Discover the Angler's Paradise of Topsail Island
Fishing on Topsail Island, NC
Experience the serene beauty and abundant fishing opportunities of Topsail Island, where the Atlantic Ocean meets long sandy beaches and iconic piers.
Topsail Island's Coastal Charm
A Haven for Anglers
Nestled along the North Carolina coast, Topsail Island offers a tranquil escape for fishing enthusiasts. Its laid-back atmosphere, coupled with miles of sandy shores, makes it a perfect destination for both casual anglers and dedicated surf casters.
The island’s three renowned fishing piers—Surf City Pier, Jolly Roger Pier, and Seaview Pier—are legendary among locals and visitors alike, providing ample opportunities to reel in a variety of fish species.
Pier Fishing Adventures
Explore the vibrant fishing scene at Topsail Island’s iconic piers, each offering unique experiences and diverse catches.
Surf City Pier: A Fisherman's Delight
Jolly Roger Pier: Catch the Big One
Seaview Pier: A Family Fishing Spot
Surf & Beach Fishing
Flounder Fishing
Explore the sandy shores of Topsail Island where flounder are plentiful. These flatfish are a favorite among anglers for their delicious taste and challenging catch.
Drum Fishing
Red and black drum can be found cruising the surf, providing an exciting challenge for beach anglers. Their strong fight makes them a rewarding catch.
Pompano Fishing
Catch pompano along the shoreline, known for their speed and agility. These fish are a delight for both novice and seasoned fishermen.
Beach Fishing Tips
Maximize your beach fishing success by timing your trips with the tides and using live bait to attract more bites.
Inshore Fishing
Kayak-Friendly Marshes
Discover the tranquil marshes and creeks perfect for kayak fishing. These serene waters are home to a variety of fish species.
Redfish Hotspots
Target redfish in the shallow waters of Topsail Island’s inshore areas. These fish are known for their powerful runs and are a prized catch.
Speckled Trout Action
Speckled trout are abundant in the creeks, offering an exciting challenge for anglers. Their striking appearance and tasty fillets make them a popular target.
Nearshore & Offshore Trips
Charter Fishing Adventures
Embark on a charter fishing trip to explore the rich waters off Topsail Island. Experienced captains will guide you to the best spots for a successful outing.
Kingfish Pursuits
Kingfish are a thrilling catch for offshore anglers. Their speed and size make them a sought-after species on charter trips.
Topsail Island Seasonal Fishing Calendar
Spring
Spanish mackerel start to appear near the piers, while redfish and speckled trout are active inshore.
King mackerel make their way closer to the shore, providing exciting catches for pier anglers.
Flounder begin to move into the surf, offering great opportunities for beach fishing enthusiasts.
Bluefish are abundant, providing action-packed fishing along the beaches and piers.
Sea mullet are plentiful, making it a prime time for surf and pier fishing.
Summer
Kingfish are a popular target, with many anglers enjoying success from the piers.
Pompano are biting well along the sandy beaches, perfect for surf casting.
Tarpon sightings increase, offering thrilling battles for experienced anglers.
Red drum are active in the marshes, providing excellent inshore fishing opportunities.
Spanish mackerel continue to be a favorite catch, especially during early morning hours.
Fall
Speckled trout are abundant, making it a prime season for inshore fishing.
Flounder are on the move, providing great catches for both pier and surf anglers.
King mackerel are still active, offering exciting opportunities from the piers.
Redfish are plentiful, especially in the creeks and marshes.
Black drum begin to appear, adding variety to the fall fishing experience.
Winter
Speckled trout remain active, particularly in the deeper channels and creeks.
Red drum can still be found, especially during warmer spells.
Striped bass make their presence known, providing a winter challenge for anglers.
Sheepshead are a rewarding catch for those fishing near structures.
Black sea bass are a winter staple, often found on nearshore reefs.
Year-Round
Catfish are consistently available in the nearby rivers and estuaries.
Blue crabs can be caught throughout the year, especially in the warmer months.
Various shark species are present, offering thrilling catches for adventurous anglers.
Whiting are a reliable catch, providing year-round fishing enjoyment.
Spadefish are often found near piers and jetties, providing consistent action.
Best Times
Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for most species, avoiding the midday heat.
Tide changes, particularly incoming tides, often increase fish activity.
Overcast days can enhance fishing success, as fish are more likely to feed actively.
Full moon phases can trigger feeding frenzies, especially for inshore species.
Calm seas and light winds make for the best offshore fishing conditions.
Fishing Tips
Use live bait for the best results with species like flounder and redfish.
Match your tackle to the target species to improve your catch rate.
Observe local anglers to learn effective techniques and hotspots.
Check local regulations to ensure compliance with size and bag limits.
Keep an eye on weather patterns, as they can significantly impact fishing success.
Local Insights
Surf City Pier is renowned for its king mackerel catches during summer.
Jolly Roger Pier offers excellent opportunities for Spanish mackerel in spring.
Seaview Pier is a hotspot for flounder fishing, especially in the fall.
The marshes around Topsail Island are perfect for kayak fishing adventures.
Local bait shops provide valuable advice and the freshest bait available.