Artificial Lure here with your latest Wilmington, NC fishing report for Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Spring fishing is turning on strong and the action is only getting better.

The tide schedule is keeping things interesting today, with a low tide early this morning, a solid high right around mid-morning, dropping to another low mid-afternoon, and an evening high just before sunset. Sunrise was at 6:45 AM and you can expect sunset at 7:40 PM, so there’s plenty of daylight to get after them. Mild temps in the mid to upper 60s and overcast skies are on tap—perfect for fish feeding near the surface, especially in low light this morning and later in the evening[5].

Inshore is really picking up. Red drum and black drum are feeding actively with the warming water. Reds are thick around the usual spots: oyster beds, creek mouths, and dock pilings, with some tailing during high tide right up on the marsh grass. Live or fresh dead shrimp on a Carolina rig is the local favorite, but scented Gulp shrimp and Z-Man soft plastics on light jigheads are pulling bites too[3][5].

The black drum are hanging near jetties and docks—just toss some fresh shrimp around the structure and wait for those thumps. Speckled trout are also making a solid showing, especially in creeks and deeper holes. There’s been a good trout bite lately; one crew reported catching 68 trout in a recent session, so numbers are up and some fish are pushing the 20 inch mark[2].

If you’re after bluefish or Spanish mackerel, there’s action heating up around the inlets and along the beaches. Clark spoons and small trolling plugs are working well for Spanish, while casting flashy spoons or Gotcha plugs will fool the blues[4]. The surf is seeing some Virginia mullet and the occasional red drum, especially in the early mornings and evenings[3].

The nearshore grounds are still kicking out plenty of black sea bass in the 15-20 mile range, while Gulf Stream trips are finding wahoo and blackfin tuna for those making the run offshore[3].

Hot spots to check out today include the creeks behind Wrightsville Beach and the Masonboro jetties for inshore drum action. The mouth of the Cape Fear River is always productive for trout and blues this time of year.

To sum up: Get out early or fish the evening high, target reds and blacks on shrimp or soft plastics, and keep an eye out for surface activity from Spanish and blues at the inlets. Today’s conditions are favorable for a bend in the rod.

Tight lines and see you on the water.

Good morning from Wilmington, it’s Artificial Lure with your Monday fishing report for April 21, 2025. Sunrise today was just after 6:30 AM and we’ll see sunset coming up close to 7:45 PM, giving you a nice long window on the water.

Weather-wise, we’re starting the day with mild temps in the upper 50s, climbing into the 70s with light winds out of the southwest and just a slim chance of showers. Tides are moderate, with an early morning high and an afternoon low, so plan your trips around those swings for the best action.

Inshore, the Cape Fear River and local creeks are producing some nice red drum, mostly still holding in their winter haunts—think the back of the creeks, the flats, and around docks and marsh edges. The reds are biting best on soft plastics like Z-Man paddle tails, especially on Ned rigs, and they’ll eat a dead shrimp or cut mullet fished on a bottom rig around structure. The occasional speckled trout and black drum are showing up too, though not in big numbers just yet. A few sheepshead are nosing back in around bridges and pilings, and if you’re after them, fiddler crabs or barnacles on a small hook will do the trick[2][3][4].

Surf and pier anglers have been happy to see more croakers, sea mullet (whiting), and pufferfish in the mix lately. Bluefish are starting to trickle in, and if you’re looking for some action, try casting Gotcha plugs, small spoons, or bottom rigs tipped with shrimp or Fishbites. Johnnie Mercers Pier and Wrightsville Beach surf have both given up some nice multispecies days, so those are good bets[3][5].

Nearshore, black sea bass fishing remains hot in the 15-20 mile range, and the bite’s been strong on squid or cut bait over hard bottom or reef structure. There’s talk of the first Atlantic bonito starting to show, usually around structure once water temps hold above 60. Jigging Stingsilvers or casting small metal spoons is the go-to for those. Farther out, there’ve been scattered kings and wahoo, but offshore action is a little slow with the cooler, dirty water holding in the deeper breaks. If you’ve got the range, it’s still worth checking the 15-25 mile range for jumbo sea bass, scattered false albacore, and a shot at blackfin tuna[2][3].

