"North Carolina's Thriving Fishing Scene: Redfish, Trout, and Coastal Bounty"

As of October 8, 2024, the fishing scene in North Carolina's Atlantic waters is buzzing with activity. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day out on the water.

### Weather and Tidal Conditions
The weather is looking favorable, with moderate temperatures and calm conditions. Expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 75 degrees and a gentle breeze. Tides are moderate, with high tide at around 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM, making the morning and late afternoon ideal for fishing.

### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:10 AM, and sunset will be at 6:45 PM, giving you ample daylight to enjoy your fishing trip.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a strong showing of various fish species. Redfish, particularly the bigger ones known as Bull Reds, are starting to appear in greater numbers on hard bottoms and around the inlets. Speckled trout are also active, especially in the creeks and along the Intracoastal Waterway docks. Spanish mackerel and bluefish are abundant near the inlets and along the beaches, with some notable catches reported.

### Catches
Anglers reported catching several Spanish mackerel, with weights ranging from 2 to 5 pounds. Bluefish were also plentiful, and there were some impressive catches of redfish, including a 17-pound Bull Red. Speckled trout and puppy drum were also caught, with some weighing up to 3 pounds.

### 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 are also effective. Top-water plugs like MirrOlure Top Dog Jr’s or Top Pup’s work well along marsh grass lines and shallow oyster rocks. For Spanish mackerel and bluefish, small spoons like Big Nic Spanish candies on light spinning tackle are recommended. Live bait such as smaller mullets, mud minnows, and live shrimp are excellent for speckled trout.

### Hot Spots
Head to the inlets around Wrightsville Beach and the lower Cape Fear River for a chance at catching redfish and speckled trout. The waters around Bogue Inlet Pier are also hot, with reports of Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and puppy drum. For a multi-species adventure, explore the nearshore waters off Beaufort and Carolina Beach, where you can find redfish, mackerel, and cobia.

With the right gear and knowledge, today promises to be an excellent day for fishing in North Carolina's Atlantic waters. Good luck out there