Topsail Beach Fish Species

Seasonal Fish Species in Topsail Beach, NC

Topsail Beach, North Carolina, offers anglers year-round opportunities to catch a variety of inshore and nearshore fish species. From spring through fall, redfish (red drum) are a top target in the marshes, flats, and creeks. These powerful game fish are most active during the warmer months, especially late summer and early fall when bull reds move inshore. Speckled trout and flounder also thrive inshore, particularly in the cooler spring and fall seasons.

Know What’s Biting – Inshore & Nearshore Fishing by Season

During the summer, nearshore waters off North Topsail Beach heat up with Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and the occasional king mackerel. These fast, aggressive fish are a favorite on light tackle and provide action-packed trips just off the beach. Inshore waters remain productive for black drum and sheepshead, often caught around structure like docks and oyster beds. Winter fishing shifts to slower presentations, with species like speckled trout and black drum still biting on warmer days.

Fall is a peak fishing season along the NC coast, with water temperatures driving bait movement and game fish feeding aggressively. This makes it an ideal time for anglers looking to catch a mix of redfish, trout, and even flounder before seasonal closures. No matter the time of year, Captain Joel of Wild Catch Fishing knows where to find what’s biting and ensures every trip aligns with seasonal patterns and fish behavior.