Good morning, anglers! This is Artificial Lure coming to you with your Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina fishing report for Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

We're looking at a beautiful day on the water with temperatures expected to hit the upper 70s and light easterly winds around 5-8 knots. Sunrise was at 5:58 AM, and we'll see sunset tonight at 8:13 PM. High tide is coming in at 11:36 AM with low tide expected around 5:22 PM.

Folks, late May is when our fishing really hits its stride here along the Carolina coast. The past couple weeks have been absolutely fantastic, and things are only getting better. Those Atlantic bonito that showed up in early May are still hanging around the nearshore reefs, though they'll be thinning out soon as water temps continue to climb. If you're after them, get out there quick with those Big Nic Spanish Candy lures in the 1/2 to 1.5 ounce sizes.

Spanish mackerel are absolutely on fire right now. They're busting bait all along the nearshore waters, particularly around Wrightsville Beach and the inlets. Most anglers are having great success with high-speed retrieves using spoons and Got-Cha plugs. Watch for the birds diving and you'll find the fish.

The big news this week is the striped bass migration continuing up the coast. They've been providing excellent action for anglers working the surf and inlets with chunks of fresh bunker, peeler crabs, and sand fleas. Remember your size requirements - most fish are running over the 31-inch limit, so careful release is essential.

Inshore, the red drum fishing has been exceptional, especially in the Pamlico Sound and the creeks off the Pungo River. Topwater action has been dynamite in the early mornings, switching to soft plastics on jigheads as the sun gets higher. Speckled trout are showing strong numbers too, hitting MirrOlure MR17s and Vudu shrimp under popping corks.

For you folks looking for hot spots, I'd recommend trying around the AR-370 reef for Spanish and maybe some early kings. The Ocean City inlet jetties have been holding nice stripers, and for inshore action, the shallow grass flats around the mouth of the Neuse River are producing consistent redfish action.

Bluefish are thick in the inlets, sometimes too many, cutting off rigs targeting other species. They're great fun on light tackle though, smashing metal and topwater plugs with abandon.

Remember to check your catches carefully for undersized king mackerel that are mixing in with the Spanish schools. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and tight lines to everyone hitting the water today. This is Artificial Lure signing off until tomorrow!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your North Carolina coastal fishing report for this beautiful Monday morning, May 26, 2025.

We've got ourselves some favorable tides today - high tide hit at 10:42 AM with the next low coming at 4:26 PM. That moving water always helps the bite, so plan your trips accordingly[1][5].

The weather's shaping up nicely along the Eastern North Carolina coast. As of early this morning, we've got conditions from south of Currituck Beach Light to north of Surf City extending out 20 nautical miles, including the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds[4].

Folks, the fishing has really been heating up as we push toward the end of May! The bonito bite is absolutely on fire right now. We're also seeing nice Black Sea bass and big sheepshead on the wrecks[2]. If you're headed nearshore or inshore, the redfish and black drum action has been steady, with particularly good results on cut bait[2].

Speaking of reds, they've been showing up in good numbers around Wrightsville Beach. These fish have settled nicely into their late May patterns. Try working soft plastics on jigheads slowly along marsh edges and oyster beds during falling tide[5].

For those looking to tangle with Spanish mackerel, they're running all along the coast and providing exciting action. I've had great success casting spoons in the 1/2 oz up to 1.5 oz range - those Big Nic Spanish Candy lures have been producing consistent strikes when retrieved at high speed[3][5].

The cobia have shown up right on schedule! They started arriving in southeast NC by mid-May as predicted, and they're one of my personal favorites. They arrived early this season as I forecasted, so now's the time to target them[3].

For hot spots, I'd recommend checking out the nearshore artificial reefs, ledges, and inlets around Wrightsville Beach for those bonito and Spanish. The creeks off the Pungo River have been producing excellent catch-and-release action on topwater baits[5]. For cobia, look around the southeast NC waters where they've been showing up in good numbers.

Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure signing off. See y'all on the water!

This is Artificial Lure with your North Carolina Atlantic Ocean fishing report for May 25, 2025.

We’re deep into May and the action along the coast is nothing short of electric. The weather has been cooperative, with temps in the mid-70s and light southeast breezes—not too hot, not too windy, and perfect for a day on the water. Today’s sunrise came at 6:11 AM and sunset will be around 8:02 PM, so you’ve got a good, long stretch of daylight. Tides are favorable: high tide hit at 10:42 AM with the next low at 4:26 PM, keeping that moving water which always helps the bite[5].

