Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Topsail Beach (Full Guide)
Whether you’re interested in chartering or shore fishing, Topsail Beach offers plenty of opportunities to have a good time and experience great fishing. Boasting dozens of seasonal and year-round species of fish, Topsail Beach is truly a fisherman’s dream spot and should be on every fisherman’s bucket list.
The best time to fish off Topsail Beach for bluefish, mackerel, wahoo, marlin, sailfish, and redfish is from May through September. The best times for speckled trout, black drum, and bluefin tuna are November through March.
| Fish | Best Season to Fish in Topsail Beach, NC |
| Speckled Trout | September-December |
| Red Drum | June-September |
| Black Drum | Spring and Winter |
| Flounder | July-September |
| Bluefish | April-August |
| King Mackerel | June-August |
| Spanish Mackerel | June-October |
| Bluefin Tuna | January-February |
| Blackfin Tuna | August-November |
| Yellowfin Tuna | April-August |
| Blue Marlin | June-August |
| White Marlin | June-August |
| Sailfish | July-August |
| Cobia | May-July |
| Bonito | April-June |
| Wahoo | May-August |
| Amberjack | May-June |
| Tarpon | June-October |
| Striped Bass | November-January |
Topsail Beach, North Carolina is a hidden gem located on the east coast of the U.S. This quaint island town offers a quiet social atmosphere while providing countless fishing opportunities. From pier fishing at the island’s first constructed pier to booking a fishing charter, Topsail Beach has it all.
Best Time to Fish Topsail Beach
As is with most fishing, as the weather cools down, the fishing heats up. Fall is boasted as one of the best times to fish the North Carolina coast.
The spring and fall will provide you with the most variety of fish to catch, offering the best opportunity to reel in a healthy bag. However, fish can be caught year-round, making Topsail Beach a viable option in any season.
| Season | Fish Best Targeted During Season in Topsail Beach |
| Winter | Speckled Trout, Red Drum, Albacore, Bluefish |
| Spring | King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Flounder, Pompano, Sheepshead, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Mahi-Mahi |
| Summer | King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Speckled Trout, Red Drum, Albacore, Bluefish |
| Fall | Black Drum, Speckled Trout, Red Drum (Inland) |
Topsail Beach Species Breakdown: Best Times
| Fish | Best Season | Time of Day | Location |
| Speckled Trout | September-December | Early morning, late at night (after sunset) | Inshore near structure such as bridges, jetties, or grass flats |
| Red Drum | June-September | Early morning, late at night (after sunset) | Inshore near structure such as bridges, jetties, or grass flats |
| Black Drum | Spring and Winter | Most of the day, early afternoon, and through the night | Current & structure such as bridges, jetties, or grass flats |
| Flounder | July-September | September 1 through September 14 | Inshore near structure, bridges, jetties |
| Bluefish | April-August | Dawn or dusk | Inshore, offshore, river mouths |
| King Mackerel | June-August | Dusk or dawn; High tide | Inshore/offshore, following bait |
| Spanish Mackerel | June-October | Sunrise, sunset, occasionally throughout the day in schools | Offshore, up and down the east coast, following bait |
| Bluefin Tuna | January-February | Early morning (inshore), afternoon (offshore) | Feed inshore in the morning, then head offshore |
| Blackfin Tuna | August-November | Early morning, late afternoon | Offshore |
| Yellowfin Tuna | April-August | Dusk and dawn, early morning, late afternoon | Offshore |
| Blue Marlin | June-August | Dawn or dusk | Offshore |
| White Marlin | June-August | Dawn or dusk | Offshore |
| Sailfish | July-August | Dawn or dusk | Offshore |
| Cobia | May-July | During the day, to provide best visibility to sightfish | Inshore, offshore, near structure, bridges, jetties, and mangroves |
| Bonito | April-June | Bright days, after dawn to noon | Inshore, offshore |
| Wahoo | May-August | Outgoing tide | Inshore, offshore reefs, drop-offs |
| Amberjack | May-June | Dawn to dusk | Inshore, offshore, structure, 60-240 feet |
| Tarpon | June-October | Mornings | Inshore, reefs, rivers |
| Striped Bass | November-January | Afternoon, when the day is hottest | Inshore, rivers |
Best Time of Day to Fish Topsail Beach
The best time of day to fish Topsail Beach depends on the season, as well as the target species. During the spring, summer, and fall months, the fishing is best during the early morning and late afternoon. The cool water temperatures during these times make it optimal for fishing.
As the water heats up, the fish move to deeper areas and may be less likely to bite. Additionally, throughout the summer, it’s better for you, the fisherman, to avoid the scorching heat during the day. However, fishing isn’t limited to these times.
For example, sight-fishing for species such as red drum and cobia will be more productive during midday, as the sun is at its peak.
Most times, this type of fishing is done from a boat or a pier. The sunlight allows for greater visibility, enabling the fisherman to see the fish beneath the surface.
