Late May Coastal Fishing Frenzy - Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, and More Biting Nearshore and Inshore Podcast Por arte de portada

Late May Coastal Fishing Frenzy - Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, and More Biting Nearshore and Inshore

Late May Coastal Fishing Frenzy - Spanish Mackerel, Bonito, and More Biting Nearshore and Inshore

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 Good morning from Wilmington, this is Artificial Lure checking in with your local fishing report for Friday, May 23, 2025.

We are rolling into classic late May coastal conditions, and the bite has been very consistent both inshore and nearshore. Sunrise hit around 6:08 AM with sunset expected at about 8:13 PM, so there is a full day of action ahead. Weather is looking favorable today—warm temps in the high 70s, light winds, and mostly sunny skies, making for a comfortable day on the water.

Tide-wise, we’ve got an early morning outgoing that switches up around midday, so adjust your spot choices based on moving water, especially for those inshore species.

Here’s the rundown on what’s hot: Nearshore, Atlantic bonito have been active, especially in the early part of May, and Spanish mackerel are running strong all month long. Anglers are seeing fast action on the artificial reefs and ledges just outside Masonboro and Carolina Beach Inlet. Spanish mackerel in particular have been hitting silver spoons, especially the Big Nic Spanish Candy lures from half-ounce up to one and a half ounces. Use high-speed spinning or low-profile baitcaster reels for the most fun. Fly anglers, this is your window too—a seven to nine weight rod will give you all the fight you can handle with these species. Mixed in, you’ll find bluefish and a few small king mackerel, so check those kings carefully for size before keeping them[2][4].

Inshore, the black drum bite has been very productive, especially around docks and rock piles where anglers using fresh shrimp for bait have been cleaning up. Speckled trout are still hanging in the creeks and along the river—try soft plastics in natural colors on light jigheads. Live shrimp under a popping cork will also do the trick for both trout and redfish. Red drum are mixed in with the trout and are also present in the marshes and backwater bays. Boat anglers reported solid catches of drum and trout around the Wrightsville Beach area and up the Cape Fear River[1][3][4].

If you’re looking for a couple of hot spots, try heading out to the nearshore reefs off Wrightsville Beach for Spanish and bonito, or target the docks along the Intracoastal Waterway for black drum. Trails End ramp is a good launch point for both directions.

Best baits today are silver spoons and casting jigs nearshore, and fresh shrimp or soft plastics inshore. Don’t overlook live bait for the pickier trout and reds. The bite has been best on the moving tides.

Sounds like limits are within reach for many anglers this week—one trip reported 30 fish in just a few hours out by Masonboro. Enjoy the great weather and tight lines to all.

This is Artificial Lure—see you on the water.
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