Wrightsville Beach Fishing Charters
Wrightsville Beach fishing charters put anglers on productive inshore flats, nearshore reefs, and deep sea ledges just a short run from the dock.
Top Rated Charters in Wrightsville Beach
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Wrightsville Beach, NC Fishing Guide
Wrightsville Beach is one of North Carolina’s most consistent saltwater fisheries, thanks to its mix of inshore creeks, barrier island sloughs, and quick Gulf Stream access offshore. Most local charters offer half-day and full-day options, with half-days targeting inshore species around the Intracoastal Waterway and Masonboro Sound, while full-day trips can push out 20–40 miles for pelagic species.
Inshore fishing around Wrightsville centers on redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. The marshes, docks, and creek mouths near Masonboro Island, Lee’s Cut, and Bradley Creek produce well on light tackle. Live shrimp under popping corks or soft plastics on jigheads are go-to baits, especially during moving water around tide changes. Sight fishing for reds is possible on calm days, especially in fall and early spring when water clarity improves.
Nearshore trips often hit artificial reefs and live bottom within 10–15 miles for Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, and amberjack. Popular spots include the 5-Mile Boxcars and AR-372. Trolling with Clark spoons, slow-trolling live bait, and vertical jigging are standard tactics.
Offshore runs target mahi, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and billfish when conditions allow. Wrightsville’s offshore grounds start to get productive around the 20-mile mark, but serious deep sea trips may run 50+ miles to reach the Gulf Stream.
Boats typically launch from the Wrightsville Beach Public Boat Ramp or private marinas like Seapath and Bridge Tender. With quick ocean access via Masonboro Inlet, run times are short and productive water is never far. Whether you’re throwing topwater plugs in the backwater or chasing mahi offshore, Wrightsville fishing offers year-round action and variety.
Fishing Seasons in Wrightsville Beach
Spring
Spring kicks off the action with warming waters bringing speckled trout out of their winter holes and redfish back into shallow creeks. Flounder begin to show by late April, especially around docks and jetties. Nearshore, Spanish mackerel arrive in force and are a top target for half-day charters. Offshore anglers can expect blackfin tuna and the occasional early mahi bite. Live bait becomes more consistent, and the tides bring better water clarity for sight fishing.
Summer
Summer fishing in Wrightsville is all about variety. Inshore, early mornings are best for topwater redfish and trout before the heat sets in. Flounder are at their peak through July, with some keepers coming from inlets and deep creek bends. Nearshore reefs light up with king mackerel, cobia, and sharks. Offshore trips chase mahi, wahoo, and sailfish out toward the Gulf Stream. Families often book shorter trips during summer, but serious offshore anglers also see big opportunities.
Fall
Fall might be the best overall fishing season here. Cooler temps and bait migrations fire up redfish, trout, and flounder inshore—especially around oyster points, grass lines, and dock pilings. Bull reds push into nearshore waters and Masonboro Inlet by late September. King mackerel stack up on nearshore ledges, and false albacore start blitzing bait pods just off the beach. Offshore, wahoo and blackfin tuna dominate long runs, with less boat traffic and cooler weather making it a charter favorite.
Winter
Winter narrows the focus but doesn’t shut it down. Speckled trout concentrate in deeper holes and respond to slow presentations with soft plastics or MirrOlures. Redfish school up in shallow, sunny flats, making them perfect sight-fishing targets on calm days. Most offshore and nearshore trips wind down, but a few charters still chase tuna when the window opens. Inshore, it’s a technical bite—but the fish are there, and pressure is light.
Gamefish in Wrightsville Beach
- Redfish – 16–40” Found inshore year-round, especially near grass edges, docks, and flats. Target with soft plastics, cut bait, or topwater lures on calm mornings.
- Speckled Trout – 12–25” Most active fall through spring. Fish around creek mouths, oyster beds, and current seams using soft plastics or suspending twitch baits.
- Flounder – 12–24” Caught near docks, jetties, and sandy bottoms using live mud minnows, finger mullet, or bucktail jigs. Peak in late spring and summer.
- Spanish Mackerel – 12–24” Run strong in spring and summer near the beach. Troll with spoons or cast to surface feeds using glass minnows or jigs.
- King Mackerel – 24–50” Targeted nearshore in summer and fall with slow-trolled live bait over reefs and ledges.
- Cobia – 30–60” Seen in late spring and summer. Sight-fished near buoys or slow-trolled on nearshore reefs.
- Mahi-Mahi – 20–40” Offshore species found May through August. Troll ballyhoo or skirted lures near weed lines and temperature breaks.
- Wahoo – 30–60” Best in fall offshore. High-speed troll with lures or rigged baits over deep ledges.
- Blackfin Tuna – 15–30” Caught offshore in spring and fall. Troll feathers or vertical jig around structure and bait balls.
Wrightsville Beach Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters are available in Wrightsville Beach?
Wrightsville offers inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing charters. Half-day trips usually stay inshore or hit nearby reefs, while full-day trips target deep sea species.
Where do Wrightsville Beach charters typically launch from?
Most captains launch from the Wrightsville Beach Public Boat Ramp or marinas like Seapath, Bridge Tender, or Dockside. Masonboro Inlet provides quick ocean access.
Do I need a fishing license for a Wrightsville Beach charter?
No, you’re covered under the captain’s license when fishing with a licensed charter in North Carolina waters
What’s the best time of year to fish in Wrightsville Beach?
Fall offers the best mix of inshore and offshore action, but spring and summer are strong too. Winter slows down but still produces trout and redfish inshore.
Can we keep what we catch on a Wrightsville charter?
Yes, within legal limits. Your captain will help you follow size and bag limits and may clean your catch at the dock.
What kind of gear is used on Wrightsville Beach inshore trips?
Light spinning tackle with soft plastics, popping corks, or live bait is common. Some guides also offer fly fishing setups for redfish and trout.
How far offshore do Wrightsville Beach deep sea charters go?
Offshore trips usually run 20–50+ miles, depending on conditions and target species like mahi, wahoo, or tuna.
Are Wrightsville Beach fishing charters family-friendly?
Yes. Many captains offer shorter, nearshore trips tailored for families and beginners, especially during summer months.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If conditions are unsafe, most Wrightsville captains will reschedule or offer a refund. Safety and good judgment come first.
