Springtime Offshore Fishing in North Carolina

It’s that Time Again!

As the winter chill recedes and the vibrant colors of spring paint the landscape, it's time to gear up and head offshore for some exhilarating fishing adventures in North Carolina. This week, we're diving into the heart of the action to give you the latest scoop on what's biting and the tactics you'll need to reel in the big ones.

What's Biting?

The warming waters of spring bring a flurry of activity beneath the surface. Mahi-Mahi, also known as Dorado or dolphin, become more active, and you can often find them near floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks in the water. Wahoo, prized for their speed and strength, are another sought-after catch during spring. Trolling at varying depths with high-speed lures can increase your chances of hooking one.

Yellowfin Tuna are abundant during the spring months, and you can target them around offshore structures and ledges using live bait or jigs. King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are fast and aggressive predators that are a staple of North Carolina offshore fishing. Drifting live baits or slow trolling with spoons and plugs can produce excellent results. Lastly, blackfin tuna are often found in schools near the surface, and using surface poppers and small jigs can be effective in enticing a bite.

Proven Tactics for Spring Offshore Fishing

When it comes to fishing tactics, there are several tried-and-true methods to maximize your success. Trolling is a popular technique where you can use a variety of lures such as cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and diving plugs. Varying your trolling speed to match the preferred speed of the targeted species can significantly improve your

chances.

Live bait fishing is another effective method, particularly for species like tuna, wahoo, and king mackerel. Using live baits such as pilchards, mullet, and sardines and fishing near structure or drop-offs can help you target predatory fish. Vertical jigging is effective for species like amberjack and blackfin tuna, where using heavy jigs and making rapid upward and downward movements can attract bites. Drifting over wrecks, reefs, and natural bottom structures and dropping down jigs or live baits is also a productive technique. Lastly, chumming can be highly effective for species like mahi-mahi and king mackerel. Using a mixture of ground fish and shrimp to create a chum slick can attract fish to your location.

Safety Tips for Offshore Fishing

Safety should always be a priority when heading offshore. Always check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for changing conditions. Ensure your boat is equipped with essential safety gear, including life jackets, flares, and a VHF radio. It's also important to inform someone onshore about your fishing plans, including your location and expected return time.

Have questions? Call the shop! Our office line is 919-659-5096. Or, drop us a line at info@carolinaboatco.com.