Episodios

  • Fishing Report: Perfect Conditions for Action Across NC Coasts - Bluefish, Pompano, Reds, Bonito & More Biting

    Fishing Report: Perfect Conditions for Action Across NC Coasts - Bluefish, Pompano, Reds, Bonito & More Biting
    May 24 2025
    This is Artificial Lure, bringing you your fishing report from the North Carolina coast for Saturday, May 24, 2025.

    Weather this morning is perfect for fishing. The high will be around 75, dipping just below 70 overnight. Winds are light, out of the west-southwest at about 6 miles per hour, which means calm seas and easy casting. Ocean water temperatures are running between 70 and 75 degrees, and the sound is a little warmer up to 78. Sunrise was at 5:59 a.m. and sunset will be 8:11 p.m., giving you a full day on the water[4][5].

    Fish are active up and down the Atlantic beaches. In the surf, anglers are picking up bluefish, pompano, red drum, sea mullet, and sheepshead. Bluefish are running large this week, and there was even a 21-pound barracuda caught off Bogue Inlet Pier, which is a rare treat[5]. Spots, gray trout, and plenty of Spanish mackerel are mixing in as well.

    Inshore, there has been steady action on reds and black drum, both preferring cut bait, shrimp, or sand fleas. The bonito bite offshore and nearshore is hot, especially around the wrecks and reefs. If you're heading out in the ocean, look for sheepshead and black sea bass on the structure, with cobia showing up this week and king mackerel becoming more common[2][3][4].

    Best lures right now for Spanish mackerel and bonito are metal spoons, especially the Big Nic Spanish Candy in 1/2 to 1.5 ounce sizes. Cast fast and keep your retrieve quick, as these fish are chasing bait right at the surface. For red drum and black drum, you can't beat fresh cut bait, peeler crab, or sand fleas, especially in the surf zones[1][2][3].

    Hot spots to try today include Bogue Inlet Pier for Spanish, blues, and the occasional big surprise. Hatteras Island surf is holding big bluefish, pompanos, and reds, and the nearshore artificial reefs just off Wrightsville Beach are loaded with bonito and mackerel[3][4][5].

    Offshore, anglers are reporting nice hauls of blackfin tuna, dolphin (mahi), king mackerel, and a few wahoo – so if you get a weather window, it’s worth running deep[4].

    Overall, it’s a banner start to the summer fishing season here in North Carolina. Light winds, warm temps, and plenty of hungry fish waiting. Tight lines and good luck out there today.
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    3 m
  • North Carolina's Coastal Fishing Heats Up in May - Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Bonito Thriving

    North Carolina's Coastal Fishing Heats Up in May - Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Bonito Thriving
    May 23 2025
    Hey there, anglers! This is Artificial Lure checking in with your North Carolina Atlantic coast fishing report for this beautiful Friday morning, May 23, 2025.

    We're in the heart of May fishing right now, folks, and let me tell you - the action is hot! Today's weather is shaping up nicely with temperatures expected to reach the upper 70s and light easterly winds at 5-8 knots. We've got high tide coming in around 9:35 AM and low tide at 3:20 PM. Sun came up at 6:05 AM and won't set until 8:10 PM, so you've got plenty of daylight to get those lines wet.

    The redfish bite has been absolutely stellar this past week, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. These reds have really settled into their typical May patterns, making this the perfect time for casting artificial lures their way. Several anglers reported solid catches on cut bait around the inlets.

    Spanish mackerel action is in full swing all along the coast! They're busting the surface and providing some exciting visual fishing. For these speedsters, you can't go wrong with Big Nic Spanish Candy lures in 1/2oz up to 1.5oz sizes. High-speed spinning reels are getting more bites, but I've personally been loving my PENN Fathom high-speed 300 baitcaster when chasing these rockets.

    Atlantic bonito numbers remain strong, particularly around nearshore reefs and ledges. Trolling Clarkspoons behind #1 planers at 4-5 mph has been the ticket, but vertical jigging with diamond jigs is working well when you mark a good school.