Recommended Fishing Charters in Topsail Beach
These Topsail Beach-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Type of Fishing Offered |
| Native Son Guide Service (Topsail Beach) | Backcountry, Inshore, Nearshore, Offshore, Reef & Wreck |
| Fish Topsail (Topsail Beach) | Nearshore, Offshore, Reef & Wreck |
| South End Anglers (Topsail Beach) | Backcountry, Inshore, Nearshore, Offshore, Reef & Wreck |
| Captain Big Fish (Wrightsville Beach) | Nearshore, Offshore, Reef & Wreck |
| Marker 23 Inshore Adventures (N. Topsail) | Backcountry & River |
| Leverdrag Charters (Wrightsville Beach) | Nearshore & Offshore |
| Spring Tide Guide Service (Surf City) | Backcountry, Inshore, Nearshore, Offshore, Reef & Wreck |
Topsail Beach Fishing & Tidal Impacts
Tide changes play a crucial role in determining the best time to fish. The best time to fish the waters of Topsail Beach is during an incoming tide.
Baitfish will be brought in closer to shore, and the water will be rich in oxygen and tends to have greater visibility than an outgoing tide. Predatory fish will follow the bait into the shallows for an easy meal. These factors will increase your chances of catching fish.
An outgoing tide can also be a productive time to fish. As the flow of water returns to the ocean, baitfish will be swept out to sea, as well.
Larger fish will wait at the mouth of creeks and rivers for these baitfish, such as Kings Creek, and the Black Mud and Howards Channels on Topsail Island.
On the other hand, fishing during a slack tide (high tide/low tide) will be the most difficult time to catch anything. The water becomes stagnant, and the fish aren’t as active.
While the fish take a break, you might as well take a break too. It’s important to keep track of the local tide charts to know when to go. Everyone loves fishing, but everyone loves catching fish even more.
Storms & Topsail Beach Fishing
Topsail Island is susceptible to hurricanes as it’s located directly on the east coast of the United States with little to no protection from the mainland.
Hurricanes are most likely to hit the U.S. between August and September. Storms of this nature will shut down the entire fishing industry of the island, so it is imperative to track any potential hurricanes when planning a trip to Topsail Island.
In addition to hurricanes, smaller storms can put a damper on your fishing experience. Similar to all other bodies of water, the rain will cause the water to be murky and decrease visibility drastically.
While this won’t completely hinder your ability to catch fish using live or cut bait, rainstorms will negatively affect the productivity of artificial lures and make sight-fishing difficult.
During this time, lures that are flashy (bright colors, reflective materials, etc.) and make noise are the most effective.
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.
Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Topsail Beach?
While North Carolina may be considered as the southern United States, it still experiences cold weather in the winter months.
Air temperatures can drop into the 30s and 40s during the day and can be as low as the 20s at night. Likewise, the water temperatures also vary throughout the year. Dropping down into the 50s in the winter, these colder water temperatures push fish to migrate south.
As a result, fishing during the winter months (November to March) may be difficult. While not impossible to catch fish, the variety of fish that can be caught is significantly reduced. Some popular fish that can be caught during the winter are black drum, speckled trout, and red drum.
These species won’t be as abundant as they are throughout the rest of the year and you may have to travel inland up the creeks of Topsail Island to find them, but it is worth it.
Night Fishing in Topsail Beach
Pier fishing is popular at night in Topsail Beach. Most of the piers are open 24/7 from spring to fall, allowing for unlimited fishing action. Common species to catch are spot, sea mullet, and pinfish.
Even if the fishing isn’t productive, you should stay at the pier until sunrise, as it’s boasted as one of the most beautiful scenes the island has to offer.
Surf fishing at night is also a possibility on Topsail Island. This is most common during the summer months, as you can avoid the summer heat, as well as the summer crowd on the beach.
With fewer people on the beach at night, you will be able to cover more water and have access to more fishing locations.
At night, fish tend to move in closer to shore and travel up and down the beach in search of their next meal. You will not have to cast nearly as far into the ocean as you would if you were surf fishing during the day.
If surf fishing after dark, it is recommended that you stay away from areas with large waves, as it will not be as productive, and potentially dangerous.
Is Topsail Beach Worth It?
Topsail Beach, located in Surf City, North Carolina, is an excellent fishing destination for fishermen of all levels. The diverse population of fish, beautiful scenery and small-town feel are all reasons to add it to your bucket list.
Whether you’re catching giant marlin while on a fishing charter or enjoying some quality time pier fishing, you will have fun. And when you’re not fishing, you can enjoy the local parks and restaurants that Topsail Beach has to offer.
