The 5 Best Fishing Destinations in North Carolina
North Carolina is a treasure trove for saltwater charter fishing, offering diverse marine ecosystems teeming with a variety of fish species. From the historic port city of Wilmington to the serene beaches of Atlantic Beach, each location provides its unique angling experience.
Each location has its own charm and hosts numerous professional charter services led by experienced captains. Whether you’re a novice angler or a seasoned fishing enthusiast, these top saltwater charter fishing spots in North Carolina ensure an unforgettable adventure.
Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, is a premier destination for charter fishing, offering inshore and offshore adventures that cater to anglers of all experience levels. The area hosts many professional charters that guide visitors to the best fishing spots. These charters are led by experienced captains and crews who know the local waters intimately. They provide not only the necessary equipment but also invaluable advice and guidance, increasing your chances of landing a memorable catch. Most charters offer a variety of trips ranging from half-day excursions to full-day adventures, ensuring an unforgettable fishing experience in Atlantic Beach.
- Peak fishing season: Late spring through fall (May to October).
- King Mackerel: Often targeted during summer and fall offshore expeditions.
- Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish): Vibrant fish commonly caught from May to September.
- Tuna: Different species, including Yellowfin and Blackfin, available offshore year-round, with the best catches in the cooler months.
- Red Drum (Redfish): Abundant year-round, with a particularly high population in the fall.
- Flounder: Best caught in the warmer months, typically from May to September.
- Speckled Trout: Available year-round, with the highest abundance during the fall and spring seasons.
Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach, North Carolina is a hub for charter fishing, offering a multitude of opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. Known for its rich marine life, the area offers an array of fishing charters that provide a gateway to the Atlantic Ocean’s bounty. Whether you’re interested in inshore, nearshore, or offshore fishing, there are many charter services headed by experienced captains well-versed in local fishing conditions and species habits. Carolina Beach charter fishing promises a memorable angling experience filled with excitement and adventure.
- Prime fishing season: April to October, with peak period from May to October. However, fishing opportunities exist year-round, with different species more prevalent in different seasons.
- Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish): Vibrant fish commonly found during the warmer months, attracting many anglers.
- King Mackerel: Large game fish frequently targeted in offshore charter trips, especially in summer and fall.
- Tuna: Various species, including Yellowfin and Blackfin, abundant offshore, particularly during the cooler months.
- Spanish Mackerel: Often found nearshore during the warmer months.
- Bluefish: Known for their aggressive behavior, a common catch nearshore, especially in spring and fall.
- Cobia: Powerful fish typically located nearshore in late spring and early summer.
- Red Drum (Redfish): Abundant year-round, with particularly high numbers in the fall.
- Flounder: Best caught in the warmer months, typically from May to September.
- Speckled Trout: Available year-round, but most plentiful during the fall and spring seasons.
Nags Head
Nags Head, North Carolina, is a beloved destination for charter fishing, offering a diverse range of fishing experiences for experienced and novice anglers. This location on the Outer Banks is a gateway to some of the Atlantic Ocean’s most fertile fishing grounds. Charter fishing in Nags Head offers an unparalleled opportunity to target a wide array of species. Numerous professional charter services operate out of Nags Head. These charters are captained by seasoned professionals who know the local waters like the back of their hand and can guide you to the best fishing spots. No matter what time of year you visit, Nags Head Charter fishing promises a thrilling angling experience amidst the stunning backdrop of the Outer Banks.
- Prime fishing season: April to October, with peak period from May to October. However, fishing opportunities exist year-round, with different species more prevalent in different seasons.
Most Popular Offshore Fish:
- Tuna: Various species, including Yellowfin and Bluefin, highly sought after offshore, particularly during the winter months.
- Marlin: Both Blue Marlin and White Marlin are popular catches, with summer being the prime season.
- Billfish: This category includes Marlin and Sailfish, usually caught during the warmer months, typically from May to September.
Most Popular Nearshore and Inshore Fish:
- Red Drum: Year-round catch, with a higher abundance in the fall.
- Flounder: Abundant during late summer, especially in August and September.
- Striped Bass (Rockfish): Typically caught in the cooler months, from October through March.
Southport
Southport, North Carolina, is a hotspot for charter fishing, offering a range of fishing experiences for anglers of all skill levels. Nestled at the mouth of the Cape Fear River and adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, Southport’s unique location gives access to some of the most productive fishing grounds in the region. Charter fishing in Southport allows you to target a variety of species depending on the type of fishing and the season. Numerous professional charter services operate out of Southport. These charters are led by seasoned captains who are experts in local fishing conditions and species behaviors. Southport charter fishing promises a memorable angling adventure filled with excitement and the thrill of the catch.