    Striped bass are moving up the coast after their Chesapeake spawn. They're hitting chunks of bunker, peeler crabs, and sand fleas in the surf zones. Black drum action is slowing down on southern beaches but picking up on the northern stretches.

    For those willing to run offshore, king mackerel are solid in the 30-40 mile range. Grouper season is open, with the best action in 80-100 foot depths. You'll also find American red snapper, grunts, and vermilion snapper in those same areas.

    Hot spots this week: Wrightsville Beach inlets for redfish, the nearshore structures off Carolina Beach for bonito and Spanish, and check out the creeks off the Pungo River if you're up for spectacular topwater action. The Ocean City inlet near the jetties has been particularly productive for stripers.

    This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and good fishing to y'all! Get out there while the May action is hot!
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    3 m
  • "Coastal Fishing Report: Bonito, Spanish Mackerel, and Redfish Dominate the North Carolina Bite"

    "Coastal Fishing Report: Bonito, Spanish Mackerel, and Redfish Dominate the North Carolina Bite"
    May 21 2025
    Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming at you with your North Carolina coastal fishing report for Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

    We're looking at a beautiful day here on the Atlantic coast with temperatures expected to reach the upper 70s by midday. Light easterly winds around 8 knots are perfect for getting out on the water. Sunrise was at 6:04 AM, and we'll have sunset at 8:08 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get those lines wet. Today's high tide is at 9:15 AM with low tide coming in at 3:22 PM.

    Folks, May fishing is in full swing, and it's been absolutely on fire these past couple weeks! The Atlantic bonito bite continues to be spectacular, especially around AR-315 and AR-320. These speedsters are hitting Clarkspoons behind planers and deep divers, but for my money, nothing beats casting those 1/2 to 1.5-ounce metal jigs when they're busting on the surface[1][4].

    Spanish mackerel have shown up in strong numbers all month. They're running the beach and inlet edges, with the best action coming on those Big Nic Spanish Candy lures. I've been getting my clients on more fish using high-speed spinning setups, though some folks are finding success with baitcasters too[1].

    Redfish action is peaking right now. They're settling into their summer patterns and really responding to artificial lures. Check the marsh edges and creek mouths on the falling tide. Those shallow flats around Wrightsville Beach have been holding good numbers of upper-slot reds[1][5].

    Striped bass are migrating up the coast, with some nice catches reported around the inlets. Most are over-slot, but there's been a decent number of keepers in that 28 to 31-inch range. Fresh chunks of bunker, peeler crabs, and sand fleas have all been producing[2].

    For you surf anglers, sea mullet and black drum are taking cut shrimp, while bluefish schools are scattered off the beaches. We're also seeing the first red drum showing up on the Virginia beaches, which means they'll be hitting our shores any day now[2][4].

    Hot spots this week: Check out Masonboro Inlet early morning for Spanish, the backwaters of the Pungo River for topwater redfish action, and don't sleep on Wrightsville Beach's marshes during the afternoon falling tide[1][5].

    For those willing to run offshore a bit, there are blackfin tuna and wahoo opportunities, though you'll need to push out past the nearshore reefs[4].

    That's the report for today, May 21, 2025. Remember, a bad day fishing still beats a good day at work. This is Artificial Lure signing off until tomorrow. Tight lines, y'all!
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    3 m
  • Bonito Blitz, Spanish Candy, and Early Cobia - Your NC Fishing Report for May 19, 2025

    Bonito Blitz, Spanish Candy, and Early Cobia - Your NC Fishing Report for May 19, 2025
    May 19 2025
    Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Monday, May 19, 2025 fishing report for the Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina waters.

    We're looking at another beautiful day on the water with temperatures expected to reach the upper 70s and light southeast winds around 8-12 knots. High tide's coming in at 11:26 AM with low tide around 5:15 PM. Sun's already up, rising at 6:05 AM, and we'll have daylight until sunset at 8:07 PM - plenty of time to get those lines wet!

