Coastal Carolina Fishing Calendar 2026

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 for 2026.

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.

Recommended Gear:

• St. Croix Mojo Salt Inshore Rod — Perfect for redfish in creeks
• Penn Battle III 3000 Spinning Reel — Smooth drag for trout
• PowerPro 20lb Braided Line — Zero stretch for sensitivity

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.

Recommended Gear:

• Shimano Teramar SE Inshore Rod — Great for flounder
• Shimano Spheros SW 5000 Reel — Handles cobia
• Owner Mutu Light Circle Hooks 4/0 — Perfect for live bait

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.

Recommended Gear:

• St. Croix Mojo Salt Inshore Rod — Versatile for flounder/reds
• Penn Battle III 4000 Spinning Reel — More line capacity
• MirrOlure MirrOdine Suspending Twitchbait — Catches everything

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.

Recommended Gear:

• Daiwa BG MQ 4000 Spinning Reel — Great value, smooth drag
• Shimano Torium 14 Conventional Reel — For king mackerel
• Rapala X-Rap Magnum 30 — Trolling for kings/mahi

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.

Recommended Gear:

• St. Croix Mojo Salt Heavy Inshore Rod — For bull reds
• Penn Battle III 5000 Spinning Reel — Max drag for big fish
• Yo-Zuri Hydro Popper — Topwater for albacore

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.

Recommended Gear:

• Ugly Stik GX2 Saltwater Rod — Budget-friendly, indestructible
• Penn Battle III 3000 Spinning Reel — Reliable workhorse
• Berkley Gulp! Alive Shrimp — Scent attracts winter fish

Quick Reference: Top 5 Species by Season

Top 3 Destinations

1. Outer Banks — Surf, pier, inshore, offshore access
2. Wilmington/Wrightsville — Inshore creeks, nearshore reefs, Gulf Stream close
3. Morehead City/Beaufort — Best overall access, Big Rock tourney HQ

Essential Tackle for Every Season

Check NC Marine Fisheries regulations before fishing. Limits and seasons change.

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