Do I Need to Bring My Own Fishing Gear?

No, all fishing equipment is provided on my charters, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Just bring weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen (cream type, not spray on), snacks, and any personal items you might need.

Do I Need a Fishing License?

No, I provide NC & SC fishing licenses and all necessary permits.

What's the Best Time of Year to Fish in Ocean Isle Beach?

Ocean Isle Beach offers excellent fishing year-round. Redfish and Speckled Trout are available in all year long, providing consistent action regardless of when you visit. During January and February, we target Black Sea Bass and Black Drum in our Nearshore Reefs. Sheepshead are abundant in March. As temperatures rise in the spring, our fishing opportunities expand with King Mackerel and Flounder join the mix in April, followed by Cobia appearing nearshore in May. By June, Spanish Mackerel become abundant, marking the beginning of our prime fishing season that remains exceptional through Thanksgiving. For anglers seeking trophy catches, October stands out as the highlight of our calendar when massive Bull Redfish (exceeding 40 inches) migrate to our nearshore reefs and congregate around Shallotte Inlet and Little River Inlet. And Smoker Kings are consistently caught in November. By December, I focus my fishing charters on Puppy Drum (Redfish under 18 inches) and Slot Redfish (18 to 27 inches) that school up Inshore and just off the beach. That's what I love about guiding in this area, the waters around Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Sunset Beach, and Little River hold fish year-round! No matter when you book your trip with me, I'll find something biting and put you on the action!

Are Your Fishing Charters Suitable for Children?

Absolutely! I offer specialized 2-hour Kids Fishing Charters designed specifically for families with children 12 and under. These trips focus on easy-to-catch fish in protected waters with minimal waves, making it a perfect introduction to fishing.

Can We Keep the Fish We Catch?

Yes, you can keep fish that meet legal size and bag limits. I also encourage catch-and-release for certain species to help maintain healthy fish populations. Make sure to bring a cooler with ice, but leave it in your vehicle. I'll keep your catch fresh until we get back to the dock.

What Happens if the Weather is Bad?

Safety is 100% my top priority. I monitor weather conditions closely (before and during your trip) and I will make the final determination of whether or not it is safe to fish. I'll never ask you to fish when it's unsafe or if it will be miserable. Refunds are electronic and are credited to the original means of payment. Inshore Fishing Charters that are cancelled due to weather conditions will be able to re-schedule (if you're able to do so) or you'll receive a full refund. Nearshore Fishing Charters & Shark Fishing Charters, when the weather or sea conditions aren't safe on the ocean, will fish Inshore if it is safe to do so. If it's not possible to fish Inshore then Captain Harvey will re-schedule your charter (if you're able to do so) or you'll receive a full refund.

What is Your Cancellation Policy?

I understand that things come up, so I have one of the most customer-friendly cancellation policies for fishing charters. If you need to cancel greater than 3 days before your fishing charter, you can -at your discretion- either re-schedule or receive a full refund. Bookings that cancel less than 3 days before their charter can reschedule, but do not receive a refund unless I am able to re-book that spot on my calendar. No-shows cannot reschedule or receive a refund.

How to Catch Spanish Mackerel in NC

Spanish Mackerel caught during nearshore fishing in North Carolina waters near Ocean Isle Beach 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. These aggressive fish are abundant along the coastal waters from Ocean Isle Beach to Little River Inlet, making them a favorite target for nearshore fishermen.

Spanish Mackerel are known for their speed and sharp reflexes, often striking lures or bait within seconds of hitting the water. Whether you're trolling, casting to surface schools, or targeting them with live bait, the thrill of hooking into one of these feisty fish never gets old. Their availability and spirited fight make them perfect for both beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

As a local charter captain, I'll share everything you need to know about catching these speed demons, from when to fish for them to the best techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. I'll cover seasonal patterns, how to spot feeding activity, gear selection, and even share some of my favorite recipes for your fresh catch.