- Prime fishing season: Late spring through early fall (May to October). However, year-round fishing opportunities exist for different species, and some anglers find winter fishing for specific species excellent.
- Tuna: Various species, including Yellowfin and Blackfin, available offshore throughout the year, with the best catches often in the cooler months.
- King Mackerel: Frequently targeted in offshore expeditions, especially during summer and fall.
- Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish): Vibrant fish commonly caught during the warmer months, typically from May to September.
- Cobia: Powerful fish typically found nearshore during late spring and early summer.
- Spanish Mackerel: Fast-swimming fish commonly found nearshore during the warmer months.
- Bluefish: Known for their aggressive behavior, a common catch nearshore, particularly during spring and fall.
- Red Drum (Redfish): Abundant year-round, with particularly high numbers in the fall.
- Flounder: Best caught in the warmer months, typically from May to September.
- Speckled Trout: Available year-round, but most plentiful during the fall and spring seasons.
Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina, is a premier destination for charter fishing, offering various opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Located between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington provides access to some of the most fertile fishing grounds in the region. The array of fish in the waters allows you to choose what fish to target. Many professional charter services operate out of Wilmington. These charters are captained by knowledgeable professionals with extensive experience with the local waters and species. Wilmington charter fishing promises an exciting angling experience full of adventure and the joy of the catch.
- Prime fishing season: Late spring through early fall (May to October). However, year-round fishing opportunities exist for different species, and some anglers find winter fishing for specific species excellent.
Most Popular Offshore Fish:
- Tuna: Various species, including Yellowfin and Blackfin, available offshore throughout the year, with the best catches often in the cooler months.
- Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish): Vibrant fish commonly caught during the warmer months, typically from May to September.
- King Mackerel: Frequently targeted in offshore expeditions, especially during summer and fall.
Most Popular Nearshore Fish:
- Spanish Mackerel: Fast-swimming fish commonly found nearshore during the warmer months.
- Bluefish: Known for their aggressive behavior, a common catch nearshore, particularly during spring and fall.
- Cobia: Powerful fish typically found nearshore during late spring and early summer.
Most Popular Inshore Fish:
- Speckled Trout: Available year-round, but most plentiful during the fall and spring seasons.
- Red Drum (Redfish): Abundant year-round, with particularly high numbers in the fall.
- Flounder: Best caught in the warmer months, typically from May to September.
Wrightsville
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, is a renowned destination for charter fishing, attracting anglers of all abilities with its diverse fishery. Located near the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, Wrightsville Beach provides access to some of the most productive fishing grounds in the region. Numerous professional charter services operate out of Wrightsville Beach. These charters are captained by seasoned professionals intimately familiar with the local waters and fish species. Wrightsville Beach charter fishing promises an exhilarating angling experience that’s sure to create unforgettable memories.
Charter fishing in Wrightsville Beach allows you to target a variety of species, depending on the type of fishing and the season. Offshore trips can yield larger game fish such as Wahoo, Tuna, and Billfish. Nearshore charters might bring encounters with Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, and Cobia. At the same time, inshore trips often focus on Red Drum, Flounder, and Trout. Some charters also offer specific trips like bottom fishing and deep dropping. Regardless of the time of year,
Best Season to Fish in Wrightsville Beach, NC:
- Prime fishing season: Late spring through early fall (May to October). However, year-round fishing opportunities exist for different species, and some anglers find winter fishing for specific species excellent.
Most Popular Offshore Fish:
- Billfish: Including Marlin and Sailfish, usually caught during the warmer months, typically from May to September.
- Wahoo: Frequently targeted in offshore expeditions, especially during summer and fall.
- Tuna: Various species, including Yellowfin and Blackfin, available offshore throughout the year, with the best catches often made in the cooler months.
Most Popular Nearshore Fish:
- Cobia: Powerful fish typically found nearshore during late spring and early summer.
- Spanish Mackerel: Fast-swimming fish commonly found nearshore during the warmer months.
- King Mackerel: Known for their speed and strength, a common catch nearshore, particularly during summer and fall.
Most Popular Inshore Fish:
- Red Drum (Redfish): Abundant year-round, with particularly high numbers in the fall.
- Speckled Trout: Available year-round, but most plentiful during the fall and spring seasons.
- Flounder: Best caught in the warmer months, typically from May to September.
