Carolina Beach – March 2025
Lewis, of Island Tackle and Hardware, reports that whiting and croakers will be some of the first species to start producing for anglers that are bottom fishing from the surf in March.
Around the same time, the surf will start seeing the first schools of bluefish.
Those fishing in the mouth of the Cape Fear River sometime over the coming weeks should see whiting showing up in the deeper holes.
Those fishing in the Cape Fear River continue to pick away at some red drum and black drum. As water temperatures warm up, the action for both species picks up, and the occasional speckled trout will likely be in the mix.
Luke, of Spot On Charters, reports anglers in March will start having more success targeting speckled trout as they move into an early-spring, pre-spawn pattern. Usually, during this time is when anglers see some of the biggest females of the year caught.
Red drum are still hanging out in their big schools, and most years they will stick to this winter pattern until the time you start seeing fiddler crabs come back out. When it’s warm enough for fiddler crabs, it will be warm enough for the redfish to start breaking up and scattering about.
For both red drum and trout, target smaller creeks off the Cape Fear River (mostly south of Snows Cut). Look for creeks with muddy banks and dark muddy bottoms, as these areas will be slightly warmer than the waters around them. Both species can be targeted using strictly artificials, and with the cold-water temperatures, the smaller baits are better.
Tommy, of Mungo Fishing Charters, reports that anglers looking to get out on the water are doing best targeting red drum using dead shrimp, mud minnows, or cut crab on Carolina rigs. With the clear water conditions, lighter tackle is important in helping raise the chances of success. The best target areas are structures such as docks, oyster bars, and deeper holes in the backs of creeks. For anglers targeting red drum on the shallower flats, artificial baits such as Gulp or Z-Man soft plastics on lightweight jig heads should also have success.
The black drum bite will improve in March, and cut shrimp or dead crabs will be the top bait options. Look for the black drum around older docks, on the rock jetties, and in deeper holes with a nearby oyster bar.
Barry Midgette, of Burgaw, hooked this redfish on a twitch bait in the Cape Fear River near the State Port.
Mason, of Grand Slam Fishing Charters, reports that the black drum action is good, though the majority of the fish are smaller with larger fish (to 6 lbs.) only occasionally mixed in. Most are being found in the 6-8’ depths with nearby hard structure.
Red drum (also mostly smaller) are hanging around these same structures. For both species, some dead shrimp on the bottom will get strikes. Lately, areas upriver and closer to downtown are showing with more bait.
A few speckled trout are around, but the bite will stay slow until the water temperatures warm into the mid-50s. Live shrimp will be best in the coming weeks (when you can get it), but D.O.A. shrimp should also work.
Wintertime is the best time to target striped bass on the Cape Fear River. Most of this action will be focused above downtown and around areas of deeper shoreline structure. The 5” swimbaits or jerk shads work well when pitched around these structures, especially those with some current or eddies.
Drew, of Strike Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that the focus has been on red drum in the bays and creeks off the lower Cape Fear River. The action can be a little slow due to low water temperatures, but warmer days will start to get these fish moving as we get further into March.
Target these fish on flats around oyster beds as the tide is falling, being sure to pick areas with a little current flow. Bait options vary, with paddle tails, MirrOlures, and natural baits (such as Carolina-rigged live mud minnows, cut mullet, or dead shrimp) all having their time of success.
Anglers fishing with bottom-rigged cut shrimp may land a few black drum.
Tony, of Reel Teal Charters, reports that the red drum and speckled trout action will pick up once water temperatures get up into the mid-50 degree range. Live shrimp is typically the top bait option, but Z-Man soft plastics will also do the trick. Target both the drum and trout around deeper creek mouths, especially those with areas of rocks or pilings.
Off the beach, the black sea bass action has been pretty good over nearshore structures. Anglers targeting these areas can also find the occasional tautog.
Samantha Flounders, of Wilmington, hooked this sailfish 60 miles offshore of Oak Island on an Ilander with a ballyhoo.
Barry, of Family Ties Charters, reports that anglers have found some excellent black sea bass fishing in the 15-25 mile range.
Runs out to the Gulf Stream have been producing wahoo and blackfin tuna. For the wahoo, getting deep is key, and color patterns such as purple/black, black/orange, or black/red have had the most success. For baits on top, lighter skirts such as blue/white and pink/blue with ballyhoo work best on the ballyhoo.
Anglers look forward to the king mackerel starting to move in over the coming weeks. For now, these schools are still out in the 40+ mile range.
Rod, of OnMyWay Guide Service, reports that if weather windows pop up, some really good black sea bass action can be found in the 18-25 mile range. This same area will also hold huge grunts.
The deeper offshore structures offer vermilion snapper and triggerfish.
Cooler water temperatures (72-degree range) out at the break mean wahoo are likely the only true species in play.
The warmer water temperature needed for king mackerel is still out in the 50+ mile range.
