Wilmington, NC Fishing Report: Reds, Flounder, and Spanish Mackerel Thrive in Transitional Weather

As of September 29, 2024, the fishing scene around Wilmington, NC, is looking promising, especially with the transitioning weather. ### Weather and Tides Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 78°F and a low of 64°F. The winds will be light, coming in from the northeast at about 5 mph. Tides are crucial, and for today, the high tide is at 8:47 AM, and the low tide is at 3:04 PM. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise is at 6:58 AM, and sunset will be at 6:54 PM, giving you ample time to enjoy both the morning and late afternoon bites. ### Fish Activity The cooler weather has really gotten the redfish fired up. They are actively feeding, especially in areas where mullet are abundant. You can find them in the creeks, along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) docks, and around oyster rocks. Topwater plugs like MirrOlure Top Dog Jr’s or Top Pup’s are working well early in the morning, while artificial lures such as Berkley Gulp Shrimp on Fusion Jigheads are effective later in the day. Flounder fishing is also excellent, with many being caught on nearshore structures and inshore grass banks. Live bait like mud minnows and small finger mullet are highly effective, but artificial lures are also producing good results. Spanish mackerel are starting to show up near the inlets and along the beaches, particularly when there are cleaner water conditions. Casting small spoons like Big Nic Spanish candies or trolling Clark spoons can put some Spanish mackerel in your boat. ### Best Lures and Bait For redfish, use Carolina rigs with live or fresh cut bait such as mullet or menhaden. Artificial lures like Berkley Gulp Shrimp in colors like sugar spice glow or molting are also good options. For flounder, live bait such as mud minnows and small finger mullet are top choices. For Spanish mackerel, small spoons and trolling Clark spoons are recommended. ### Hot Spots - **ICW Docks and Oyster Rocks**: These areas are hotspots for redfish, especially with the mullet run in full swing. - **Nearshore Structures**: Places like the hard bottoms and artificial reefs are great for catching flounder and Spanish mackerel. - **Masonboro Island**: This area is known for its rich inshore waters and is a good spot for catching a variety of inshore gamefish including redfish, flounder, and Spanish mackerel. Overall, the fishing conditions are favorable, and with the right bait and lures, you should have a productive day on the water. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.