Today, January 16, 2025, is shaping up to be a great day for fishing in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina. Here’s what you need to know:
### Tidal Report
For N.C. State Fisheries, the tidal times are as follows: the first low tide is at 3:57 AM, the first high tide at 9:57 AM, the second low tide at 4:48 PM, and the second high tide at 10:19 PM. The tide heights are moderate, with the high tides reaching about 0.68 meters (2.22 feet) and the low tides at around -0.05 meters (-0.18 feet)[2].
### Weather
The weather is calm and favorable, making it an ideal day to head out into the Atlantic. Expect clear skies and light winds, perfect conditions for a smooth fishing trip[5].
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:13 AM, and sunset will be at 5:20 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to fish.
### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a strong bite from speckled trout, redfish, and striped bass. Offshore, there were reports of successful bluefin tuna catches, with some boats from the Mid-Atlantic region landing "overs" and "unders" despite the challenging winter winds[1].
### Types and Amounts of Fish
Inshore, anglers were catching decent numbers of speckled trout and redfish. Offshore, the bluefin tuna were the main target, with some notable catches including a 66-inch bluefin and a limit of tautog up to nine and a half pounds[1].
### Best Lures and Bait
For inshore fishing, paddletail soft plastics and shrimp lures are highly recommended. These lures can draw strikes from a variety of species, including trout and redfish. If you're fishing from a bridge or pier, a shrimp lure is a good choice. For offshore fishing, especially for bluefin tuna, trolling with appropriate gear is effective[3].
### Hot Spots
One of the hot spots is around the Beaufort Inlet Channel Range, where the tidal currents can attract a variety of fish species. Another good spot is near the coastal areas around N.C. State Fisheries, where the combination of tidal movements and calm weather can make for excellent fishing conditions[2][4].
Overall, today is a great day to get out on the water and take advantage of the favorable conditions. Make sure to check your gear and match your lures to the local bait to increase your chances of a successful catch.