Episodes

  • Wilmington NC Fishing Report Feb 2025 Speckled Trout, Redfish, and More Biting During Tidal Changes

    Wilmington NC Fishing Report Feb 2025 Speckled Trout, Redfish, and More Biting During Tidal Changes
    Feb 15 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share today's fishing report for Wilmington, NC, as of February 15, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, we've got a low tide at 2:59 AM with a height of -0.23 ft, followed by a high tide at 9:18 AM reaching 4.08 ft. Later in the day, we'll see another low tide at 3:21 PM with a height of -0.19 ft, and then a high tide at 9:39 PM hitting 3.97 ft. These tidal changes can significantly impact fish activity, so timing your casts accordingly is crucial.

    The weather is looking mild for February, which is a bonus. Sunrise is at 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at 5:55 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to get out on the water.

    Recently, the fish activity in and around Wilmington has been quite promising. Speckled trout, redfish, and flounder have been biting well, especially during the tidal changes. For speckled trout, December's colder weather fronts have carried over into February, making this a good time to target them. Hard baits like MirrOlures, specifically the 17MR and 22MR suspending baits, have been effective. If you're after striped bass in the Cape Fear River, swim bait lures like Berkley Power Bait Cull shad are your best bet, though remember that the Cape Fear River Striped Bass Fishery is currently catch and release only.

    For inshore fishing, areas like the grass lines and drop-offs along the Cape Fear River are hot spots. Here, you can find redfish and flounder. Using soft plastic paddletails, such as the 3.5-inch or 5-inch Gold Digger, can yield good results, especially when combined with live bait like finger mullet on a popping cork rig.

    If you're looking to target bigger fish, the nearshore waters are worth exploring. King mackerel, barracuda, and amberjack have been active in these areas. For these species, using larger lures or live bait that mimics the abundant mullet in the area can be very effective.

    One of my favorite spots is just a little inland along the Cape Fear River. Working the drop-offs and grass lines here can put you in contact with some nice striped bass and redfish. Another spot is the inshore waters around Wrightsville Beach, where the structure along the shoreline, such as oyster bars or seagrass, can attract a variety of species.

    In terms of gear, I recommend using rods that can handle the weight of your lures and any potential catches. A heavier M class rod or a medium-heavy rod with a good action will serve you well, especially when using popping corks and live bait.

    So, grab your gear and get out there With the right lures and bait, and by timing your fishing with the tides, you should have a productive day on the water. Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Wilmington, NC Fishing Report: Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Flounder Biting Well on Tides and Lures

    Wilmington, NC Fishing Report: Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Flounder Biting Well on Tides and Lures
    Feb 14 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers, it's Artificial Lure here with your Wilmington, NC fishing report for February 14, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. As of now, the tide is falling, with the next high tide expected at 10:47 AM and the next low tide at 4:52 AM, which is already behind us. The moon is in its waning gibbous phase, and this can often lead to some excellent fishing conditions, especially during the changing tides[2].

    Weather-wise, we're looking at a relatively mild winter day, which is a welcome change from the cold snaps we've had recently. The sunrise today is at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 5:56 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to get out on the water.

    Fish activity has been quite promising lately. Speckled trout, redfish, and flounder have been the main targets, and they've been biting well. For speckled trout, we've seen a lot of success with hard baits like MirrOlures and Sebile baits. The MirrOlure 17MR and 18MR in colors such as 11, 26, 808, CFPR, CH, and BCH have been particularly effective. Don't forget the classic 52M & MR in similar colors; these have been catching some of the bigger trout[1].

    For redfish, soft plastics near the bottom have been working wonders. A 3- or 4-inch Gulp shrimp impregnated with shrimp or menhaden scent on a ¼- or 3/8-ounce jighead is a favorite among local anglers. These lures work well in shallow water on higher tides and in deeper holes on lower tides. Places like the Intracoastal Waterway docks and holes are hot spots, especially during the first two hours of a falling or rising tide[3].

    Flounder fishing can be a bit more challenging, but working live or artificial lures slower to give them time to react has been key. Live bait such as mud minnows and small finger mullet are excellent choices, though small menhaden can also work well despite their tendency to die quickly in warm waters[4].

    If you're looking for some hot spots, the Cape Fear River and the surrounding marshes are always worth a visit. The jetties near the river mouth can be particularly productive for redfish and speckled trout. Another spot is the area around Masonboro Island, where the mix of shallow waters and deeper channels provides a perfect habitat for a variety of species.

