Wrightsville Beach Local Fishing Reports #83RT
Wrightsville Beach Local Anglers are reporting:
Inshore
- Anglers are pulling in some solid finger mullet and red drum. Even with the heat cranking up, there are days that are just prime for fishing. A lot of the red drum being reeled in are hovering around the 22-inch mark. If you’re looking for a tip, rigging finger mullet on jig heads or Carolina rigs is the way to go.
- Flounder? Yeah, they’re showing up in impressive numbers.
- Every now and then, you’ll hook a speckled trout. And when you do, they’re usually a decent size.
- Red drum are still active and biting, even though they’re spread out in their typical summer spots. Pro tip: Hit the water early. The slight drop in temperature makes a big difference in their feeding pattern.
- The Cape Fear River is a hotspot right now, especially for flounder. If you’re bottom-rigging live bait in the usual redfish zones, you’re in for some action.
- For those chasing speckled trout, topwater baits and soft plastics are getting results.
- Black drum are being landed around hard structures, especially when you’re baiting with live shrimp or fiddler crabs.
- While targeting other fish, you might stumble upon a ton of flounder. Drop live bait to the bottom, and you’ll likely get their attention.
- Red drum are around in good numbers, but they’re scattered. It’s their usual summer vibe.
- Beachside, anglers are reeling in a mix: croakers, bluefish, sharks, and the occasional pompano.
- If you’re after speckled trout, your best bet is right at dawn.
- For black drum and sheepshead, focus around bridges, docks, and channel markers. Bait with crabs or shrimp, and you’re golden.
- The river’s bait scene is buzzing. Finger mullet are especially abundant and are prime for targeting red drum. Adjust your strategy with the tides: high tides, focus on grassy areas; low tides, aim for deeper spots off the bank.
- Black drum fishing in the river is lit, with some catches reaching up to 22 inches.
- Bottom fishing enthusiasts are reporting good hauls of whiting, croakers, and some chunky sheepshead.
- If you’re casting plugs, you’re likely bagging spanish mackerel and bluefish.
Surf
- solid number of spanish mackerel, groups of them are close to the shore and they’re biting on both spoons that are trolled
Nearshore
- Trolling with spoons? That’s the ticket for spanish mackerel and bluefish right now.
Offshore
- Dive deep, about 10 miles out, and you’ll find king mackerel, cobia, and amberjacks hanging around structures.
- king mackerel, mahi, and a few sailfish in the 15-30 mile range
- grouper fishing is good out in the 20-35 mile range
- Gulf Stream reports of wahoo, sailfish, and a few blackfin tuna
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I research and report fishing, fishing gear/equipment, survival topics, and marketing for outdoors related businesses. I assist here on WB Fishing as the editor. Articles may contain AI researched content. All content is published for education and entertainment purposes only, NOT LIFE, HEALTH, SURVIVAL, FINANCIAL, BUSINESS, LEGAL OR ANY OTHER ADVICE. Learn more about Mark Mayo