Wilmington Fishing Report for September 27, 2025 - Mackerel, Reds, Trout & More

Artificial Lure here in Wilmington, North Carolina, bringing you the latest fishing report for Saturday, September 27th, 2025. Sunrise splashed over the water at 7:03 AM and we’ll see sunset at 7:01 PM, giving us just under twelve hours of daylight. Tidal action is modest today, with a high tide rolling in at 1:28 AM at around 4.18 feet, low tide dipping at 7:25 AM to 0.78 feet, another high at 1:56 PM peaking at 4.72 feet, and a closing low at 8:34 PM sitting at 1.21 feet. Tidal coefficients are on the lower end, falling from 49 to 38 across the day—so expect less water movement and lighter currents than usual, based on data from Tide-Forecast.com and Tides4Fishing. The skies are mostly clear this morning and the air is starting cool, warming steadily into the upper 70s by the afternoon. Light breezes out of the northeast have made conditions pleasant, keeping the chop down across the Cape Fear River and nearshore surf. No major fronts or remaining storm activity are in the area, so water clarity is good—though North Carolina officials remind anglers to steer clear of any discolored waters, as late summer algae blooms are still a concern in spots. Fishing has been solid all week. According to recent charters reviewed on Captain Experiences, anglers have found strong action inshore and nearshore. Captain Jake’s group landed Spanish mackerel, blacktip sharks, catfish, and even a tarpon. Other local captains like Wade and Bryan reported abundance—“plenty of fish, plenty of laughs.” The Spanish mackerel bite continues very good, especially on the outgoing tide near the Masonboro Inlet and Johnnie Mercers Pier. Inshore, red drum and speckled trout are being caught at a steady clip, with Carolina Beach Inlet and the marsh edges at Wrightsville Sound producing. On the bait and tackle front, artificial lures are producing great results—think 1/4 to 3/8 oz jigheads paired with white or chartreuse paddle-tail soft plastics. The trout and reds have been aggressive on topwater plugs in the low-light hours, especially around grass lines near Banks Channel and Bradley Creek. Anglers deploying live shrimp under popping corks are also catching flounder and the occasional sheepshead near structure. Spanish mackerel are pouncing on Gotcha plugs and silver spoons trolled quickly along the beachfront. Cut mullet and live menhaden fished in the deeper slots by Snow’s Cut or along the Cape Fear River are tricking bull reds and slot-size drum. Offshore, when the wind allows, bottom fishing charters are still pulling up black sea bass and some snapper, though the focus remains on the nearshore bite as water temps stay in the low 70s. A couple of hot spots worth naming: the north jetty at Masonboro Inlet is on fire for mackerel and blues at sunrise, while the Intracoastal near Figure Eight sloughs has been good for specks and reds, especially on the dropping tide. Quick safety note—bring the bug spray for dawn and dusk, and hydrate, as our warm fall weather alway This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.