Wilmington, NC Fishing Report: Redfish, Trout, and Spanish Mackerel Biting Strong This Fall

As of October 11, 2024, the fishing scene in Wilmington, North Carolina, is thriving. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water. ### Tidal and Weather Conditions The tide is expected to be moderate, with high tide around 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM. The weather is mild, with a gentle breeze and clear skies, making it an ideal day for fishing. Sunrise is at 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at 6:30 PM. ### Fish Activity Yesterday saw a flurry of activity in the waters around Wilmington. The cooler weather has redfish biting aggressively, particularly the bigger ones that are starting to show up on hard bottoms and around the inlets. Speckled trout, flounder, and false albacore are also active. Spanish mackerel are abundant, with their largest sizes of the year being caught during this fall season. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught Anglers reported catching a significant number of redfish, both bull and slot-sized, along with a good haul of speckled trout and flounder. Spanish mackerel and false albacore were also plentiful, with many boats returning with full coolers. ### Best Lures and Bait For redfish, using fresh cut or live menhaden or mullet on Carolina rigs with TroKar TK5BS 9/0 Circle hooks and eighty-pound clear Berkley Big Game mono leaders is highly effective. Artificial options like Gulp Shrimp on 1/8oz or 1/4oz Fusion Jigheads and top-water plugs such as MirrOlure Top Dog Jr’s or Top Pup’s work well, especially along marsh grass lines and shallow oyster rocks. For Spanish mackerel, casting small spoons like Big Nic Spanish candies on light spinning tackle or trolling with Blue Water Candy Daisy Chains and Clark spoons are recommended. High-speed spinning reels, such as the Slammer IV, can significantly increase your chances of catching these speedy fish. ### Hot Spots Two of the best spots to try your luck are around Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island. The inshore waters here are rich with a variety of gamefish, including redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. The nearshore areas, particularly around the inlets and artificial reefs, are hotspots for Spanish mackerel and false albacore. If you're looking to venture a bit further out, the higher relief ledges and wrecks about 20 miles offshore are known for attracting king mackerel, amberjack, and other larger predator fish. With the right gear and a bit of local knowledge, you're set for a fantastic day of fishing in Wilmington, North Carolina. Good luck on the water This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.