This is Artificial Lure coming at you with the latest fishing report for Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina on this fine Monday, March 17, 2025. Let's start with the tides - we've got a low tide at 5:38 AM and a high tide at 11:06 AM. The next low tide will be at 5:29 PM, followed by high tide at 11:27 PM. Sunrise was at 7:14 AM and sunset will be at 7:16 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to wet our lines.

Weather-wise, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-60s. Winds are light and variable, making for some nice conditions out on the water. Water temps are starting to warm up, sitting around 62 degrees in most spots.

Now, let's talk fish. The past week has seen some decent action as we transition into spring patterns. Anglers have been having luck with speckled trout in the creeks and inlets, using live shrimp or soft plastics like Gulp shrimp. Some nice-sized reds are still schooled up on the flats - try gold spoons or scented soft plastics to entice a bite.

Offshore, the black sea bass bite remains strong in 60-80 feet of water. Jigs tipped with squid or cut bait are producing well. A few early-season king mackerel have been reported in the 20-30 mile range, so trolling spoons or live bait could pay off if you're heading out that far.

For you surf anglers, whiting and croaker are starting to show up in good numbers. Fresh shrimp on a double-drop rig is hard to beat. We're also seeing some nice pompano mixed in, especially around sandbars and sloughs.

As for hot spots, I'd recommend trying around the Cape Lookout jetty for sheepshead and black drum. The Morehead City port wall has been producing some nice gray trout lately too. If you're looking to stay inshore, the creeks off the New River are holding some quality specks.

Remember folks, as the water warms up, so does the fishing action. Tight lines and see you on the water!