Fishing Calendar: What’s Biting Each Month on Topsail Island
If you’re planning a fishing trip to Topsail Island, NC, timing can make all the difference. Whether you’re targeting inshore favorites like red drum and speckled trout, or heading just offshore for king mackerel and cobia, this Topsail Island fishing calendar offers a month-by-month guide on what’s biting and when.
January
- Inshore: Speckled trout (slows in colder weather), black drum
- Nearshore: Occasional redfish in warm pockets
- Best Tip: Target deep holes and slower-moving waters
February
- Inshore: Black drum, small red drum
- Nearshore: Tautog and sheepshead near structures
- Best Tip: Use shrimp-tipped jigs near piers and docks
March
- Inshore: Red drum become more active, speckled trout rebound
- Offshore: Sea bass starts picking up
- Best Tip: Fish estuaries and channels with moving tides
April
- Inshore: Flounder returns, red drum strong
- Nearshore: Spanish mackerel arrive
- Best Tip: Troll spoons or cast soft plastics near grass lines
May
- Inshore: Peak flounder, trout, and redfish bite
- Nearshore: Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and cobia begin to show
- Best Tip: Live bait fishing near inlets is productive
June
- Inshore: Great for speckled trout and puppy drum
- Offshore: Dolphin (mahi), king mackerel, and cobia
- Best Tip: Sunrise and sunset bites are strong — plan accordingly
July
- Inshore: Red drum and flounder thrive
- Nearshore/Offshore: Peak king mackerel and cobia fishing
- Best Tip: Fish grass edges and oyster beds at high tide
August
- Inshore: Hot action for flounder and trout in deeper holes
- Offshore: Amberjack and mahi
- Best Tip: Night fishing helps avoid heat and traffic
September
- Inshore: Start of fall speckled trout blitz
- Offshore: Wahoo and king mackerel
- Best Tip: Estuarine creeks produce great action
October
- Inshore: Peak season for red drum and speckled trout
- Nearshore: Spanish mackerel still active
- Best Tip: Use topwater lures for explosive strikes
November
- Inshore: Red drum, black drum, and trout
- Nearshore: Sea bass and bluefish
- Best Tip: Cooler water concentrates fish — fish tighter zones
December
- Inshore: Trout remain steady, black drum deepens
- Offshore: Grouper and bottom fish
- Best Tip: Slow presentation is key in winter
Plan Your Trip Wisely
This fishing calendar is a helpful guide for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re booking a local Topsail Island fishing charter or launching your own skiff, knowing what’s biting helps maximize your chances.
For up-to-date regulations and size limits, visit the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries and NOAA Southeast Fisheries.
Want to fish with a local guide? Explore our full directory of Topsail Island fishing charters and book your next adventure.
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