Southport/Oak Island – November 2025
Harrison, of Dutchman Creek Bait and Tackle, reports that the nearshore big red drum bite (30-45”) has been the main focus for anglers. The menhaden are still plentiful, which should help keep the drum around a bit longer.
Farther offshore, the king mackerel bite has been scattered.
Surf anglers are finding action with whiting, pompano, and a few spots.
Inshore, anglers are still waiting for the speckled trout bite to kick into gear. For now, the trout action remains spotty.
Mack, of Oak Island Sporting Goods, reports that surf anglers have been catching plenty of bluefish, with red drum also in the mix.
Inshore anglers are seeing a steady red drum bite, with fish scattered throughout the area as they begin transitioning into cooler water patterns.
Flounder are still being caught (and released) while targeting drum, and speckled trout are the next species to watch. While trout action has been limited so far, cooler temperatures should spark more consistent bites soon.
Off the beach, the bull red drum bite has been excellent for several weeks now. Anglers working around bait balls are also finding bluefish and the occasional spanish mackerel, though the spanish appear to be thinning out as they continue their southern migration.
Hunter, of Dockside Fishing Charters, reports that the bull red drum bite has been the main draw. With bait thick from Oak Island to Little River, a Carolina rig with cut menhaden fished beneath bait balls has been the top tactic. These reds are being found from right off the beach out to 25-30’. Once the bite slows around the pods, shifting focus to the artificial reefs could be the next move.
Nearshore waters are loaded with bluefish, along with the occasional school of spanish mackerel. King mackerel are holding in the 5+ mile range, favoring water temperatures between 68-70 degrees.
Graylon, Pierson, and, Judd Reagan, of Huntersville, NC, found this king mackerel near the Shallotte Ledges using a live pogie.
Inshore, the speckled trout bite is beginning to pick up, especially around higher tides. Live shrimp are producing, though bait stealers are still active and picking away at offerings.
Red drum are starting to group up as the water cools, and anglers are finding the most success while fishing around docks.
Zane, of Falling Tide Fishing Adventures, reports that the bull red drum bite off the beach has been the main focus for anglers. Most fish are being caught using bucktails or cut menhaden fished beneath bait pods. Anglers targeting nearshore structure are likely finding some action, too. With bait still present in the area, there’s hope this action continues a bit longer.
Inshore, the speckled trout bite is just beginning to take off. While anglers have seen a few 20+ fish days, it takes some effort. Targeting main river points and current rips with topwater plugs and D.O.A. shrimp has been productive, and the trout should begin pushing into the creeks soon.
Sheepshead fishing has been strong, though sizes have been inconsistent. Catches seem to be either around 15” or pushing 8 lbs.
Steve, of Reel Em Up Charters, reports that the speckled trout bite is improving. Live shrimp remains the top choice, though artificials are beginning to produce more consistent results. Productive areas include pinch points, turns, and cuts along marsh or creek banks with moving current.
These same trout spots are also holding plenty of bluefish.
Red drum are being caught in the creeks on Carolina-rigged mullet or menhaden, with most bites coming from grass banks and oyster bar edges. While the reds are still scattered, expect them to begin grouping up as water temperatures continue to drop.
Sheepshead fishing remains strong around bridge pilings and older, deeper docks, with fiddler crabs and shrimp being the go-to baits. These same structures are also holding black drum, which tend to feed more aggressively as temperatures cool.
Off the beach, anglers are sight-casting to spanish mackerel around bait balls over artificial reefs and in shallow water along the shoreline.
Jordan Wise, of Salisbury, drug in this 30″ red drum from the surf at Oak Island using cut mullet.
Wally, of Oak Island Fishing Charters, reports that off the beach, anglers have been enjoying an epic big red drum bite, with plenty of fish holding around bait balls and nearshore structure. Nearshore king mackerel action has picked up, as cooler water temperatures and abundant bait have pushed the fish in closer.
Farther out over deeper bottom structure, anglers are finding solid catches of triggerfish and grouper.
Ryan, of Fugitive Charters, reports that the bull red drum bite has been the standout action off the beaches. Anglers are finding excellent numbers of fish by targeting schools under bait pods or around nearshore reefs. With menhaden still plentiful in the area, this bite should continue a bit longer.
King mackerel fishing has been fair, with the most consistent action coming from deeper waters in the 15-25 mile range. While temperatures and bait are still favorable along the beach, catches there have been more sporadic.
The black sea bass bite is beginning to pick up as colder weather approaches. Triggerfish are being found in water as shallow as 110’, and keeper Graysbys grouper are also in the mix.
Offshore catches have included wahoo, blackfin tuna, and the occasional sailfish.
Troy, of Ocean Crest Pier, reports that anglers have landed a few red drum, and smaller bottom rigs are producing a mix of whiting, croakers, and some pompano.
Jan, of Oak Island Pier, reports that anglers bottom fishing are catching a mix of spot and pompano.
Bluefish are hanging around in good numbers, and they’re hitting Gotcha plugs and bottom-rigged baits.
Some speckled trout are being caught as well.
