Wilmington Fishing Charters
Wilmington fishing charters offer quick access to the Cape Fear River, barrier island inlets, and nearshore wrecks where inshore, nearshore, and deep sea species stack up year-round.
Top Rated Charters in Wilmington
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Wilmington, NC Fishing Guide
Wilmington sits in a prime spot for charter fishing thanks to its mix of estuary systems, inlets, and easy ocean access. Most local trips run out of the Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and downtown Cape Fear launches, giving anglers flexibility depending on weather, tide, and target species. Half-day inshore and nearshore charters are the bread and butter here, but plenty of captains also run full-day offshore trips targeting deeper ledges and Gulf Stream waters.
The inshore fishery is driven by the Cape Fear River, Masonboro Sound, and a complex network of creeks and flats around Wrightsville Beach. These waters hold redfish, speckled trout, and flounder year-round, with the best inshore action usually running spring through fall. Most inshore guides fish with live shrimp under popping corks, cut bait around structure, or soft plastics on jigheads. Light tackle and sight-casting are common, especially in the cooler months when the water clears up.
For nearshore and reef trips, charters often run 3 to 15 miles out, depending on sea conditions and what’s biting. Summer sees a strong king mackerel and Spanish mackerel bite, along with bonito, false albacore, and seasonal mahi close in when the water pushes warm. Bottom fishing for black sea bass and grunts is also a popular winter and spring tactic on half-day trips.
Offshore trips from Wilmington push 30 to 60 miles to hit the Gulf Stream and edge zones. These trips target mahi, tuna, sailfish, and wahoo with a mix of high-speed trolling and drifting live bait. Spring and fall tend to be the best windows for pelagics, but summertime still sees plenty of action when the water pushes in.
Fishing Seasons in Wilmington
Spring
Spring fishing in Wilmington fires up quick as water temps rise. Redfish school tight inshore, flounder show up around docks and creek mouths, and speckled trout feed aggressively in the shallows. Nearshore, Spanish mackerel and bonito move in by April, often blitzing bait just off the beach. Offshore anglers start trolling for mahi and wahoo as the Gulf Stream action builds, with April and May producing some of the year’s best pelagic runs.
Summer
Summer means options. Early mornings inshore produce solid redfish and trout bites before the heat sets in. Flounder fishing picks up around jetties, bridges, and docks. Nearshore waters are busy with king mackerel, Spanish, and the occasional cobia cruising bait schools. Offshore trips run hard to the stream for mahi, sailfish, and blackfin tuna, while bottom fishing around ledges delivers steady results when the surface bite slows down mid-day.
Fall
Fall might be Wilmington’s best all-around season. Inshore, trout fishing peaks in October and November with solid action on artificials. Redfish stay active, and flounder stick around until the first big cold front. Offshore, wahoo become a top target, and king mackerel stack up along the beach, making for epic live bait trolling runs within sight of land. Fall also offers great conditions for bottom fishing trips in 50–80 feet of water.
Winter
While winter fishing slows down overall, there’s still solid action for those who know where to look. Inshore, redfish stay schooled up in creeks and marshes, especially on sunny days. Trout can still be caught deep in the rivers using slow presentations. Offshore, black sea bass, grunts, and triggerfish are reliable on bottom spots. Occasional breaks in the weather allow for quick trips out to nearshore reefs when conditions line up.
Gamefish in Wilmington
- Redfish – 16"–30"+ Found inshore around oyster beds, grass lines, and creek mouths. Targeted with cut mullet, shrimp, or soft plastics on jigheads.
- Speckled Trout – 12"–24" Caught in creeks, marsh edges, and drop-offs using MirrOlures, paddle tails, or live shrimp under corks.
- Flounder – 14"–25" Targeted near docks, bridges, and inlets with live finger mullet or soft plastics dragged along the bottom.
- Spanish Mackerel – 12"–24" Nearshore schools from spring through early fall. Caught trolling spoons or casting jigs to surface action.
- King Mackerel – 24"–45"+ Found around bait pods 5–20 miles offshore. Caught slow-trolling live bait or dead baits on wire rigs.
- Mahi-Mahi – 10–30+ lbs Caught offshore in spring and summer. Trolled up near weed lines or debris in the Gulf Stream.
- Wahoo – 20–60+ lbs Fall offshore target, hit with high-speed trolling near ledges and current breaks.
- Black Sea Bass – 12"–20" Caught year-round on reefs and wrecks using squid or cut bait on bottom rigs.
- Bonito – 3–10 lbs Spring nearshore fighter. Caught casting metal jigs or trolling small spoons.
Wilmington Fishing FAQs
What types of charters are available in Wilmington?
Wilmington offers inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing charters. Half-day trips usually target inshore and reef species, while full-day trips push offshore for pelagics.
Where do most fishing charters leave from in Wilmington?
Most trips launch from Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, or the downtown Cape Fear waterfront. Your captain will choose based on tide and target species.
Do I need a fishing license?
No. When you book a licensed charter in Wilmington, you’re covered under the captain’s blanket fishing license.
What can I catch on a half-day inshore trip?
Redfish, speckled trout, and flounder are common inshore targets. Depending on season, black drum and sheepshead might also be in the mix.
Is offshore fishing good out of Wilmington?
Yes. Offshore trips out of Wilmington target mahi, wahoo, tuna, and sailfish. Most runs are 30–60 miles to reach the best Gulf Stream areas.
Are Wilmington fishing charters family-friendly?
Absolutely. Many local captains specialize in family trips, offering light tackle action in calm waters ideal for beginners and kids.
What’s the best time of year to fish in Wilmington?
Fall offers the most consistent action inshore and nearshore, but spring and summer are excellent too. Winter still produces fish with the right approach.
What should I bring on the boat?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, weather-appropriate clothing, snacks, drinks, and a cooler to take your catch home. Most gear is provided by the captain.
Can I keep what I catch?
Yes, within legal limits. Most Wilmington charters will clean and bag your catch for you at the dock.
