout**: The trout action is picking up, with fish ranging from 15-19 inches. They are striking at scented Z-Man soft plastics, Gulp shrimp, topwater plugs, and hard suspending lures. Focus on areas with moving water, such as creek mouths or grass points[5].
    - **Black Drum**: As temperatures cool down, black drum are becoming more active. Fresh shrimp on a Carolina rig or bottom rigs are working well, especially around oyster bars, docks, and bridges[5].
    - **Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish**: These species are active and can be caught using casting jigs. They have been seen feeding on the surface, making them easy targets for trolling Clark spoons[2].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    - For red drum, use scented soft plastics, bottom-rigged dead shrimp, live bait, or cut bait.
    - For speckled trout, opt for scented Z-Man soft plastics, Gulp shrimp, topwater plugs, and hard suspending lures.
    - For black drum, fresh shrimp on a Carolina rig is the best option.
    - For spanish mackerel and bluefish, casting jigs and trolling Clark spoons are effective.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Creek Mouths and Grass Points**: These areas are ideal for targeting speckled trout and red drum due to the moving water and abundant bait.
    - **Oyster Bars and Shallow Coves**: These spots are great for red drum and black drum, especially during high and low tides.
    - **Docks in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)**: These areas are good for catching slot red drum and sheepshead, particularly with live fiddler crabs or fresh shrimp.

    Overall, the cooling water temperatures and favorable tides make today an excellent day to catch a variety of fish in the Wilmington area. Make sure to adjust your tactics according to the tide and target the right habitats for the best results.
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Forecast for Wilmington, NC: Redfish, Trout, and More with Tides and Weather

    Fishing Forecast for Wilmington, NC: Redfish, Trout, and More with Tides and Weather
    Nov 9 2024
    For November 9th in Wilmington, North Carolina, the fishing scene is looking promising, especially with the cooling water temperatures.

    First, let's look at the tidal and weather conditions. Today, the sun rises at 7:33 AM and sets at 6:17 PM, giving us about 10 hours and 44 minutes of daylight. The tidal coefficient is high, indicating significant tidal movements, with the first high tide at 10:53 AM and the next at 9:58 PM. The low tides are at 4:58 AM and 5:41 PM[3].

    As for the weather, be prepared for potentially windy conditions, though this can sometimes stir up the fish and make them more active.

    Fish activity has been robust in the area. Red drum are plentiful, particularly in the 15-17 inch range, with some pushing into the mid-slot size. These fish can be found patrolling grass edges during higher water and moving to shell-covered drop-offs during low tides. Live or cut shrimp, scented soft plastics like Z-Man or Gulp shrimp, and topwater plugs such as MirrOlure Top Dog Jr’s are all effective lures[2].

    Speckled trout are also active, hitting the same baits as the redfish. Look for them in areas with moving water, such as creek mouths or grass points. Topwater plugs, hard suspending lures, and soft plastics are all working well for trout[2].

    Black drum are starting to show up in better numbers as the water cools down. Fresh or live shrimp on bottom rigs, especially around oyster bars, docks, and bridges, have been the best tactics for catching them[2].

    Sheepshead are another target, particularly around docks near Snows Cut and hard structures in the Cape Fear River. Mud crabs or big fiddler crabs are the go-to baits for these fish[2].

    For Spanish mackerel and bluefish, casting jigs or using high-speed spinning reels with small spoons like Big Nic Spanish candies can be very effective. These fish are often found around inlets, beaches, and nearshore artificial reefs[1].

    Hot spots include the docks in the Intracoastal Waterway closer to the inlets, deeper creeks with grass banks and oyster beds, and shallow oyster bars. The Kure Beach Pier has also seen some larger sheepshead catches recently[2].