Hot spots today include the Masonboro Inlet jetties for reds and drum, and the surf at Carolina Beach for early season mullet and blues. If you’re headed offshore, try the AR-372 or 410 reef sites for that solid sea bass bite.

Best baits today are soft plastics for inshore drum, dead shrimp for bottom dwellers, and squid or cut bait for sea bass. Don’t forget a Gotcha plug or silver spoon if blues or bonito pop up.

That’s your quick-hit fishing rundown for Wilmington. Tight lines, and enjoy this stretch of spring weather while the fish are waking up and the crowds are still light.

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Wilmington NC area fishing report for April 20, 2025.

We’re waking up to classic spring conditions in and around Wilmington. The weather is cool and clear this morning with water temps climbing slowly but steadily, which has the fish waking up hungry. Sunrise is right at 6:28 am, and sunset will be around 7:45 pm, giving you a long window to get lines wet. Tides are moderate today, with a rising tide till about midmorning, peaking just before noon, and outgoing through the afternoon. That morning incoming tide is prime time for inshore action.

On the surf, anglers are reeling in Virginia mullet, bluefish, and the occasional red drum. Most of the drum action is coming around the structure, and the bite is best on that high tide push[1]. Bottom rigs baited with fresh shrimp or bloodworms are putting fish on the sand.

Back in the creeks and ICW, red drum and black drum are still hanging in their winter haunts, but they’re beginning to scatter as things warm up. Anglers fishing the flats and the creek backs are seeing good numbers, with Z-Man soft plastics on Ned rigs and dead shrimp around structure working best. Look for reds to show at the Masonboro jetties too, hitting bottom-rigged shrimp and Gulp baits on heavier jig heads[1].

For the pier and nearshore crew, it’s early season but catches of pufferfish, croakers, and sea mullet are picking up. Nearshore, black sea bass are coming off the deeper wrecks in good numbers, anywhere from shorts up to jumbos. Anglers are also waiting on a full push of Atlantic bonito, but a few schools are already being found off the 80-100 foot wrecks[1].

If you’re after Spanish mackerel, reports are solid for both trolling and casting. Clark spoons trolled just outside the inlets and to feeding surface schools are a top choice right now[2].

Some of the recent standout catches have been trout, with one local reporting a hot bite and personal record numbers, including fish up to 20 inches[4]. For trout, try working soft plastics on light jig heads around creek mouths and deeper bends on the outgoing tide.

Today’s best baits are fresh shrimp, bloodworms, and Gulp or Z-Man soft plastics in natural colors. For hardware, Clark spoons, silver jigging spoons, and soft plastics on Ned or jig heads have been pulling bites from reds, trout, Spanish, and blues[2][1].

For hot spots, put in time at the Masonboro jetties and the Wrightsville Beach surf. Inshore, the flats behind Figure Eight and deep bends in the creeks off the ICW are producing. For the pier action, Johnnie Mercers Pier is a local favorite with early season sea mullet and puffers[1].

That’s your report from Artificial Lure—tight lines and see you on the water.

Good morning anglers this is Artificial Lure with your Wilmington NC area fishing report for April 19th 2025. We’ve got a classic spring morning shaping up with the sun rising at around 6:33 am and setting at 7:45 pm. The weather today brings mild temps climbing into the mid 60s with a light southwest breeze. Expect clear skies early with a few clouds drifting in by afternoon. Tides are running strong as we’re working around a waxing moon. You’ll see an incoming tide through the morning peaking late morning and a good strong outgoing tide into the afternoon perfect for moving bait and active fish.

Inshore fishing has picked up nicely with water temps now hovering above 60 degrees. Red drum are tailing in the marshes and creeks especially around high tide. They’ve been chewing well on gold spoons and soft plastic paddle tails in natural colors. If you like live bait, you can’t go wrong with mud minnows or live shrimp under a popping cork. Speckled trout are popping up more frequently along deep bends in the creeks and around oyster beds. Try a MirrOlure or a DOA shrimp early before the sun gets high. There’s also a few sheepshead starting to show, especially tight to docks and bridge pilings. Fiddler crabs are your best shot if you want to tangle with them.