Nearshore and inshore, the stars of the show right now are Atlantic bonito and Spanish mackerel. Bonito are schooled up all over the area, especially on the artificial reefs like AR-315 and AR-320 off Morehead and Atlantic Beach. Trolling Clarkspoons behind planers or deep divers is catching plenty, and if you want more excitement, casting 3/4 to 1 oz metal jigs or glass minnow-style lures right into the schools is the ticket. Spanish mackerel are coming on stronger every day; look for them busting bait on the surface near the inlets and beaches. The Big Nic Spanish Candy lure in 1/2 to 1.5 oz sizes remains a top choice, and high-speed spinning reels let you cover water and get those quick strikes[1][3][4].

Bluefish are mixed in with the bonito and Spaniards, often schooling just off the beaches. Jigging or casting spoons will put plenty in the box. Offshore, you’ll find blackfin tuna and the occasional wahoo for those running further out.

In the surf and around the inlets, anglers are catching sea mullet and black drum on cut shrimp, with some keeper gray trout showing up as well. Red drum are throughout the marshes and starting to move upriver, with most caught on cut bait—though if you find clear water, try topwater plugs early or late for some explosive strikes[3][5].

The backwaters are a little muddy from recent winds, which can slow the redfish action, but the bite is still there if you’re patient and work those creeks and cuts.

Hot spots right now include the AR-315 and AR-320 artificial reefs for bonito and mackerel, and the mouth of Masonboro Inlet near Wrightsville Beach for mixed bag action. Surf anglers should try Atlantic Beach or Fort Fisher, especially around the changing tide for drum and sea mullet.

For bait, cut shrimp and sand fleas are producing in the surf, while live or cut menhaden and mullet are great for drum and bluefish. Artificial-wise, stick with Clarkspoons, glass minnow jigs, and Spanish Candy lures for the fast movers.

That’s your report for today—tight lines, and may the big ones bend your rod!

This is Artificial Lure, bringing you your fishing report from the North Carolina coast for Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Weather this morning is perfect for fishing. The high will be around 75, dipping just below 70 overnight. Winds are light, out of the west-southwest at about 6 miles per hour, which means calm seas and easy casting. Ocean water temperatures are running between 70 and 75 degrees, and the sound is a little warmer up to 78. Sunrise was at 5:59 a.m. and sunset will be 8:11 p.m., giving you a full day on the water[4][5].

Fish are active up and down the Atlantic beaches. In the surf, anglers are picking up bluefish, pompano, red drum, sea mullet, and sheepshead. Bluefish are running large this week, and there was even a 21-pound barracuda caught off Bogue Inlet Pier, which is a rare treat[5]. Spots, gray trout, and plenty of Spanish mackerel are mixing in as well.

Inshore, there has been steady action on reds and black drum, both preferring cut bait, shrimp, or sand fleas. The bonito bite offshore and nearshore is hot, especially around the wrecks and reefs. If you're heading out in the ocean, look for sheepshead and black sea bass on the structure, with cobia showing up this week and king mackerel becoming more common[2][3][4].

Best lures right now for Spanish mackerel and bonito are metal spoons, especially the Big Nic Spanish Candy in 1/2 to 1.5 ounce sizes. Cast fast and keep your retrieve quick, as these fish are chasing bait right at the surface. For red drum and black drum, you can't beat fresh cut bait, peeler crab, or sand fleas, especially in the surf zones[1][2][3].

Hot spots to try today include Bogue Inlet Pier for Spanish, blues, and the occasional big surprise. Hatteras Island surf is holding big bluefish, pompanos, and reds, and the nearshore artificial reefs just off Wrightsville Beach are loaded with bonito and mackerel[3][4][5].

Offshore, anglers are reporting nice hauls of blackfin tuna, dolphin (mahi), king mackerel, and a few wahoo – so if you get a weather window, it’s worth running deep[4].

Overall, it’s a banner start to the summer fishing season here in North Carolina. Light winds, warm temps, and plenty of hungry fish waiting. Tight lines and good luck out there today.

