Topsail Beach Inshore Report: King Tide Fishing – October 5, 2025

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

Navigating the King Tides for October Fishing in Topsail Beach

This week has presented some challenging conditions, but the **October fishing in Topsail Beach** remains strong for those willing to adapt. We’ve been dealing with strong winds and unusually high “king tides,” which can make for choppy water. However, despite the tough conditions, the inshore bite is still good. We are finding success by focusing on the morning bite and using the right techniques to trigger strikes. Knowing how to navigate these conditions is the key to a productive day, and we’re definitely still putting fish in the boat.

Strategy for Tough Conditions

With the king tides flooding the marshes, fish have more room to roam. The strong winds have also made the water choppy. My strategy has been to focus on protected areas and fish the prime morning hours when the bite is most aggressive. We’ve been concentrating our efforts on the incoming tide cycle. In these conditions, baits that provide scent and vibration are crucial for helping fish locate your offering. Therefore, we’ve had the most success by sticking to two proven methods: live bait and soft plastics.

Species and Bait Breakdown

The **Redfish** and **Flounder** bite has been the most consistent. We are catching some quality fish in the mornings by patiently working key areas like creek mouths and oyster bars. Live bait, like mullet or shrimp, has been very effective when fished on the bottom. In addition, soft plastic lures, such as paddle tails that create a lot of vibration, are also producing solid bites.

Looking ahead, I have every reason to believe the **Speckled Trout** and **Black Drum** bite will become very strong once these tides get back to normal. The fish are here, and as soon as the water stabilizes, the action should be fantastic.

Book Your Fall Fishing Trip!

Challenging conditions are when having an experienced local guide really pays off. We know where the fish go when the weather gets tough and how to catch them. The fall season offers some of the best fishing of the year, and it’s only going to get better.

In conclusion, the **October fishing in Topsail Beach** is still providing great opportunities. Don’t let a little wind keep you off the water! Give me a call to book your trip today.

Original Submission

“http://topsailislandfishingguides.com.  The inshore bit is still good even through the king tides this week. Redfish and flounder are biting good in the mornings and have all ideas that the trout bite will be strong after these tides get back to normal. Live bait and soft plastics are working best for me .”

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