FAQs Archive - Topsail Fish

Q: Q: Do I need a personal saltwater fishing license to fish on Topsail Island?

A: It depends on where and how you are fishing. If you are booking an excursion through our Topsail Island Charter Captains Directory , or if you are fishing from a licensed public pier (like the Surf City Pier or Jolly Roger Pier), you are fully covered by their overarching blanket commercial licenses. However, if you are surf fishing directly from the sand, paddling an inshore kayak, or operating your own private vessel in the sound, every angler over the age of 16 must purchase a standard North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL).

Q: Q: When does the fall Speckled Trout run peak in our local sounds and creeks?

A: While the first push of keeper-sized fish occurs in September, the undisputed peak for Topsail Island speckled trout fishing runs from October through November. As the inshore water temperatures tumble into the mid-60s, these sight-feeding predators form dense schools and feed aggressively on migrating shrimp. This autumn window offers the highest probability of landing a trophy "gator" trout exceeding 24 inches on light tackle and topwater walking plugs.