Hey there, anglers! This is Artificial Lure checking in with your North Carolina Atlantic coast fishing report for this beautiful Friday morning, May 23, 2025.

We're in the heart of May fishing right now, folks, and let me tell you - the action is hot! Today's weather is shaping up nicely with temperatures expected to reach the upper 70s and light easterly winds at 5-8 knots. We've got high tide coming in around 9:35 AM and low tide at 3:20 PM. Sun came up at 6:05 AM and won't set until 8:10 PM, so you've got plenty of daylight to get those lines wet.

The redfish bite has been absolutely stellar this past week, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. These reds have really settled into their typical May patterns, making this the perfect time for casting artificial lures their way. Several anglers reported solid catches on cut bait around the inlets.

Spanish mackerel action is in full swing all along the coast! They're busting the surface and providing some exciting visual fishing. For these speedsters, you can't go wrong with Big Nic Spanish Candy lures in 1/2oz up to 1.5oz sizes. High-speed spinning reels are getting more bites, but I've personally been loving my PENN Fathom high-speed 300 baitcaster when chasing these rockets.

Atlantic bonito numbers remain strong, particularly around nearshore reefs and ledges. Trolling Clarkspoons behind #1 planers at 4-5 mph has been the ticket, but vertical jigging with diamond jigs is working well when you mark a good school.

Striped bass are moving up the coast after their Chesapeake spawn. They're hitting chunks of bunker, peeler crabs, and sand fleas in the surf zones. Black drum action is slowing down on southern beaches but picking up on the northern stretches.

For those willing to run offshore, king mackerel are solid in the 30-40 mile range. Grouper season is open, with the best action in 80-100 foot depths. You'll also find American red snapper, grunts, and vermilion snapper in those same areas.

Hot spots this week: Wrightsville Beach inlets for redfish, the nearshore structures off Carolina Beach for bonito and Spanish, and check out the creeks off the Pungo River if you're up for spectacular topwater action. The Ocean City inlet near the jetties has been particularly productive for stripers.

This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and good fishing to y'all! Get out there while the May action is hot!

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming at you with your North Carolina coastal fishing report for Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

We're looking at a beautiful day here on the Atlantic coast with temperatures expected to reach the upper 70s by midday. Light easterly winds around 8 knots are perfect for getting out on the water. Sunrise was at 6:04 AM, and we'll have sunset at 8:08 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get those lines wet. Today's high tide is at 9:15 AM with low tide coming in at 3:22 PM.

Folks, May fishing is in full swing, and it's been absolutely on fire these past couple weeks! The Atlantic bonito bite continues to be spectacular, especially around AR-315 and AR-320. These speedsters are hitting Clarkspoons behind planers and deep divers, but for my money, nothing beats casting those 1/2 to 1.5-ounce metal jigs when they're busting on the surface[1][4].

Spanish mackerel have shown up in strong numbers all month. They're running the beach and inlet edges, with the best action coming on those Big Nic Spanish Candy lures. I've been getting my clients on more fish using high-speed spinning setups, though some folks are finding success with baitcasters too[1].

Redfish action is peaking right now. They're settling into their summer patterns and really responding to artificial lures. Check the marsh edges and creek mouths on the falling tide. Those shallow flats around Wrightsville Beach have been holding good numbers of upper-slot reds[1][5].

Striped bass are migrating up the coast, with some nice catches reported around the inlets. Most are over-slot, but there's been a decent number of keepers in that 28 to 31-inch range. Fresh chunks of bunker, peeler crabs, and sand fleas have all been producing[2].

For you surf anglers, sea mullet and black drum are taking cut shrimp, while bluefish schools are scattered off the beaches. We're also seeing the first red drum showing up on the Virginia beaches, which means they'll be hitting our shores any day now[2][4].

Hot spots this week: Check out Masonboro Inlet early morning for Spanish, the backwaters of the Pungo River for topwater redfish action, and don't sleep on Wrightsville Beach's marshes during the afternoon falling tide[1][5].

For those willing to run offshore a bit, there are blackfin tuna and wahoo opportunities, though you'll need to push out past the nearshore reefs[4].

That's the report for today, May 21, 2025. Remember, a bad day fishing still beats a good day at work. This is Artificial Lure signing off until tomorrow. Tight lines, y'all!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Monday, May 19, 2025 fishing report for the Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina waters.

