Wrightsville Beach Local Fishing Reports #94RT

Published by: Mark Mayo

Wrightsville Beach, NC – September Fishing Report

The bite is heating up, and Wrightsville Beach is proving to be a fantastic destination for anglers of all skill levels! If you’re ready to drop a line, here’s what’s happening on the water right now.

Inshore Action: The inshore waters are alive with Redfish and Speckled Trout. Early mornings and late afternoons are the prime times to hook up, especially near the flats and grassy marshes. Live shrimp and soft plastics are working wonders, with topwater lures drawing explosive strikes in the early hours. Watch for those bait balls – predators are lurking nearby, ready to feed.

Nearshore Scene: Head just off the coast, and you’ll find Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish tearing up the surface. Trolling with Clarkspoons or casting metal jigs will put you on the fish. Keep an eye out for diving birds—they’re a sure sign of feeding frenzy. King Mackerel are also starting to make their presence known, especially around the nearshore wrecks and reefs. Slow trolling with live bait is key to landing these smokers.

Offshore Adventure: For the offshore enthusiasts, it’s all about the pelagics. Mahi-Mahi are cruising the blue waters, and they’re hitting trolled ballyhoo with gusto. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter a Wahoo or Sailfish in the mix. Bottom fishing for Grouper and Snapper has been productive too, with cut bait and squid bringing in solid catches around the ledges.

Pier and Surf Report: If you’re casting from the shore or pier, expect some solid action as well. Flounder, Pompano, and the occasional Drum are biting well on fresh shrimp and sand fleas. The incoming tide is your friend, pushing baitfish closer to shore and bringing the fish with them.

Inshore Fishing: Targeting the Hot Spots

The inshore waters around Wrightsville are teeming with life. Redfish (Red Drum) are cruising the shallows, and the bigger bulls are starting to show up near oyster beds and creek mouths. Try targeting these areas on a rising tide, especially with live finger mullet or cut bait – the reds are aggressive right now, and they’re not being shy about smashing a well-placed offering.

Speckled Trout fishing is in full swing as well, especially around the Masonboro Inlet and Banks Channel. Cooler water temperatures in the early morning have these fish actively hunting for baitfish, so toss a popping cork rig with shrimp or soft plastics for great results. Working a slow retrieve with your artificial baits can really coax those finicky fish into biting.

Flats and Marshes: Sight Fishing Paradise

For those of you who enjoy sight fishing, the marshes are offering perfect conditions. Black Drum and Sheepshead are hanging tight to structure, particularly around docks and pilings. Dropping a fiddler crab or shrimp next to these structures can result in non-stop action, especially during mid-morning when the sun is high enough to spot fish.

Nearshore and Offshore: Chasing Big Game

Spanish Mackerel are on fire just a mile or two offshore. Trolling at moderate speeds with Yo-Zuri deep divers or casting Gotcha plugs has been the go-to method. Keep your eyes peeled for surface activity, and when you spot it, hit it hard—these fish are schooling up and chasing down schools of bait like crazy.

King Mackerel are on the prowl a bit farther out, with a lot of action reported around 10-15 miles offshore. This is prime territory for slow trolling live menhaden. With water temps stabilizing, Kings are feeding consistently during the mid-morning hours, especially around the Johnnie Mercers Pier Reef. Wahoo are still in play offshore, so don’t hesitate to venture out to the Gulf Stream if you’re up for a more intense fight!

Bottom Fishing Bonanza: Grouper and Snapper

If bottom fishing is more your style, the bite is steady with Grouper, Vermilion Snapper, and Triggerfish. Focus on areas with significant structure, especially in the 80-120 foot range. The best results have come from a mix of live pinfish and squid on circle hooks, with fish holding close to wrecks and rocky ledges. Expect a mixed bag, as Black Sea Bass are also in the mix, ready to pounce on any bait that comes near them.

Surf and Pier Fishing: Simple Yet Effective

For those staying closer to shore, the surf fishing has been very productive. Pompano and Whiting are hitting hard on fresh shrimp and sand fleas, especially during the outgoing tide. Casting out beyond the breakers with a double drop rig is your best bet. A few larger Red Drum have been caught off the pier in recent days as well, particularly during the evening hours, when these fish move closer inshore under the cover of darkness.

Weather and Water Conditions

The winds have been light out of the east, making for calm seas and ideal conditions both inshore and offshore. Water clarity is good, and with the current weather patterns, you can expect these favorable conditions to hold. The current water temperature is hovering around 75-78°F, which is perfect for a variety of species, keeping them active throughout the day.

Final Thoughts: Stay Ready for Anything

With so much happening, this is the time to get out there and make the most of the fall fishing bonanza! Tight lines, and may your cooler be full by day’s end!

Pro Tip: Wind and tides play a huge role, so check the conditions before heading out. A light east wind paired with a moving tide creates ideal feeding conditions. And don’t forget—Cobia sightings are becoming more frequent, so keep a heavy rod ready just in case.

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