Blackfin’s Guide To Angling In Wilmington, North Carolina

It’s finally that time of year again — time to return to the water, that is! What’s the first stop on your spring fishing itinerary? Maybe you’re most excited to bring your Blackfin Boat to a local, well-loved fishing hole — or perhaps you have your sights set on a tropical getaway where big-time catches abound. But if you’re still planning your perfect trip and don’t know where to go, why not visit an East Coast destination that’s a frequent flyer on many a best-of-the-South or best-beach-town list?

We’re talking about Wilmington, North Carolina: a charming Atlantic enclave that’s located down the shore from the bustling Outer Banks, but offers just as much in the way of beach, boating, and fishing fun — plus a one-of-a-kind coastal character you’ll want to return for year after year.

The city is part of North Carolina’s Cape Fear region, a scenic headland known for coastal dunes and a variety of estuarine environments — creeks, inlets, and the Cape Fear River, all leading to the open ocean where fishing fun abounds.

Here’s a closer look at some of the species you might be able to spot (and, hopefully, reel in!) during your visit to Wilmington — and where to find them in the community’s varied coastal environment.

Largemouth Bass

Let’s start with the freshwater fish of the Cape Fear region: so named for the 16^th-century sailors who feared they’d run aground at the cape.

Fortunately, fun — not fear — is the prevailing spirit around the region today!

Largemouth bass is an especially popular pick at this time of year, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, which recommends trying for this coveted catch in local creeks — specifically before or after a rain shower.

Bluegill

Another frequent flyer — er, fish — around this area is bluegill! In fact, it’s one of the most common catches in the river — so it’s a worthwhile fish to target while you’re in town. The state’s resources commission suggests using red worms and crickets as a few popular picks for bait.

The Cape Fear River treats travelers to a delightful medley of lush, tree-lined banks and charming Southern promenades that provide a photo-worthy backdrop to your day on the water — so no matter your haul, you can count on a truly beautiful angling adventure.

Catfish

While you’re cruising Cape Fear, you’ll likely want to try for some catfish as well! Channel, blue, and flathead catfish can all be found here — and April and May are among the best months to fish for them, according to the commission. So, fish away! Prioritize bottom fishing for channel and blue catfish, if those are on your radar. Meanwhile, fishing structure such as logs and river bends can be a safe bet for flathead success.

Red Drum

As we head out of the river system and into Wilmington’s inshore fishing scene, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the red drum aka red fish — which just so happens to be the official state saltwater fish of North Carolina. That means there’s a lot of love for this vibrant, mighty swimmer — which can grow as long as 5 feet, and as heavy as 100 pounds!

But you don’t need to catch a fish nearly that big to have a great day on the water. In addition to inshore fishing from the comfort (and strategic vantage point) of your Blackfin Boat, you can also try for red drum while surf fishing to mix things up a bit.

Mahi Mahi

Wilmington’s freshwater and inshore scene is teeming with angling opportunities — but it’s important to remember that the city’s location on the East Coast has equipped it for some amazing offshore fun, too. One of the popular species you might find as you venture further out is, of course, mahi mahi.

Also known as dolphin or dorado, mahi mahi is the shimmering, blue-green fish many of us think of as the platonic ideal of a good sportfish — eye-catching, a strong fighter, and more than worthy of a proud catch photo on your Blackfin! The best approach for this type of sportfish is to troll for it, especially during the late spring and early summer months which are right around the corner.

Wahoo

Another fish with a distinctive look is the wahoo, whose long body and silvery blue stripes make it stand out on the water — but of course, spotting a wahoo is only half the battle. This fish is known for its serious fighting ability, so prepare for a fun (yet very rewarding) challenge!

Sailfish

While exploring Wilmington’s offshore scene, don’t forget about the sailfish! This fish’s distinctive dorsal fin makes it unmistakable on the water, and the action really kicks up around May. According to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, a great way to fish for sailfish is to go trolling with mullet, Spanish mackerel, and similar options that can drum up attention on the water.

Fortunately, when you want a break from the hustle and bustle of fishing, there are plenty of beautiful beaches to retreat to! You can consider cruising down toward the village of Bald Head Island, for example, which boasts a stunning lighthouse — affectionately dubbed Old Baldy, the oldest standing lighthouse in the state — as well as golf, ghost tours, and opportunities for every kind of traveler in your party.

We hope you and your family enjoy serious fishing fun in Wilmington, this spring and all year long! It’s the perfect place to retreat when you’re craving Southern hospitality, stunning coastal vistas, and the allure of a postcard-worthy catch or two.