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Premium North Topsail Beach Evening Surf Fishing
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Topsail Beach
- $150 - $200 price range
Summary
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Sunset Surf Catches
Who's the predator in the night now?
No need to be on top of the water to land a fish!
Line up as your lines go tighter
Just another successful day on the land in NC
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Evening trip delivers North Carolina Topsail Beach
Land based shark fishing on Topsail Beach
Who's the predator in the night now?
No need to be on top of the water to land a fish!
Line up as your lines go tighter
Just another successful day on the land in NC
null
Evening trip delivers North Carolina Topsail Beach
Land based shark fishing on Topsail Beach
Who's the predator in the night now?
No need to be on top of the water to land a fish!
Line up as your lines go tighter
Just another successful day on the land in NC
Evening Surf Fishing: Catch the Sunset Bite
Trip Overview
Get ready for a laid-back evening of surf fishing on the beautiful shores of North Topsail Beach. This 4-hour private trip is perfect for groups up to 6 who want to experience the magic of coastal fishing as the sun goes down. We'll be targeting some of North Carolina's most sought-after inshore species, including Redfish, Flounder, and even the occasional Blacktip Shark. The cooler evening temps and active sunset bite make this an ideal time to wet a line. No need to lug your gear – we've got you covered with all the rods, reels, and bait you'll need. Just remember to grab your NC fishing license, and dress for a night on the beach. With free cancellation up to a day before, it's an easy choice for your vacation plans.
What to Expect on the Water
Surf fishing is all about reading the beach, finding the right spot, and letting the waves do some of the work for you. We'll start by scoping out the best areas – looking for cuts in the sandbars, deeper holes, and other structures where fish like to hang out. Once we've found our spot, we'll set up our rods and get to casting. The technique we'll be using is bottom fishing, which means we'll be using weighted rigs to keep our bait near the ocean floor where many of our target species feed. I'll show you how to cast beyond the breakers, where to place your bait, and how to detect those subtle bites in the surf. As the light fades, we'll switch on our headlamps and enjoy the unique experience of fishing under the stars. It's a whole different ballgame at night, and often when the bigger fish come out to play.
Top Catches This Season
North Topsail Beach has been on fire lately with some fantastic evening fishing. Redfish have been tearing it up in the surf, especially around the hour before sunset. We've been hooking into some solid "slot" reds in the 18-27 inch range, perfect for a photo and release. Black Drum have also been making a strong showing, with quite a few in the 5-10 pound class coming to hand. For those looking for a real battle, we've had a few lucky anglers connect with Blacktip Sharks in the 3-4 foot range – talk about an adrenaline rush when that clicker starts screaming! And let's not forget about the tasty Whiting; they've been abundant and make for a great fish fry if you're looking to keep a few for dinner.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about surf fishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the sound of the waves, the salty breeze, or the thrill of never knowing what might be on the end of your line. Our evening trips have become a customer favorite because they offer a chance to unwind after a day of beach activities and still get in some quality fishing time. It's a more relaxed pace compared to our daytime charters, perfect for families or groups who want to chat and enjoy each other's company while waiting for that big bite. Plus, there's nothing quite like watching the sun dip below the horizon while you're reeling in a fish – it's the kind of moment that sticks with you long after your vacation's over.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: Also known as Red Drum, these copper-colored beauties are the crown jewels of North Carolina surf fishing. They're known for their powerful runs and distinctive black spot near the tail. In the evening, Redfish often move into the shallows to feed, making them prime targets for surf anglers. They love to cruise along the sandbars, so we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for their telltale signs – like swirls or "tailing" in the shallow water. The "slot" size Redfish (18-27 inches) put up an awesome fight on light tackle and are perfect for catch and release.
Blacktip Shark: For those looking for a real challenge, Blacktip Sharks provide an unforgettable battle. These sleek predators can reach lengths of up to 6 feet, though we typically encounter smaller ones in the 3-4 foot range from the surf. They're known for their incredible bursts of speed and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Blacktips tend to move closer to shore in the evening to feed, making our trip the perfect time to target them. Remember, we practice catch and release with all sharks to help conserve these important ocean predators.
