Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina Fishing Report Today · Inception Point Ai

Coastal Carolina Fishing Report: Winter Bites on the Atlantic Side

December 28, 2025·3 min

The episode begins with host Artificial War providing a fishing rundown for the Atlantic coast of North Carolina. He notes an early morning low tide around 7:15 a.m. based on Atlantic beach tide tables from Tide Forecast. The afternoon high tide occurs a little after 1 p.m., followed by a fall around sunset. Sunrise is at 7:10 a.m. and sunset just after 5 p.m., with the lunchtime high aligning with a midday Solaner push favored by Fishing Reminder and Solaner forecast. Marine forecasts from the National Weather Service and Wilmington office indicate light north to northeast winds and 2 to 3 foot seas off Cape Thier and toward Cape Lookout. NOAA marine forecasts report no major fronts, leading to cool, stable winter conditions. Inshore and just outside the inlets, late December action includes good numbers of red drum, black drum, speckled trout, and some striper bass, as reported by Grand Slam inshore charters and other eastern NC boats. These fish are found in rivers and sounds, with reds and trout moving to deeper creek bends, bridge pylons, and rock edges for warmer water. Recommended lures include 4-inch paddle tail swim baits and straight tail soft plastics on 1/8th to 1/4th ounce jig heads in natural or electric chicken colors. Neuro lure style suspending twitch baits are suggested for speckled trout over shell and drop-offs. Live and cut bait options include shrimp and cut mullet for drum, and mud minnows on Carolina rigs around oyster bars and docks. Local tackle shops like Frank and Fran's on Hatteras advise using shrimp for drum and minnows or small plugs for trout. The episode emphasizes simple approaches and notes fish activity around bunkers.

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