Black Drum Bite is ON! Topsail Beach Report: Nov. 5, 2025

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

Hot Bite: Topsail Beach Black Drum

The water temperatures have finally dropped, and as a result, the inshore bite has shifted into a fantastic fall pattern. Right now, the **Topsail Beach black drum** fishing has turned on in a big way! This is one of the most reliable and fun fisheries of the late fall season. The cooler, clear water has these fish schooled up and feeding aggressively, making for some excellent action on our recent in.

Conditions and Tactics for the Win

We’ve had beautiful, sunny weather, which makes for a pleasant day on the water. The key, however, has been the water itself. It’s nice and clear, allowing us to spot fish, but the most important factor has been the tide. I’ve been targeting the falling (outgoing) tide, and it’s been the key to success.

Why the falling tide? Because as the water pulls out of the marshes, it forces the black drum to pull back to more predictable, hard-structure locations. This concentrates the fish and makes them easier to target.

How We’re Catching Them

My go-to technique has been simple but incredibly effective. I’ve been using 1/4 oz jig heads paired with frozen shrimp that we put up back in September. Using the shrimp we caught and saved is a great tactic, as it’s a natural food source the local fish are already keyed in on.

The 1/4 oz jig head is perfect for this scenario. It’s light enough to present the bait naturally but just heavy enough to get it down to the bottom where these fish feed, even in a bit of current. We are primarily bottom-fishing, casting the rig right up against the structure and letting it sit.

Where to Find the Fish

As I mentioned, the falling tide pulls the fish to structure. Consequently, the most productive areas have been docks and bridges throughout the North Topsail Beach area. These structures provide cover and also hold small crustaceans that the black drum love to eat. We are finding large schools holding tight to the pilings, and a well-placed bait has been getting bit almost immediately.

The **Topsail Beach black drum** bite is the best it’s been all season. If you love steady, hard-pulling action, now is the time to get on the water. Give me a call to book your fall trip!

Original Submission
http://topsailislandfishingguides.com

The black drum bite has turned on big time with the cooler water temps. I’ve been using 1/4 oz jig heads with frozen shrimp we put up from September. Docks and bridges is what I’ve been targeting on the falling tide.

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