Brunswick County Fishing Forecast
January
February
March
While most choose to retreat to warmer southern latitudes or swoosh the slopes during these months, there are a few who know that despite the cold, the sun does come out, the seas do lay down flat and the fish will bite, even in the dead of winter. Such is the case here in Brunswick County.
January
This is typically the last month before winter gets a firm grip.
Inshore (backwaters)
The Speckled Trout bite should continue good into this month, particularly in deeper holes. Redfish can be found sunning on the mud and oyster flats as they seek warmer water.
Nearshore (0-20 miles offshore)
The famed Giant Bluefin Tuna will likely be migrating off the coast and within this range. Favorite nearshore spots include the Shark Hole and 15 Mile Rocks.
Offshore (20-50 miles offshore)
This is where you will almost certainly find the Giant Bluefin Tuna fishing fleet as they plow the waters for the most valuable fish in the sea. January is the peak month for targeting Giant Bluefin. The majority of the action for these huge fish occurs some 15-35 miles offshore in the vicinity of the Frying Pan Shoals. Also, King Mackerel will be holding in this range along temperature breaks that rise above 66 degrees.
Gulf Stream (50+ miles offshore)
Often fishermen will spend half their day trolling for the Giant Bluefin Tuna and then head offshore to the edge of the Gulf Stream where they will have opportunities at monster sized Wahoo.
February
No bones about it, it’s cold and windy in February. If you’ve got to pick a time to start working on your boat or taking a vacation from fishing, this might be a good start. However, all is not lost as there are still opportunities.
Inshore (backwaters)
Deep holes will still hold Speckled Trout, although they will be very lethargic. A fishery that is growing in popularity is sight casting to tailing Redfish that move onto shallow mud and oyster flats during the coldest of months to feed and soak up the extra warmth from the sun. The flats behind Bald Head Island are known for this fishery.
Nearshore (0-20 miles offshore)
One of the perks of the cold weather is that Sea Bass love cold water. These incredibly good eating and plentiful fish will migrate south into our nearshore waters and make themselves readily available. They congregate around bottom structure and will eat just about anything you put in front of them. They are one of the best eating fish our area produces.
Offshore (20-50 miles offshore)
The largest Sea Bass will be caught in this range and there will also still be a good number of Snapper. King Mackerel can also be found along temperature edges, albeit harder to locate.
Gulf Stream (50+ miles offshore)
The Wahoo are abundant and particularly large, but the key is finding a day when the weather is good and the Gulf Stream waters push over the edge of the continental shelf. If the pieces come together, you will encounter a world-class Wahoo fishery.
March
By this point it seems like winter is almost over and spring is on the way. The problem is that March is often our coldest month. Cabin fever is nearly guaranteed to set in, so find refuge in what fisheries are still available. March fishing is much like February.
Inshore (backwaters)
The Speckled Trout may begin to show a bit more, particularly if we have a few days of warm weather. The Redfish will still be on the flats.
Nearshore (0-20 miles offshore)
Sea Bass are king. Find a good weather day and travel only a few miles offshore to an area of rocky bottom and go to work. The action will be fast and furious on the rod and later at the dinner table.
Offshore (20-50 miles offshore)
Large Sea Bass and Snapper are the main targets. The surface water temperatures are at their coolest this month and thus most of the topwater fish have migrated.
Gulf Stream (50+ miles offshore)
As in February, if you get the right conditions with the Gulf Stream over the continental shelf you can count on great Wahoo fishing. In addition, we typically begin to see good numbers of Blackfin Tuna migrate into the area in this month and occasionally Yellowfin Tuna will show early.
That’s the scoop on winter fishing along the Brunswick County coast. As is the case with many things in life, it is not always what you know, but who you know that knows what. If you are unfamiliar with the area’s waters and fishing, book a trip with a local charter service or attend a local fishing school.
For more information on
Fishing Charters or Fishing Schools
Click on the link below
Capt. Brant McMullan - Ocean Isle Fishing Center
65 Causeway Drive, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
(910) 575-3474 (FISH)
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