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Fishing Center & Marina in Carolina Beach, NC

Carolina Beach is Home to Some of the Best Fishing in North Carolina

Whether you're a novice fisherman or seasoned angler, you can experience offshore fishing on a fishing charter expedition, compete in a fishing tournament, or cast a line into the surf along Carolina Beach and reel in a great catch. The three unique bodies of water in the region – the Cape Fear River, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean – all work together to attract abundant verities of good-eating, fun-fighting fish species.

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Carolina Beach, NC Fishing

Hop Aboard a Fishing Charter

Fishing charters are available to take you on an adventure whether you want to go on an inshore, nearshore, offshore or even deep-sea fishing adventure. Deep-sea charters reach the Gulf Stream quickly in pursuit of marlin, tuna, king mackerel, grouper, snapper, and sailfish. Inshore fishing charters find flounder, red drum, trout, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel, and are usually available for half-day charters — a good first-time trip for younger family members. Most charters depart from the Carolina Beach Fishing Center and Marina and all boast experienced captains who will navigate to the best fishing spots.

Fiherman on Kure Beach Fishing Pier

Cast Away on Pier Fishing

Nearby on the island, Kure Beach’s 711-foot pier is one of the oldest on the Atlantic Coast. Fishermen from there have access to king mackerel, Spanish mackerel and other species that are normally found in deeper waters.

Fishing

Enjoy State Park & Recreation Spots

For a more secluded spot, head to Carolina Beach State Park, a 761-acre forest that includes some of the best fishing spots in the area along Snow's Cut and the Cape Fear River. Fishermen can launch or dock their boats from the Carolina Beach State Park Marina, or rent a fishing kayak from Paddle NC. For those looking for surf fishing options, navigate your four-wheel-drive vehicle out to Freeman Park on the north end of Carolina Beach, or head out to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area at the south end of Kure Beach. Both require a paid day-pass to drive out on the beach.

Got-Em-On King Mackerel Tournament

Compete in One-of-a-Kind Tournaments

Carolina Beach is home to some of the region's most popular and unique fishing tournaments. In July, the East Coast Got-Em-On Classic King Mackerel Tournament draws fishing competitors to the beach for days of fishing fun, celebratory parties and award ceremonies. In fall the beach becomes an angler's paradise with a frenzy of seasonal fishing tournaments including the Fishermen's Post Carolina Beach Inshore Challenge and the area's premier surf fishing tournament, the Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge featuring three days of fishing and family-friendly events.

Carolina Beach Inlet

Dock Your Boat

If you are bringing a boat to Carolina Beach, there are several private marinas in the area. You can also dock at the public day dock which is free for up to three hours for non-commercial boats 25 feet and under or check out the Carolina Beach Mooring Field for larger boats. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Fort Fisher Boating Access Area provides a launch point for kayaks and other small boats. The Basin and Buzzard’s Bay — two legendary fishing locations — are easily reachable from the access area.

Hang Ten Restaurant Carolina Beach

Feast After Fishing

After chasing the perfect catch, choose from the many eateries a short drive from the marina or a quick walk to the Boardwalk. Nollie's Taco Joint offers fresh, fast fare with cold beer. Or refuel at Hang Ten Grill serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Choose from a variety of sweet treats and eats at the Boardwalk including some of the best donuts, fudge, and gelato. Or celebrate your fishing fortune at island nightlife hot spots like the SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar or Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar on the water, or The Fat Pelican, named one of the diviest dive bars in America.

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Fishing Events

Fishing events and tournaments make up a fun fishing season at Carolina Beach.

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Related Links

Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association
5A Market Street
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 379-1151

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Room 5128
Washington, DC 20230

NC Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 726-7021

US Army Corps of Engineers
US Coast Guard

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Wilmington and Beaches CVB

1 Estell Lee Place, Suite 201, Wilmington, NC 28401
Toll-Free: 1-877-406-2356

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