Fishing the Wilmington Tides: Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Exceptional Conditions

As of December 1, 2024, the fishing scene in Wilmington, North Carolina, is looking promising, especially with the cooler weather setting in. ### Tidal Report High tides are expected at 8:42 AM and 9:35 PM, which are ideal times for targeting species that are active during these periods. ### Weather The cooler weather has really kicked in, making it an ideal time for fishing. Expect clear skies with mild temperatures, perfect for a day on the water. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset is at 4:53 PM, giving you a full day to enjoy the waters. ### Fish Activity Fish activity has been steady, particularly for redfish and Spanish mackerel. Redfish are schooling in large numbers, making sight fishing and fly fishing very effective. Speckled Trout are less abundant but can still be found in select areas, while Black Drum are active around docks and on the flats. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Yesterday saw a good catch of red drum, with slot-sized fish being common. Spanish mackerel were also plentiful, especially when targeting feeding surface fish with Clark spoons. Sheepshead action has also increased in both size and numbers. ### Best Lures and Bait For redfish, topwater plugs and artificials are currently outperforming natural baits. For fly fishing, a 7 or 8 wt rod with a floating line, such as the Rio Flats Pro line, is recommended. Use leaders around 10-12 feet long with 15 lb tippet. Fly colors should match the water and bottom conditions; darker flies like black, purple, and dark brown work well in tannic waters, while tan or white flies are better in clear waters. For Spanish mackerel, trolling Clark spoons is effective. For Black Drum, cut shrimp or scented artificial baits like Gulp are recommended. ### Hot Spots - **Wrightsville Beach**: Known for consistent red drum action, especially around the jetties and pilings. - **Masonboro Island**: A great spot for sight fishing redfish and catching speckled trout. - **Topsail Island and Surf City**: These areas are also seeing good action for redfish and other species. Overall, it's a great time to be out on the water in Wilmington, with plenty of fish to target and favorable conditions. Enjoy your fishing trip This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.