Summer 2023 Fishing Report
Fishing Report for South Eastern North Carolina (Saltwater Inshore and Nearshore)
Date: July 10th 2023
Locations: Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Bald Head Island, Topsail Island
Inshore Fishing:
Wrightsville Beach:
At Wrightsville Beach, we have been experiencing excellent inshore fishing opportunities. Redfish have been abundant around the marshes and grassy areas. Targeting the flats and oyster beds with live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as using artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs, has been successful in enticing these prized gamefish to bite. Additionally, speckled trout can be found around the deeper channels and grassy areas. Using live shrimp, artificial shrimp imitations, and soft plastic jerkbaits have been effective in landing these beautiful fish.
Carolina Beach:
Carolina Beach has also been a hotspot for inshore fishing. Redfish have been active around the docks, creeks, and marshes. We have had success using live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs. Speckled trout have been biting well around the grassy areas, oyster beds, and deeper channels. Live shrimp, artificial shrimp imitations, and soft plastic jerkbaits have been the go-to baits for targeting these fish.
Bald Head Island:
Bald Head Island offers excellent inshore fishing opportunities as well. Redfish can be found around the marshes, oyster beds, and grassy areas. Live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs, have been effective in enticing these gamefish to strike. Speckled trout have been active around the grassy areas and deeper channels. Anglers have had success using live shrimp, artificial shrimp imitations, and soft plastic jerkbaits.
Topsail Island:
Topsail Island has been a productive location for inshore fishing. Redfish have been plentiful around the marshes, oyster beds, and grassy areas. Live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs, have been successful in attracting these gamefish. Speckled trout can be found around the grassy areas, oyster beds, and deeper channels. Live shrimp, artificial shrimp imitations, and soft plastic jerkbaits have been effective in enticing these fish to bite.
Nearshore Fishing:
Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Bald Head Island, and Topsail Island all offer excellent nearshore fishing opportunities. Spanish mackerel have been abundant in these areas, with schools of these fast and aggressive fish patrolling the nearshore waters. Trolling with small spoons or casting shiny lures has been effective in attracting their attention. Anglers have also had success using live bait such as menhaden or mullet.
King mackerel have been making their presence known nearshore as well. Trolling with live bait or artificial lures, such as cigar minnows or diving plugs, has been productive in targeting these larger predators.
Other species that have been caught nearshore include black sea bass, flounder, sheepshead, Cobia and many more. Bottom fishing with cut bait or live shrimp around reefs, wrecks, and artificial structures has yielded good results.
Whether you choose Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Bald Head Island, or Topsail Island, the fishing conditions in South Eastern North Carolina are favorable, with a variety of species available for anglers to target.
Happy Fishing!