    Overall, with the right tackle and knowledge of the tides, you should have a productive day on the water in Wilmington.
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    3 mins
  • Redfish Rebound in Wilmington, NC as Winter Fishing Heats Up

    Redfish Rebound in Wilmington, NC as Winter Fishing Heats Up
    Nov 8 2024
    As of November 8, 2024, the fishing scene in Wilmington, North Carolina, is showing promising signs despite some recent challenges. The cooler weather has set in, which typically gets the redfish biting well.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    Today, the sun rose at 6:52 AM and will set at 5:04 PM, giving us about 10 hours of daylight. The tidal coefficient is relatively high, indicating significant tidal movements. The first high tide will be at 2:51 PM, and the next low tide at 8:42 AM.

    ### Fish Activity
    After a couple of disruptive weather events in December, including a tropical depression and a front with heavy rain and wind, the fish are slowly returning to their usual winter patterns. Redfish are starting to school again in the clear waters, although it may take another week for conditions to fully stabilize.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Redfish are the main target during the winter months, and they have been biting well in the cooler weather. Other species such as Speckled Trout and Black Drum are also present, though less abundant. Spanish mackerel have been active as well, particularly when feeding on the surface.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For redfish, a 7 or 8 weight fly rod with a floating line, such as the Rio Flats Pro line, is recommended. Use a leader around 10-12 feet long with a 15 lb tippet. Fly colors should match the water and bottom conditions; darker flies like black, purple, and dark brown work well in tannic waters with muddy bottoms, while tan or white flies are better in clear waters with sandy bottoms. For Black Drum, cut shrimp or scented artificial lures like Gulp are effective.

    ### Hot Spots
    Some of the best places to fish in the area include Topsail Island, Surf City, Wrightsville Beach, Bald Head Island, and Southport. These locations offer shallow waters where redfish tend to school during the winter months.

    Overall, with the weather stabilizing and the fish starting to return to their normal patterns, it looks like we're in for a productive winter of fishing in Wilmington. Just remember to capitalize on the good weather windows and be patient as the fish continue to settle back into their winter habitats.
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    3 mins
  • Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Redfish and Spanish Mackerel Biting Amid High Tides and Ideal Conditions

    Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Redfish and Spanish Mackerel Biting Amid High Tides and Ideal Conditions
    Nov 7 2024
    For November 7th, 2024, in Wilmington, North Carolina, the fishing conditions are looking promising. Here’s what you need to know:

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    Today, the sun rose at 6:51 AM and will set at 5:04 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get out on the water. The tidal coefficient is high, indicating significant tidal movements and strong currents. The first high tide is at 1:58 PM with a height of 4.4 feet, and the next low tide is at 7:47 AM with a height of 0.4 feet.

    ### Fish Activity
    The cooler weather has really kicked the fish into gear. Redfish are biting well, and there are plenty of Spanish mackerel active in the area. These fish are particularly attracted to feeding surface fish, so casting to these areas or trolling with Clark spoons can be highly effective.

    ### Catch Reports
    Yesterday saw a good number of redfish and Spanish mackerel caught. Anglers reported successful catches using both lures and live bait. The redfish were found in shallow waters, especially around oyster beds and mangrove edges, while the Spanish mackerel were more active in the open waters, chasing schools of baitfish.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For redfish, using live or artificial shrimp, as well as soft plastic lures, has been successful. For Spanish mackerel, trolling with Clark spoons or casting jigs to feeding schools has yielded good results. Live bait such as mullet or menhaden can also attract these species.

    ### Hot Spots
    Some of the best spots to fish today include the waters around Masonboro Island and the Cape Fear River. The inshore areas near Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach are also producing good catches. Look for areas with structure like oyster beds, creek mouths, and drop-offs, as these tend to attract both redfish and Spanish mackerel.

    Overall, with the right conditions and the right gear, today should be a great day for fishing in Wilmington, NC.
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    2 mins
  • Wilmington, NC Fishing Report - Cooler Weather Brings Hot Bites for Reds, Trout, and More

    Wilmington, NC Fishing Report - Cooler Weather Brings Hot Bites for Reds, Trout, and More
    Nov 3 2024
    As of November 3, 2024, the fishing scene in Wilmington, North Carolina is looking promising, especially with the cooler weather setting in.