Over near the mouth of the river and the jetties, black drum and the occasional flounder have been biting cut shrimp and small chunks of menhaden. Stripers are also possible further upriver, especially on jerkbaits or swimming plugs.

Moving out to the nearshore reefs and just beyond, there’s been a steady bite of black sea bass in the 15 to 25 mile range most keepers biting squid strips or cut bait fished on the bottom. Offshore action is a bit slow with the last cold snap but anglers are picking at blackfin tuna and scattered wahoo when the weather lines up. Closer to shore, we’re waiting on the main push of Atlantic bonita and Spanish mackerel but you might see a few early fish show up any day now. Trolling small Clark spoons or casting metal jigs around nearshore structure is worth a shot.

Hot spots today include the Wrightsville Beach jetty for redfish and trout, the docks and oyster beds of Bradley Creek for inshore action, and the AR 425 and AR 362 reefs for a mixed bag of sea bass and maybe an early mackerel.

If you’re coming down, remember to bring a variety of soft plastics, a couple of topwater plugs for early, and don’t forget your favorite popping cork setup. Live bait is always a strong bet if you can get it.

That’s your Wilmington area update for today. Tight lines and good luck out there.

Wilmington anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your local fishing report for Friday, April 18, 2025. We’re looking at a near-perfect spring day on the water. Sunrise hit at 6:40 AM and sunset comes around 7:42 PM, so there’s plenty of daylight for a long session. Air temps are starting in the upper 50s and heading into the mid-70s by afternoon. Skies are clear, with a light southeast breeze at 5-10 knots, so expect calm seas inshore and nearshore. Tides are prime today: high tide around 8:30 AM, low at 2:50 PM, and another high close to 9:00 PM—plan to fish around these turns for the most activity[3][5].

Inshore, fishing is hot. Red drum and black drum are leading the charge, especially in the backs of creeks, shallow bays, and around dock and oyster structure. The winter patterns are just starting to break up, but the fish are still hugging the structure. Best baits right now are dead shrimp and live mud minnows on a Carolina rig. Cut mullet will also pull a bite, but shrimp is king—especially for black drum. For red drum, focus on grass edges and creek mouths at higher tides, and around docks and rock jetties as the water drops[1][3][5][7].

Speckled trout are picking up too, mainly in the creeks and on shallow flats. Try soft plastics like Gulp shrimp or Z-Man baits rigged on light jigheads. Suspending plugs like MirrOlure 17MR or jerkbaits will tempt bigger trout, especially as the water warms. Best time for topwater is at first light with a Top Pup or Top Dog Jr., especially if you see surface action along marsh edges or points[3][5][1].

Sheepshead are just starting to move in around bridge pilings and docks—these guys love fiddler crabs and fresh shrimp on small, heavy hooks. Out in the surf and nearshore, Virginia mullet (whiting) and bluefish are showing well. Use fresh shrimp or bloodworms on simple bottom rigs for the mullet. Bluefish are hitting spoons and Got-Cha plugs off the piers and beaches[1][7].

Offshore, the black sea bass bite is steady in the 15-20 mile range, with both shorts and jumbos being caught. For those trolling, keep Clark spoons handy—Spanish mackerel are starting to make an appearance, and Atlantic bonito should be close behind as water temps climb into the 60s[3][1].

If you’re looking for hot spots, hit the Masonboro Inlet jetties or the creeks off the Cape Fear River for drum and trout. Carolina Beach Inlet and Wrightsville Beach are also great bets right now for a mix of drum, trout, and early spring bluefish. Figure Eight Island has been productive for those willing to work the soft plastics and live baits[3][5][1].

Today’s the kind of day that reminds us why we fish around Wilmington. The bite’s on, the weather’s beautiful, and there’s a solid mix of species stretching from the backwaters to the beach. Tight lines and see you on the water!

Good morning from the lower Cape Fear, this is Artificial Lure with your Wilmington fishing report for April 16, 2025.

