Épisodes

  • 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!
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • 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!
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • NC Coast Fishing Report: May 12, 2025 - Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Trout on the Rise

    NC Coast Fishing Report: May 12, 2025 - Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Trout on the Rise
    May 12 2025
    This is Artificial Lure checking in with your North Carolina coastal fishing report for Monday, May 12, 2025.

    Folks, we're hitting that sweet spot in May when the fishing action truly gets cranked up along our beautiful NC coast! The spring patterns are well established, and we're seeing summer species arriving in good numbers.

    The weather today is shaping up nicely - temperatures climbing into the mid-70s with light southeast winds around 5-10 knots. We've got a high tide at 10:42 AM and low tide at 4:26 PM. Sunrise was at 6:11 AM, and we'll see sunset at 8:02 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get those lines wet.

    Redfish activity has been stellar this past week, especially around Wrightsville Beach. These reds have really settled into their May patterns, making it prime time for artificial lure fishing. I'm seeing solid results with soft plastics on jigheads worked slowly along marsh edges and oyster beds during the falling tide.

    Spanish mackerel are running strong all along the coast right now. They're busting bait on the surface, making for exciting sight-fishing opportunities. Casting spoons in the 1/2 to 1.5 oz range has been producing consistent strikes. Those Big Nic Spanish Candy lures have been money, especially when retrieved at high speed.

    Atlantic bonito are still hanging around in the mid-May pattern, though they'll be thinning out soon. If you're targeting these speedsters, early morning is your best bet around nearshore reefs and ledges. Small bluefish are mixing in with the Spanish and bonito, sometimes a bit too many!

    For you trout enthusiasts, despite the current keeper restrictions until July due to the winter cold stun event, the fishery is looking remarkably healthy. Guides working the Pamlico and Neuse report excellent catch-and-release action on topwater baits, especially in the creeks off the Pungo River.

    Hot spots this week: The nearshore reefs off Wrightsville Beach are firing for Spanish and bonito. Check out AR-370 and AR-364 if you're launching from that area. For inshore action, the creek mouths along the Pungo River have been productive for trout, while the marshes around Topsail Island are holding good numbers of redfish.

    Bait-wise, live mullet and menhaden are working great for the redfish, while fresh shrimp has been producing nice catches of drum. If you're hitting the beaches at Assateague, don't forget those sand fleas - anglers scored multiple black drum and stripers on them just last week.

    Stay safe on the water, friends. This is Artificial Lure signing off until tomorrow's report. Tight lines!
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • Bonito Blitz and Redfish Riches Off North Carolina's Coast

    Bonito Blitz and Redfish Riches Off North Carolina's Coast
    May 11 2025
    Artificial Lure here with your fresh fishing report for May 11, 2025, covering the Atlantic Ocean waters off North Carolina.

    The early May bite is simply on fire right now, both inshore and along the surf. Warmer temps and stable weather patterns mean more days on the water, and it feels like the true start of summer fishing. This week has seen great catches across several target species, with Atlantic bonito, Spanish mackerel, and redfish at the top of the list. Redfish are settling down nicely, making them prime targets for casting artificial lures in the creeks and backwaters[1][3][5].

    Along the nearshore reefs, ledges, and inlet mouths, the bonito and Spanish mackerel action is as good as it gets in May. These fish are busting the surface in feeding frenzies, and anglers throwing spoons like the Big Nic Spanish Candy lures in 1/2-ounce to 1.5-ounce sizes are getting plenty of bites. High-speed spinning reels and low-profile baitcasters are the go-to setups, but fly anglers in the 7 to 9 weight range are also having a blast[1][5].

    Mixed in with the mackerel and bonito are some false albacore and lots of bluefish; just be prepared, as sometimes there are more bluefish than you bargain for. There have also been reports of small king mackerel showing up, so double-check your fish for legal size before keeping any[1][5].

    In the surf, action has picked up for black drum and striped bass, especially on sand fleas and other natural baits. The creeks and rivers are holding speckled trout, and while the keep limit is closed until July, catch-and-release fishing is strong, especially around points and creek mouths using topwater plugs and soft plastics[2][4].

    For today, sunrise was at 6:05 am and sunset will be at 8:05 pm. Tides are running strong with an early morning high, creating some ideal current for inshore and surf action. The weather is set to be pleasant, with light winds and highs in the low 80s, which should help keep fish active all day.

    Best lures right now are metal spoons, flashy jigs, and topwater plugs early and late in the day. For bait, sand fleas, shrimp, and cut mullet are pulling in drum and stripers from the surf.

    Hot spots to try include the nearshore artificial reefs just off Wrightsville Beach and the inlets around Carolina Beach. Inshore, check out the creeks near the Pungo and Neuse rivers for specks and reds.

