Surf's Up! Coastal Carolina's Spring Fishing Bounty

Good morning from the beautiful North Carolina coast! Today is April 4, 2025, and the spring fishing season is in full swing along the Atlantic Ocean. Here’s your updated fishing report to help you make the most of your time on the water. The weather today is pleasant, with temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s, and mostly sunny skies. Winds are light out of the southeast, providing favorable casting conditions for both inshore and surf anglers. Sunrise was at 6:55 AM, and the sun will set at 7:35 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy fishing. The tide chart shows a high tide at 1:42 PM and low tide at 7:30 PM, so plan to fish around these changes for optimal results. Inshore and nearshore waters are teeming with activity. Red drum fishing is excellent, particularly along the creeks and marshes near Hatteras Island and the Cape Fear River. Anglers have reported great success using Carolina-rigged shrimp or cut mullet, as well as soft plastics like Gulp baits. Black drum are also biting, with shrimp fished around docks and oyster beds yielding good results. Offshore action is gaining momentum as water temperatures rise. Blackfin tuna and wahoo have been the highlights for those venturing to the Gulf Stream. Yellowfin tuna are also being landed around the Oregon Inlet. Trolling with cedar plugs and skirted ballyhoo has been highly effective. Bottom fishing over nearshore reefs is producing jumbo black sea bass, vermilion snapper, and triggerfish. For surf anglers, the beaches near Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle are proving fruitful. Red and black drum are hitting on shrimp and cut crab baits. Sea mullets, blowtoads, and even a few early bluefish are being caught. Sand fleas and squid are great natural bait options, while jigs and spoons are working well for artificial lure enthusiasts. Fishing near inlets and piers like Fort Macon rock jetty and Emerald Isle Pier can be especially productive. Hotspots to consider today include: - The Point at Oregon Inlet for offshore species like tuna and wahoo. - The creeks near Cape Fear River for red and black drum. - The surf zones at Ramp 49 and 55 around Hatteras for drum and sharks. - Nearshore reefs within 60–80 feet of water for black sea bass and gray trout. Overall, fishing in North Carolina is heating up as spring brings a variety of species closer to shore. With the right bait—shrimp, cut mullet, sand fleas, or soft plastics like paddletails and jerkbaits—you’re set for a successful outing. Tight lines and good luck! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.