Surf City Fishing Charters & Guides

Surf City, NC

Topsail Island in North Carolina is a place to relax and put your feet up for a while. “Island Time” is definitely a real thing for vacationers and locals as well. Make your way to Surf City, the city in the center of the island in between Topsail Beach and North Topsail Beach, for some great fishing opportunities. North Carolina is known for some incredible fishing grounds. And Surf City is a microcosm of everything good found in the Tar Heel State. The inshore waters on the west side of the island is full of redfish and trout; and, of course, there’s the incredible Atlantic Ocean to the east. There’s a reason there are four piers in this city of 5 square miles. Surf City is also a good place for surfing (if that wasn’t already obvious), and sunbathing on the beach. Watch out for sea turtle nests during certain times of the year. This is an endangered species and nests are monitored and protected. Learn more about these magnificent creatures at the nearby Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

Surf City Inshore Fishing

Travel to Topsail Island and Surf City by way of the Surf City Bridge, also known as State Road 210. This overpass is also a great place to start your inshore fishing excursion. Fish under the overpass in the Intracoastal Waterways (also known as ICW) for a variety of species. The oyster beds found on the overpass’ pilings bring sheepshead and redfish in for feeding. Toss a crab or shrimp on a hook and get ready for a good fight. Sheepshead are great options for new or young anglers as they are typically under five pounds and will go after anything. If you don’t have access to a vessel, check out Soundside Park to fish the ICW. There’s a small pier that is great for a few hours of fishing. Again, you can target sheepshead, redfish, or trout. Bring a few rods! Many Surf City anglers like targeting redfish (or red drum) in the ICW. The moving tide waters help to know where to find the schools of fish. At low tide they are found near the middle of the waterway, while high tide you can find anglers fishing closer to the shores. From spring to fall months are great times to plan your Surf City redfish fishing trip as this is when they are more active in the Intracoastal Waterways. Another popular species in Surf City is the spotted seatrout, also known as speckled trout. Local anglers will often refer to these spectacular fish as simply “specks” and will target them throughout the year. The season typically runs from spring to fall, but anglers can find specks at the end of their line twelve months of the year if you know where to find them. They can grow as large as 14 inches near the marshes of the ICW. Other species found on the west side of the barrier island include flounder, bluefish, and even some tarpon during certain times of the year. The calmer waters are great for new or young anglers to get the hang of the sport. If you’d like to experience the east side of Surf City, try fishing the Surf City Pier. You’ll find the same inshore species, as well as cobia, amberjack, and a variety of mackerels. There’s no shortage of opportunities for inshore anglers in Surf City!

Surf City Deep Sea Fishing

Similar to other North Carolina coastal cities, access to the Gulf Stream is just a short drive for Surf City deep sea fishermen and women. The Gulf Stream is a river of water in the Atlantic where you can find monster fish like tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, shark, and more. It’s just a short drive from Surf City and captains can get you on the bite in no time at all. Trolling for tuna or mahi are very popular for families looking for a fun and productive trip. Your charter captain will have all the gear needed and can teach you the tips of the trade. Plan for a minimum of six hours on your deep sea excursion, and bring plenty of sunscreen and bottles of water to stay hydrated. It’s a fun day on the water and you’re sure to bring home more than just memories!

Book a Surf City Fishing Trip

Get yourself a watch that reads “Island Time” when visiting Surf City, North Carolina. We can almost guarantee that it will tell you it’s time to go fishing! Opportunities abound when it comes to fishing from the barrier island. Head west for the calmer waters of the Intracoastal, or check out the bountiful Atlantic Ocean. Either way your family is bound to come back with stories of near misses and biggest catches. Search and find your next Surf City fishing charter today on FishAnywhere.com, your adventure is just a click away!