Stellar Fishing Off North Carolina's Coast: Tips for a Bountiful Catch

As of October 18, 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:**
The ocean water temperature is around 70 degrees, with air temperatures in the mid-60s. Expect winds from the northeast at about 10 knots. High tides are at 6:43 AM and 7:05 PM, with low tides at 12:36 PM. Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 6:24 PM.

**Fish Activity:**
Yesterday saw a strong showing of various species. Nearshore, anglers were catching plenty of spanish mackerel, bluefish, and false albacore. These fish are active along the surf and around the piers, particularly responding to small diamond jigs and hard plugs in white color patterns.

Inshore, the speckled trout bite has kicked into high gear, with anglers targeting deeper channels closer to the inlets using live shrimp under popping corks. These trout are mostly in the 2-3 lb range. Black drum are also making a comeback, especially around oyster points and channels, where live shrimp under corks are the go-to bait.

Red drum action remains steady, with success coming from using live mullet on Carolina rigs in marsh bays during incoming tides and around docks as the tide falls out. Flounder are abundant, hitting both live mullet and shrimp.

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For nearshore fishing, small diamond jigs and hard plugs in white are producing strikes from spanish mackerel and bluefish. For inshore fishing, live shrimp under popping corks are ideal for speckled trout and black drum. Live mullet on Carolina rigs are working well for red drum, and both live mullet and shrimp are effective for flounder.

**Hot Spots:**
Head to the marsh areas around the inlets for speckled trout and black drum. The Bogue Inlet and the waters around Swansboro and Emerald Isle are hot spots for nearshore action, including spanish mackerel, bluefish, and false albacore. For red drum, focus on the marsh bays and docks, especially during tidal changes.

With these conditions and tactics, you're set for a productive day of fishing in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina. Good luck on the water