Ocean Isle/Holden Beach – December 2025
Jeff, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that speckled trout are showing in big numbers, though most have been smaller fish with quality ones only mixed in. Live shrimp under floats drifted in the 4-14’ depths have been producing action, while pink soft plastics on light jig heads are also effective. The best areas have been up the river, with attention focused around oyster banks and ledges.
Black drum are holding in these same areas, and they’re hitting live shrimp drifted near the bottom or cut shrimp fished on Carolina rigs.
For anglers targeting red drum, docks and flats along the ICW have been the most productive, with cut mullet or shrimp working best.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that bluefin tuna are the headliner in December. The area has seen more bluefin over the past couple of years than ever before, and hopefully that population trend continues. Targeting them means looking for large schools of menhaden, often marked by circling gannets. Anglers should be prepared with heavy gear, such as 130‑pound tackle, 180‑pound fluorocarbon leaders, and 10/0 circle hooks rigged with live menhaden.
Winter is also prime time for black sea bass, which thrive in cooler water temperatures in the low to mid-60s. Structure in that range is the key to finding consistent keeper sea bass action.
For those running to the edge of the break between 150-300’, quality wahoo and blackfin tuna remain in play throughout winter. Satellite temperature shots are invaluable, and anglers should focus efforts where water temperatures reach 72 degrees or more, ideally in good blue water or blended blue water.
Tim, of Tideline Charters, reports that most of the early winter fishing focus has been spent in the creeks targeting speckled trout. Smaller keeper fish have been abundant, with bigger trout mixed in, and cooling water temperatures are only helping the larger fish show more often. Anglers should focus on areas with moving water, which is a huge key when trout fishing, especially rising tides as they also bring in cleaner water. Live shrimp (while available) under a slip cork remains the top option, though artificials have already been producing well and should carry the bite smoothly once bait moves out.
Red drum action has been steady. These fish are very bait‑oriented, so anglers should look for areas with water movement before starting efforts. The reds are beginning to school up into their larger winter groups and will push into shallower areas as the season progresses.
Black drum remain scattered, but shrimp continues to entice bites from the ones holding in the creeks.
Don “Duke” Pollitt, of Hilton Head, caught this black drum in the ICW around Sunset Beach using live shrimp. He was fishing with Capt. Bob Strange of Strange Magic Fishing Charters.
Tripp, of Capt’n Hook Outdoors, reports that live shrimp along the ICW remains highly productive for speckled trout, though artificials are also performing well. Soft plastics such as Bass Assassins or Z‑Man paddle tails on 1/8‑ounce jig heads have been the best choice for sheer numbers, while larger offerings like Z‑Man DieZel MinnowZ or MirrOlure MR-52s help filter out the smaller trout. The incoming tide has been the most productive, with shell banks and oyster beds serving as prime target areas.
The red drum bite has been steady, with most catches being smaller “rat” reds feeding in the same areas as trout.
Sheepshead are available by fishing docks on lower tides with live fiddler crabs.
Offshore, king mackerel have been active in waters of at least 66 degrees. Dead cigar minnows trolled at 1-2 knots have produced steady action, while slow‑trolled live bluefish have enticed larger bites.
Black sea bass are moving into the 5-15 mile range where squid and cut bait are effective.
In the Gulf Stream, temperature breaks in the 140-200’ range are producing wahoo and blackfin tuna on ballyhoo trolled at 7 knots.
Jamie, of Rigged and Ready Charters, reports that surf anglers have been finding steady action on whiting and croakers.
Inshore, the speckled trout action has ramped up, with artificials and topwater lures currently being the favored tactic.
Offshore trolling efforts have produced some wahoo, and bluefin tuna should begin showing up soon.
Looking ahead into winter, backwater fishing will become the main focus for most inshore anglers. Speckled trout, black drum, and red drum will be the primary targets deep in the creeks.
Philip, of Rod and Reel Shop, reports that surf anglers continue to find steady action with whiting, pufferfish, and some black drum.
Inshore, speckled trout have been the main focus and should remain strong far into winter. Most anglers are fishing in the backs of creeks and canals with soft plastics or MirrOlure MR‑17s. Sheepshead are being caught around structure near the inlet, and they’re even showing up in the surf.
Off the beach, black sea bass action is heating up, with bottom rigs tipped with squid providing all that’s needed for success.
Big bluefin tuna should begin showing up any time now as the December season sets in.
Jerry, of Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Pier, reports that anglers have been catching a good number of large whiting. Mixed in on the bottom have been some black drum and croakers.