We kicked off the day with a sunrise at 6:45 AM, and you can expect sunset around 7:40 PM. Tides are running strong today with a low tide just after 3:30 AM, high at 9:26 AM, another low in the afternoon near 3:54 PM, and a solid evening high right around 9:49 PM. These swings mean you’ll have good water moving around both ends of the day, perfect for targeting the inshore bite when fish are feeding close to structure and edges[5][7].

Weather’s been a spring classic—mid 60s to maybe low 70s by afternoon, overcast through the early part of the morning, and light southeast winds. That cloud cover will keep fish feeling comfortable and out roaming the shallows during low-light periods[7][5].

Inshore, the red drum and black drum are definitely waking up. Folks are catching reds around oyster beds, creek mouths, and docks in the ICW and Cape Fear River, especially on the incoming tide. Top baits are dead shrimp on a Carolina rig and live mud minnows or cut mullet, though Z-Man soft plastics and Gulp shrimp on a jighead are pulling their weight, too. Try topwaters like Top Pup or Top Dog Jr. around dawn for some explosive action, especially along marsh edges and points[2][5][6][7]. Black drum are steady around hard structure and rocky jetties—dead shrimp is still the ticket here[2][5][7][9].

Speckled trout are making an appearance, mostly in the backs of creeks and shallow bays. Suspending plugs like the MirrOlure 17MR and jerkbaits should be in your box, and don’t be shocked if you see a few nice fish as water temps creep up[2][5][6][9]. Sheepshead are starting to move around bridges and docks, picking at barnacles and fiddler crabs, but the bite will only get better.

Surf anglers are reporting mixed bags with Virginia mullet, bluefish, and the occasional red drum or sea mullet showing up, mostly on bottom-rigged shrimp or bloodworms. Nearshore, black sea bass are in strong numbers 15-20 miles out, and reports of sea mullet in the deeper channel edges are solid[2][9][7].

A couple of hot spots to circle on your map today: the Cape Fear River creek mouths for red and black drum action, and the Masonboro Inlet jetties, which are producing solid bites for drum and the start of the sheepshead run. If you’re working surf or pier, Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach are holding mullet and blues right now[2][5][7][9].

Best advice: fish the moving tides, target structure, and keep a mix of natural bait and soft plastics in rotation. Topwater lures at daybreak, then transition to jigheads and subsurface baits as the sun climbs. Looks like another prime day to be on the water. Tight lines!

Good morning anglers! Here’s your fishing report for Wilmington, North Carolina, on Monday, April 14, 2025. The inshore and nearshore waters are alive with action as spring patterns settle in.

**Tide Report:**
The first low tide today is at 5:45 AM, with a minimal depth of 0.04 ft, while the first high tide is at 11:20 AM, reaching 4.06 ft. The second low tide will occur at 5:37 PM (0.19 ft), followed by a late high tide at 11:37 PM (4.79 ft). Sunrise is at 6:41 AM, and sunset is at 7:42 PM—perfect for early morning or late evening fishing when the bite tends to be strongest.

**Weather Conditions:**
Expect mild temperatures in the mid-60s to low-70s today with partly cloudy skies—a bonus for low-light fishing conditions. Light winds promise smooth waters, making it an excellent day to be on the water.

**Fish Activity:**
The inshore action for red drum and black drum remains strong. Red drum are feeding actively along marsh edges, oyster beds, and creek channels, especially during the rising and high tide. Black drum are holding steady around docks and hard structures, responding well to shrimp. Speckled trout are starting to move into the creeks and shallows, with suspending lures like MirrOlure 17MR working effectively.

Nearshore, black sea bass are biting well in the 15- to 20-mile range, using fresh shrimp or squid on bottom rigs. Additionally, anglers are beginning to encounter Atlantic bonito near deeper wrecks as water temperatures gradually warm.

**Hot Spots:**
- **Cape Fear River and Masonboro Inlet:** Excellent for red and black drum. Use Carolina rigs with live or cut bait near structure.
- **Wrightsville Beach Jetty:** Producing speckled trout and red drum; suspending and soft plastic lures have been the top performers.
- **Carolina Beach Inlet:** Ideal for drum, especially near high tide.

