Southport Fishing Charters
Southport fishing charters offer quick access to the Cape Fear River, nearshore reefs, and offshore ledges where anglers target red drum, flounder, king mackerel, and more.
Top Rated Charters in Southport
TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Southport, North Carolina —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.
Southport, NC Fishing Guide
Southport sits at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, with Bald Head Island to the south and the Atlantic just minutes away, making it one of the most versatile charter hubs on the Carolina coast. Inshore trips here commonly target redfish, trout, flounder, and sheepshead in the back bays, creeks, and around the river’s rock jetties. Half-day charters are often enough for these close-range spots, while full-day trips open up offshore wrecks, ledges, and bluewater for kingfish, mahi, and the occasional sailfish run.
The Cape Fear River itself is a key feature of the local fishery. It provides brackish water action year-round and serves as a major migration funnel, especially in spring and fall. Nearshore, you’ll find structure like AR-425, Christmas Rock, and Frying Pan Shoals just a short run out, holding Spanish mackerel, amberjack, cobia, and sharks. Offshore runs from Southport typically range 15–40 miles, depending on the target species and weather, with trolling and bottom fishing being the primary methods out deep.
Most captains launch from Southport Marina or the nearby public ramp at Wildlife Boat Ramp (off Fish Factory Road). Tides and wind play a big role in planning—Cape Fear can get tricky when the tide’s running hard, and the shoals can build fast. Live bait is the go-to for inshore trips (mud minnows, shrimp, or finger mullet), while offshore charters often use slow-trolled live menhaden, dead cigar minnows, or jigs depending on the season.
Whether you’re sneaking into the marsh for reds or running 30 miles to chase mahi, Southport delivers a charter fishery that balances accessibility with real variety. It’s a working port with a laid-back feel and serious fish just about everywhere you look.
Fishing Seasons in Southport
Spring
Spring fishing in Southport kicks off with warming water in March and a steady uptick in action by April. Redfish school tighter in the river and back bays, and speckled trout rebound after winter. Sheepshead show up around dock pilings and bridges, hitting fiddler crabs and barnacle-scraped shrimp. Offshore, king mackerel start to push in closer to shore and the early cobia run begins by late April. Captains often run live baits along nearshore wrecks, or jig for black sea bass while waiting for a big bite. Spring winds can limit offshore runs, but when the weather cooperates, full-day trips are productive.
Summer
Summer is peak charter season in Southport, with everything from kids’ inshore trips to full-day offshore hunts running daily. Redfish and flounder are consistent inshore targets, especially around marsh drains, oyster beds, and the river jetties. Shrimp under a popping cork or live mullet on a Carolina rig gets it done. Offshore, kingfish, mahi, and occasional sailfish are targeted along the 20–40 mile line. Early mornings are key to beating the heat and the boat traffic. Shark trips also get popular, especially with families looking for action. Tarpon are a wildcard, occasionally showing near the shoals or river mouth in late summer.
Fall
Fall fishing in Southport is about timing the migration. Big red drum stack up near the river mouth and in the surf zones around Bald Head and Caswell Beach. Trout fishing turns on in creeks and river sloughs, especially after the first cold snaps. This is prime time for throwing artificial lures—soft plastics, topwater plugs, and twitch baits all draw strikes. Offshore, king mackerel feed heavily in 10–20 miles of water, and big schools of false albacore and bonito show up just off the beaches. The weather starts to get more stable than summer, with light winds and cool mornings making for perfect full-day runs.
Winter
Winter narrows things down, but good fishing is still on the table. Redfish push into tighter schools in the creeks and flats, especially on warmer days with good sun. Sight fishing becomes a real option in the clearer water. Speckled trout hang in deeper holes and around warmwater discharges, hitting slow presentations like soft plastics on jigheads. Offshore runs are fewer, but black sea bass, tautog, and sheepshead are still found on bottom structure. Most winter charters in Southport stay inshore or nearshore due to weather windows, with many captains using this season to dial in tactics or offer short, specialized trips.
Gamefish in Southport
- Redfish – 18–30+ inches Found year-round in creeks, river edges, and jetty structure. Caught on live shrimp, mullet, or artificial paddletails.
- Speckled Trout – 14–24 inches Best in spring and fall in creeks and sloughs. Target with soft plastics, MirrOlures, or live shrimp under corks.
- Flounder – 14–25 inches Caught around docks, grass edges, and jetty rocks. Fished with mullet or mud minnows on Carolina rigs.
- King Mackerel – 10–40+ pounds Trolled offshore using live menhaden or dead cigar minnows. Best spring through fall.
- Mahi Mahi – 5–30 pounds Found 20–40 miles out on weed lines and ledges. Caught trolling ballyhoo or jigs.
- Cobia – 20–60 pounds Seen near buoys, bait pods, and wrecks. Targeted with live bait or bucktails.
- Sheepshead – 3–10 pounds Found near pilings and jetties. Fiddler crabs are the top bait.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–5 pounds Bottom-fished on wrecks using squid, cut bait, or jigs.
- False Albacore – 5–15 pounds Chased in fall around nearshore schools. Caught on fast retrieves with epoxy jigs or spoons.
Southport Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters are available in Southport?
Southport offers inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing charters ranging from quick half-days to full-day bluewater trips.
Where do most Southport fishing charters leave from?
Most trips launch from Southport Marina or the Wildlife Boat Ramp off Fish Factory Road, both offering quick access to the river and open ocean.
Is the Cape Fear River safe to fish from a charter boat?
Yes, experienced captains are used to navigating the river’s shifting tides and shoals. It’s a productive and safe area when you go with someone who knows the water.
What fish can I catch on an inshore trip in Southport?
Expect redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead on inshore charters—especially in the creeks and around the river mouth.
How far offshore do charters usually run from Southport?
Offshore trips typically run 15 to 40 miles depending on weather and target species like king mackerel, mahi, and sea bass.
Do I need to bring a fishing license for a charter in Southport?
No. Licensed charter captains provide coverage for all anglers onboard under their North Carolina blanket license.
What’s the best time of year to fish in Southport?
Fall and spring are the most productive overall, but summer brings the widest range of species and consistent weather for longer trips.
Is live bait used on Southport fishing charters?
Yes, live bait like shrimp, mullet, and menhaden are commonly used inshore and nearshore. Offshore trips may also use rigged dead bait or jigs.
Can families or kids go on fishing trips in Southport?
Absolutely—many captains offer family-friendly trips tailored to shorter durations and easier fishing, especially in the calm waters of the river and creeks.
