Today, January 23, 2025, the fishing scene in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina is quite promising despite the chilly weather. Here’s what you need to know:
### Tidal Report
For Atlantic Beach, the tide times are as follows: High tide at 2:04 AM with a height of 3.27 ft, low tide at 8:44 AM with a height of 0.72 ft, high tide at 2:08 PM with a height of 2.23 ft, and low tide at 8:08 PM with a height of 0.32 ft. Sunrise is at 7:10 AM and sunset is at 5:27 PM[2].
### Weather
The weather is cold, with winds ramping up significantly since the recent snowfall. Air temperatures are around the mid-30s to low 40s, and ocean water temperatures are around 44 degrees. Winds are hard from the north at about 23 knots, making conditions rough[5].
### Fish Activity
Despite the harsh weather, fish activity remains robust. Yesterday, anglers caught a variety of species including triggers, sea mullet, sand perch, small croaker, and flounder. There were also reports of bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and speckled trout in the surf zone[5].
### Best Lures and Bait
For these waters, some of the best lures include paddletail soft plastics, which are versatile and can draw strikes from various species. Gold spoons and jerkbaits/flukes are also highly effective, especially for targeting species like bluefish and Spanish mackerel. For bottom fishing, using shrimp lures or white bucktails can be productive[3].
### Hot Spots
Jennette's Pier is a hot spot, known for its diverse catch. Anglers have been successful here with triggers, sea mullet, and flounder. Another good spot is the coastal waters around Atlantic Beach, where boats have been catching bluefin tuna, tautog, and sea bass when the weather allows[1][5].
In summary, if you're braving the cold today, head to Jennette's Pier or the coastal waters off Atlantic Beach. Use paddletail soft plastics, gold spoons, or jerkbaits to increase your chances of catching a variety of species. Just make sure to bundle up and be prepared for the strong winds.