As the days continue to get longer and water temperatures steadily climb, anglers along the North Carolina coast are taking full advantage of some great spring fishing opportunities along the Outer Banks.
After a brutal winter along the Mid-Atlantic, water temperatures jumped quickly thanks to an unseasonably warm spring. In just a couple months, ocean temperatures have warmed 20 to 30 degrees to reach the low 70s off the southern North Carolina coast, and the upper 50s off the Outer Banks.
This dramatic warm up is a testament to the consistent periods of great weather we saw in March and April. Predominant southwest winds have pushed consistently clean ocean water into the region, and this quick shift in water temperature off the Carolina coast has anglers frothing for a variety of species.
Spring Bluefin Tuna Fishing
Worlds collide off the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” as bluefin tuna are still hanging out off the northern beaches waiting to push back north just as migratory cobia are starting to move up the coast from the south.
Of course, bluefin are getting a lot of attention again this year as a number of tuna have been landed by kayak anglers and jet ski enthusiasts. A big push of fish moved into the nearshore waters again through much of March and April off the northern Outer Banks, and anglers were ready this year, with vessels registered and permits in hand.
Old Drum off the Beaches
Anglers are also seeing huge schools of mature red drum and sharks schooling up off the beach, gorging on shad and competing with the bluefin. Atlantic Bonito and some really nice early season false albacore are also in the area, swarming the surface around the nearshore artificial reefs and ledges within 2 to 3 miles of the beach.
Early Spanish Mackerel Run
Spanish mackerel are in the mix, showing up a little ahead of schedule thanks to the early season warm up. Anglers looking for variety and excellent table fare are filling up the cooler fast with a variety of tasty bottom fish. According to Capt. Chris Kimrey with Mount Maker Charters, Fishing structure within earshot of local inlets is producing some really nice black sea bass and sheepshead along with a number of other species willing to take the bait.
Sight Fishing for Bluefish
Hatteras bluefish are also pushing into nearshore waters, marauding silversides and anchovies just outside the inlets and on the flats surrounding Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout. The breakdown of current and shifting shoals creates lots of ambush zones for huge schools of choppers to feed up in shallow water, providing some of the most fun sight casting opportunities of the season. Explosive topwater strikes are the norm.
Early Cobia Arrival
While cobia normally do not show up in numbers until mid-May, with action peaking as the month goes by. This year, many are hopeful they will make a good showing early as they push inshore along their northern migration to spawn.
Shore-Based Fishing
Surf and pier fishermen have also experienced a solid bite, with schools of drum along the beach and surprisingly good run of migratory ocean striped bass making an appearance this year right along the coast as far south as Wrightsville Beach.
The cold winter apparently pushed some bass farther south this year, with some nice stripers being reported from a number of fishing piers as well as by surf anglers. There’s been a good mix of redfish and a few speckled trout mixed in with the stripers.
Inshore Fishing Action
Inshore, the big winter schools of redfish are breaking apart and feeding aggressively, so it’s time to start throwing topwater, said Capt. Joe Tunstall, of Carolina Traditions Guide Company. Nothing beats a surface plug when searching for fish, as they can’t resist the commotion. Walk-the-dog-style plugs are working well, along with big poppers.
With interior water temps already hitting the low 70s, speckled trout are also starting to stage on the flats preparing to spawn. It’s always fun when a sow trout unexpectedly slams your Skitter Walk, and this is the time of year when you can target the edges and ledges where there is good water flow and bait activity.
While the spring transition can be frustrating, as everything is on the move, wading is a great way to cover ground and really work an area effectively. Kayaks also provide a quiet way to stalk the flats without making too much commotion. As more and more boats start getting out on the water on warm days, the fish can become skittish, so stealth is key, especially in pressured areas.
With converging currents and warming water temperatures, you just never know what might show up this time of year. Make sure you have multiple rods rigged and ready for the chaos.
