Fishing reports are provided by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. This report in its entirety may be viewed here.

Southern District

Covering Pender, New Hanover & Brunswick Counties

Spotted Seatrout - new size limits went into effect October 5, 2009 - See Rec. Guide
Snapper/Grouper - new rules effective September 18, 2009 - See Rec. Guide

Ocean: Private and charter boats enjoy some of the best bottom fishing and king mackerel fishing of the year during the winter months. Frying Pan Tower normally holds lots of king mackerel during the winter months.  Look for bait and water temperature around 70 degrees. There will also be great bottom fishing in these same areas with groupers, sea bass, porgies, and other various bottom fish. Bluefin tuna are another option during the winter months. Ledges around the shoals such as the fairway ledge and the cucumber are good places to look for one.

The vermilion snapper closed season began Nov. 1,  and it will not reopen until April 1, 2010 (See link above for more information)

Inlets/Sounds/Bays: If we don't see to cold of a winter, speckled trout and red drum fishing can be good during the winter months. Look for the trout to be around the inlets and the drum to be in the bays and up in the back of the creeks. Striper fishing in the Cape Fear River is another option for winter-time fishing.

Piers/Shore: Most piers are closed for the season. Some may allow access but catches will be limited.

The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries interviews anglers throughout coastal areas to estimate the marine recreational fishing catch. The following regional fishing reports are updated weekly and compiled by DMF port agents as they observe and interview fishermen at access sites along the coast - more than 500 anglers are interviewed each week.

Please note: Typically, NCDMF posts each week's new reports by early Monday afternoon.