NC Saltwater Fishing
How-To Guides

How to Find and Catch Spadefish in NC

Spadefish are one of the most underrated nearshore fish we have off Ocean Isle Beach — and once you figure them out, they can be incredibly consistent. They’re powerful for their size, they school up tight, and they’ll often show up on the same reefs at the same time each year. The catch is that spadefish are a “specialized” bite. You don’t accidentally stumble into good spadefish fishing unless you’re around the right structure at the right time and you have something they actually want to eat...

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How to Fish a Clarkspoon

Clarkspoons are one of the most effective and consistent trolling lures you can run for fast-moving migratory species, including Spanish Mackerel, Atlantic Bonito, False Albacore, Bluefish, and even King Mackerel along the North Carolina coast. They’re simple, affordable, and when rigged correctly, they flat-out catch fish. But here’s the truth—most people either overcomplicate them or run them wrong...

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How to Fish a Swimbait for Inshore Fishing

Swimbaits are one of the most effective and consistent artificial lures you can fish inshore—but only if they’re fished correctly. When anglers struggle with swimbaits, it’s almost never because the lure doesn’t work. It’s usually because of retrieve speed, jig head weight, or where the bait is being presented in the water column...

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How to Fish a MirrOdine Suspending Twitchbait

If you’ve got a MirrOdine in your tackle box but you’re not 100% sure when or where to throw it, or how to work it without wasting casts — this guide will fix that. I’ll break down the when / where / how, dial in size and color selection, give you a gear setup that keeps fish pinned on trebles, and include a full troubleshooting section for the most common frustrations...

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Video Tutorial: How to Tie an Improved Clinch Knot

When it comes to fishing knots, few are as widely used as the Improved Clinch Knot. It's a simple, time-tested knot that anglers have relied on for generations. Easy to learn, quick to tie, and reliable when used under the right conditions, the Clinch Knot (and the Improved Clinch Knot) is often the first...

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Video Tutorial: How to Tie a Palomar Knot

I use the Palomar Knot most of the time on my fishing charters when connecting line to terminal tackle, and there’s a reason for that—it simply doesn’t fail, it’s quick to learn, easy to tie under pressure, and incredibly strong, often retaining up to 95% of your fishing line’s original strength...

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How Much Do You Tip on a Fishing Charter?

One of the most common questions I get as a fishing guide is about tipping. Do you tip the captain? How much? Is it expected? Before we get into it, let me be clear—this isn’t about me trying to get more tips. I’m writing this because guests ask all the time and simply want to know what’s normal. And my take is simple, it's up to you...

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Fall Bull Drum Fishing Near Ocean Isle Beach, NC: When, Where, and How

If you’ve never caught a bull redfish (or “bull red”, "bull drum", "old drum"), this fall near Ocean Isle Beach is your chance. These giants — often 40 inches or longer — are in town for only a short time each year. Every fall, from mid-September through late October, these massive red drum gather near the inlets and...

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How to Catch Fiddler Crabs in the Winter

This article gives Captain Harvey's tactics for finding and catching fiddler crabs in the Winter in Ocean Isle Beach NC. Learn the best locations, optimal timing strategies, and proven fishing methods for using fiddler crabs to target sheepshead, black drum, and redfish when most anglers struggle to find quality bait.

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How to Catch More Sea Bass in NC this Winter

Want to catch more Sea Bass this Winter? Check out my latest guide covering the best spots just 3-10 miles off Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, and Sunset Beach! I'm sharing my favorite nearshore reefs (with GPS coordinates), proven baits and rigs, and exactly how I put my charter clients on keeper Sea Bass all Winter long. From finding the right structure to landing more 2-3 pounders, this guide covers everything you need for a successful Winter Sea Bass trip.

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How to Catch Winter Redfish in NC

Winter is here in full force in Ocean Isle Beach. I'm sitting here staring out of my home office window at 4 inches of snow. The local kids are happy, but I'd rather have a 65 degree day on a warming trend and go after some Redfish. But instead, since it is so cold out and I'm off today anyway, then let's chat about how to catch Redfish in the Winter in NC.

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How to Catch Black Drum in Ocean Isle Beach

Black Drum are one of my favorite inshore species to target, particularly on my Kids Fishing Charters. But don't be fooled, these fish are fun for everyone, from beginners to experienced anglers, as we also fish for them on my Inshore Fishing Charters. They are also a great tasting fish that literally anyone can go out and catch.

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How to Catch Spanish Mackerel in NC

Nearshore fishing for Spanish Mackerel in North Carolina offers fast-paced action, hard-hitting bites, and plenty of excitement for anglers of all skill levels. If you’ve ever wondered how to catch Spanish Mackerel in NC, you’re in for a thrilling experience.

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How to Catch Sharks in NC - Shark Fishing Guide

"How to Catch Sharks in North Carolina" is a popular question, especially during the Summer tourist season here along the NC beaches. Captain Harvey Wall walks you through the pro tips needed for a successful shark fishing trip.

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How to Catch Flounder in NC

Flounder Fishing in North Carolina has been on Fire in 2026 and I fully expect it to be even better in 2027! Read this fishing blog post to learn how to catch flounder in NC.

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How to Catch Redfish in North Carolina

North Carolina is a year-round redfish fishery. From the marsh creeks and oyster bars of the Intracoastal Waterway to near-inlet current seams and jetty rocks...
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