Seasonal Fishing Tips for Spanish Mackerel in NC

Timing is everything when targeting Spanish Mackerel. Here's what you need to know about each season:

Spring (April-May): Fish begin showing up in likely nearshore areas. Focus on nearshore structure near inlets, where bait is congregating.
Summer (June-August): Prime time! Target reefs, shoals, and beaches like Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, or Sunset Beach. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best action. My Spanish Mackerel charters start at 6 AM and go for the early morning bite.
Fall (September-November): My favorite season - mackerel feed aggressively and then start tapering off before their southward migration. Look for large bait schools and diving birds.
Winter: Most Spanish Mackerel head south for the Winter. We can still catch lots of other inshore species during the Winter, though.

Spotting Spanish Mackerel and Understanding Bait Patterns

Success with Spanish Mackerel starts with finding their food. Here's what I look for when running my charters:

Signs of Feeding Activity

Birds Working: Diving gulls and terns are your best friends - they'll show you where the fish are feeding.
Surface Action: Watch for "showering" baitfish and splashing on the surface.
Tide Lines: Fish concentrate along color changes and foam lines, especially near Shallotte Inlet.

Understanding Bait Patterns

Common Bait Species: Glass minnows (spring), menhaden (summer), and finger mullet (fall).
Bait Indicators: Look for "nervous water," dimpling on the surface, or birds hovering over bait balls.
Bait Movement: Follow the bait schools as they move with tides and wind - Spanish Mackerel won't be far behind.

Spanish Mackerel Behavior During Weather Changes

Understanding how weather affects Spanish Mackerel will help you adapt your tactics:

Windy Conditions: Fish typically move deeper; switch to trolling with planers to reach them.
Calm Seas: Perfect for sight-casting to surface-feeding schools.
Overcast Days: Fish often feed longer into the morning and start earlier in the afternoon.
Post-Front: Look for fish in clean water edges where bait gets concentrated.

Essential Gear for Spanish Mackerel Success

Spanish Mackerel caught while trolling in NC near Shallote Inlet.

Having the right setup makes all the difference when targeting these fast-moving gamefish. Here's my proven gear recommendations:

Trolling Setup

Rod/Reel Combo: Medium-action 7' spinning rod paired with a 3000–4000 size reel. If using a spinning rod and reel, I'll go with the Penn Battle 4 with a 4000 Size Reel.
Line Choice: 20–30 lb braided mainline with a 20 lb wire leader. Don't skip the wire - Spanish Mackerel's teeth will slice through mono or fluorocarbon. I prefer POWER PRO Super8Slick V2 Blue Braided Line.
Lure Selection: Clark Spoons in size #0 or #00, Squid Spoons in size #0 or #00, small Drone Spoons, or small diving plugs like the Rapala X-Rap.
Planer Options: #1 or #2 planers for getting deeper when fish aren't on top. I prefer the Clarkspoon # 1 Fishing Planer and the Clarkspoon # 2 Fishing Planer.

Pro Tip: Check your spoons every 15-20 minutes. A slight bend can ruin the action and cost you fish.

Casting Setup

Rod/Reel: 7–8 foot medium-action spinning rod with a 3000-size reel. Fast action tips help launch light lures. Try the Penn Battle 4 with a 4000 Size Reel, for conventional gear, use your rod of choice paired with a Penn Squall Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel.
Line Setup: 10–15 lb braided line with a 20–30 lb fluorocarbon leader. You can get away with fluoro when casting - the faster retrieve means fewer bite-offs. I use POWER PRO Super8Slick V2 Blue Braided Line and I prefer Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon in 30 lb test.
Go-To Lures: Got-Cha Plugs in assorted sizes and colors (shiny chrome or gold work best), Kastmaster Spoons (Gold - 1/4 oz).

Water Clarity Tips: Use shiny silver spoons in clear water, switch to gold or bright colors when it's stained.

