Whether you’re a novice or seasoned fisherman, this area has plenty to offer when it comes to fishing in Carolina Beach. Folks travel from near and far with hopes of reeling in a big one. Carolina Beach is popular among North Carolina fishermen as well as fishermen visiting from out-of-state thanks to year-round fishing and a wide variety of fish biting in the area. Surf along the shore or hire a charter for a deep sea fishing adventure.

Fishing Charter Carolina Beach

Types of Fishing

Carolina Beach fishing offers countless outlets to get a line in the water. Whether you want to go for big game out on the high seas, or simply cast with your toes safely buried in the sand, you can do it all right here in Carolina Beach.

Surf Fishing / Shore Fishing at Carolina Beach

One popular way to fish in Carolina Beach is right from the shore. Surf fishing is a favorite among the casual fishermen because it requires little effort or expense. Just gather your bait & tackle and head out onto the beach. If you don’t already have a fishing license in North Carolina, you will need to purchase one before you can cast away. There are short-term, annual, lifetime and privileged licenses available depending on your needs. You can purchase your license here. 

Finding a spot for surf fishing in Carolina Beach will only require finding a spot on the beach with some open water in front of you. Be courteous of swimmers. Please don’t cast your line while people are swimming nearby.

Carolina Beach Fishing Charters

If you’re up for a challenge and looking to find the big fish, a Carolina Beach fishing charter may be your best option. Carolina Beach is home to many experienced captains who have been running successful charters for years. They know all of the best spots and are equipped with state-of-the-art fishing gear. Climb aboard one of their vessels and be prepared to catch a variety of species. Choose a charter and plan your excursion out on the high seas.

Carolina Beach Fishing Tournaments

Carolina Beach is also home to several fishing tournaments each year. Visit us in spring for the Cape Fear Disabled Sportsman Fishing Tournament held nearby at the Kure Beach Fishing Pier. In summer, get your rods and lines ready for the Annual East Coast "Got-Em-On" Classic King Mackerel Tournament. This tournament challenges fishermen to bring in some real mackerel monsters. Late summer/fall brings the Fisherman's Post Carolina Beach Inshore Challenge at the Inlet Watch Marina and the Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge, which is the area's premiere land-based surf fishing tournament. Stay tuned to our events calendar for upcoming fishing tournament dates around Carolina Beach.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Types of Fish

Now that you know where you can fish, we’ll take a look at some of the fish you might be reeling in and the hottest months for each species.

Shore Fishing

Black Drum - April, October, November

Bluefish - May, October, November

Flounder - September, October, November

Red Drum - April, May, October, November

Spanish Mackerel - June, July, August

Sea Mullet/Whiting - May, August, September, October

Speckled Trout - November, December

Striped Bass - November, December

Offshore Fishing

Blue Marlin - May, June, July, August, September

White Marlin - June, July, August, September

Yellowfin Tuna - April, May, June, September, October

Bluefin Tuna - January, December

Blackfin Tuna - September, October, November

Sailfish - July, August, September, October

Mahi Mahi - May, June, July, August, September

Wahoo - June, June, July, August, September, October

King Mackerel - September, October, November, December

Spanish Mackerel - June, July, August, September, October

While there are plenty more species to be found around Carolina Beach, those listed above are most common and seem to swim along the North Carolina coast during the same months each year.

Whether you’re planning a fishing trip or just want to do a little fishing on vacation, Carolina Beach fishing has something for everyone. We pride ourselves on our coastal fishing culture in Carolina Beach, and hope that you get to experience it with us during your next visit.