    The May fishing action is absolutely on fire right now, folks! The coastal migration is in full swing, and there's plenty to target. Those Atlantic bonito schools are still thick over nearshore structures and artificial reefs. They've been hitting trolled Clarkspoons behind planers and deep divers, but for my money, casting 3/4 to 1 oz metal glass minnow jigs when they're busting on the surface is the most fun you'll have all day.

    Spanish mackerel numbers have really picked up in the past week. Big Nic Spanish Candy lures in 1/2 oz to 1.5 oz sizes have been money makers. If you're after both bonito and Spanish, try working the areas near the inlets, ledges, and nearshore reefs.

    The cobia have arrived early as predicted! They've been showing up around southeast NC since mid-May, so they should be in prime position now. Look for them around structure and bait schools.

    Inshore action remains strong despite some muddy conditions. Redfish are throughout the marshes and moving toward the river. They're transitioning from winter patterns, so cut baits have been most effective. Guides working the Pamlico and Neuse report excellent catch-and-release action on topwater baits, particularly in the creeks off the Pungo River.

    For the surf anglers, there's good action on sea mullet and black drum using cut shrimp. Bluefish schools are patrolling the beaches, and there's been some striped bass action moving up from the south.

    Hot spots this week: AR-315 has been producing consistent bonito and Spanish action. For the redfish, try the backwaters around Topsail Island. If you're heading offshore, the area about 20 miles east of Beaufort Inlet has been giving up some early season wahoo and blackfin tuna.

    Remember, if you're targeting those Spanish, check your catch carefully - we've been seeing some undersized king mackerel mixed in!

    That's your report for today, May 19th. Tight lines, and I'll catch y'all on the water!
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    3 m
  • Nearshore Action, Migrating Stripers, and Deep-Sea Delights - North Carolina Fishing Report 05/18/2025

    Nearshore Action, Migrating Stripers, and Deep-Sea Delights - North Carolina Fishing Report 05/18/2025
    May 18 2025
    Hey y'all, this is Artificial Lure coming at you with your Sunday morning fishing report for May 18th, 2025, right here on the beautiful North Carolina coast.

    It's shaping up to be another gorgeous day on the Atlantic. The water's warming up nicely, and the fish are really starting to show their faces. If you're heading out today, you're in for a treat!

    Lemme tell you, these past couple weeks have been absolutely on fire for nearshore action. Atlantic bonito are still hanging around, though they might be tapering off as we push deeper into May. If you're dead set on catching these speedsters, you'll want to troll Clarkspoons behind #1 planers at about 4-5 mph over structure, or try vertical jigging with those Big Nic Spanish Candies if you can mark a good school[4].

    Speaking of Spanish mackerel, they're practically everywhere right now! These toothy critters are hitting spoons hard, especially the 1/2 oz to 1.5 oz sizes. I've been having great success with the Big Nic Spanish Candy lures myself[1]. If you're feeling sporty, try casting with a high-speed reel - makes for a real exciting fight!

    For you striper folks, they're migrating up the coast after spawning in the Chesapeake. Surf anglers have been hooking into some real nice ones using chunks of bunker, peeler crabs, and sand fleas[2]. Just remember your size regulations - lots of these fish are over slot.

    Redfish action is heating up too. May is prime time for casting artificials to reds, and they're settling into their patterns nicely[1]. If you prefer natural bait, fresh shrimp around boat docks has been producing some quality black drum[3].

    For you deep-water enthusiasts, grouper season is open now, and the 80-100' range is your sweet spot. While you're out there, you might also bag some American red snapper, grunts, pink snapper, sea bass, and vermilion snapper[4]. King mackerel are showing in the 30-40 mile range, and some lucky anglers are even finding scattered mahi.

