Good morning from Wilmington, NC! Today, April 4, 2025, promises solid fishing opportunities for anglers in our local waters. With warmer spring weather settling in and water temperatures gradually climbing, the bite is picking up across a variety of species. Here's your detailed update.

The weather today looks favorable for fishing, with a high around 68°F and sunny skies throughout the day. Winds are expected to remain gentle at 5-10 knots, making conditions suitable for both inshore and nearshore excursions. Sunrise occurred at 6:51 AM, and sunset will be at 7:34 PM, giving anglers plenty of daylight hours to cast their lines. The tides are working in our favor, with high tide peaking mid-morning and low tide in the early afternoon, making for productive fishing windows in the morning and early evening.

**Inshore and river fishing:** Red drum and black drum are the stars right now. These fish are holding at the backs of creeks and around structures like docks and oyster beds in the Cape Fear River and its tributaries. Redfish are striking well on natural baits such as dead shrimp or mud minnows rigged on Carolina rigs, while artificials like Z-Man soft plastics on jig heads or Gulp shrimp work great for sight casting in shallow waters. A few speckled trout are starting to trickle in, especially in creek mouths, but the larger spawning trout are still a couple of weeks away.

**Surf and pier action:** The surf scene has been decent, with anglers reeling in Virginia mullet, whiting, and occasional bluefish. These species are responding well to bottom rigs baited with fresh shrimp or cut bait. At the local piers, catches of pufferfish, croakers, and sea mullet have been consistent.

**Nearshore and offshore:** Out in the 15-20 mile range, black sea bass fishing remains hot, with anglers catching plenty of shorts and jumbos on bottom rigs with squid or cut bait. Closer to shore, bluefish are starting to show up, and the arrival of Atlantic bonito is eagerly anticipated as water temperatures approach 62°F. Offshore, the Gulf Stream is yielding wahoo and blackfin tuna, with jigging trips also producing amberjack and African pompano.

**Recommended lures and bait:** Use Z-Man scented soft plastics or Gulp baits for redfish. For sea bass, squid on a two-hook rig is ideal. In the surf, fresh shrimp and Fishbites strips work wonders. For artificial lure fans, jerk baits and shad-colored soft plastics are performing well in the inshore creeks.

**Hot spots:** Two areas stand out today. First, try the Cape Fear River creeks near structure for a mix of red and black drum. Second, the nearshore reefs and jetties around Masonboro Inlet are good for red drum, bluefish, and soon-to-arrive bonito.

Get those rods ready and tight lines to everyone heading out today! It's shaping up to be an excellent day of fishing around Wilmington, NC.