With its vast coastline, nearby creeks and rivers, and a gulf stream that provides a warm water habitat for countless species, Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina is a fishing haven for all skill levels.
Experienced fisherman will relish the chance to bring in a big grouper, a bluefin tuna, or maybe even a king mackerel in the waters off Ocean Isle Beach, while the kids will enjoy catching their first speckled trout in one of our gentle inland creeks.
In this comprehensive guide to Ocean Isle Beach fishing, we’ll take a closer look at the best fishing spots in southern Brunswick County, along with information on the types of fish found in the area, fishing techniques, equipment required, fishing charters, and regulations.
So grab your fishing gear, pack your sunscreen, and get ready to explore some of the best fishing spots on the East Coast.
Types of Fish
The waters off shore of Ocean Isle Beach are home to a variety of fish species, from flounder to sea bass, and everything in between. The gulf stream keeps these fish in the area year-round, with peak seasons varying depending on the species.
- Flounder: Flounder can be caught in every season in the waters around Ocean Isle Beach, with the best times to fish for them being spring and fall. Flounder are bottom-dwelling fish that can be caught using a variety of baits, including live minnows, squid, and shrimp.
- Red Drum: Red drum, also known as redfish, can be caught all 12 months in the area. These fish are typically found in shallow waters and can be caught using a variety of baits, including live baitfish, shrimp, and crabs.
- Speckled Trout: Speckled trout are a popular game fish that can be caught year-round in the area. These fish are typically found in shallow waters and can be caught using a variety of baits, including live shrimp, minnows, and soft plastic lures.
- Spanish Mackerel: Spanish mackerel can be caught in the area during the summer months. These mackerel are typically found in deeper waters and can be caught using a variety of baits, including spoons, jigs, and live bait.
- King Mackerel: King mackerel can be caught in the area during the summer months. These fish are typically found in deeper waters and can be caught using a variety of baits, including live baitfish and lures.
- Bluefish: Bluefish can be caught in the area all four seasons, with the best times to fish for them being during the spring and fall. These fish can be caught using a variety of baits, including cut bait, lures, and live bait.
- Black Sea Bass: Black sea bass can be caught all the time in the area, with the best times to catch one being during the spring and fall. These species are typically found in deeper waters and can be caught using a variety of baits, including cut bait, lures, and live baitfish.
Fishing Spots
There are several spots in and around Ocean Isle Beach that offer excellent opportunities to catch a variety of species.
- Ocean Isle Beach Pier: The Ocean Isle Beach Pier is a popular fishing spot that offers access to deep water and a variety of species. The pier is equipped with fish cleaning stations, a bait and tackle shop, and the pier grill. The Beach Pier Grill serves a variety of classic American dishes such as burgers, hot dogs, and seafood options like crab cakes and fish tacos. Visitors can catch a range of species from the pier, mackerel, flounder, and red drum. The pier charges a fee for fishing, and equipment can be rented on-site.
- Intracoastal Waterway: The Intracoastal Waterway offers ample opportunities for fishermen, including shallow-water fishing for species such as flounder and red drum. The waterway also provides access to deeper water for targeting larger species such as mackerel and Mahi-Mahi. Boat rentals in the area get visitors out on the water into the best spots to drop a line.
- Atlantic Ocean: The Atlantic Ocean provides a unique opportunity to deep-sea fish when visiting Ocean Isle. The area is home to a wide range of species, including Mahi-Mahi, tuna, and billfish. Local captains pilot fishing charters that offer tourists the chance to explore the deeper waters and target these larger species using a variety of techniques, such as trolling or bottom fishing.
- Shallotte Inlet: Shallotte River Inlet is a popular spot for inshore fishing and is home to a variety of species, including red drum, trout, and flounder. Anglers can use a variety of techniques, including casting with artificial lures and bottom fishing with live or cut bait.
- Tubbs Inlet: Tubbs Inlet is a small creek that flows into the ocean and is a popular spot for kayak fishing. The creek is home to a variety of species, including red drum, flounder, and speckle trout.
- Sunset Beach: Sunset Beach offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of species, including flounder, red drum, and trout. Fishing can be done from the beach or from a boat. The Sunset Beach Bridge also offers a great spot for bottom fishing for species such as black drum and sheepshead.
Fishing Techniques
Techniques used in Ocean Isle Beach vary depending on the species being targeted and the fishing location. Visitors can use a variety of methods, including bottom fishing, trolling, and casting.
For bottom fishing, anglers can use a Carolina rig with live or cut bait. Trolling is a popular technique for targeting both local varieties of mackerel, especially when charter fishing from a boat, and experienced fishermen can use artificial lures such as spoons or trolling plugs.
Casting with artificial lures such as soft plastic baits, topwater plugs, and jigs can also be effective for catching a range of species.
Equipment Required
The equipment required for fishing in Ocean Isle Beach varies depending on the fishing technique and the species being targeted.
For inshore fishing among Ocean Isle’s great backwater flats, a medium to light action rod and reel is suitable.
For deep sea fishing, a medium to heavy action rod and reel, strong line, and a variety of hooks, sinkers, and swivels are required.
Other essential equipment might include a variety of hooks, sinkers, and swivels, as well as pliers, a landing net, and a cooler to store the catch.
If you’re looking to rent a pole for some simple off-the-dock fishing, Ocean Isle Pier and the nearby Sunset Beach Pier both rent poles and tackle for most casual fishing enthusiasts.
And you’ll want to bring proper protection from the sun; a long sleeve shirt, brimmed hat, and sunscreen can help ensure you aren’t deep frying yourself under the direct sun.
Don’t regret the banner day you caught your first yellowfin tuna because you made yourself sun sick and burned. Your dermatologist will thank you.
Regulations
Before heading out for a beautiful day reelin’ a big one in, in Ocean Isle Beach, it’s important to be aware of the regulations and fishing laws in the area.
Visitors must have a valid North Carolina fishing license, and certain species such as red drum have size and bag limits.
It’s also important to check the current regulations regarding catch-and-release fishing for certain species.
Ocean Isle Beach Fishing: It’s Like Nowhere Else
Ocean Isle Beach is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts with its diverse range of species, interesting and varied locations, and stunning natural beauty. The area’s many creeks, rivers, and offshore waters offer endless opportunities for tourists of all skill levels. Whether you prefer inshore or offshore fishing, the Ocean Isle Beach fishing stands head and shoulders above the rest.
With the information provided in this guide, we hope that you’re now better equipped to plan your next trip to Ocean Isle Beach. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-time fisherman, you’re sure to have an unforgettable fishing experience in this beautiful coastal town. So pack your gear, grab your bait, and head out to one of these top fishing spots for an exciting day on the water. Ready to start planning your next Ocean Isle fishing adventure? Book a vacation rental at Coastaway today and make your dreams of reelin’ in a big one true on your next visit.