    In summary, today looks like it's going to be a great day to get out on the water. With the right lures and bait, and an understanding of the tides and fish behavior, you should be able to catch some nice speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Wilmington, NC Fishing Report for February 12, 2025: Trout, Reds, and Flounder Biting Strong

    Wilmington, NC Fishing Report for February 12, 2025: Trout, Reds, and Flounder Biting Strong
    Feb 12 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share today's fishing report for Wilmington, NC, as of February 12, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. According to the tide forecast, today we have a low tide at 3:24 AM with a height of -0.62 ft, followed by a high tide at 9:27 AM reaching 4.39 ft. The next low tide is at 4:02 PM with a height of -0.47 ft, and the final high tide of the day is at 9:39 PM with a height of 4.14 ft[2].

    The weather is looking pretty good today, with sunrise at 6:59 AM and sunset at 5:52 PM. The moonset is at 7:13 AM and moonrise at 6:07 PM, which could influence fish activity, especially during the changing tides.

    Now, let's dive into the fish activity. This time of year, especially with mild weather runs, can be great for fishing around Wilmington. Recently, we've seen some excellent catches of Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Flounder. The Speckled Trout have been particularly active, and with the right lures, you can expect to catch some nice ones. For Speckled Trout, hard baits like MirrOlures have been very effective, especially during the colder weather fronts[5].

    For Redfish, light tackle with soft plastics or live bait has been working well. These fish are often found in the inshore waters, including the Cape Fear River and the surrounding estuarine waterways. Sight fishing in the skinnier waters can also yield some great results[3].

    Flounder fishing has also been good, especially around deep holes and structures like bridges. Using live bait or artificial lures that mimic baitfish can be very effective. Some anglers prefer fishing a falling tide for Flounder, while others like the rising tide for better visibility[3].

    If you're looking for some hot spots, I recommend checking out the Cape Fear River and the inshore grounds around Wrightsville Beach. The areas near the inlets and nearshore reefs are also great for targeting species like Redfish and Flounder.

    In terms of lures, for Speckled Trout, go with those MirrOlures or similar hard baits. For Redfish, soft plastics rigged weedless or on jig heads are excellent choices. For Flounder, use lures that closely resemble baitfish, such as soft plastic jerkbaits or paddle-tails.

    Today's conditions, with the mild weather and favorable tides, make it an ideal day to get out on the water. So grab your gear, pick your favorite spot, and get ready for some exciting fishing in and around Wilmington, NC.

    Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Wilmington, NC Fishing Report: Trout, Reds, and Flounder Biting Strong

    Wilmington, NC Fishing Report: Trout, Reds, and Flounder Biting Strong
    Feb 10 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm excited to share today's fishing report for the waters around Wilmington, NC.

    As of today, February 10, 2025, the tidal conditions are quite favorable for a productive day of fishing. According to the tide forecast, we have a high tide at 7:54 AM with a height of 4.35 feet, followed by a low tide at 2:30 PM with a height of -0.37 feet, and then another high tide at 8:04 PM with a height of 3.94 feet[2].

    The weather is looking mild, which is a blessing for this time of year. Sunrise is at 7:01 AM, and sunset will be at 5:51 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to get out on the water.

    Recently, the fishing around Wilmington has been excellent, especially for inshore species. Speckled trout, redfish, and flounder have been biting well. The speckled trout, in particular, have been very active, with many charters returning to the dock with their limits. These trout are hitting hard baits like MirrOlures, especially the 17MR and 18MR models in colors such as 11, 26, 808, CFPR, CH, and BCH. The 52M & MR models are also catching some of the bigger ones[1].

    For those who prefer live bait, live mud minnows, small finger mullet, or shrimp are all effective. Rig these baits on float rigs in waters three to six feet deep or on light Carolina rigs for deeper waters. Don't forget to use fluorocarbon leaders, as they make a significant difference in catching these finicky fish.

    In addition to trout, redfish and flounder are also plentiful. Redfish can be found in the shallower waters, often near grass lines and drop-offs, while flounder tend to be in slightly deeper areas. Sheephead are another bonus fish you might catch while targeting trout.

    If you're looking for some hot spots, consider the Cape Fear River and the surrounding inshore waters. The river's edge, particularly around drop-offs and grass lines, is great for catching striped bass, although it's catch-and-release only. For speckled trout and redfish, the waters around Wrightsville Beach and Figure Eight Island are highly productive[1][4].

    In summary, today promises to be a great day for fishing in and around Wilmington. With the right lures and bait, and an understanding of the tidal conditions, you're set for a successful and enjoyable day on the water. So grab your gear, head out early, and make the most of this beautiful February day.

    Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Wilmington NC Fishing Report Feb 9, 2025: Trout, Drum, Bluefish, and Offshore Wahoo Bites

    Wilmington NC Fishing Report Feb 9, 2025: Trout, Drum, Bluefish, and Offshore Wahoo Bites
    Feb 9 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share the latest fishing report for Wilmington, NC, as of today, February 9, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. Today, we've got a low tide at 00:46 AM with a height of -0.42 ft, followed by a high tide at 6:59 AM reaching 4.29 ft. The next low tide is at 1:38 PM with a height of -0.27 ft, and the final high tide of the day is at 7:10 PM, hitting 3.79 ft. These tidal shifts can significantly impact fish activity, so keep an eye on them.

    The weather is looking pretty good, with sunrise at 7:02 AM and sunset at 5:50 PM. The temperatures are gradually warming up, which is firing up the fish in our local waters.

    Inshore fishing has been excellent lately. Speckled Trout are biting well, especially in the deeper creeks and boat basins. Light fluorocarbon lines with light jigheads and soft plastics like Zman Trout Tricks or Zman Paddlerz are your best bets. These artificial lures are versatile and can also attract Drum and Flounder.

    Red and Black Drum are plentiful around the docks, and using fresh Shrimp or Mud Minnows can land you some nice catches. If you're targeting Flounder, search the marsh, inlets, and boat basins, as they are starting to move into these areas. Though most Flounder are still small, it's a good sign for the upcoming season.

    Bluefish have shown up in great numbers, both on the beach and in the surf. For these, Curly Tails or Gulp baits work wonders. Whiting and Virginia Mullet are also mixed in on the surf, making for a lively day of fishing.

    Offshore, the Wahoo bite has been strong, particularly around the Gulf Stream. Islanders with Ballyhoo rigged behind them, especially in dark colors like black/blue or black/purple, have been successful. If you're trolling at moderate speeds, you might also catch some Blackfin Tuna.

    For those looking to try their luck in specific spots, Bradley Creek, Pages Creek, and Hewitt’s Creek are on fire for Trout and Drum. The inlets and adjacent creeks, along with the docks and boat basins, are also hot spots. If you're fishing off the beach, the areas around Carolina Beach Inlet and Figure 8 Island are worth checking out.

    In summary, today's fishing in and around Wilmington looks promising. With the right lures and bait, and an eye on the tides, you're set for a great day on the water. So grab your gear, and let's catch some fish Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Speckled Trout, Stripers, and More in Mild February Conditions

    Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Speckled Trout, Stripers, and More in Mild February Conditions
    Feb 8 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on today's fishing scene in and around Wilmington, NC.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. As of today, February 8th, 2025, we're looking at cloudy skies with no rain, which is perfect for a day out on the water. The day is expected to be mild, with temperatures reaching around 73 degrees, and nights dipping down to about 59 degrees[5].

    Now, let's check the tides. While I don't have the exact tidal report for today, generally speaking, the best times to fish in these waters are during the changing tides. For Wilmington, the sunrise is around 6:45 AM, and sunset is about 5:30 PM, so plan your day accordingly.

    When it comes to fish activity, February can be a great month for catching some bigger species. Around this time, you can expect to find speckled trout, striped bass, and even some redfish and black drum. The Cape Fear River is one of my favorite spots, especially for striped bass. These fish are known to fight well even in cooler water, and you can find them working drop-offs and grass lines along the river's edge[1].

    For speckled trout, hard baits like MirrOlures, specifically the 17MR and 22MR suspending baits, have been very effective. For striped bass, swim bait lures like Berkley Power Bait Cull shad rigged on swimbait hooks are the way to go. Remember, the Cape Fear River Striped Bass Fishery is currently catch and release only, so make sure to handle those fish gently and release them quickly[1].

    If you're targeting redfish and black drum, light tackle with live or artificial bait works well in the inshore waters, estuarine waterways, and creeks. Sight fishing can also be productive in these areas, especially during the right tide conditions[3].

    For those looking to venture out a bit further, the nearshore waters around Wilmington offer a wealth of opportunities. The artificial reefs and shipwrecks are home to a variety of species including king mackerel, amberjack, and even some mahi mahi, although they are more common later in the year. Trolling and bottom fishing are effective techniques for these waters[3].

    Hot spots to consider today include the Cape Fear River, particularly around the drop-offs and grass lines, and the inshore grounds around the estuarine waterways and creeks. If you're feeling adventurous, head out to the nearshore reefs and wrecks for some bigger game.

    In summary, today looks like a great day to get out on the water in Wilmington. With mild weather and the right lures, you should be able to catch some impressive fish. Just remember to check the local regulations and handle those catch-and-release fish with care.

    Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Fishing the Wilmington, NC Waters in February 2025: Trout, Stripers, and More

    Fishing the Wilmington, NC Waters in February 2025: Trout, Stripers, and More
    Feb 7 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene around Wilmington, NC, as of February 7th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, you can expect mild temperatures with a daytime high of around 15°C (59°F) and a nighttime low of about 6°C (43°F)[2][5]. It's a bit chilly, but that's perfect for some of the species we're after this time of year.

    Sunrise is at 7:09 AM, and sunset will be at 5:42 PM, giving us a good window of daylight to get out on the water[2].

    Now, let's dive into the tidal report. Tides are crucial for fishing in these waters. Today, the high tide is at 10:34 AM, and the low tide is at 4:17 PM. These tidal changes can stir up the fish, especially in areas like the Cape Fear River and its surrounding estuaries.

    Speaking of fish activity, February is a great time to target species like speckled trout, striped bass, and even some red drum. The colder weather fronts have been pushing bigger speckled trout into the shallower waters, making them more accessible. For trout, I recommend using hard baits like MirrOlures, specifically the 17MR and 22MR series. These suspending baits have a proven track record for catching big trout in these waters[1].

    If you're after striped bass, the Cape Fear River is your hotspot. These fish can be challenging to catch, but they put up quite a fight. Use swim bait lures like Berkley Power Bait Cull shad, rigged on swimbait hooks like the TroKar TK170 and TK178. Working the drop-offs and grass lines on the edge of the river is key[1].

    For red drum, look to the inshore areas with shallow waters and plenty of structure. Live or artificial baits that mimic baitfish or shrimp can be very effective.

    Another hotspot worth mentioning is the area around Masonboro Island. This spot is known for its rich marine life and can yield catches of bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and even some flounder. For these species, using jigs or spoons can be very productive.

    In terms of regulations, make sure you're aware of the current limits and restrictions. For example, the Cape Fear River Striped Bass Fishery is currently catch-and-release only, and there are specific size and bag limits for other species like bluefish and red drum[4].

    In conclusion, today looks like a great day to get out on the water around Wilmington. With the right lures and knowledge of the tides and hotspots, you should be able to land some impressive catches. Stay warm, and tight lines
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    3 mins
  • Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Redfish, Trout, and Stripers Biting in Mild Conditions

    Wilmington Fishing Forecast: Redfish, Trout, and Stripers Biting in Mild Conditions
    Feb 5 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on today's fishing scene in and around Wilmington, NC.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. As of today, February 5th, we're looking at a high tide at 2:46 AM with a height of 1.31 meters (4.29 feet), followed by a low tide at 9:37 AM with a height of -0.01 meters (-0.04 feet). The next high tide will be at 3:09 PM, reaching 1.13 meters (3.71 feet), and then another low tide at 9:39 PM with a height of -0.11 meters (-0.36 feet)[2].

    The weather is looking pretty decent today, with mild temperatures and light winds, making it a great day to get out on the water. Sunrise is at 7:05 AM, and sunset will be at 5:46 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to catch some fish.

    Now, let's dive into the fish activity. Recently, we've seen a good amount of Redfish and Speckled Trout in the inshore waters. For Redfish, you'll want to target oyster rocks, flats, and sand bars in the surf and just off the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Scented grubs like the Berkley Gulp Dragon tail or shrimp are your best bets. Rig these grubs with 30-pound fluorocarbon and darker colored jig heads for optimal results[1].

    For Speckled Trout, especially in the colder months, hard baits like MirrOlures (17MR & 22MR, 18MR, 51M, and 52MR) are highly effective. If you prefer live bait, smaller finger mullet, mud minnows, and shrimp work well, especially when floated with a cork in shallow waters or rigged on light Carolina rigs in deeper waters[1].

    Another hot spot is the Cape Fear River, where Striped Bass are active. These fish can be challenging but put up quite a fight. Use swim bait lures like Berkley Power Bait Cull shad and rig them on swimbait hooks for weedless fishing. Remember, the Cape Fear River Striped Bass fishery is currently catch-and-release only[1].

    If you're looking for some specific hot spots, I recommend checking out the shallow flats just off the ICW for Redfish and the deeper holes near structure like bridges for Flounder, although Flounder are more active during the warmer months[3].

    In summary, today's conditions are perfect for a productive day of fishing. With the right lures and bait, you should be able to land some nice Redfish, Speckled Trout, and maybe even some Striped Bass. So grab your gear, hit the water, and enjoy the beautiful day we have ahead of us here in Wilmington, NC. Tight lines
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    3 mins