Fall Fishing Frenzy off North Carolina's Coast

As of November 23, 2024, the fishing scene in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina is vibrant despite the cooling temperatures. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. **Weather and Tides:** Today is expected to be sunny and warm, with air temperatures around 74 degrees. The ocean temperature is hovering around 75 degrees. Winds are light and variable, mostly from the east at about 8 knots. High tides are at 6:43 a.m. and 7:05 p.m., with low tides at 12:36 p.m. and 11:47 p.m.[1][2][5]. **Sunrise and Sunset:** Sunrise is at 6:45 a.m., and sunset is at 4:53 p.m. **Fish Activity:** Yesterday saw a mix of fish being caught. Anglers off the beach and piers reported catching bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and king mackerel. Speckled trout are also active, particularly in areas with cleaner and clearer water, especially during the rising tide[2][3]. **Types and Amounts of Fish:** Bluefish and Spanish mackerel have been plentiful, with some nice-sized catches reported. Speckled trout are biting well, especially when using live shrimp under floats. Red drum, both slot and over-slot, are present inshore and near the inlets, with live or cut mullet being effective baits. King mackerel are active further offshore, particularly in the 50-60 foot range, and can be caught using slow-trolled live menhaden or dead cigar minnows[2][3]. **Best Lures and Bait:** For speckled trout, live shrimp under floats or artificial shrimp imitations like Gulp Shrimp are highly effective. For red drum, live or cut mullet on the bottom is a top choice. Spanish mackerel and bluefish can be caught using small spoons like Big Nic Spanish candies or by trolling. For king mackerel, slow-trolled live menhaden or dead cigar minnows work well[2][3]. **Hot Spots:** The inlets and areas around the piers, such as Jennette's Pier, are hot spots for catching a variety of fish including bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and speckled trout. The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and areas with oyster rocks and marsh grass lines are great for red drum. For king mackerel, head out to the 50-60 foot range offshore[1][2][3]. Overall, it's a great time to be fishing in North Carolina, with a wide range of species active and plenty of opportunities to land some big catches. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.