**Recent Catches:**
Surf anglers have reported Virginia mullet, bluefish, and the occasional red drum along the beaches. Inshore anglers are landing plenty of red drum and black drum around structure. The nearshore reefs continue to produce solid numbers of black sea bass, with sizes ranging from small to impressive jumbos.

**Best Bait and Lures:**
- **Inshore:** Dead shrimp, live mud minnows, and cut mullet are reliable choices for drum. Soft plastics like Gulp shrimp or Z-Man paddletails are highly effective when fished on light jigheads.
- **Nearshore:** Fresh shrimp and squid are go-to baits for sea bass. For Atlantic bonito, try trolling Clark spoons or using small metal jigs.
- **Topwater Action:** Early morning or late evening calls for lures like Top Pup or Top Dog Jr., especially for surface-feeding red drum.

Get out there and make it a productive day—you have calm weather, optimal tides, and plenty of fish waiting! Tight lines!

Good morning, anglers! Here’s your fishing report for Wilmington, NC, for Sunday, April 13, 2025. The weather and water conditions are shaping up for a rewarding day on the water!

The sunrise today was at 6:40 AM, and sunset will be at 7:42 PM. The weather forecast shows clear skies with temperatures ranging from the high 50s in the morning to the mid-70s by afternoon. Winds are mild, coming from the southeast at 5-10 knots, making for calm waters inshore and nearshore. The tide schedule for today is favorable, with a high tide early at 8:30 AM and a low tide at 2:50 PM, followed by another high tide at around 9:00 PM.

Inshore fishing is excellent right now. Red drum and black drum are the most active species, holding mainly in the backs of creeks and shallow bays. These fish are responding well to natural baits like dead shrimp or live mud minnows, particularly when presented on Carolina rigs near structure. Sheepshead are also starting to move inshore and can be found around bridge pilings and docks. Speckled trout are mixing into the creeks, though the larger spring-spawning fish have yet to arrive in numbers.

For lures, soft plastics are highly effective. Gulp shrimp and Z-Man scented baits rigged on jigheads are excellent options. Topwater lures like 4-inch Top Dog Jrs. are perfect for early morning or late evening when the fish are feeding aggressively in shallow waters. Anglers targeting black drum around rock jetties and oyster beds should stick with dead shrimp for the best results.

In the surf and nearshore areas, Virginia mullet and bluefish are biting well. Anglers fishing bottom rigs with fresh shrimp or bloodworms are reporting good results. Offshore, black sea bass remains the primary target in the 15-20 mile range, with strong numbers and good sizes being caught. Trolling Clark spoons for Spanish mackerel is another option, particularly as the water temperatures warm, signaling their arrival.

Some hot spots to try today include the Masonboro Inlet jetties for red drum and black drum action, as well as the creeks off the Cape Fear River for trout and drum. Surf anglers might want to check out Carolina Beach or Wrightsville Beach for Virginia mullet and bluefish.

It's a perfect day to hit the water, so grab your favorite gear, and remember to adjust your tactics based on the tides and location. Tight lines, and have a great time fishing in Wilmington!

Good morning anglers! Here’s your Saturday fishing report for April 12, 2025, for the waters in and around Wilmington, NC.

The weather is looking favorable today with mild spring temperatures, partly cloudy skies, and a light southeast breeze. Tides are incoming this morning, making for excellent fishing in shallower areas. Sunrise was at 6:47 AM, and sunset will be at 7:40 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to reel in some good catches.

**Inshore**: Red drum and black drum are biting consistently in the backs of creeks and shallow bays. Targeting these fish around oyster beds, docks, and other structures using dead shrimp or mud minnows on Carolina rigs is a proven tactic. The red drum are still mixed in winter and spring patterns, but they’re becoming more aggressive, with some slot-sized reds moving into the ICW and creeks. Speckled trout are also showing up, and while most are smaller, expect activity to pick up. Try a Z-Man or Gulp soft plastic on jig heads for trout and reds alike.

