Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene in and around the Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina, for today, February 2, 2025.
First off, let's talk about the weather and tides. According to the latest reports, today is looking sunny and warm, with an air temperature of about 57 degrees and a water temperature of 56 degrees. The winds are blowing at a moderate 10 mph from the East-Northeast, which should make for some pleasant fishing conditions.
Now, let's dive into the tides. For Wilmington, NC, the high tide is at 6:27 AM and 7:09 PM, with low tides at 1:01 AM and 12:34 PM[2].
Out on the water, particularly at spots like Jennette's Pier, the fishing has been quite active. Recently, anglers have been catching a variety of species including bluefish, spot, sea mullet, pufferfish, gray trout, speckled trout, black drum, and even some small croaker and flounder[1].
Given the current conditions, I recommend using some of the best saltwater lures that have proven themselves time and again. For shore fishing, a paddletail soft plastic lure is hard to beat. These lures can mimic the movement of baitfish and are versatile enough to be used in various retrieves, from straight swimming to twitching off the bottom[3].
Another excellent choice is the shrimp lure, especially if you're fishing from a pier or bridge. These lures have a great scent profile and can attract a wide range of fish. If you're targeting species like striped bass, which are active in the Cape Fear River area, swim bait lures like the Berkley Power Bait Cull Shad are highly effective. Rig these on swimbait hooks for weedless fishing to avoid those pesky hangs[5].
For hot spots, I highly recommend checking out Jennette's Pier, which has been seeing a lot of action lately. The pier offers a great vantage point for catching a variety of fish, and the clear waters make it ideal for using those paddletail and shrimp lures. Another spot worth mentioning is the Cape Fear River, where you can target striped bass by working the drop-offs and grass lines along the river's edge.
In summary, today looks like a great day to get out on the water. With the right lures and a bit of knowledge about the tides and fish activity, you're set for a successful fishing trip. So grab your gear, head out to Jennette's Pier or the Cape Fear River, and see what the Atlantic Ocean has in store for you.
Tight lines, everyone