Fall & Winter Fishing Report: Topsail Beach & Surf City – Oct. 26, 2025

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

The Winter Fishing in Topsail Beach is Here!

The weather has changed significantly over the last four weeks. After a strong cold front and some heavy winds, the transition is complete: the official **winter fishing Topsail Beach** pattern has arrived. This is an exciting time to be on the water in Topsail and Surf City. The “mullet blow” we experienced has pushed a lot of bait out, but the fish that remain are schooled up and feeding aggressively on what’s left. The action for our primary inshore species is fantastic right now.

Current Conditions and Tactics

We are currently dealing with the aftermath of a cold front, which includes strong winds. However, by fishing smart on the incoming tide, we are finding plenty of fish. The key has been to adapt our techniques to match these new fall and winter conditions. Artificial baits that can cover water and mimic the remaining baitfish are performing exceptionally well.

Species Report: The Inshore Bite is Firing!

Here is a breakdown of what we’re catching and how we’re doing it. The bite has been excellent for all three of our main targets.

Red Drum (Redfish)

This is the star of the show right now. We are finding large schools of redfish actively feeding on the remaining bait. With the mullet run over, these fish are looking for an easy meal. Soft plastic swimbaits have been working best for me. Casting these lures around the schools and working them just fast enough to get a wobble has been the ticket to getting hooked up.

Speckled Trout

The speckled trout bite has also been very good. We are finding them staging in predictable winter areas, specifically around the inlets and bridges. These locations act as funnels for bait. Artificial shrimp (like a Vudu or DOA shrimp) worked slowly near the structure has been producing a lot of quality bites.

Black Drum

If you’re looking for steady action, the black drum are everywhere! These fish are feeding heavily and are a ton of fun to catch. Best of all, they are easily caught on a simple bottom rig with frozen shrimp. This makes them a perfect target for kids and anglers of all skill levels.

Book Your Winter Fishing Trip!

This is a fantastic time to experience the **winter fishing Topsail Beach** has to offer. The crowds are gone, and the fish are schooled up. Give me a call, and let’s book your winter fishing adventure in Topsail Beach or Surf City today!

Original Submission

http://topsail island fishing guides.com

The weather has changed a lot the last 4 weeks and the fall/winter fishing is here. Large schools of redfish feeding on what bait remains after the strong mullet blow we’ve had . Swim baits have worked best for me.
Speckled trout bite had been good on artificial shrimp around the inlets and bridges

Black drum are everywhere and frozen shrimp are working for them. Give me a call and book your winter fishing trip in Topsail beach or Surf City Nc !

Topsail Island Fishing Guides | Captain Mike Hoffman | Topsail.Fish | Topsail Island Fishing Captains | Topsail Island Fishing Charters