Captain Mike Hoffman | Fishing Report for: 2026-03-23

Region
Inshore
Location(s)
North Topsail Beach, Surf City, Topsail Beach
Target Species
Red Drum
Technique(s)
Sight-Casting
Water Conditions
Incoming Tide, Light Chop
Weather Conditions
Sunny
Record Schools Arrive: Captain Mike Hoffman March 23 2026 Fishing Report
The spring season has reached a thrilling turning point for anglers in North Carolina. According to the Captain Mike Hoffman March 23 2026 fishing report, the weather has finally broken. This shift has triggered a massive influx of life into the local estuaries. With sunny skies and a light chop, the conditions in North Topsail Beach and Surf City are perfect for targeting trophy-class fish in the shallows.
Massive Red Drum Schools and New Bait
The most exciting news from the update is the sheer size of the fish populations. “I’m seeing some of the largest schools I’ve ever seen,” Mike reports. These record-breaking schools of Red Drum are moving aggressively throughout the Topsail Beach area. The arrival of natural bait has officially “turned on” the bite. For the first time this season, the predator fish are following the bait pods consistently, creating a high-energy environment for light-tackle fishing.
Transitioning to Live Bait Tactics | Captain Mike Hoffman March 23 2026 Fishing Report
While the winter was dominated by slow-moving presentations, the strategy has shifted. “We are mostly using live bait now,” Mike notes. The availability of fresh bait allows for a more natural presentation that these large schools cannot resist. However, for those who love surface action, the report brings more good news: the topwater bite is on the way. As the water temperatures continue to climb, we expect these Redfish to begin smashing lures on the surface very soon.
The Perfect Time to Take Your Kids Fishing
With an incoming tide pushing fresh water into the marsh, the sight-casting opportunities are world-class. Seeing a massive school of Redfish in the clear spring water is an experience that stays with an angler forever. As emphasized in the Captain Mike Hoffman March 23 2026 fishing report, this is the perfect time to take your kids fishing. The high volume of fish and the active feeding patterns ensure that young anglers stay engaged and successful throughout the trip.
The trends confirm that spring fishing in Topsail is at its peak. Whether you are a veteran angler or a family looking for a fun day out, the current bite is simply too good to miss.
Book Your Adventure: Want to witness these massive schools for yourself? Call Captain Mike Hoffman at (910) 619-8509 to secure your date. Visit Topsail Island Fishing Guides for more information. Don’t forget to check topsail.fish for the next Captain Mike Hoffman update!
Original Submission – Captain Mike Hoffman March 23 2026 Fishing Report
http://Topsailislandfishingguides.com
This week the weather finally broke and I’m seeing some of the largest schools I’ve ever seen. The bait has shown up and the bite is on. We are mostly using live bait now but the top water bite is on the way ! Take your kids fishing !
Topsail Island Fishing Guides | Captain Mike Hoffman | Topsail.Fish | Topsail Island Fishing Captains | Topsail Island Fishing Charters
(910) 619-8509
https://topsailislandfishingguides.com
Topsail Island Fishing Guides | Captain Mike Hoffman | Topsail.Fish | Topsail Island Fishing Captains | Topsail Island Fishing Charters



