Carolina Beach Fishing Charters
Carolina Beach fishing charters serve up both inshore action in the Cape Fear estuary and deep sea runs to the Gulf Stream for mahi, tuna, and bottom fish.
Top Rated Charters in Carolina Beach
TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Carolina Beach, 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.
Carolina Beach, NC Fishing Guide
Carolina Beach is a prime launch point for anglers looking to tap into the diverse waters off southeastern North Carolina. Most charter captains here run everything from quick half-day inshore trips to full-day offshore runs, with flexible options depending on the season and sea conditions. Inshore charters typically target the tidal creeks, marshes, and sounds surrounding the Cape Fear River, while nearshore trips may drift the inlets or run out a few miles to chase Spanish mackerel, false albacore, or reef species. For those looking to run farther, deep sea charters can hit the break 40–60 miles out, trolling blue water for pelagics or bottom fishing the ledges.
Boat ramps and pickup points are usually at Carolina Beach State Park Marina or Snow’s Cut. Inshore spots are often minutes from the dock, but offshore runs can range from 5 to 60 miles, depending on what you’re after. The nearshore reefs—like AR-378 and Frying Pan Shoals—offer productive bottom structure without the long haul, especially in summer and fall.
Bait and tackle depend heavily on the target species. Inshore trips usually rely on popping corks, soft plastics, or live bait like finger mullet or mud minnows. For king mackerel or cobia nearshore, captains slow troll live menhaden on stinger rigs. Offshore trolling spreads use ballyhoo rigged on sea witches or islanders, while bottom trips favor squid, sardines, and jigs dropped to structure. The fishery here is seasonal but steady, with spring and fall being especially productive.
Whether you’re drifting the estuary for reds or pushing 60 miles out for tuna, Carolina Beach fishing has the range and structure to keep rods bent all year.
Fishing Seasons in Carolina Beach
Spring
As waters warm up, red drum and speckled trout move into the inshore creeks around Carolina Beach in good numbers. Flounder season kicks off in late spring, often around docks and sandy pockets. Nearshore, Spanish mackerel and bluefish show up by April, and kingfish start pushing closer to the beach by May. Offshore boats troll for blackfin tuna and early mahi around the break. Spring is a strong time for both short and long trips, with moderate seas and increasing bait activity.
Summer
This is peak season for families booking half- and full-day trips. Inshore, redfish are active at first and last light, while flounder hold around docks and channels. Nearshore action heats up with Spanish mackerel, kings, and the occasional cobia. Offshore, mahi, wahoo, sailfish, and blackfin tuna are all possible if you make the run. Bottom fishing around the ledges can also produce grouper and snapper. Morning trips beat the heat and winds, especially in July and August.
Fall
Fall fishing around Carolina Beach can be lights out. Speckled trout stack up in the creeks and channels, and red drum are aggressive ahead of winter. King mackerel migrate through hard, especially late September into November. False albacore blitz the nearshore waters, offering light tackle excitement. Offshore, wahoo and blackfin tuna dominate the troll. Many locals consider this the best all-around fishing window—less boat traffic, cooler temps, and fat fish feeding hard.
Winter
Winter means shorter trips but steady bites in the right spots. Speckled trout remain in deep creeks and are caught on soft plastics and twitch baits. Redfish gather in winter schools on the flats and warm mud bottoms. Offshore, weather windows allow trips for blackfin tuna, bottom species like beeliners, and even a stray wahoo. Cold weather doesn’t shut the bite down here—you just need a good captain who knows where they hold.
Gamefish in Carolina Beach
- Red Drum – 18–45" Caught year-round inshore, especially around creek mouths, oyster beds, and docks. Commonly targeted with live bait under popping corks or soft plastics on jig heads.
- Speckled Trout – 14–25" Best in spring and fall. Found in deeper holes, creek mouths, and around shell bottom. Twitch baits, soft plastics, and shrimp under floats work well.
- Flounder – 14–24" Targeted from late spring through early fall. Found around sandy drop-offs, jetty rocks, and docks using live mullet or soft plastics.
- Spanish Mackerel – 12–24" Run nearshore from spring through fall. Caught trolling small spoons or casting jigs into bait balls.
- King Mackerel – 10–40 lbs Best in summer and fall. Targeted by slow trolling live menhaden or dead baits on stinger rigs 3–10 miles out.
- Cobia – 20–60 lbs Caught nearshore and around buoys or bait pods in late spring and early summer. Sight fished or slow trolled.
- Mahi-Mahi – 10–30 lbs Run offshore May through August. Trolled with rigged ballyhoo near the break or floating debris.
- Wahoo – 20–70 lbs Fall and winter favorite offshore. Fast trolled with deep divers or planers around structure in 150–300 feet.Wahoo – 20–70 lbs Fall and winter favorite offshore. Fast trolled with deep divers or planers around structure in 150–300 feet.
- Blackfin Tuna – 10–30 lbs Caught offshore year-round, especially fall through spring. Trolled with feathers, ballyhoo, or vertical jigged.
Carolina Beach Fishing FAQs
What’s the best time of year to fish in Carolina Beach?
Fall offers the best all-around fishing, with strong inshore trout and red drum action and excellent nearshore and offshore opportunities for kings, albacore, and wahoo.
Do Carolina Beach charters offer half-day trips?
Yes, many local captains offer half-day inshore or nearshore trips, perfect for families or anglers looking for a quick morning or evening bite.
Where do most Carolina Beach fishing charters depart from?
Most boats launch out of Carolina Beach State Park Marina or Snow’s Cut, with easy access to both inshore waters and the ocean.
Can we keep the fish we catch?
In most cases, yes. North Carolina fishing regulations apply, and your captain will help ensure size and bag limits are followed.
What kind of bait is used on inshore trips around Carolina Beach?
Live bait like mud minnows, finger mullet, or shrimp is common. Soft plastics and popping cork rigs are also staples for trout and reds.
How far offshore do charters go?
Nearshore trips stay within 10 miles, often on artificial reefs. Full-day offshore trips can run 40–60 miles to reach Gulf Stream waters.
Is bottom fishing available out of Carolina Beach?
Yes, bottom trips target grouper, snapper, and sea bass on ledges and reefs offshore. These are best on full-day charters with calm weather.
Are fishing licenses included on charters?
Yes. North Carolina requires a license, but any charter operating legally will have you covered under their blanket license.
What should I bring on my Carolina Beach charter?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, drinks, and weather-appropriate clothing. The captain provides rods, tackle, bait, and licenses.