Live Bait Fishing Techniques

While artificials are effective, nothing beats a live bait when Spanish Mackerel get finicky. Here's my preferred setup:

Rod/Reel: Medium-action spinning setup with a 4000-size reel for better line capacity.
Line Choice: 15–20 lb braid to light wire leader. Keep the wire short - about 12 inches.
Best Baits: Live finger mullet, menhaden, or glass minnows matched to what's naturally present.

Rigging Live Bait

Free-Line Method: My go-to approach - small circle hook through the nose, light wire leader, let it swim naturally.
Stinger Setup: Add a small trailing hook if fish are short-striking. Great for larger baits.
Depth Control: Small split shot 18 inches above the bait keeps it in the strike zone.

Advanced Fishing Techniques

Trolling Tactics

Speed Control: Maintain 5–7 knots - I find 6 knots is usually the sweet spot.
Productive Patterns: Troll in S-curves or zigzag patterns around bait schools. The speed changes trigger strikes.
Spread Setup: Run 2-4 lines with different color spoons until you find what's working.

Light Tackle Techniques

For an extra challenge and more sport, try this specialized approach:

Ultralight Gear: 10–12 lb spinning outfit with 2500-size reel. Try a Penn Battle 3 - 2500 combo.
Lure Selection: Small spoons and soft plastics that match local bait size.
Technique: Cast beyond feeding fish and speed-retrieve through the school.

Fly Fishing Methods

Tackle Needs: 9-foot, 8 to 10-weight rod with matching reel. Try the Orvis Encounter Fly Rod / Reel Combo.
Line Setup: Intermediate sink tip line for versatility. I like the Rio Sink Tip Fly Line.
Fly Selection: Clouser Minnows and Deceivers in white / red, white / chartreuse, or blue / white. Try this Assortment of 6 Clousers and Deceivers.
Strategy: Position upwind of feeding fish, cast into the frenzy, strip fast.

Preparing Your Catch: Spanish Mackerel Cleaning and Cooking Tips

Spanish Mackerel taste great when properly handled. Here's how I prepare them:

How to Clean and Fillet a Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are delicate fish with soft, flavorful meat, so proper cleaning and filleting are key to preserving their quality. Follow these simple steps for a clean and efficient fillet:

Bleed the Spanish Mackerel by cutting across the bottom of the throat from gill to gill and then ice the fish immediately after catching. Leave on ice until you're home and ready to prepare your catch.
Rinse the fish thoroughly in cold water to remove any debris or slime.
Place the fish on a clean, flat surface and make a shallow cut behind the gills, angling toward the head.
Run the knife along the spine, cutting smoothly from head to tail while keeping the blade as close to the bones as possible.
Flip the fillet over, remove the skin (optional) by inserting the knife between the flesh and skin, then glide the blade toward the tail while holding the skin taut.
Pro Tip: Trim out the bloodline (red meat) for a milder flavor.

Simple Grilled Spanish Mackerel

Fillet and remove any dark meat along the lateral line.
Brush with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side.

Bonus Recipe: Spanish Mackerel Tacos

My family's favorite way to enjoy fresh mackerel: Flake grilled fillets into warm tortillas, top with crunchy slaw, and finish with a spicy lime aioli. Simple but delicious!

Book Your Spanish Mackerel Adventure

Ready to experience the thrill of Spanish Mackerel fishing near Ocean Isle Beach? At Salty Dawg Fishing Charters, I'll take you to the best nearshore hotspots, going out of Shallotte Inlet and Little River Inlet, to troll across our productive local artificial reefs and wrecks. Whether you're an experienced angler or it's your first time targeting Spanish Mackerel, I'll ensure you have an exciting and successful day on the water.

Book your Spanish Mackerel fishing trip today! Just click the link and select "Nearshore Fishing Charter"

Author:
Captain Harvey Wall
Owner, Salty Dawg Fishing Charters

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