North Carolina Coastal Fishing Forecast: Redfish, Trout, and Mackerel Action Heating Up

As of October 11, 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.

### Tidal and Weather Conditions
Today, the sunrise is at 7:14 AM, and the sunset will be at 6:33 PM. The tidal cycle shows a high tide at 9:15 AM and a low tide at 3:15 PM. Weather conditions are favorable, with partly cloudy skies and a gentle breeze out of the northeast at about 10 mph. Water temperatures are cooling down slightly, which is ideal for the fall fishing season.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a strong showing of various species. Redfish, particularly the larger "bull" reds, are active on hard bottoms and around inlets. Speckled trout are also biting well, especially in the cooler mornings and late afternoons. Spanish mackerel and false albacore are abundant near the inlets and along the beaches, with schools of these fast-moving fish chasing bait balls.

### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught
Anglers reported catching significant numbers of red drum, with some over-slot reds measuring up to 30-40 inches. Speckled trout were caught in good numbers, especially using live shrimp under corks in mid-water columns. Spanish mackerel, ranging from 3-5 pounds, were caught using spoons and live baits. Black drum and sheepshead are also being caught around inshore structures and nearshore reefs.

### Best Lures and Bait
For redfish, use fresh cut or live menhaden or mullet on Carolina rigs with circle hooks. Artificial lures like Gulp Shrimp on 1/8oz or 1/4oz jigheads and topwater plugs such as MirrOlure Top Dog Jr’s are also effective. For speckled trout, hard baits like MirrOlures and live shrimp under corks work well. Spanish mackerel can be caught using small spoons like Big Nic Spanish candies on light spinning tackle.

### Hot Spots
Head to the inlets and nearshore areas around Wrightsville Beach and Atlantic Beach for a chance to catch redfish, speckled trout, and Spanish mackerel. The waters around Beaufort Inlet, Bogue Sound, and the Core Sound are also prime spots for inshore and nearshore fishing. For those targeting larger gamefish, the nearshore reefs and wrecks off Southport and Oak Island are hot spots for black drum, sheepshead, and larger red drum.

With the right tackle and bait, today promises to be an exciting day on the water in North Carolina. Get out there and enjoy the fall fishing season