North Carolina is filled with lakes, rivers, streams and ponds for you to explore. The state’s vast coastline and inland lakes and streams make it a great place to go fishing. There are several different types of fish in North Carolina, from freshwater fish such as trout to saltwater fish like a red drum. With so many spots to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect fishing spot.
Thankfully fishing doesn’t require a lot of athletic ability or expensive equipment. All you need is a rod, reel, line and lures. The best time of year for catching fish varies depending on location. If you live near a body of water that freezes over during the winter or has an ice-free creek running through it then spring is your best bet.
Summer is another good time because there are fewer insects around and lakes tend to have cooler temperatures so the trout have less chance of moving out into the lake with no ice underneath them.
However, if you don’t live near a lake or creek that is ice-free then fall might be your best bet as well as spring can be hit-or-miss due to weather conditions (elevated water temperatures). Here we’ll give you all the info you need about fishing in North Carolina
What types of fish can you catch in North Carolina?
- Freshwater fish – There are over 100 different freshwater fish species that you can catch in North Carolina.
- Saltwater fish – You can catch a variety of saltwater fish, including red drum, speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead and more.
- Catfish – Catfish are not necessarily a type of fish but they are one of the most popular species in North Carolina.
When is the best time to catch fish in North Carolina?
- Spring – April through June.
- Summer – June through September.
- Autumn – September through October.
- Winter – November through March.
How to find a great fishing spot
Where is the water clear enough to see fish? Look for areas with a lot of sunken trees and stumps (called re-edges). These areas are great spawning grounds for native fish and contain large amounts of oxygen, making them ideal breeding grounds. Where are the fish feeding? Try casting your line near re-edges and you’re likely to hook a fish.
You can also try casting near submerged rocks or other structures where the fish are gathering. Which type of fish are you looking to catch? Many of the freshwater species can be found in small streams and lakes. If you’re looking to catch a saltwater species, make sure to check the state fishing regulations.
Equipment for fishing
- Rods – Try to find one that’s 8 to 10 feet in length. The type of rod you use depends on the type of fish you’re looking to catch. For example, you would use a spinning rod for walleye, bass and bluegill. A baitcasting rod is better suited for casting lures and catching bass, catfish, striped bass and bluefish.
- Reels – You can usually find spinning reel combos for less than $50. Spinning reel combos include the reel, spool, line, swivel, bail and whatever hooks you need.
- Line – You’ll want to find a line with a strength of between 6 to 8 pounds. You can find various types of lines, namely braided lines for freshwater species or monofilament for saltwater species.
Where to go for more information
Here are some websites with more information about fishing in North Carolina:
- Freshwater Fishing – The North Carolina Freshwater Fishing website provides an overview of freshwater fishing in North Carolina.
- Saltwater Fishing – The North Carolina Saltwater Fishing website provides an overview of saltwater fishing in North Carolina.
- Catfish – The North Carolina State Catfish website provides an overview of catching catfish in North Carolina.
Conclusion
North Carolina is a great place to go fishing. There are many different types of fish to catch, including freshwater fish such as trout and catfish, and saltwater fish such as red drum and black drum. The best time to fish depends on the type of fish you are trying to catch, but most of the time they can be caught during spring, summer, autumn and winter.
The most important thing to remember when fishing is to be safe and enjoy your time outdoors. If you want to learn more about fishing in North Carolina, we have outlined several great ways to learn more about the sport.