Top Fishing Spots in Topsail Beach
| Location | Overview | Best Season/Time |
| Surf Fishing | Surf fishing is a simplistic form of fishing, as long as you have the correct equipment. A surf rod is highly suggested as it is much longer and more durable than other rods, resulting in longer casts and the ability to reel in bigger fish. The best spots to fish on the beach are areas of darker blue water. These areas will tend to be troughs where fish can be found. Any species of fish previously mentioned can be caught while surf fishing. Combining the aspects of a relaxing day on the beach with fishing will surely be a rewarding trip. | Surf fishing can be productive from spring to fall. Many different species can be caught in the surf. October and November are excellent months if you are in pursuit of the most common game fish on Topsail Beach such as red drum, speckled trout, and bluefish. |
| Surf City Ocean Pier | It’s possible to catch a little bit of everything off the piers of Topsail Beach. Depending on the time of year, any angler can catch fish using a variety of baits, from cut bait to artificial lures. Located in the middle of Topsail Island. | Spring to Fall is the best time of year to fish the piers of Topsail Island. Fishing will be most productive in the morning and afternoon. |
| Jolly Roger Pier | It’s possible to catch a little bit of everything off the piers of Topsail Beach. Depending on the time of year, any angler can catch fish using a variety of baits, from cut bait to artificial lures. Located in the southwestern part of Topsail Island. | Spring to Fall is the best time of year to fish the piers of Topsail Island. Fishing will be most productive in the morning and afternoon. |
| Seaview Fishing Pier | It’s possible to catch a little bit of everything off the piers of Topsail Beach. Depending on the time of year, any angler can catch fish using a variety of baits, from cut bait to artificial lures. Located in the northeastern part of Topsail Island. | Spring to Fall is the best time of year to fish the piers of Topsail Island. Fishing will be most productive in the morning and afternoon. |
| Soundside Park | Soundside Park includes a small fishing pier on the sound of Topsail Beach. Located across the island from Surf City Fishing Pier, Soundside Park offers family-friendly fishing and crabbing. | Spring to Fall is the best time of year to fish at Soundside Park, as you are likely to catch the same species of fish as you would on the other piers of Topsail Island. |
Booking Charters in Topsail Beach (Best Times)
For those who want an offshore fishing experience, chartering a boat is the way to go. Fishing charters offer a relatively easy fishing experience, making it fun for anyone, including first-time fishermen and seasoned anglers. Most charters will provide rods, bait, and instruction, so the customer can focus on catching fish.
Best Seasons to Go
Deep Sea
May through September is the time to go deep-sea fishing. At the beginning of the summer, you can catch just about anything the east coast waters have to offer.
This is the ideal time to go as it increases your chances of catching fish, as well as beating the crowd of vacationers during the summer months.
As the summer progresses, big game fish such as mahi-mahi, marlin, and sailfish present themselves as prized catches.
The hot summer months can still be productive for deep-sea fishing. However, September begins the transition from deep-sea fishing to inshore fishing.
Inshore
September through November is the peak season for inshore fishing. Red drum, speckled trout, and black drum are the targeted species in the rivers and creeks of the sound on Topsail Beach. Most of the inshore fishing is more technical than deep-sea fishing trips.
These trips may include more cast-and-retrieve fishing using artificial lures. If this doesn’t interest you, deep-sea fishing trips are still offered during this time, with the opportunity to catch fish such as yellowfin and blackfin tuna, striped bass, and king mackerel.
Offseason
During the winter months, the selection of catchable fish may not be as diverse as the rest of the year, but fish can still be caught. Bluefin tuna are most often caught in January and February in the Gulf Stream.
A trip to the Gulf Stream is approximately 20 miles offshore. For such an excursion, a full-day or multi-day trip may be necessary to optimize your chances of catching a keeper.
Time of Day
Morning vs. Afternoon
A customary rule for most fishing trips is “the earlier the better”. Morning tends to be more productive for inshore fishing. Typically, the rising tides will bring baitfish closer to shore, with predatory fish following suit.
The tide changes can affect fish behavior, so it is necessary to understand when the tides will be to properly plan a morning trip. Similarly, the late afternoon can be just as productive, as the water cools down and the fish become more active again.
For deep sea trips, the time of day that you go may be up to the discretion of your guide. Most half-day charters depart fairly early in the morning, to ensure you arrive at the location at a decent time.
These charters may also host another trip that departs in the early afternoon. Fortunately, the time of day for deep sea fishing isn’t as important as inshore fishing, as most deep-sea fish will feed anytime.
Charter Length
Fishing charters come in a variety of lengths. Captains may offer half-day, full-day, or even multi-day charters.
The key to an enjoyable fishing experience is knowing what type of trip you want to go on. Half-day charters are typically four hours long, including the time to travel to the fishing location. Inshore fishing trips are usually half-day charters as they don’t require a lot of traveling.
These trips may target speckled trout, red drum, flounder, bluefish, black drum, and even king mackerel. On the other hand, full-day charters can range anywhere from six to eight hours and include deep sea trips that require longer boat rides.
Full-day charters are common for species like bluefin and yellowfin tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi, and sailfish. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what type of fish you want to catch and how much time you want to spend out on the water.
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