Carolina Beach Fishing Charters & Guides

Carolina Beach, North Carolina

North Carolina visitors have a variety of locations to choose from for an amazing vacation experience. Many will either head to the mountains in the west side of the state, or the beach on the east side. Of course there is the Outer Banks in the northern part of the state, but if you are closer to the South Carolina border or the south side of the state, then Carolina Beach should be your destination. Located just a few miles south of Wilmington, Carolina Beach is the place to go to get away from it all. Of course there’s the beach to enjoy, and local state parks, but the fishing in and around Carolina Beach is what really sets this area apart. The abundance of surrounding water probably has something to do with that. Cape Fear River is located to the west, and of course the bountiful Atlantic Ocean to the east. Throughout the year, whether you’re a local or vacationer, Carolina Beach has something for everyone. Take a stroll on the boardwalk, walk the sandy beaches, or grab a rod and reel and go fishing! To get in on the fishing of the area, we’ll first take a look at what’s available just around the corner.

Fishing Near Carolina Beach

Nearby state parks are just some of the reasons why families love visiting Carolina Beach. On the banks of Cape Fear River is Carolina Beach State Park, known as one of the best campsites of the state. So plan on staying a few days and fish the days away! Anglers can fish from the shore or launch at the boat ramp. There’s also a wheelchair accessible fishing deck; this is also a great place for families with young anglers. Carolina Beach State Park is also the best place to access the Cape Fear River, where anglers will find a variety of freshwater species, as well as a few inshore saltwater species. The river is about 200 miles long and runs from Haywood, North Carolina to the Atlantic Ocean. If you fish upstream you’re sure to find largemouth bass or striped bass, two highly sought after species in this river. Other freshwater fish found here include crappie, catfish, bream, sunfish, and shad. If you’re fishing closer to Carolina Beach, not only will you find striped bass, but also sheepshead and redfish are caught here as well. There’s a channel of water on the northside of Carolina State Beach Park, known as Snow’s Cut, that offers some amazing flounder fishing. Flounder are known as flatfish, laying along the bottom of the watershed hiding from predators and prey. Where the cut meets the river is a great place to start your flounder fishing, or try near the US 421 bridge - both are known as great places to hook a flounder. Locals will use “pogys” (better known as menhaden) as bait. Time your trip with outgoing tide, and you’re sure to have a successful trip. Fishing for sheepshead in Snow’s Cut is also a great option for Carolina Beach anglers, especially if your family has young or novice anglers. Head to the US 421 bridge when the tide is on the move, toss a shrimp or fiddler crab and you’re sure to feel a tug on the line in no time at all. Sheepshead have black and white stripes and a mouth full of human-like teeth. They typically feed on oyster beds that are found near bridge pilings, and eat just about anything that comes their way. Just remember, anything you catch in Snow’s Cut should be released (there is no harvesting from this body of water).

Carolina Beach Deep Sea Fishing

On the Atlantic Ocean side of Carolina Beach, anglers have a larger variety of fishing opportunities than on the river. If you don’t have access to a boat (find a fishing charter here, held every July. King Mackerel are long, silver fish that are known as a great sportfish to target. Their speed alone will have you on the edge of your seat. Other fish you may see on your offshore excursion include wahoo, mahi mahi, white marlin, blue marlin, blackfin tuna, and yellowfin tuna just to name a few. These trips typically last at least six hours, although a longer trip may be necessary to get to some of the true offshore pelagic species. For a stress-free day of fishing, we recommend hiring a local professional fishing captain. They’ll provide everything you need, and will work hard to fill the boat for you. Each species has a certain season that it runs, so make sure to check with your captain about what you can expect at the end of the line. If you have a certain species you really want to catch, plan your trip during the correct season and the captain will work to customize the perfect trip for your group.

Book a Carolina Beach Fishing Charter

If you’re a family that enjoys getting outdoors and finding new adventures, Carolina Beach is the perfect destination for you. It has the best of both worlds: freshwater and saltwater fishing, all within a few short miles. Find a local Carolina Beach fishing charter today with FishAnywhere.com, search and book your families’ next adventure today; it’s just a click away!