The spring fishing season is in full swing along the North Carolina coast, and today offers excellent opportunities for anglers, whether you're fishing inshore or offshore in the Atlantic.
The tides today, Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Bald Head Island are as follows: low tide at 2:32 AM and 2:34 PM, with high tides at 8:43 AM and 9:06 PM. Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset is at 7:42 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to reel in a good catch.
Weather conditions look promising with calm winds and mild temperatures. Offshore waters are gradually warming, which will only improve the fishing action as the day progresses.
Inshore anglers are having great success with red drum and black drum. The best spots today include the docks along the Intracoastal Waterway and the backwaters near Avon. Both live and fresh-cut shrimp are yielding excellent results for black drum, while MirrOlures and soft plastic paddletails are catching red drum and speckled trout. For sheepshead fans, fiddler crabs are the top bait around structured areas like bridges and oyster rocks.
Out in the surf, anglers are seeing activity pick up with red drum, black drum, and whiting. Cut shrimp and sand fleas are your go-to baits here. Sharks have also been biting well, adding some excitement for those fishing from the beach.
Offshore fishing is heating up for tuna lovers, with yellowfin and blackfin tuna being caught near Oregon Inlet. Anglers are trolling and jigging with skirted ballyhoo and artificials like jerkbaits. Wahoo are also making appearances in deeper water, and for bottom fishing enthusiasts, black sea bass action is strong at depths of 60-85 feet.
If you're looking to fish artificial lures, paddletail soft plastics, gold spoons, and suspending twitchbaits are all productive. These setups are versatile and can attract a variety of species, including redfish and speckled trout.
Two recommended hot spots for the day include:
1. The Point near Oregon Inlet for offshore action targeting tuna and wahoo.
2. Ramp 49 at Hatteras Island for productive surf fishing for red drum and black drum.
Whether you're a seasoned angler or heading out for a casual day, the North Carolina coast is teeming with opportunities. Tight lines and enjoy the spring action!