Bluefish: These toothy critters are the perfect species for anglers who love non-stop action. Bluefish often hunt in schools, so when you find them, you can expect fast and furious fishing. They're aggressive feeders and will hit just about any bait or lure you throw their way. In the evening, Bluefish frequently chase bait schools close to shore, creating exciting topwater action. While they're not the biggest fish in the surf (average 2-5 pounds), their strong fights and sharp teeth make them a blast to catch.
Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousin of the Redfish, Black Drum are a surf fishing favorite. These bottom-feeders have a distinctive downturned mouth perfect for rooting out crabs and other crustaceans from the sand. They can grow to impressive sizes, with some surf-caught specimens topping 20 pounds. Evening is a great time to target Black Drum as they move into the shallows with the changing tide. They're not the fastest fighters, but their strength and stamina will give you a workout, especially on light tackle.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're looking for a relaxing way to cap off your beach day while still getting in on some awesome fishing action, our evening surf fishing trip is the ticket. It's perfect for families, groups of friends, or even solo anglers who want to learn the ropes of surf casting. Remember, we keep these trips small and private – up to 6 people max – so you'll get plenty of one-on-one instruction and attention. All the gear is provided, so there's no need to lug heavy fishing equipment on your vacation. Just bring your sense of adventure, a valid NC fishing license, and maybe a cooler for any fish you want to keep. With the sun setting, the fish biting, and the waves lapping at your feet, it's hard to imagine a better way to spend an evening at North Topsail Beach. Don't miss out on this top-rated shore experience – spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book your trip now and get ready to make some lasting fishing memories!
Learn more about the animals
Black Drum
Black drum are bottom-feeders that can grow huge – we're talking up to 90 pounds! Most are in the 5-30 pound range though. You'll find them in brackish waters, especially around oyster beds and muddy flats. Spring's the best time to target them, when they school up for spawning. Black drum put up a solid fight and the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make great eating. They're known for making croaking sounds, which is pretty cool to hear. To catch 'em, use fresh crab or clams on the bottom. Here's a tip: if you're not getting bites, try crushing your bait to release more scent. Just be patient – these guys can be stubborn, but when they bite, it's worth the wait!
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip sharks are an exciting catch, usually 4-5 feet long but can reach up to 9 feet. They're known for their energetic behavior, sometimes even jumping into boats! You'll find them in coastal waters, often near artificial reefs in depths around 100 feet. They're most active in warmer months, especially at dusk and dawn. Blacktips put up an incredible fight, making them a thrilling target for shark enthusiasts. To land one, use heavy braided line (at least 50-pound test) and circle hooks. Here's a tip: chum the water with oily fish like mackerel or herring to attract them. Just be ready for a wild ride – these sharks can reach speeds of 21 feet per second when they decide to make a run for it!
Bluefish
Bluefish are hard-fighting swimmers that'll give you a run for your money. They typically weigh 5-10 pounds but can get up to 20. Look for them in tidal rivers, bays, and sandy harbors during summer. They're known for their "blitzes" – feeding frenzies where they churn up the water like a washing machine. Bluefish are most active in late summer and early fall. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tasty meat, though the bigger ones can be a bit strong-flavored. To catch bluefish, try using oily baitfish like eels or cut bait. A local trick: when you see birds diving, that's often a sign of a bluefish blitz. Cast into the frenzy with a metal lure and hold on tight – these guys hit hard and run fast!
Redfish
Redfish are a local favorite, known for that distinctive black spot near their tail. They usually hang out in shallow water, from 1 to 4 feet deep, around oyster reefs and grassy areas. Most are 28-33 inches, but they can get up to 45 inches and 50 pounds. Redfish put up a great fight and taste delicious, especially the smaller ones. They're most active in fall when the water cools down. To catch 'em, try fishing the flats with topwater lures or shrimp imitation jigs. My secret? Use a weedless fly about 3 inches long if you're fly fishing. These guys will strike at almost anything when they're hungry, so don't be afraid to experiment with different lures and techniques. Just remember, they're protected, so check the regs before you keep any.