    First, let's talk about the tides and weather. Today, the sun rises at 7:33 AM and sets at 6:17 PM, giving us a good 10 hours and 44 minutes of daylight. The tidal coefficient is high, indicating significant tidal movements, with the first low tide at 4:58 AM and the first high tide at 10:53 AM.

    The fish activity has been robust, particularly for red drum. These fish are actively biting, especially during higher water times when they patrol grass edges, and during lower tides when they move over shell-covered drop-offs. Anglers have been successful using scented soft plastics or bottom-rigged dead shrimp to catch red drum, with many in the mid-slot size range of 15-17 inches.

    Speckled trout are also starting to show up in good numbers, particularly around creek mouths and areas with moving water. Scented Z-Man soft plastics and Gulp shrimp have been the top producers for trout, which are mostly in the 15-19 inch range.

    Black drum are becoming more prevalent as the water temperatures cool down. Fresh or live shrimp on bottom rigs, especially around oyster bars or deep creek holes during low tides, have been effective.

    For those targeting other species, Spanish mackerel and bluefish can be caught using casting jigs, while pompano and sea mullet are being caught in the surf using sand fleas and sand flea-flavored Fishbites.

    If you're looking for hot spots, consider the areas around Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island. The docks in the Intracoastal Waterway, especially those closer to the inlets, have been producing slot red drum using live shrimp and cut bait. The creek mouths and grass points are also excellent for speckled trout.

    In terms of lures and bait, topwater plugs in the mornings and soft plastics later in the day are working well for speckled trout. For red drum, live or cut mullet, along with scented soft plastics, are the way to go. Fresh shrimp remains a top choice for black drum and sheepshead, particularly around oyster bars and hard structures.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on the water in Wilmington, with a variety of fish species active and plenty of opportunities to catch them.
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    3 mins
  • "Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Redfish, Trout, and Mackerel Thrive in the Cooling Autumn Tides"

    "Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Redfish, Trout, and Mackerel Thrive in the Cooling Autumn Tides"
    Nov 2 2024
    If you're heading out to fish in the Wilmington, North Carolina area today, November 2, 2024, here's what you can expect:

    First off, the weather is cooling down, which is great news for fishing. The sunrise is at 7:19 AM, and the sunset will be at 6:34 PM, giving you a good window of daylight.

    Tide-wise, we're looking at a high tidal coefficient, which means big tides and strong currents. The first low tide was at 4:15 AM, and the next low tide will be at 4:54 PM. The first high tide is at 9:58 AM, and the next high tide at 10:20 PM. These strong tides can stir up the fish, making them more active.

    Speaking of fish activity, today is an excellent day for fishing according to the solunar theory, with very high fish activity forecasted.

    In terms of the types of fish, redfish are biting well with the cooler weather. You can expect to find schools of redfish, especially in shallow waters around areas like Wrightsville Beach, Topsail Island, and the flats near Wilmington. Speckled trout are also showing up in the creeks, with most of these early season fish ranging from 12 to 19 inches. Spanish mackerel are active as well, particularly when casting to feeding surface fish or trolling with Clark spoons.

    For redfish, sight fishing is excellent this time of year due to clear water. Use a 7 or 8 weight fly rod with a floating line, such as the Rio Flats Pro line, and a leader of about 10-12 feet including the tippet. Choose flies based on water color; for tanic and muddy bottoms, go with darker flies like black, purple, or dark brown, while clear and sandy bottoms call for tan or white flies.

    If you prefer traditional bait, cut shrimp works well for black drum, which can be found on docks and flats. For redfish, artificial lures that mimic baitfish or shrimp can be very effective.

    Hot spots include the creeks around Wrightsville Beach for speckled trout, and the shallow waters and flats near Topsail Island and Wilmington for redfish. Masonboro Island is also a great spot, offering a variety of fish species and habitats.