**Surf fishing** has been productive too, with whiting, croakers, and even a few bluefish being landed by anglers. Bottom rigs with fresh shrimp or bloodworms are working well here. If you’re near the Masonboro jetties, don’t forget to bring heavier jig heads or live shrimp to entice reds and black drum holding around the structure.

**Nearshore**: The black sea bass action remains strong 15-20 miles off the beach. Anglers are pulling in good numbers of "keeper-sized" sea bass on bottom rigs baited with squid or cut bait. Trollers should be on the lookout for early-season Atlantic bonito as warmer water temperatures push them closer to nearshore wrecks and reefs.

**Best Bait and Lures**: For red and black drum, dead shrimp remains the go-to bait, while mud minnows are great for versatility. In artificial options, soft plastics like Gulp shrimp, paddle tails, and Z-Man baits on lighter weights are producing bites. For surf anglers, fresh shrimp and bloodworms on a bottom rig are essential, and nearshore anglers chasing bonito or Spanish mackerel will want to use Clark spoons and feather rigs.

**Recent Highlights**: Anglers have been reporting solid catches of red drum in the backs of creeks, along with black drum near docks and bridges. Atlantic bonito are just starting to show on deeper wrecks, and the black sea bass bite further offshore has been very reliable for those willing to make the trip.

**Hot Spots**:
1. The Cape Fear River near oyster beds and creeks for reds and trout.
2. Masonboro Inlet and surrounding jetties for red drum, black drum, and sheepshead.
3. Nearshore wrecks 15-20 miles out for black sea bass and the chance of bonito.

With warming water temperatures and active fish, now's an excellent time to hit the water around Wilmington. Tight lines, and good luck!

Good morning anglers! Here’s your fishing report for Wilmington, NC, on April 11, 2025. Get ready to hit the water—it’s looking like a productive day ahead.

The tide for today starts with a low tide at 3:37 AM at -0.05 feet, a high tide at 9:26 AM reaching 4.39 feet, followed by another low tide at 3:54 PM at -0.04 feet, and the evening high tide at 9:49 PM peaks at 4.91 feet. Sunrise is at 6:45 AM, and sunset wraps up the day at 7:40 PM. These tidal changes should create prime opportunities to target species during early morning and evening hours.

The weather is perfect for fishing, with calm winds and mild temperatures in the mid to upper 60s. Overcast skies this morning will enhance your chances of hooking fish feeding near the surface in low-light conditions.

Inshore fishing is heating up with red drum, black drum, and speckled trout becoming more active. Red drum are being caught around oyster beds, creek channels, and dock structures. Anglers are having success with dead shrimp on Carolina rigs and soft plastics like scented Gulp shrimp rigged on light jigheads. Look for red drum tailing during the high tide near the grass edges of the marsh. Black drum are also biting well around hard structures, like rocky jetties and docks, especially with fresh shrimp.

The speckled trout bite is picking up, particularly in the backs of creeks and shallower bays, where slightly larger fish should start showing up soon. Try using suspending lures such as the MirrOlure 17MR or jerkbaits to entice these fish.

Nearshore, the fishing has been solid for black sea bass in the 15- to 20-mile range, with good-sized catches reported. Fresh shrimp on two-hook bottom rigs has been the go-to for sea mullet in deeper river channels.

For the hot spots around Wilmington, you can’t go wrong with the Cape Fear River and nearby creeks, especially during the two hours following high and low tides. Carolina Beach Inlet and Figure Eight Island are particularly productive for targeting red drum and black drum on soft plastics and live or cut baits. Additionally, Wrightsville Beach offers great opportunities for speckled trout and Atlantic bonito as waters warm further offshore.

As for lures, topwater options like the Top Pup or Top Dog Jr. work wonders for red drum during calm, low-light conditions. When targeting deeper areas, switch to soft plastics like Z-Man shrimp or Fishbites Fight Club lures. Spanish mackerel are lurking offshore, so keep some trolling spoons or small diving plugs handy.

Tight lines and good luck out there! Whether you’re hitting the back creeks or the nearshore wrecks, it’s shaping up to be another excellent day in Wilmington’s waters.