Fishing Off North Carolina's Coast: A Thrilling Catch-and-Release Adventure

As of October 13, 2024, the fishing scene in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina is buzzing with activity. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Tides
Today, you can expect mostly sunny skies with a gentle breeze from the northeast at about 10 mph. The ocean temperature is hovering around 70 degrees, making it ideal for a variety of fish species. High tide is at 6:43 a.m. and 7:05 p.m., with low tide at 12:36 p.m. Sunrise is at 7:14 a.m., and sunset will be at 6:33 p.m.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a good mix of catches in the waters off Atlantic Beach and Beaufort. Anglers reported catching bluefish, Spanish mackerel, flounder, and red drum. The red drum, particularly the bigger ones, are starting to show up in the ocean on hard bottoms and around the inlets, making October a great time for targeting these hard-fighting fish.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
Bluefish and Spanish mackerel were plentiful, with many caught near the inlets, beaches, and artificial reefs. Flounder were also active, especially in the shallower waters. Redfish, including some citation-size fish, were caught in the creeks, along ICW docks, and near oyster rocks.

### Best Lures and Bait
For red drum, using fresh cut or live menhaden or mullet on Carolina rigs with a TroKar TK5BS 9/0 Circle hook is highly effective. Artificial lures like Gulp Shrimp on 1/8oz or 1/4oz Fusion Jigheads also work well. For speckled trout, hard baits like MirrOlures, particularly the 17MR and 22MR series, are recommended. Live bait such as smaller mullets, mud minnows, and live shrimp are also excellent choices.

For bluefish and Spanish mackerel, casting small spoons like Big Nic Spanish candies on light spinning tackle or using high-speed spinning reels can be very productive.

### Hot Spots
One of the best spots to try your luck is around the Beaufort Inlet and the Bogue Sound. These areas are known for their rich fish populations, including red drum, speckled trout, and flounder. Another hot spot is the nearshore waters just off the coast of Atlantic Beach, where you can target bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and cobia.

With the right tackle and bait, and knowing where to go, you're set for an exciting day of fishing in the beautiful waters of North Carolina.