Wilmington fishing

Wilmington, North Carolina is located on the banks of the Cape Fear River, where it enters the Intracoastal Waterway. Wilmington is an area rich in history and natural resources making it a popular vacation destination. But anglers are attracted to Wilmington, North Carolina for its outstanding year round fishing. Wilmington and the Cape Fear Coast are home to a rich diversity of marine life, where numerous sport fish species congregate to feed on the large masses of bait fish that inhabit this area.

Bottom fish species that call the Wilmington area home throughout the year include grouper, snapper, triggerfish, shark, barracuda, amberjack, black bass, and many other species inhabit the many ledges, rocky outcroppings, and wrecks that are located throughout the Wilmington area including Topsail Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Bald Head Island and Southport. These near shore fishing excursions are generally located within ½ mile up to 5 miles offshore. When offshore fishing, from 5 to up to 25 miles off the coast, target species may include dolphin (mahi-mahi), wahoo, marlin, sailfish, black fin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and huge blue fin tuna. Fishing for these pelagic species off the Cape Fear Coast is spectacular.

Wilmington boasts great weather year-round, making it a popular tourist destination, drawing nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. Swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, surfing, hiking, biking, world-class golf, and bird watching are all popular activities in Wilmington, with fishing right at the top of the adventure lover’s list. Spring and summer bring the pelagic fish to the Gulf Stream off Wilmington in droves. Fishing for wahoo, marlin, sailfish, tuna and mahi-mahi are outstanding from April through August, with fair to good fishing for these species available through the rest of the year. Fall and winter fishing is particularly good for king mackerel, trout, striped bass, shark and more.