OBX/Northern Beaches – December 2025
Ward, of TW’s Bait and Tackle, reports that surf anglers are still finding plenty of action, and the catches include slot‑sized black drum, scattered bluefish, and a handful of puppy drum. Some speckled trout are in the surf, too, though most have been small.
Back in the sounds, anglers are catching speckled trout and puppy drum.
Bottom fishing off the beach has been productive for black sea bass and a few triggerfish, while offshore trolling boats are mainly focused on blackfin tuna.
Looking ahead to winter, surf anglers soaking bait will be hoping for puppy drum but will likely encounter the plentiful dogfish sharks that move in. Offshore, hopes are high for another strong run of bluefin tuna. Last year brought not only great numbers but fish that stayed close to shore—giving smaller boat anglers a rare chance to battle giants on fair‑weather days.
Aaron, of Carolina Sunrise Charters, reports that much of the fishing action is happening in the surf right now, with cooler soundside water temperatures pushing fish out or across to the western side.
Speckled trout and puppy drum are the main targets. This time of year the puppy drum typically respond best to soaking bait, with sand fleas, cut mullet, shrimp, or Fishbites strips all producing at times.
Speckled trout are almost strictly an artificial bite, with soft plastics and twitch baits as the top choices for surf anglers.
The next big thing to watch for is the arrival of bluefin tuna. Last year was a standout fishery, with giants holding close to the beach well into spring. Their proximity gave small‑boat anglers plenty of opportunity on fair‑weather days. Live bait, either bluefish or bunker, remains the top option, though when the water is really stirred up, big topwater plugs can also draw epic strikes.
Easten Page, of Aydlett, NC, landed this red drum from Avon Pier using fresh mullet.
Vincent, of Stick Em Fishing Adventures, reports that speckled trout have mostly moved back into the creeks and have settled into their winter pattern.
Striped bass in the 22-32” range have been the main target, with anglers working the bigger bridges using soft plastics or bucktails. These fish are striking jigs on a light fall after dropping to the bottom and then lightly twitching them up and down. Slow trolling Basnight bucktails or Rapalas has also been effective.
On the flats around the inlet, slot‑sized red drum are being caught with spinner baits and soft plastics. Just outside the inlet, a few boats have found late‑season schools of big red drum.
Billy, of Fishing Unlimited, reports that anglers fishing in the surf and from the local piers are catching sea mullet, black drum, and croakers. Those working the Little Bridge in the early mornings have also landed speckled trout.
John, of Drumbeat Charters, reports that surf anglers have been catching some quality sea mullet from the beach, with speckled trout also starting to mix in. Small bottom rigs are best for the mullet, while double ¼ oz. jig heads with soft plastics are the top setup for trout.
Red drum are being found with cut baits on flats both inside and around the inlet, especially on stretches of sunny weather.
Inshore, most of the speckled trout have shifted into creeks on the west side of the sound.
Striped bass fishing is a strong inshore option for the winter months, with bigger local bridges holding fish around the pilings. Anglers are enticing bites with larger soft plastics, Rat‑L‑Traps, or trolled Rapala Stretch 15s.
Off the beach, king mackerel fishing has been excellent from Hatteras up to Oregon Inlet, with some action even within sight of shore. This bite should continue until around New Year’s. Bluefin tuna have started to show up around Hatteras, and anglers should see them any day now. The action can be had by trolling big baits or live bait fishing, and their presence also opens the epic opportunity to cast topwater plugs to these giants on heavy‑duty spinning gear (Shimano Stella 20k reels with 100 lb. hollow‑core braid and 130 lb. fluorocarbon leader).
Jared Willis, of Garner, landed this 43” red drum near Ocracoke on a mullet head.
Jack, of Afishionado Charters, reports that as waters continue to cool and winter approaches, anglers will be shifting their focus to bluefin tuna. There is already word of fish working their way down the coast from up north.
Last year brought phenomenal action, with bluefin holding along the beach and giving even smaller boaters a shot on fair‑weather days. Trolling big ballyhoo remains the primary tactic, though some anglers were able to connect on topwater plugs. Heavy tackle is a must, as while plenty of 65-70” fish were landed, true giants pushing 700+ lbs. were also in the mix.
McKayla, of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, reports that anglers heading offshore are finding plenty of success with blackfin tuna. Scattered king mackerel are also in the mix while trolling, and bottom fishing efforts are producing strong action with black sea bass.
Anglers are eager for the arrival of bluefin tuna.
Meredith, of Pirate’s Cove Marina, reports that sunny days have been producing strong blackfin tuna action for offshore anglers. There’s even been the very late season mahi hooked.
All attention is turning to bluefin tuna as they begin migrating down from the north.
Brian, of Nags Head Pier, reports that anglers are catching a mix of bluefish, black drum, and small speckled trout.
Joe, of Avalon Pier, reports that a few speckled trout have been caught, and anglers rigged with cut baits are picking up the occasional puppy drum.
John, of Bob’s Bait and Tackle, reports that surf anglers are still finding steady action, with catches including puppy drum, sea mullet, and scattered speckled trout.
Back in the sounds, anglers are catching puppy drum and a few speckled trout.
Offshore, when the weather window opens, boats are finding plenty of blackfin tuna, some yellowfin tuna, and even the occasional late‑season mahi.