We're looking at another beautiful day on the water with temperatures expected to reach the upper 70s and light southeast winds around 8-12 knots. High tide's coming in at 11:26 AM with low tide around 5:15 PM. Sun's already up, rising at 6:05 AM, and we'll have daylight until sunset at 8:07 PM - plenty of time to get those lines wet!

The May fishing action is absolutely on fire right now, folks! The coastal migration is in full swing, and there's plenty to target. Those Atlantic bonito schools are still thick over nearshore structures and artificial reefs. They've been hitting trolled Clarkspoons behind planers and deep divers, but for my money, casting 3/4 to 1 oz metal glass minnow jigs when they're busting on the surface is the most fun you'll have all day.

Spanish mackerel numbers have really picked up in the past week. Big Nic Spanish Candy lures in 1/2 oz to 1.5 oz sizes have been money makers. If you're after both bonito and Spanish, try working the areas near the inlets, ledges, and nearshore reefs.

The cobia have arrived early as predicted! They've been showing up around southeast NC since mid-May, so they should be in prime position now. Look for them around structure and bait schools.

Inshore action remains strong despite some muddy conditions. Redfish are throughout the marshes and moving toward the river. They're transitioning from winter patterns, so cut baits have been most effective. Guides working the Pamlico and Neuse report excellent catch-and-release action on topwater baits, particularly in the creeks off the Pungo River.

For the surf anglers, there's good action on sea mullet and black drum using cut shrimp. Bluefish schools are patrolling the beaches, and there's been some striped bass action moving up from the south.

Hot spots this week: AR-315 has been producing consistent bonito and Spanish action. For the redfish, try the backwaters around Topsail Island. If you're heading offshore, the area about 20 miles east of Beaufort Inlet has been giving up some early season wahoo and blackfin tuna.

Remember, if you're targeting those Spanish, check your catch carefully - we've been seeing some undersized king mackerel mixed in!

That's your report for today, May 19th. Tight lines, and I'll catch y'all on the water!

Hey y'all, this is Artificial Lure coming at you with your Sunday morning fishing report for May 18th, 2025, right here on the beautiful North Carolina coast.

It's shaping up to be another gorgeous day on the Atlantic. The water's warming up nicely, and the fish are really starting to show their faces. If you're heading out today, you're in for a treat!

Lemme tell you, these past couple weeks have been absolutely on fire for nearshore action. Atlantic bonito are still hanging around, though they might be tapering off as we push deeper into May. If you're dead set on catching these speedsters, you'll want to troll Clarkspoons behind #1 planers at about 4-5 mph over structure, or try vertical jigging with those Big Nic Spanish Candies if you can mark a good school[4].

Speaking of Spanish mackerel, they're practically everywhere right now! These toothy critters are hitting spoons hard, especially the 1/2 oz to 1.5 oz sizes. I've been having great success with the Big Nic Spanish Candy lures myself[1]. If you're feeling sporty, try casting with a high-speed reel - makes for a real exciting fight!

For you striper folks, they're migrating up the coast after spawning in the Chesapeake. Surf anglers have been hooking into some real nice ones using chunks of bunker, peeler crabs, and sand fleas[2]. Just remember your size regulations - lots of these fish are over slot.

Redfish action is heating up too. May is prime time for casting artificials to reds, and they're settling into their patterns nicely[1]. If you prefer natural bait, fresh shrimp around boat docks has been producing some quality black drum[3].

For you deep-water enthusiasts, grouper season is open now, and the 80-100' range is your sweet spot. While you're out there, you might also bag some American red snapper, grunts, pink snapper, sea bass, and vermilion snapper[4]. King mackerel are showing in the 30-40 mile range, and some lucky anglers are even finding scattered mahi.

Hot spots this week include the Ocean City inlet near the jetties for stripers, Assateague Island for surf fishing, and pretty much any nearshore structure for those Spanish and blues. The Kure Beach Pier has been good for whiting and croaker if you're looking to stay close to shore[4].

Bluefish are thick in the 12-16" range and are hitting metals and Gotcha plugs real good[4]. They're mixed in with the Spanish, so be ready for either when you're casting.

That's the word from the water today, folks. Get out there and wet a line! This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and full coolers to ya!

This is Artificial Lure with your Saturday, May 17th fishing report for the Atlantic Ocean out of North Carolina.

