Topsail Beach & Surf City Fishing Report for Late August 2025

Captain Mike Hoffman
(910) 619-8509
https://topsailislandfishingguides.com

Details from this August Topsail Beach Fishing Report

Welcome to the latest August Topsail Beach fishing report. We are coming to you from the productive inshore waters of North Topsail Beach and Surf City. The late summer patterns are in full swing, and consequently, the fishing has been fantastic. In fact, the overcast conditions this past week have been a major plus. They combined with strong incoming tides to create a perfect recipe for active fish. We’re seeing great numbers of our primary target species. The action has also been consistent from morning to afternoon. This is the ideal time to be on the water. For instance, the fish are feeding aggressively before the seasonal transition into fall begins. Are you looking to experience the best of our local fishery? This report details exactly what’s biting and how we’re catching them.

How Conditions Are Driving the Bite

The overcast skies have been a significant advantage. This type of cloud cover is a huge benefit because it keeps the water cooler and reduces glare. As a result, shallow-water species like Redfish and Speckled Trout are less spooky. This means they are more willing to feed throughout the day. We’ve coupled this with the incoming tide cycle. This tide pushes clean, nutrient-rich water into the marshes and creeks. Subsequently, this movement stirs up baitfish like shrimp and mullet. This triggers a predictable feeding response from predator fish. Therefore, we focus our efforts during this prime tidal window. This has allowed us to stay on the fish and enjoy steady action all trip long.

Inshore Slam: Species Breakdown

Red Drum (Redfish)

The Redfish bite is excellent. We are finding large schools roaming the grass flats and oyster bars. Sight-casting to these cruising fish with topwater flukes has produced some explosive surface strikes. For anglers who prefer live bait, we have a great option. A shrimp or mullet under a popping cork is simply irresistible to them.

Speckled Trout

Speckled Trout are mixed in right alongside the reds, particularly along grassy banks with current. They are very responsive to topwater artificials in the early morning. In addition, they have been readily taking live shrimp under a cork throughout the day. The overcast weather has definitely extended their primary feeding window.

Flounder

We are also catching a healthy number of quality Flounder. We’re targeting them around docks, creek mouths, and sandy drop-offs. Our most effective method has been drifting live bait along the bottom. Specifically, we use mullet or menhaden on a Carolina rig for these flatfish.

Overall, this has been a stellar week of fishing. This August Topsail Beach fishing report certainly reflects the incredible opportunities available right now. If you’re ready for lots of action and lots of fun, give me a call to book your inshore trip today!

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