Fishing in Wrightsville Beach: What Fish Are in Season and Where to Find Them

Fishing in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina is a great experience for fishermen of all levels. From the pier to the beach, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish. The waters around Wrightsville Beach are home to drums, kingfish, mackerel, flounder, blackfin tuna, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and more. To maximize your chances of success, it's important to understand the best seasons and times for fishing in the area.

The chance of catching bluefin tuna is high between November and April. Blackfin tuna is the most active between April and May and between September and October. Fishermen can access the waters surrounding Wrightsville Beach through a myriad of private and neighborhood ramps and a couple of free public ramps. Bennett said that, however busy the ICW is on Wrightsville Beach, there are often some flounder that they hold along its edge and in a small pocket on the north side of the bridge between the continental shore and the bulkhead.

Bradley Creek, Shinn Creek, Hewletts Creek, Whiskey Creek and Masonboro Sound are located to the south and also offer numerous fishing opportunities. Tourist fishing is a combination of seeing fish in the water and watching fish move in the water, and many of the backwater areas around Wrightsville Beach offer both opportunities. The waters of the southern part of North Carolina are warm and that is why ideal fishing conditions are created. The best time of year to fish in North Carolina is April through September to catch black bass, trout, redfish, mahi-mahi, flounder, tuna and striped bass.

Cobias gather around the mouth of the cove in May and June and can be caught with dead baits caught in the bottom, live baits suspended on floats and, sometimes, with jigs. There are usually a few fish that breed along this point and oyster rock, except in the coldest months of the year. To make sure you have a successful fishing trip at Wrightsville Beach, it's important to understand what fish are in season at different times throughout the year. Knowing when certain species are most active will help you plan your trip accordingly. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with some of the best fishing areas in North Carolina will help you find success during your trip.

Pamela Taschereau
Pamela Taschereau

Hipster-friendly food advocate. Passionate zombieaholic. Incurable beer junkie. Devoted baconaholic. Professional tv expert. General tv specialist.