North Carolina's Coastal Fishing Report: Tuna, Drum, and More on the Spring Bite

Good morning, anglers. Here's your fishing report for Friday, April 4, 2025, focused on North Carolina's coastal waters along the Atlantic Ocean. The bite is heating up as spring gets into full swing, offering excellent opportunities both inshore and offshore. Today's weather is calm with mild early-spring temperatures, making it a great day to be on the water. Sunrise was at 6:55 a.m., and sunset will be at 7:35 p.m. In terms of tides near Hatteras, Mitchell Field, low tide occurred earlier at 7:29 a.m., followed by high tide at 1:42 p.m. Another low tide will be at 7:30 p.m. These moderate tidal movements, combined with warming waters, are driving active fish behaviors. Offshore, yellowfin and blackfin tuna have been the top targets around the Oregon Inlet area. Anglers trolling at The Point or jigging near the 500-line are seeing solid action. A few wahoo have also been caught, and their activity is expected to increase as the water continues to warm. Nearshore, the Atlantic bonito and bluefish are set to arrive any day now. For bottom fishing enthusiasts, black sea bass and vermilion snapper are plentiful over structures in the 60-100’ range. Inshore and surf anglers are reaping the rewards of a strong red drum bite, with big fish being caught in the Avon and Hatteras areas. Black drum are also showing up around docks and rock jetties. Speckled trout are beginning their spring resurgence, especially in the backwaters, with MirrOlures proving effective. For surf fishing along Hatteras Island, fresh cut bait like mullet or squid, as well as frozen shrimp, are attracting red and black drum. Sharks and blowfish are also giving anglers plenty of action. Targeting red drum at sunset has been especially productive lately. When it comes to lures and bait, paddle-tail soft plastics, gold spoons, and shrimp lures are highly recommended for inshore species like red drum and trout. Offshore, ballyhoo and rigged squid are the go-to choices for tuna and wahoo. Natural bait like fiddler crabs is yielding excellent results for sheepshead, while dead shrimp is performing well for both red and black drum. Some hotspots to consider are The Point near Oregon Inlet for offshore trolling action, the rock jetties near Cape Hatteras for sheepshead and black drum, and the marshes and creek mouths around Carolina Beach for red drum. Tight lines and happy fishing, folks. It’s a prime time to enjoy North Carolina’s incredible spring bite—whether you’re chasing tuna in the deep blue or casting for drum along the surf. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.