December 2025 Fishing Report – Ocean Isle Beach

Inshore Fishing Report – December

Speckled Trout

Speckled trout have been the most reliable inshore target throughout December. Numbers have been strong, with plenty of smaller fish and quality trout mixed in. Most trout are holding in classic winter areas—creek mouths, oyster banks, shell edges, ICW ledges, and deeper bends with moving water throughout the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) near Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and Holden Beach.

Live shrimp under a slip cork has been the top producer when available, especially when drifted across shell banks in 4–14 feet of water. As shrimp availability tapers off, artificials have already taken over much of the workload. Soft plastic shrimp, paddle tails, and suspending twitch baits have all been producing, with pink, red sparkle, and lighter natural colors showing up consistently.

Trout fishing has been best around incoming tides and early tide changes, particularly where cleaner water is moving. Many fish are feeding in short windows, so staying mobile and working stretches methodically has been key. As December progressed, more trout began pushing farther back into creeks and canals such as Jinks Creek, Saucepan Creek, and Bonaparte Creek, settling into holes and nearby flats to ride out colder nights.

Red Drum

Red drum have clearly been transitioning into their winter pattern. Early in the month, fish were scattered, but by late December they were increasingly schooling up and pushing shallow in creeks, marshes, and backwater areas.

Most redfish have been feeding tight to structure—docks, flats near deeper water, oyster edges, and areas with current. Creeks and backwater areas feeding into the Shallotte River have been especially productive. Cut shrimp, cut mullet, and live mud minnows on Carolina rigs have all been effective, while artificials like soft plastics and shrimp imitations are producing well when fish are active.

As water temperatures continue to drop, these schools are expected to become more defined, with reds using shallow areas to warm during sunny periods before sliding back into deeper water.

Black Drum & Sheepshead

Black drum have been a steady secondary target throughout December and are often mixed in with trout and redfish around oyster banks, docks, and deeper creek holes along the ICW and nearby rivers. Shrimp—live or cut—has been the most consistent bait, especially when fished slowly near the bottom.

Sheepshead have been more hit-or-miss, with most action coming around docks, bridge structure, and rock piles during lower water. Live shrimp and fiddler crabs remain the best option when targeting them intentionally, though many of the larger fish appear to be pushing offshore as winter progresses.

Nearshore Bottom Fishing Report – December

Black Sea Bass

When weather allows runs outside the inlet, nearshore bottom fishing has been a strong winter option. Black sea bass have been moving shallower as water temperatures cool, with keeper-sized fish showing consistently on nearshore structure such as the Three Mile Reef, Jolly Mon Reef, and Dale Ward Reef. Structure has been the key—hard bottom, ledges, and reef systems have all been holding fish.

Simple bottom rigs tipped with squid or cut bait have been all that’s needed. As December progressed, the overall quality of sea bass improved, which is typical heading into the heart of winter.

Mixed Nearshore Bottom Species

Along with sea bass, anglers have been seeing a mixed bag that can include vermilion snapper, triggerfish, grunts, and other bottom species depending on depth and structure. These trips have been very weather-dependent, but when conditions line up, nearshore bottom fishing has been one of the most consistent winter plays.

What I’m Watching Going Into January & February

January and February are typically the coldest months of the year, with cold conditions mixed with the occasional mild stretch. These late-winter patterns are common across the southern Brunswick County coastline and reward anglers who slow down and fish deliberately.

Red Drum Patterns

Red drum will be firmly settled into their winter pattern. These fish tend to school tightly and push into shallow areas during sunny periods, using darker bottom, mud flats, and protected backwaters to warm up before sliding back into deeper water.

Once located, winter reds are usually very catchable. Soft plastics, scented grubs, shrimp imitations, and slow-worked paddle tails are all effective, along with small pieces of cut shrimp on light Carolina rigs for stubborn fish. Quiet approaches, patience, and slow presentations are key.

Black Drum Opportunities

Black drum are often overlooked in mid-winter, but January and February are prime months to target them. These fish hold around docks, oyster beds, deeper creek holes, and inlet-adjacent structure.

Fresh shrimp—live or cut—fished slowly on a light Carolina rig remains hard to beat. When you find them, black drum can stack up and provide steady action, with redfish and the occasional sheepshead mixed in.

Late-Winter Speckled Trout

Speckled trout fishing becomes more technical as winter deepens. Trout shift farther into creeks, canals, and protected stretches with low current, often holding in deeper holes or along nearby flats.

Success usually comes from slowing way down and fishing patiently through short feeding windows. Soft plastics, shrimp-style baits, and suspending twitch baits worked near the bottom tend to produce best. Lighter colors generally work well in clear water, while darker patterns shine in stained water.

Nearshore Bottom Fishing Outlook

Nearshore bottom fishing continues to be a solid option when conditions allow. Cooler water pushes quality black sea bass shallower, often tightening fish onto nearshore structure.

Simple bottom rigs with squid or cut bait are typically all that’s needed, and January and February often produce some of the best keeper-quality sea bass of the winter.

Bottom Line

December fishing around Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and Holden Beach has been exactly what winter anglers hope for—consistent, pattern-driven, and very fishable for those willing to slow down and adjust. Inshore trips have produced steady action on trout, redfish, and drum, while nearshore bottom fishing has offered solid opportunities when conditions allow.

As winter settles in further, the fish will only tighten up more—and that usually makes them easier to find if you know where to look.

Fishing Charter Customer Reviews

Book Your Your Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Charter

To Book Your Fishing Charter:

• Call or text Captain Harvey at (910) 250-8459
• Click / tap the "Book My Trip" button below to view my availability calendar and choose your booking options.

BOOK MY TRIP