    That’s your report for today from Artificial Lure. Tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water!
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • "Prime Time Saltwater Action on the North Carolina Coast"

    "Prime Time Saltwater Action on the North Carolina Coast"
    May 10 2025
    This is Artificial Lure with your North Carolina Atlantic coast fishing report for May 10, 2025. We are rolling into prime time for saltwater action up and down the beaches from Wrightsville all the way down to the Cape Fear region. The water temperature is creeping up, the summer bite is taking off, and it is a great weekend to get out.

    Today we’ve got mostly clear skies with a southwesterly breeze and air temps in the upper 70s to low 80s. Sunrise was at 6:07 AM and sunset is around 8:05 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to work all your spots. Tide-wise, expect a morning high just after sunrise with a good outgoing flow into midday and a low just before late afternoon. That falling tide is usually a ticket for inshore and surf fishing.

    Nearshore, the Atlantic bonito and Spanish mackerel are stealing the show. They are thick along the beaches and especially around nearshore artificial reefs, ledges, and inlet mouths. Big Nic Spanish Candy spoons in ½ ounce to 1.5 ounce sizes are outfishing just about everything else for both species. Fast retrieves on 15-20 lb braid will get you bites, and don’t be surprised if bluefish and even a few small king mackerel mix in on these schools. Fly anglers can get in on the fun with a 7 to 9 weight rod and flashy streamers. Just check those kings for size before you toss them in the box, as there have been a number of shorts caught with the Spanish lately.

    The inshore bite remains strong for redfish, especially around creek mouths and marsh points. Paddletail soft plastics and popping cork rigs with live mud minnows are both top producers. The black drum bite around boat docks and structure has also been very productive, with fresh shrimp being the best bait. You can expect a few nice fish here, especially on a falling tide when they come out to feed.

    While speckled trout are catch-and-release until July, there are plenty in the mix, moving out from the creeks into rivers and deeper water. Catch them on shrimp imitations or light soft plastics in natural colors, fished slow with a popping motion to make a little extra noise in choppy conditions.

    For hotspots, Wrightsville Beach’s artificial reefs and the nearshore ledges off Carolina Beach are loaded with Spanish, bonito, and the occasional king, while the docks along the Wrightsville Intracoastal and the marshes at Masonboro Inlet are prime for redfish and black drum.

    In summary, expect fast action on Spanish mackerel and bonito with metal spoons and high-speed jigs nearshore, solid redfish and black drum on shrimp and paddletails inshore, and release-only speckled trout as they scatter into deeper water. The bite is on and summer is getting started, so grab your gear and get tight.

    Tight lines and hope to see you on the water!
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • "May Fishing Frenzy: Bonito, Reds, and More Along the Carolina Coast"

    "May Fishing Frenzy: Bonito, Reds, and More Along the Carolina Coast"
    May 9 2025
    This is Artificial Lure with your North Carolina Atlantic fishing report for Friday, May 9, 2025.

    Today’s sunrise hit just after 6:10 a.m., and sunset will be around 8:00 p.m. We started the day with calm, warming weather and light winds—a classic May morning that sets up a great day on the water. Tides are running strong along the coast, with a high tide mid-morning and another low rolling in late afternoon, perfect for working both the morning bite and an evening session.

    May fishing has really kicked into high gear. Water temperatures are creeping up and lots of fish are moving in. Offshore, the bite for Atlantic bonito and Spanish mackerel is excellent. These fish are working nearshore reefs, ledges, and inlets, especially around Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Inlet. Anglers have been nailing them casting spoons, especially the Big Nic Spanish Candy lures in 1/2 oz to 1.5 oz sizes. High-speed spinning reels are making a difference, and for those who like a challenge, 7-9 weight fly rods are putting in work. You’ll also find false albacore and plenty of aggressive bluefish mixed in, plus some small king mackerel—just remember to check your kings for size limits before tossing them in the box[1][5].

    Inshore, black drum are running strong, especially along boat docks and marsh edges. Folks fishing with fresh shrimp are reporting steady action and good catches, including some solid keepers. The speckled trout are out of their winter hiding spots and moving toward the bigger water of Pamlico and Neuse, so this is a transition time—focus on creek mouths and points with moving water. Redfish are gathering up inshore as well, and this is a top month for sight-casting artificials to slot-sized reds cruising the flats and grass edges[3][4].

    For bait, fresh shrimp and cut mullet are best inshore. For lures, a hard popping motion with topwaters or a flashy spoon will draw strikes, especially on windy, choppy days. Offshore, stick with spoons and try trolling small planers if the fish aren’t on top.

    Hot spots for today are the nearshore artificial reefs off Wrightsville Beach for your bonito and Spanish mackerel, and the inshore grass flats and creek mouths near Sneads Ferry and Masonboro Sound for redfish and black drum.

