North Carolina Coast Fishing Forecast: Reds, Trout, Tuna and More Await Anglers

Good morning anglers! Here’s your detailed fishing report for April 14, 2025, focusing on North Carolina’s Atlantic coast. The sunrise today was at 6:42 AM with sunset at 7:37 PM, offering plenty of daylight for fishing. The tidal schedule in the region includes a high tide at 9:20 AM (4.4 ft) and another at 9:38 PM (5.1 ft). Low tides are at 3:11 AM (0.5 ft) and 3:06 PM (0.6 ft). These movements should keep fish actively feeding near structure and sandbars. The weather is looking ideal, with calm winds and temperatures expected to hover in the low 70s. Water temperatures are warming steadily, which is great news for fish activity both inshore and offshore. Inshore, the bite is heating up with red drum (redfish) schooling actively, especially near marshes and docks. Anglers are also reporting healthy catches of black drum, speckled trout, and flounder. Shrimp, fiddler crabs, and soft plastic lures like paddletails and jerkbaits are proving effective. Over nearshore reefs, gray trout (weakfish) and Atlantic bonito are starting to show up in better numbers, with bottom-rigged shrimp and jigs being reliable choices. Surf fishing is producing good action for whiting, pompano, and even a few striped bass. Sand fleas, cut mullet, and fresh shrimp are top baits here. For artificial options, Kastmaster spoons and Gulp baits have been successful. Offshore reports highlight the growing presence of blackfin tuna and wahoo, with some anglers finding success trolling in the Gulf Stream. Larger artificials like trolling plugs and squid rigs are effective for these species. Bottom fishing in depths of 80+ feet continues to yield jumbo black sea bass, vermilion snapper, and triggerfish. For the best spots today, try surf fishing off Frisco Beach, particularly near Ramps 49 and 55 during the incoming high tide in the evening. Nearshore anglers should target the reefs within 5 miles of Hatteras, while those venturing farther offshore should focus on trolling at The Point for tuna and wahoo. With plenty of bait options like live shrimp, mullet, and squid, as well as versatile lures such as soft plastic paddle tails and jerkbaits, there’s no shortage of ways to hook into some exciting action today. Tight lines! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.