Coastal Carolina Fishing Calendar 2024
North Carolina’s coast offers year-round fishing, but knowing what’s biting when makes all the difference. Here’s your month-by-month guide.
January — February
Inshore: Redfish (schools in creeks), Speckled Trout (deep holes), Black Drum Nearshore: Black Sea Bass, Tautog (wrecks/reefs) Offshore: Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna (Gulf Stream)
Best Bets: Creek fishing for redfish on warm afternoons. Slow-troll live bait for trout in deep holes.
March — April
Inshore: Flounder (returning), Redfish, Speckled Trout, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel Nearshore: Cobia (arriving), King Mackerel, Amberjack Offshore: Mahi, Wahoo, Blackfin, Yellowfin Tuna
Best Bets: Flounder on live mud minnows near inlets. Cobia on sight-cast eels/jigs.
May — June
Inshore: Flounder (peak), Redfish, Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Pompano Nearshore: Cobia (peak), King Mackerel, Amberjack, Spadefish Offshore: Mahi (explosion), Wahoo, Tuna, Billfish
Best Bets: Flounder on live bait near structure. Cobia sight-casting. Mahi on weed lines.
July — August
Inshore: Flounder, Redfish, Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish, Jack Crevalle Nearshore: King Mackerel (peak), Spadefish, Barracuda Offshore: Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Sailfish, Marlin
Best Bets: Early morning flounder. King mackerel slow-trolling live menhaden.
September — October
Inshore: Flounder (fall run), Redfish (bulls), Speckled Trout (gator), Pompano Nearshore: King Mackerel, False Albacore, Bonito Offshore: Wahoo, Blackfin, Yellowfin, Swordfish
Best Bets: Bull redfish on cut bait. Fall flounder run. False albacore on flies.
November — December
Inshore: Redfish (schools), Speckled Trout, Black Drum, Striped Bass Nearshore: Black Sea Bass, Tautog Offshore: Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna
Best Bets: Bull redfish on cut mullet. Trout in deep creek holes.
Quick Reference: Top 5 Species by Season
| Season | Inshore | Nearshore | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Flounder, Trout | Cobia, King | Mahi, Wahoo |
| Summer | Flounder, Redfish | King, Spadefish | Mahi, Tuna, Billfish |
| Fall | Redfish, Trout | King, Albacore | Wahoo, Tuna |
| Winter | Redfish, Trout | Sea Bass | Wahoo, Blackfin |
Top 3 Destinations
- Outer Banks — Surf, pier, inshore, offshore access
- Wilmington/Wrightsville — Inshore creeks, nearshore reefs, Gulf Stream close
- Morehead City/Beaufort — Best overall access, Big Rock tourney HQ
Check NC Marine Fisheries regulations before fishing. Limits and seasons change.
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