Topsail Island Fishing Report for: Oct 7, 2026 | Captain Mike Hoffman

Captain Mike Hoffman October 7 2026 Fishing Report

Fall has arrived along the Topsail Island coast, and Captain Mike Hoffman reports that the change in season is bringing excellent inshore fishing. Cooler water temperatures, high tides, and active bait are producing strong opportunities for both red drum and speckled trout throughout the Topsail area.

Red Drum Are Way Up Shallow

Redfish are pushing into very shallow water during the higher stages of the tide, creating some exciting sight-casting opportunities. Captain Mike reports an excellent bite using both topwater lures and live bait.

Anglers should concentrate on shallow flats, marsh edges, and flooded shoreline areas as rising water gives red drum access to feeding grounds that may be too shallow during lower stages of the tide.

Speckled Trout Bite Is Picking Up

The arrival of cooler water has also improved the speckled trout bite considerably. Fall is one of the most anticipated times of year for trout fishing around Topsail Sound and the surrounding inshore waters, and the seasonal transition is clearly beginning to take hold.

Captain Mike recommends starting the morning with topwater lures while light levels are low. As the sun gets higher, switching to live shrimp beneath a popping cork has been producing fish.

Fall Fishing Is Here

With red drum feeding shallow and speckled trout becoming increasingly active as water temperatures cool, October is shaping up to be an excellent time to fish the inshore waters around Topsail Island.

The key right now is to take advantage of the early morning topwater bite and adjust as conditions change throughout the day.

And Captain Mike closes his report with an important reminder for every angler:

Remember to take your kids fishing!

To book a guided inshore fishing trip, visit Topsail Island Fishing Guides or call Captain Mike Hoffman at (910) 619-8509.

Original Submission – Captain Mike Hoffman October 7 2026 Fishing Report

Fall is here and the bite is on. Redfish way shallow with the high tides with an amazing topwater and live bait. The trout bite has picked up really well with the cooler water temps. Topwater in the am and live shrimp on popping corks after the sun comes up. Remember to take your kids fishing!

http://Topsailislandfishingguides.com

Fall is here and the bite is on. Redfish way shallow with the high tides with an amazing topwater and live bait .The trout bite has picked up really well with the cooler water temps. Topwater in the am and live shrimp on popping corks after the sun comes up. Remember to take your kids fishing!

Thank you Captain Mike and Tight Lines!