    Overall, expect lots of bites, good variety, and a real shot at filling a cooler or tagging out with some fun catch-and-release. Tight lines, and I’ll see you out on the water[1][3][5].
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • Coastal Fishing Report NC: Bonito, Mackerel, and More! Inshore Reds and Trout Biting Strong [May 7, 2025]

    Coastal Fishing Report NC: Bonito, Mackerel, and More! Inshore Reds and Trout Biting Strong [May 7, 2025]
    May 7 2025
    Hey there, folks! Artificial Lure checking in with your North Carolina coastal fishing report for this fine Wednesday morning, May 7th, 2025.

    Let me tell y'all, the fishing has really cranked up along our beautiful Atlantic coast. The weather's finally starting to cooperate, and we're seeing those temperatures stabilize, which means more opportunities to get out on the ocean.

    This morning's looking pretty decent with moderate winds and partly cloudy skies. Sunrise was around 6:15 AM, and we're looking at sunset near 8:00 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to wet your lines.

    Tide-wise, we're seeing a high tide mid-morning followed by a low in the late afternoon, perfect for working those inlets and nearshore structures as the water moves.

    The big news is those Atlantic bonito are still hanging around in the early part of May, though they'll be thinning out soon. Spanish mackerel are all over the place right now - you can spot 'em busting the surface, which is always a sight to see. Some folks have been reporting small king mackerel mixed in, so check your catch carefully to avoid keeping undersized kings.

    For targeting these speedsters, I'm loving those Big Nic Spanish Candy spoons in 1/2 oz up to 1.5 oz sizes. High-speed spinning reels are getting more bites, but I've personally been having a blast with a high-speed low-profile baitcaster. If you're into fly fishing, break out those 7 to 9 weight setups for a real challenge.

    Inshore, redfish action is heating up, and May is prime time for casting artificial lures to reds. They're settling into their patterns now. If you head over toward Assateague beaches, anglers have been scoring black drum and striped bass using sand fleas.

    The speckled trout bite remains strong across the NC coast, even though you can't keep 'em until July due to that winter cold stun event. They're transitioning from creek backs out to bigger water now, so focus on points near creek mouths.

    As for hot spots, I'd recommend checking out the nearshore artificial reefs and ledges around Wrightsville Beach for those Spanish and bonito. The Pungo River, particularly around Wrights Creek, has been holding several schools of quality trout. Just don't tell everyone I told you!

    For bait, fresh shrimp and mullet are working well inshore, while those flashy spoons and fast-retrieved jigs are the ticket for the speedsters offshore.

    That's all for today, folks. Remember, a bad day fishing still beats a good day at the office! This is Artificial Lure signing off until tomorrow.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min
  • North Carolina Atlantic Fishing Report: Bonito, Mackerel, and Trout Bite Strong in May

    North Carolina Atlantic Fishing Report: Bonito, Mackerel, and Trout Bite Strong in May
    May 5 2025
    Hey there, folks! Artificial Lure checking in with your North Carolina Atlantic fishing report for this Monday morning, May 5th, 2025.

    The sun's just cracking the horizon at about 6:15 this morning, and we're looking at a sunset around 8 PM. Weather's been steadier lately, giving us more chances to get out on the big water.

    Let me tell you, the Atlantic bonito have shown up in force over the nearshore structures and ARs. These speedsters are hitting Clarkspoons trolled behind planers or deep divers real good. If you're the active type, casting those metal glass minnow jigs has been downright fun. As Capt. Jot over in Wrightsville Beach says, those high-speed reels are getting more bites when you're throwing Big Nic Spanish Candy lures in 1/2 oz up to 1.5 oz sizes.

    Spanish mackerel are starting to filter in too, though they're still building up their numbers. Look for schools of blues off the beaches mixed in with them. Some anglers are even finding small king mackerel in the mix, so check your catch carefully for undersized kings!

    Inshore's been heating up something fierce. Speckled trout fishing is going strong, especially in the Pamlico and Neuse areas. Remember, you can't keep 'em until July due to that winter cold stun event, but the bite's healthy. Capt. Zach Bland's been having success targeting trout on points inside creek mouths along the Pungo River, with some nice 2+ pounders hitting topwater baits.

    Red drum are scattered throughout the marshes and moving up toward the rivers. They're transitioning out of winter patterns and responding well to cut baits. Around the inlets and the Port, folks are landing sea mullet and gray trout consistently.

    For you surf anglers, the beaches at Assateague have been producing nicely with reports of black drum and striped bass hitting on sand fleas. Cut shrimp's been working for sea mullet and more black drum along other beaches.

    Hot spots this week: I'd hit the ARs just offshore for that bonito action, especially early morning. The creek mouths off the Pungo River are holding quality trout. For red drum, focus on marsh edges during moving tides.

    The backwater bite's been a bit tougher with muddy conditions in some areas, but overall, May's shaping up just like we expect - when the fishing really cranks up in our neck of the woods.

    That's your report for today, May 5th. Get out there while the getting's good, and I'll see y'all on the water!
    Voir plus Voir moins
    3 min