For December 7, 2024, if you're planning to hit the waters off the Atlantic Coast of North Carolina, here's what you need to know:
### Tidal Report
Today at Atlantic Beach, the first low tide is at 5:02 AM with a height of 0.38 ft, followed by a high tide at 11:29 AM with a height of 4.06 ft. The second low tide is at 6:04 PM with a height of 0.26 ft, and the second high tide is at 11:05 PM with a height of 3.12 ft, though this is past your likely fishing time[2].
### Weather and Daylight
Sunrise is at 7:01 AM, and sunset is at 4:55 PM. The weather is expected to be relatively calm, which is ideal for fishing.
### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a good mix of fish activity, with anglers catching black drum, bluefish, sheepshead, and sea bass. These species are common in the fall season in North Carolina's Atlantic waters[1].
### Best Lures and Bait
For black drum, use bottom rigs with shrimp or clams. Bluefish are aggressive and can be caught with spoons, jigs, or even topwater lures. Sheepshead are best targeted with fiddler crabs or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Sea bass can be caught using jigs or live bait like squid.
### Hot Spots
Two hot spots to consider are the nearshore reefs and the pier at Atlantic Beach. The reefs attract a variety of species, especially sea bass and sheepshead. The pier is a great spot for catching bluefish and black drum.
Overall, with the calm weather and favorable tides, today should be a stellar day for fishing off North Carolina's Atlantic Coast. Make sure to check the local weather forecast for any last-minute changes and adjust your fishing strategy accordingly. Good luck out there