A view looking north up the beach at Topsail Island from the water's edge, highlighting the year-round fishing destination.

Topsail Island Fishing Calendar: Your Year-Round Guide

Whether you are a local angler or visiting Surf City for the first time, knowing what’s biting—and when—is the key to a successful day on the water. Topsail Island offers a diverse fishery, from the quiet marsh creeks of the sound to the high-energy “explosions” of the offshore Gulf Stream. Use our month-by-month calendar below to plan your next adventure.

Choose a Month to Explore

Each guide contains specific tactics, rig recommendations, local hotspots, and professional tips for that season.What Makes Topsail Fishing Unique?

Looking for a quick overview of every species? View our Seasonal Guide Snapshot for a fast look at what’s biting throughout the year.

SPECIAL NOTE!
Flounder fishing now pushed back until September for 2026!!!

Always check the NC DEQ and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for up to date regulations!

Angler fishing the Topsail Island flats in January.

JANUARY
Speckled Trout

Targeting schooling trout in deep bridge holes and mud flats using ultralight tackle and slow-retrieve lures. Patience is the key to finding the clear water bite.

Angler fishing the bridge pilings in February for Red Drum fish.

FEBRUARY
Red Drum

Focusing on schooling “Reds” in the backwater creeks. Success requires “dead-sticking” soft plastics and finding sun-warmed mud flats on high tide.

Angler fishing the pilings and docks in March for Seatrout and Redfish.

MARCH
Spring Transition

As water temperatures hit the mid-50s, the inshore bite wakes up. Use suspension lures near dock lines and shallow bays to catch fish on the move.

Angler fishing the marshes in April for Speckled Trout and Red Drum.

APRIL
Spring Explosions

The arrival of the first topwater bite! Target aggressive Speckled Trout inshore and the first run of Spanish Mackerel at the nearshore reefs.

Angler catching a striped sheepshead fish from a skiff near a concrete bridge piling

MAY
SheepsHead

Prime time for the “Convict Fish.” Target heavy structure and bridge pilings using fiddler crabs or sand fleas on a vertical Carolina rig. Offshore is starting to heat up with Wahoo, Sailfish and Tuna!

Anglers on a boat fishing Mahi- Mahi near sargassum.

JUNE
Mahi-Mahi

Offshore action heats up as Mahi-Mahi follow the Gulf Stream as well as Sailfish, Wahoo and Tuna. Look for Sargassum weed lines and floating debris for high-speed trolling success.

Anglers night fishing off a dock for speckled trout and drum fish.

JULY
Night Fishing

Beat the summer heat by targeting dock lights and shadow lines. Night fishing offers a unique chance at trophy Speckled Trout and Red Drum.

Angler fishing the canals for flounder.

AUGUST
Flounder

Hunting for “Doormats” in the marsh creeks and inlets. Use live finger mullet or Gulp! baits on the bottom to land these masters of camouflage. Offshore is still biting for Sailfish, Wahoo, and Tuna.

SPECIAL NOTE!
Flounder fishing now pushed back until September for 2026!!!

Anglers surf fishing on Topsail Island In September.

SEPTEMBER
Bull Red Drum

The legendary fall run begins. Target massive “Bull” Red Drum in the surf and inlet channels using heavy tackle and fresh cut bait.

Angler fishing the Topsail Island Marches in October for Speckled Trout.

OCTOBER
Gator Trout

Cooler waters trigger a feeding frenzy. Use topwater plugs and paddle tails to target large “Gator” Trout as they school up before winter.

Anglers fishing the piers and docks in November for Speckled Trout.

NOVEMBER
Late Fall Tactics

Transitioning to deep-water bridge tactics. Slow down your presentation with slow-sinking twitchbaits as the trout move toward winter refuge.

Angler fishing for Seatrout and Redfish in the channels along the oyster beds.

DECEMBER
Winter Inshore

Quiet waters and clear conditions. Target Speckled Trout and Red Drum in deep creek holes using surgical, slow-motion retrieval methods.

From the deep waters of the New River Inlet to the legendary Surf City High Rise Bridge, Topsail Island is a magnet for coastal species. Our waters are influenced by the shifting tides of the Intracoastal Waterway and the nearby Gulf Stream, creating a year-round destination for anglers of all skill levels.

Book a Local Expert

Ready to get on the fish? Don’t leave it to chance. Our local captains have spent decades learning the tides and secret holes of Topsail Island.

Browse the Topsail Fishing Captains Directory