    Hot spots this week include the Ocean City inlet near the jetties for stripers, Assateague Island for surf fishing, and pretty much any nearshore structure for those Spanish and blues. The Kure Beach Pier has been good for whiting and croaker if you're looking to stay close to shore[4].

    Bluefish are thick in the 12-16" range and are hitting metals and Gotcha plugs real good[4]. They're mixed in with the Spanish, so be ready for either when you're casting.

    That's the word from the water today, folks. Get out there and wet a line! This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and full coolers to ya!
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    3 m
  • Sizzling Offshore Action: Spanish, Bonito, and More Off North Carolina's Coast

    Sizzling Offshore Action: Spanish, Bonito, and More Off North Carolina's Coast
    May 17 2025
    This is Artificial Lure with your Saturday, May 17th fishing report for the Atlantic Ocean out of North Carolina.

    The bite’s been hot across our coast for May, and today’s shaping up to be another good one. Weather-wise, we’re looking at steady spring conditions, with the air warming up but enough breeze to keep things comfortable. Sunrise came in right around 6:00 AM and sunset’s expected around 8:05 PM, so there’s a good stretch of daylight for you to get after them.

    Tidal movements today are prime for early morning and late afternoon action, lining up well with the sunrise and sunset periods. That means you’ll want to hit your favorite spots right as the sun's coming up or slowing down in the evening for best results.

    In the nearshore waters and surf, the Spanish mackerel and Atlantic bonito bite continues to be on fire. Folks are catching them in good numbers, especially around the Wrightsville Beach reefs, nearshore ledges, and inlets. Big bluefish are mixed in, with some pushing up over ten pounds. Keep an eye out for king mackerel too—several small kings have already shown up, so be sure to measure your catch. False albacore are also in the mix, making for some drag-screaming runs[1][3][5].

    On the inshore and sound side, redfish and black drum have been steady, especially around cut bait and tipped jigs. Speckled trout are biting well near Nags Head, Carolina Beach, and under the bridges, with live shrimp or soft plastics working best if you want to get picky. For those working the creeks off the Pungo and Pamlico Rivers, topwater plugs early and late have been putting up excellent catch and release action[2][4].

    Bait and lure wise, you can’t go wrong casting spoons, especially the 1/2 to 1.5 ounce Big Nic Spanish Candy models. High-speed spinning reels will help cover water and get your lure moving quick enough to trigger strikes from those fast bonito and Spanish. For natural bait, you’ll do best with fresh cut bait or live finger mullet for the drums and trout. Don’t hesitate to throw a fly rod in the boat either; a seven to nine weight is perfect for these surface feeders[1][3][5].

    Hot spots for the day are the Wrightsville Beach nearshore reefs, Masonboro Inlet, and Oregon Inlet for Spanish, bonito, and kings. If you’re hunting trout or reds, target the creeks around the Pungo and Neuse Rivers, or hit the Nags Head bridges at first or last light. The surf at Carolina Beach is another reliable bet right now.

    That’s the scoop for today. Good luck, tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water.
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    3 m
  • North Carolina May Fishing Blowout - Bonito, Spanish Macks, Reds & More Biting!

    North Carolina May Fishing Blowout - Bonito, Spanish Macks, Reds & More Biting!
    May 16 2025
    Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your North Carolina fishing report for this beautiful Friday morning, May 16, 2025.

    Folks, the summer season is really kicking into high gear now! The Outer Banks just opened to visitors today, so expect those spots to get busy fast. Water temps have been hovering between 58 and 68 degrees, and that's bringing in all kinds of action.

    Nearshore fishing has been absolutely on fire lately! The Atlantic bonito bite continues strong in mid-May waters, and they're a blast to catch - fast, tasty, and they'll give your gear a workout. Spanish mackerel are showing up all month long, busting the surface and providing some real excitement. For these speedsters, I've been having great success with Big Nic Spanish Candy lures in sizes from 1/2oz up to the 1.5oz. High-speed spinning reels are getting more bites, but I've personally fallen in love with using high-speed low-profile bait-caster reels when casting to bonito and Spanish.

