Hatteras/Ocracoke – December 2025
Danny, of Hatteras Jack, reports that surf anglers are finding a solid mix of sea mullet, puppy drum, and medium-sized bluefish. Fresh cut bait and shrimp on bottom rigs have been the most productive, and this pattern should continue for those soaking baits throughout the winter months. As water temperatures cool further, anglers can expect black drum to modestly move in.
On the sound side, speckled trout are being caught in the shallows, particularly on sunnier days when water temperatures warm just enough to spark activity.
Mark, of Reel Em In Charters, reports that the red drum bite has been nothing short of excellent along the oceanside. Whether fishing from the surf, piers, or boats, anglers have been rewarded with over-slot to citation-class drum while soaking fresh cut mullet. Timing efforts around moving tides has been the key to success.
In the sound, sheepshead have been active. Oyster beds, bridges, and dock pilings have been the most productive spots, with mud crabs and sand fleas doing the heavy lifting. Blue crabs have also been a reliable option, and they tempt some of the larger sheepshead and offer anglers the chance to also connect with any black drum holding nearby.
Jim, of Rodanthe Pier, reports that the red drum bite continues to be strong, with slot-sized fish being landed on fresh cut bait. Smaller bottom rigs are keeping anglers busy with a mixed bag that includes sea mullet, bluefish, speckled trout, gray trout, and spot.
Heather, of Frank and Fran’s, reports that red drum fishing has been outstanding. Slot-sized fish are scattered up and down the island, while big bulls have been making strong showings at the Point. Fresh cut mullet has been the key to staying on this bite.
Smaller bottom rigs are producing plenty of sea mullet and spot, with Fishbites bait strips in sand flea, shrimp, and bloodworm flavors proving especially effective. This steady action should carry right through December, until colder water temperatures shift the focus to dogfish sharks and rays.
Justin Miller, of Advance, landed this red drum from the surf in Avon using electric chicken Fishbites.
Keith, of Avon Pier, reports that a few bull reds are still being caught, along with some slot fish. Fresh shrimp fished on the bottom has been producing a mix of sea mullet, spot, and some black drum.
Butch, of Frisco Rod & Gun, reports that surf anglers have been enjoying a nice sea mullet bite. Anglers out on the sand are also catching blowtoads, black drum, and some bluefish. In addition, fresh cut mullet is enticing strikes from puppy drum that are scattered around, and some speckled trout might also show up in the surf zone in December.
Soundside anglers are doing best by targeting structure for some sheepshead, but speckled trout fishing has been pretty slow so far in the sound.
Victoria, of Teach’s Lair, reports that anglers finding a window to run offshore are catching some wahoo and bigger blackfin tuna.
King mackerel fishing has been good for the live bait crowd, and the kings should continue to be around throughout December.
Soundside efforts are producing a mix of smaller sheepshead, bluefish, and puppy drum, but the speckled trout has been slow.
Surf anglers are catching sea mullet, a few bigger bluefish, and puppy drum. Moving further into the coldest months, the occasional black drum will likely make a showing, with dead shrimp being the best bet.
Bluefin tuna should also be showing up in December. With a strong run the past few years, anglers are hopeful that trend continues.
Joey, of Fingeance Sportfishing, reports that anglers have had a lot of success catching sheepshead on wrecks just outside Hatteras Inlet. Most of the bites are coming on sand fleas.
Those targeting the inshore waters can expect the striped bass action to heat up in the Albemarle Sound. Throwing artificials and jigging around stump beds, or sight‑casting in open water under birds, will produce the striper bites.
As winter moves on, the stripers continue to work west across the sound toward the mainland rivers to spawn.
Andrew Key, of Winston Salem, caught (and released) this red drum from the surf on Hatteras Island using a chunk of mullet.
Peter, of Wann Sportfishing, reports that when the weather allows for a run offshore, decent live bait king mackerel fishing has been happening in the 8+ mile range.
There are plenty of 5-7 lb. bluefish off the beach, with anglers finding success trolling spoons or sight‑casting metal jigs.
Around the inlet and on structure just inside the inlet, sheepshead are present, though most are on the smaller side.
There hasn’t been much of a speckled trout bite inside, but hopefully that action will pick up if the weather stays mild.
Jeremy, of Calypso Sportfishing, reports that anglers finding a weather window to venture offshore are being met with some decent fishing. The blackfin tuna have been the most dependable targets, and the majority of these fish have been the larger size. There’s also still a few sailfish in the area.
King mackerel are around for those working live bait, and anglers are hopeful that the big bluefin tuna will move back into the area any day.
Tim, of Rabid Tuna Sportfishing Charters, reports that the live bait king mackerel bite in the area has been excellent, with plenty of large fish in the mix.
Further offshore, pulling ballyhoo has been producing big blackfin tuna, wahoo, and even some late‑season billfish.
Josh, of Tradewinds Tackle, reports that the surf continues to pump out plenty of action for anglers, with catches including black drum, sheepshead, and some puppy drum. Rays and sharks have also become more plentiful.
Some big drum are still around, with most catches coming at night on fresh cut mullet.
Nearshore anglers are finding success bottom fishing, with catches of triggerfish and black sea bass, while offshore trolling is producing wahoo and scattered blackfin tuna.
