Fishing Carolina Beach, NC
Growing up in Wilmington, NC, I was fortunate to have access to a variety of fishing spots, each offering unique opportunities. Factors like the presence of bait, water salinity, and ease of access to the Atlantic Ocean contribute to the productivity of these areas. Among them, Carolina Beach stands out as a prime fishing destination. In this post, I'll share my experiences and explain why Carolina Beach is a fishing hotspot.
Inshore Fishing Opportunities
Carolina Beach is a haven for nearly every inshore species we target. With a multitude of creeks, oyster bars, sloughs, and various structures, the inshore fishing for red drum, speckled trout, sheepshead, and flounder is exceptional. Its proximity to the Carolina Beach Inlet ensures a constant flow of seasonal bait moving through the inlet and into nearby marshes and river systems. As a result, species like red drum (also known as “redfish”), speckled trout, and flounder thrive here, benefiting from both the abundance of bait and quality habitat.
The inshore waters around Carolina Beach are incredibly diverse, encompassing traditional marshlands, docks, bridges, and the brackish waters of the Cape Fear River. From one boat ramp, you can explore multiple fishing directions, each promising different species. One of the most appealing aspects of Carolina Beach is the easy access to the Cape Fear River. Many fish, including redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead, favor the brackish waters that the river offers. Some of my best days fishing for redfish and speckled trout have been on the Cape Fear River. The stretch from Snow’s Cut to the river's mouth, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean, is approximately a 12-mile run, with excellent fishing opportunities on either side. Additionally, upriver from Snow’s Cut can also yield impressive catches.
Nearshore Fishing Adventures
The Carolina Beach Inlet provides convenient access to a wealth of nearshore fishing grounds. Depending on the season, these include wrecks, live bottoms, drop-offs, and shoals, offering ample opportunities for Spanish mackerel, cobia, tarpon, bull reds, gray trout, false albacore, bonito, and more. We love venturing into the ocean whenever possible because the possibilities are endless, and it usually leads to a high-action day.
One of our favorite nearshore activities is targeting gray trout in the spring and fall. These fish resemble speckled trout but differ in coloration and habitat preferences. Gray trout tend to prefer the ocean and often gather in large schools around nearshore wrecks. When they’re around, vertical jigging with metal jigs is an exhilarating experience that every angler should try.
We’re also passionate about fishing for false albacore, or “Albies.” These fish are known for their incredible fighting ability, making them a favorite among anglers. Sight fishing for false albacore is particularly thrilling; you scan the surface for signs of them breaking the water while chasing minnows. If you time your cast correctly, it often results in an exciting catch. During these nearshore trips, you may also encounter cobia, sharks, and tarpon, depending on the season.
A Bountiful Fishing Experience
From ocean adventures to exploring the marshes and river systems surrounding Carolina Beach, the fishing opportunities are abundant and diverse. The area's varied habitats and the migratory patterns of fish contribute to a rich fishing experience right off the ramp. For instance, just a quarter-mile from the ramp lies Snow’s Cut, which, at certain times of the year, teems with redfish and migratory pompano. If you time your trip right, you could experience some world-class fishing.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice looking for a fun day on the water, Carolina Beach offers an array of options that promise enjoyment and unforgettable fishing experiences.
