As of November 22, 2024, the fishing scene in Wilmington, North Carolina, is looking quite promising. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
First, let's talk about the tides. Today, the sun rises at 6:52 am and sets at 5:04 pm, giving us a good 10 hours of daylight. The tidal coefficient is relatively low at 40, indicating moderate tidal amplitudes. The first low tide is at 2:24 am, followed by another at 8:42 am, and then at 2:51 pm. High tides occur at 8:42 am and 9:35 pm[1].
The cooler weather has really kicked in, which is ideal for targeting species like redfish, Spanish mackerel, and speckled trout. These fish are actively biting, especially with the dropping water temperatures[5].
Yesterday, anglers reported catching a good number of redfish, both bull reds and slot-sized fish. Spanish mackerel were also plentiful, particularly when using Clark spoons for trolling and casting to feeding surface fish. Speckled trout were another common catch, often found in the same areas as the redfish[2][4].
For lures, Clark spoons are highly recommended for Spanish mackerel, while soft plastics and jigs work well for redfish and speckled trout. Live bait such as shrimp and mullet can also be very effective.
Some hot spots to consider include the waters around Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island. These areas have been producing consistent catches of redfish, trout, and mackerel. The intercoastal waterways are also worth exploring, as they often hold a variety of fish species[2][4].
Overall, with the right gear and knowledge of the tides, today should be a great day for fishing in Wilmington. Make sure to check the local weather forecast as well, as it can impact the fishing conditions, but as of now, the cooler weather is setting up a perfect scenario for a productive fishing trip.