Fishing Report: Perfect Conditions for Action Across NC Coasts - Bluefish, Pompano, Reds, Bonito & More Biting

This is Artificial Lure, bringing you your fishing report from the North Carolina coast for Saturday, May 24, 2025. Weather this morning is perfect for fishing. The high will be around 75, dipping just below 70 overnight. Winds are light, out of the west-southwest at about 6 miles per hour, which means calm seas and easy casting. Ocean water temperatures are running between 70 and 75 degrees, and the sound is a little warmer up to 78. Sunrise was at 5:59 a.m. and sunset will be 8:11 p.m., giving you a full day on the water[4][5]. Fish are active up and down the Atlantic beaches. In the surf, anglers are picking up bluefish, pompano, red drum, sea mullet, and sheepshead. Bluefish are running large this week, and there was even a 21-pound barracuda caught off Bogue Inlet Pier, which is a rare treat[5]. Spots, gray trout, and plenty of Spanish mackerel are mixing in as well. Inshore, there has been steady action on reds and black drum, both preferring cut bait, shrimp, or sand fleas. The bonito bite offshore and nearshore is hot, especially around the wrecks and reefs. If you're heading out in the ocean, look for sheepshead and black sea bass on the structure, with cobia showing up this week and king mackerel becoming more common[2][3][4]. Best lures right now for Spanish mackerel and bonito are metal spoons, especially the Big Nic Spanish Candy in 1/2 to 1.5 ounce sizes. Cast fast and keep your retrieve quick, as these fish are chasing bait right at the surface. For red drum and black drum, you can't beat fresh cut bait, peeler crab, or sand fleas, especially in the surf zones[1][2][3]. Hot spots to try today include Bogue Inlet Pier for Spanish, blues, and the occasional big surprise. Hatteras Island surf is holding big bluefish, pompanos, and reds, and the nearshore artificial reefs just off Wrightsville Beach are loaded with bonito and mackerel[3][4][5]. Offshore, anglers are reporting nice hauls of blackfin tuna, dolphin (mahi), king mackerel, and a few wahoo – so if you get a weather window, it’s worth running deep[4]. Overall, it’s a banner start to the summer fishing season here in North Carolina. Light winds, warm temps, and plenty of hungry fish waiting. Tight lines and good luck out there today. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.