The fishing scene around Wilmington, NC, is heating up as we head deeper into spring! The morning of April 4, 2025, kicked off with sunrise at 6:52 AM, and anglers can expect sunset at 7:32 PM. Tidal conditions today show an early high tide around 8:45 AM, followed by a low tide this afternoon, which could be ideal for targeting certain species.

Weatherwise, it’s a comfortable day with temperatures hovering in the mid-60s to upper 70s. Light winds are expected, making conditions favorable for both inshore and nearshore fishing. Water temperatures are beginning to warm, reaching the mid-50s to low-60s, helping to stir up fish activity.

Inshore action is thriving with red drum and black drum occupying the backs of creeks and shallow bays around the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway. Anglers are reporting success with dead shrimp and cut mullet on Carolina rigs, particularly around oyster beds, docks, and deeper creek holes. For artificial bait lovers, Z-Man soft plastics and Gulp shrimp worked slowly around structure have also been productive. Smaller slot redfish (16-17 inches) dominate the catches, though larger fish are starting to appear as they scatter from their winter patterns.

For trout enthusiasts, speckled trout are being spotted in the same areas as red drum, although the larger springtime spawners have yet to show up. Using MirrOlures or soft plastics on a jig head during low tide has been effective.

Nearshore, there is excitement over the arrival of Atlantic bonito. These fish are starting to hold around shallow wrecks and reefs as water temperatures inch toward 62-64°F. Trolling small spoons or casting metal jigs are great ways to target them, and they provide both excellent sport and table fare. Black sea bass action is still solid in the 15 to 25-mile range, with many anglers finding success using squid or cut bait on bottom rigs.

For those looking to head offshore, blackfin tuna and wahoo are providing solid action in the Gulf Stream. Anglers trolling ballyhoo or using jigs around temperature breaks are seeing the best results. Mid-April should bring even more species like mahi-mahi into the area.

Hot spots to check out today include:
- **Masonboro Inlet**: A reliable area for inshore red and black drum, speckled trout, and the occasional flounder.
- **The Cape Fear River**: Ideal for targeting red drum, black drum, and sea mullet, especially near oyster beds and creek mouths.
- **Nearshore wrecks north toward Wrightsville Beach**: Perfect for bonito hunting or continued black sea bass action.

Best baits and lures right now include:
- **Dead shrimp** and **cut mullet** on Carolina rigs for inshore drum.
- **Soft plastics** (like Gulp or Z-Man) for redfish and trout.
- **Metal jigs** or small spoons for bonito nearshore.
- Squid or cut bait for bottom fishing black sea bass offshore.

It’s a fantastic time to get on the water, whether you’re exploring the creeks, hitting the nearshore wrecks, or venturing offshore. Tight lines!