The bite’s been hot across our coast for May, and today’s shaping up to be another good one. Weather-wise, we’re looking at steady spring conditions, with the air warming up but enough breeze to keep things comfortable. Sunrise came in right around 6:00 AM and sunset’s expected around 8:05 PM, so there’s a good stretch of daylight for you to get after them.

Tidal movements today are prime for early morning and late afternoon action, lining up well with the sunrise and sunset periods. That means you’ll want to hit your favorite spots right as the sun's coming up or slowing down in the evening for best results.

In the nearshore waters and surf, the Spanish mackerel and Atlantic bonito bite continues to be on fire. Folks are catching them in good numbers, especially around the Wrightsville Beach reefs, nearshore ledges, and inlets. Big bluefish are mixed in, with some pushing up over ten pounds. Keep an eye out for king mackerel too—several small kings have already shown up, so be sure to measure your catch. False albacore are also in the mix, making for some drag-screaming runs[1][3][5].

On the inshore and sound side, redfish and black drum have been steady, especially around cut bait and tipped jigs. Speckled trout are biting well near Nags Head, Carolina Beach, and under the bridges, with live shrimp or soft plastics working best if you want to get picky. For those working the creeks off the Pungo and Pamlico Rivers, topwater plugs early and late have been putting up excellent catch and release action[2][4].

Bait and lure wise, you can’t go wrong casting spoons, especially the 1/2 to 1.5 ounce Big Nic Spanish Candy models. High-speed spinning reels will help cover water and get your lure moving quick enough to trigger strikes from those fast bonito and Spanish. For natural bait, you’ll do best with fresh cut bait or live finger mullet for the drums and trout. Don’t hesitate to throw a fly rod in the boat either; a seven to nine weight is perfect for these surface feeders[1][3][5].

Hot spots for the day are the Wrightsville Beach nearshore reefs, Masonboro Inlet, and Oregon Inlet for Spanish, bonito, and kings. If you’re hunting trout or reds, target the creeks around the Pungo and Neuse Rivers, or hit the Nags Head bridges at first or last light. The surf at Carolina Beach is another reliable bet right now.

That’s the scoop for today. Good luck, tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water.

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your North Carolina fishing report for this beautiful Friday morning, May 16, 2025.

Folks, the summer season is really kicking into high gear now! The Outer Banks just opened to visitors today, so expect those spots to get busy fast. Water temps have been hovering between 58 and 68 degrees, and that's bringing in all kinds of action.

Nearshore fishing has been absolutely on fire lately! The Atlantic bonito bite continues strong in mid-May waters, and they're a blast to catch - fast, tasty, and they'll give your gear a workout. Spanish mackerel are showing up all month long, busting the surface and providing some real excitement. For these speedsters, I've been having great success with Big Nic Spanish Candy lures in sizes from 1/2oz up to the 1.5oz. High-speed spinning reels are getting more bites, but I've personally fallen in love with using high-speed low-profile bait-caster reels when casting to bonito and Spanish.

Keep your eyes peeled because we're seeing some small king mackerel mixed in this year too - check those fish carefully for undersize kings!

In the surf, black drum and big whiting are hitting well on shrimp and sand fleas. Some scattered red drum are taking cut bait. The ICW and river areas are producing sheepshead around hard structure, plus some speckled trout and red drum. Those reds have broken out of their winter schools early this year and spread throughout the area.

For trout, try MirrOlure MR-17s that match the menhaden that are starting to show up. Topwater plugs are working too. For those reds, focus around the spoil islands and put your baits in ambush points like creeks and channels with out-flowing water as the tide falls. Carolina-rigged live pogies have been the ticket.

Offshore action is delivering blackfin and yellowfin tuna, some wahoo, and the dolphin bite is strong. The folks at TW's Bait and Tackle in Nags Head have been reporting excellent yellowfin catches.

Hot spots to check out? The nearshore reefs around Wrightsville Beach are producing great action, and the spoil islands near Carolina Beach are holding good numbers of red drum. Also worth noting - chopper blues are back! First ones since 2018 were caught this week, with an 11-pounder weighed in at Cape Lookout.

For you grouper hunters, remember that shallow water grouper season opened on May 1 and runs through December 31.

That's your report for today, May 16. Y'all get out there and wet a line - the fish are biting! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time!