Carolina Beach & Kure Beach Seasonal Fishing Guide

Carolina Beach offers year-round fishing opportunities, with each season bringing its own unique angling experiences. Whether you're casting a line from the shore, pier, or charter boat, here's what you can expect throughout the year:

Spring (March to June)

Spring marks the beginning of prime fishing season in Carolina Beach. As waters warm up, various species become more active:

Redfish and speckled trout start biting more frequently
Bluefish and Spanish mackerel arrive in coastal waters
Offshore fishing for yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, and wahoo picks up

Tip: Spring is an excellent time for inshore fishing, targeting flounder, red drum, and spotted seatrout.

Summer (June to August)

Summer brings peak fishing activity to Carolina Beach:

Inshore fishing for flounder, red drum, and spotted seatrout is at its best
Offshore opportunities include mahi mahi, wahoo, and various tuna species
Pier fishing is popular for species like king mackerel and Spanish mackerel

Note: Summer is ideal for charter boat fishing, surf fishing, and pier fishing.

Fall (September to November)

Fall offers some of the best fishing opportunities in Carolina Beach:

Redfish and speckled trout fishing reaches its peak
Flounder fishing remains strong
Offshore fishing for king mackerel, wahoo, and sailfish is excellent

Highlight: Fall brings tranquil fishing conditions and the chance to fill limits of redfish and speckled trout in just a couple of hours.

Winter (December to February)

While fishing slows down in winter, there are still opportunities for dedicated anglers:

Inshore fishing for black drum and redfish continues
Bluefin tuna become available for offshore trips
Speckled trout can be caught in deeper inshore waters

Tip: Winter is a great time to target speckled trout, especially from October to December.

Year-Round Fishing

Some species can be targeted throughout the year in Carolina Beach:

Redfish (red drum)
Black drum
Bluefish

Remember to check current regulations and obtain the necessary licenses before your fishing trip. A valid North Carolina Saltwater Fishing License is required for fishing in saltwater in Carolina Beach.

For the best experience, consider hiring a local charter or guide who can provide insider knowledge on current fishing conditions and hotspots.

Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, Carolina Beach offers fantastic fishing opportunities in every season. Plan your trip today and experience the thrill of coastal fishing in this beautiful North Carolina destination.