    Overall, with the right gear and knowledge of the tides and fish behavior, you're in for a great day of fishing in the Wilmington area.
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    3 mins
  • Fishing Forecast for Wilmington, NC: Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and More Biting in Cooler Temps

    Fishing Forecast for Wilmington, NC: Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and More Biting in Cooler Temps
    Nov 1 2024
    As of November 1, 2024, the fishing scene in Wilmington, North Carolina, is looking promising, especially with the cooler weather setting in.

    ### Weather and Tides
    Today, you can expect a mild morning with temperatures in the mid-50s, rising to the mid-60s by afternoon. Skies will be partly cloudy, making for a pleasant day on the water. Tides are crucial, and today we have a high tide at around 9:30 AM and a low tide at 3:30 PM. These tidal changes often trigger fish activity.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 5:14 PM, giving you ample daylight to fish.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a good bite for redfish, with several reports of catches in the inshore waters. The cooler weather has these fish active, especially in areas with structure like pilings and older docks. Spanish mackerel are also plentiful, with anglers reporting success both by trolling Clark spoons and casting to feeding surface fish.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Red drum fishing has been steady, with topwater plugs and artificial lures currently outperforming natural baits. Sheepshead action has also picked up, with both sizes and numbers increasing. Additionally, there have been catches of Atlantic bonito, bluefish, and even some king mackerel near the local piers.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For redfish, topwater plugs and artificial lures are the way to go. For sheepshead, using fiddler crabs or small shrimp can be very effective. For Spanish mackerel, trolling Clark spoons or casting to surface feeding fish with spoons or jigs is recommended.

    ### Hot Spots
    Two hot spots to consider are the waters around Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island. The pilings and docks near these areas are known for red drum and sheepshead activity. Additionally, the nearshore reefs off Wrightsville Beach have been producing catches of Spanish mackerel, Atlantic bonito, and bluefish.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on the water in Wilmington, with a variety of species active and plenty of opportunities to catch some good fish.
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    2 mins
  • Wilmington's Fishing Forecast: Tides, Fish, and Lures for a Promising Day on the Water

    Wilmington's Fishing Forecast: Tides, Fish, and Lures for a Promising Day on the Water
    Oct 31 2024
    As of October 31st, the fishing scene in Wilmington, North Carolina, is looking very promising. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect today.

    ### Tidal and Weather Conditions
    The tide is expected to be very high today, which is ideal for fishing. Sunrise is at 7:23 AM, and sunset will be at 5:43 PM. The weather forecast indicates partly cloudy skies with mild temperatures, making it a perfect day to be out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity in the Wilmington area is very high today, according to the latest reports. Anglers can expect a lively day with a variety of species active in the waters.

    ### Types of Fish and Catch
    Yesterday saw a good catch of red drum, both slot and over-slot sizes, particularly around the jetties and hard structures like docks and oyster bars. Speckled trout are also starting to show up, especially in creek mouths, grass lines, and oyster beds. Spanish mackerel and bluefish are abundant off the beaches and nearshore areas, with false albacore beginning to appear in the 2-5 mile range. Flounder and sheepshead are also being caught, especially around hard structures.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For red drum, live or cut mullet on Carolina rigs are highly effective. Topwater plugs like MirrOlure Top Dog Jr’s or Top Pup’s work well early in the morning and late in the afternoon along marsh grass lines and shallow oyster rocks. For speckled trout, topwater plugs, jerk baits, and soft plastic swim baits are all producing bites. Spanish mackerel and bluefish can be caught using small spoons like Big Nic Spanish candies or by trolling with Clarkspoons and mackerel trees.

    ### Hot Spots
    Some of the best spots to try today include the jetties at Wrightsville Beach, where slot and over-slot red drum are being caught. The creek mouths and grass lines around the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) are also productive for both red drum and speckled trout. For spanish mackerel and bluefish, the local piers and just off the beach are excellent locations.

    Overall, it's shaping up to be a fantastic day for fishing in Wilmington, with plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of species. Make sure to check the local tackle shops for any new tips or gear recommendations to enhance your fishing experience.
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    3 mins