Go Fish
Reel in a Good Time in the Brunswick Islands
From the brackish waters close to shore all the way to the thriving Gulf Stream, the waters surrounding the southern coast of North Carolina are known as some of the best in the world for sport fishing. Avid anglers flock here in droves for all-day fishing excursions and tournaments, always vying to be the next hero reeling in another record-breaking catch.
Summer and fall are both fruitful seasons for fishing, but with temperate water and air temperatures, fishing here is a year-round pastime. Even in the winter months, the ocean temperatures only dip to around the 50s near shore, and in the 70s in the Gulf Stream, allowing ideal conditions for a variety of fish.
Near the coast, estuaries and mud flats create the perfect environment for shrimp, crabs and oysters, while rivers and inlets usually are ripe with striped bass. Out in the ocean, the variety is almost endless. The Gulf Stream currents are less than 40 miles off the coast, the closest of any coast in the country, enabling anglers to reel in numerous species of fish such as tuna, sailfish, flounder, blue marlin, mahi-mahi, wahoo, king mackerel, sea bass, tarpon, shark, red drum and more.
Of course, fishing along the Carolina coast isn’t limited to professional anglers and fishing enthusiasts. Fishing, whether off a pier or miles from land, is an activity that families, couples and groups of friends all can enjoy. Don’t know where to start? Here are some of the main types of fishing along the Cape Fear Coast and Brunswick Islands.
Deep-Sea Charters
Head out to sea for a full or half-day excursion aboard one of the many fishing charters in the area, some known as head boats. Some boats head all the way to the Gulf Stream, while others stay within about 20 miles of the coast. Charters heading to the Gulf Stream are usually larger sport fishing yachts, about 30-feet-long. These also tend to be the most expensive excursions, and are mostly targeted toward more serious anglers. Deep-sea charters that stay closer to shore are still quite successful—expect to catch grouper, snapper, black sea bass and more. Gulf Stream charters target any fish that dwell in the deep waters of the Atlantic such as blue marlin, wahoo, tuna, sailfish and the like. On most charters, fishing rods, tackle and bait are included, and experienced captains and crew help beginners and experts find their next big catch.
Inshore Fishing Charters
The whole family may enjoy an excursion aboard one of the smaller boats that take anglers of all levels around the waters surrounding the Brunswick Islands. This type of charter is usually less expensive than larger off-shore charters and more personable. Fish in shallow water, or head a few miles away from land to catch a wider variety of fish. You can also find these smaller fishing charters on the Cape Fear River, a freshwater area with largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish, herring and more.
Surf and Pier Fishing
All around the southern coast of North Carolina, it is possible to catch a cooler of fish right from the beach or pier. Every island along the coast has at least one pier, and most sell bait and fishing gear right there. Some frequent catches from area piers include flounder, red and black drum, Spanish mackerel and Virginia mullet. Some of the best surf fishing around is right here along the Carolina coast—the best time to cast a line is during high tide, with an outgoing tide.
Kayak and Canoe Fishing
Explore inland waterways inaccessible by motorized boats while catching a variety of flounder, large drum and striped bass. Kayak and canoe fishing is an inexpensive way to make some great catches, while also getting an up-close view of the scenic marshes and backwater creeks that make up a lot of the coast.
For more information about recreational fishing in North Carolina waters, including licensing information, fishing reports, an artificial reef guide, and rules and regulations, visit the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries website at www.ncfisheries.net.
FISHING TOURNAMENTS
There are hundreds of fishing tournaments and events in the Brunswick
Islands in every season. Professional anglers and recreational fishing
enthusiasts come out for the thrill of the chase and sometimes hundreds
of thousands of dollars in prize money. Want to participate? Here are a
few of the region’s most popular tournaments. For more information about recreational fishing in North Carolina waters, including licensing information, fishing reports, an artificial reef guide, and rules and regulations, visit the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries website at www.ncfisheries.net.
June 15-17: Jolly Mon King Classic Ocean Isle
Fishing Center. 910-575-3474 • www.oifc.com
June 27-30: Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament
Wrightsville Beach Marina 910-256-6666,
www.capefearbluemarlintournament.com
July 13-15: The East Coast Got-Em-On
Classic Carolina Beach Boat Docks
910-297-4981 • www.gotemonliveclassic.com
Date TBA: 6th Annual Kings of the Coast
Tournament Ocean Crest Pier, Oak Island.
910-278-6674 • www.oceancrestpier.nc.com
Oct. 4-6: 33rd Anniversary US Open King Mackerel Tournament Southport Marina.
910-457-5787, www.usopenkmt.com
October 26-28: Fall Brawl King Classic
Ocean Isle Fishing Pier, Ocean Isle Beach.
910-575-3474 • www.oifc.com
October 19-21: Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Fort Fisher.
910-264-5487 • www.fishermanspost.com
Fishing Listings
Adventure Company, The
807 A Howe Street
Southport, NC
910-454-0607
www.TheAdventureCompany.net
Batson Charter Boats
910-367-0653
or
910-367-2317
www.carolinabeachcharterfishing.com
Captain John's Fishing Charters
Carolina Beach • Wrightsville Beach
Wilmington
910-262-2230
www.fishingcarolinabeach.com
Carolina Explorer Fishing Charters
910-264-1807
www.carolinaexplorer.com
435 Eastwood Road
Wilmington, NC
910-685-1983
and
Wrightsville Beach, NC
910-792-6945
www.hooklineandpaddle.com
Island Tackle and Hardware
801 N Lake Park Blvd.
Carolina Beach, NC
910-458-3049
www.islandtacklehardware.com