Swansboro/Emerald Isle – August 2025
Morgan, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that anglers getting out on the beach early in the morning have found the opportunity to cast at schools of spanish mackerel. Once the sun is up higher and the crowds show up, the spanish push off the beach, but there are still plenty of bluefish around in their place.
Those fishing from the beach have also caught a few pompano.
The local pier anglers are catching a bunch of spanish mackerel and bluefish, with the ends of piers producing king mackerel, the occasional cobia, and an uncommon tarpon.
Back in the sounds, a ton of red drum are scattered throughout the area.
Some nice-sized sheepshead are being caught around hard structures such as dock pilings and bridges.
Bluefish can be found in the deeper channels or cuts anywhere from the inlet back up into the ICW.
Off the beach, trolling efforts are producing both bluefish and spanish mackerel.
Further out, the targets are mostly bottom fish, but those who choose to troll are catching some of the mahi that have pushed nearshore with the summer heat.
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that anglers are having a lot of success catching black drum and sheepshead while targeting docks and bridges throughout the area. Live shrimp has been best for targeting both species, even with bait stealers being an issue at times.
A few speckled trout are scattered in the deeper holes and channels, especially those areas with a bit of current. Live shrimp and live mullet have been best tactic for the trout.
Red drum are scattered throughout the river and marshes, and they are in their summer patterns. Topwaters can have some great success early and late, with cut menhaden or mullet being the top bait overall. Other lures that can produce are gold spoons, spinnerbaits, and a variety of scented soft plastics.
Around the inlet and back into the ICW, anglers have found a ton of bluefish.
Off the beach, spanish mackerel and some decent king mackerel have started showing up in better numbers.
Jalen Wynn, of Jacksonville, caught this 26″ red drum in the Swansboro area on a piece of cut mullet. He was fishing with Capt. Matt Littleton of Friendly City Fishing Charters.
Matt, of Friendly City Fishing Charters, reports that a ton of bait has been holding around the Swansboro area, and this surplus of bait is keeping the fishing action strong.
Red drum is the top inshore target, and this action can be found in a multitude of locations thanks to the fish being scattered throughout the waterways. Getting out early is a big advantage as it both keeps you out of the heat and ensures yours is one of the first baits the reds see that day.
Some speckled trout are coming from areas around rocks in the White Oak River. Artificials such as jerk shads are successful and help negate all of the trash fish that tear up the shrimp.
Black drum has been another good option when using live shrimp and dropping baits tight to structure such as pilings, bridges, or oyster rocks.
Jacob, of Southern Tides Fishing Charters, reports that anglers have been primarily targeting a class of upper-slot red drum (in the 25” range) that are in the Swansboro area. Most of the red drum are being found around structure, such as rocks and docks, with some groups of fish back in the marshes. These drum are scattered all over, and jumping around from spot to spot is key in not only finding fish but finding fish willing to eat. With so much good-sized bait around, Carolina-rigged live mullet is the best option.
Since speckled trout opened up, anglers have been putting some keepers in the boat using the same Carolina-rigged mullet. Live shrimp also works great, but the trash fish love shrimp, too. Targeting deep holes, especially closer to the inlet, has been the best gameplan.
Black drum are around, but be ready to run through a lot of shrimp in order to find the right bite. Once on them, the trash fish action slows down and anglers can take advantage of the bite.
A bunch of flounder are holding in all of the standard flounder habitats, but the bigger flatfish are being caught around docks.
Good-sized bluefish (2-3 lb. range) are all over the place.
Capt. Jacob Boucher, of Southern Tides Fishing Charters, caught this 28” tagged redfish on cut menhaden in the White Oak River.
Scott, of King Mackerel College, reports that billfish action out deep has been steady, with sailfish as the gamefish species that has really picked up.
Mahi are scattered anywhere from the Gulf Stream into areas around nearshore structure. Target the mahi with smaller baits skirted in green/yellow or blue/white patterns. Anglers will also do well by keeping an eye out for any flotsam.
King mackerel fishing has been a bit hit or miss, with the more reliable king bite coming from deep.
John, of Early Riser Fishing Charters, reports that the summertime heat just means the action can be a little hit or miss as fish move a lot daily to find favorable conditions. King mackerel have been in that pattern, with anglers doing best running skirted dead baits that can be pulled faster when scouting an area.
The deeper structures and ledges are holding amberjack, barracuda, and the occasional cobia.
There is also the opportunity to run across mahi nearshore (12+ miles) in these summer months.
Mike, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that pier anglers continue to have success sight-casting plugs to roaming schools of spanish mackerel and bluefish.
Several good-sized king mackerel (to 25 lbs.) have been caught.
Anglers fishing in the low-light hours or at night have found speckled trout.
Bottom rigs with sand fleas, shrimp, or bait strips are producing croakers and pompano.