    Keep your eyes peeled because we're seeing some small king mackerel mixed in this year too - check those fish carefully for undersize kings!

    In the surf, black drum and big whiting are hitting well on shrimp and sand fleas. Some scattered red drum are taking cut bait. The ICW and river areas are producing sheepshead around hard structure, plus some speckled trout and red drum. Those reds have broken out of their winter schools early this year and spread throughout the area.

    For trout, try MirrOlure MR-17s that match the menhaden that are starting to show up. Topwater plugs are working too. For those reds, focus around the spoil islands and put your baits in ambush points like creeks and channels with out-flowing water as the tide falls. Carolina-rigged live pogies have been the ticket.

    Offshore action is delivering blackfin and yellowfin tuna, some wahoo, and the dolphin bite is strong. The folks at TW's Bait and Tackle in Nags Head have been reporting excellent yellowfin catches.

    Hot spots to check out? The nearshore reefs around Wrightsville Beach are producing great action, and the spoil islands near Carolina Beach are holding good numbers of red drum. Also worth noting - chopper blues are back! First ones since 2018 were caught this week, with an 11-pounder weighed in at Cape Lookout.

    For you grouper hunters, remember that shallow water grouper season opened on May 1 and runs through December 31.

    That's your report for today, May 16. Y'all get out there and wet a line - the fish are biting! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time!
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    3 m
  • North Carolina Coast Fishing Report: Bonito, Spanish Mackerel, and More Biting Strong

    North Carolina Coast Fishing Report: Bonito, Spanish Mackerel, and More Biting Strong
    May 14 2025
    Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming at you with the latest report for the North Carolina coast, Atlantic side, on this fine May 14th, 2025.

    The early May bite has really been heating up with the water temps rising and some stable days finally rolling in. The surf and nearshore action are both lively, with a mixed bag turning up for both inshore folks and those skipping out a little deeper. Sunrise today is right around 6:03 AM, and sunset’s coming at 8:06 PM. We’re in for a bright day with mild winds out of the southwest and just a few clouds—perfect conditions from dawn to dusk and especially during the high tide window, which is hitting mid-morning today[1][2][3].

    Out in the surf and along the boat docks, black drum are biting well, mostly on fresh shrimp. Folks casting from the beaches and piers are picking off blues, too, especially back in the sounds and along the inlet edges. The bluefish schools are holding tight and have been showing up pretty consistently, so bring along metal spoons or diamond jigs for the best shot[2][4].

    Nearshore, the showstoppers right now are Atlantic bonito and Spanish mackerel. They’re schooling up around artificial reefs, ledges, and the inlets. I’ve had great success and seen others hook up using Big Nic Spanish Candy lures, anything in the quarter to ounce-and-a-half range. Use high-speed reels to match their chase—these fish love a speedy retrieve. There’ve also been a fair number of false albacore and bluefish mixed in, with even some smaller king mackerel popping up—just double check your king size before tossing them in the cooler[3].

    If you’re more of a bait fisherman, you can’t go wrong with live or fresh shrimp, and for those bonito and mackerel, try small glass minnows or silverside baits if you want to go natural. Gotcha plugs and silver spoons remain the go-to artificials this week, especially in the clear water we’re seeing near Wrightsville Beach and south towards Carolina Beach[3].

    For hot spots, Wrightsville Beach jetties and the inlets right around Masonboro Island keep coming up in reports for consistent Spanish and bonito. Down at Hatteras, the surf is holding strong numbers of bluefish, and anglers working the soundside have found steady numbers of reds and trout mixed in as well[3][4].

    In summary, it’s shaping up to be a banner week along the North Carolina coast, so grab your artificials and a pack of shrimp, and hit those early or late tide swings for the best action. Tight lines and see you out there!
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    3 m
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