April 2026 Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Report

What’s Different From Last Year?

Compared to last spring, we’re running about 1–2 weeks behind in overall progression.

• Water temps slightly behind last year
• Gray trout and bonito showing up later
• More day-to-day variability depending on weather
• Still trending upward—just delayed

Everything is happening—it’s just slightly behind schedule, and that gap is already starting to close.

Inshore Fishing Report – April 2026

Redfish

Redfish are transitioning out of their winter pattern right now, and those big tight schools are starting to break up as fish spread out into more typical spring areas.

Instead of seeing them piled up in one spot, we’re finding fish spread across docks, oyster beds, creek mouths, and along ICW edges. More areas are starting to hold fish, which is a good sign—but it also means you’ve got to cover a little more water to stay on them consistently.

The most reliable bite has been around lower tide windows—about an hour on either side of low tide—when fish are pulled out of the shallows and set up along edges and structure.

Bait is still outproducing artificials right now, and I’ve been catching fish on a mix of fresh shrimp, cut bait, and mud minnows. Fresh shrimp on a Carolina rig has been hard to beat, and if you don’t have access to fresh bait, you can usually pick up frozen packs of finger mullet from local tackle shops that work well as cut bait.

Mud minnows have also been producing, whether you fish them on a Carolina rig, under a slip float, or even on a jighead.

Artificial lures will still get bites, especially Z-Man Swimming Trout Tricks, but you’ve got to slow things down and fish them more deliberately than you will later in the spring.

Size-wise, the fish we’re seeing right now are very similar to what we had last April, with most of our redfish falling in that 19–25 inch range.

As water temperatures continue to rise and bait becomes more available, expect these fish to spread out even more and the overall bite to keep improving.

Speckled Trout

Speckled trout have been here all winter, but they’re starting to transition out of their cold-water pattern as we move further into spring.

Right now, they’re still holding in typical late-winter areas—ICW edges, deeper holes, and current seams—but they’re beginning to loosen up and feed a little more consistently as water temperatures climb.

This isn’t a wide-open spring bite yet. You still need to be deliberate with how you fish them and pay attention to conditions, especially water temperature swings and weather stability.

The most consistent bite I’ve seen lately has been on live shrimp under corks. When I really want to stay on trout, I’ve even been making the run down into South Carolina to get live shrimp when needed—that’s how much of a difference it can make this time of year.

Artificial lures will still produce, especially bright soft plastics and suspending baits, but you’ve got to slow everything down and keep your presentation in the strike zone longer. These fish are still coming out of winter mode and aren’t going to chase like they will once we get steady 70° water.

As we get a few more consistent warm days, expect trout to spread out more, feed longer, and become easier to pattern throughout the day.

Right now, it’s still a “fish smart, not fast” kind of bite—but it’s trending in the right direction.

Flounder

Shown here is the first inshore flounder of 2026 caught on one of my charters. This one wasn’t a big fish, but it’s always a good sign to see them showing back up again. It was caught on April 1st, and when I checked my fishing log, that’s the exact same date as last year’s first flounder.

The flounder are not thick yet, but they’re here and starting to move inshore. We'll have plenty inshore by the end of the month.

Black Drum

Black drum continue to be one of the most consistent bites right now around docks, oyster beds, and structure.

A simple bottom rig with shrimp is all you need. Just move until you find them.

Whiting & Early Sharks

Whiting are starting to show up around Shallotte Inlet and local beaches, making for great action and good eating.

We also caught our first shark of the year—a 30” sharpnose in the ICW on shrimp during a kids trip.

Nearshore Fishing Report – April 2026

Where to Get Bait

Having the right bait makes a big difference this time of year. Catching your own bait in April can still be hit or miss, so I recommend stopping by one of the local tackle shops and picking up what you need. They can also point you in the right direction on where and when to fish, and help you dial in the right gear for the conditions.

• Ocean Isle Beach: Ocean Isle Fishing Center (OIFC)
• Sunset Beach: Dave’s Outpost
• Holden Beach: Rigged and Ready Fishing Center

Availability can vary this time of year, and shop hours may be limited. For example, Dave’s Outpost is closed on Wednesdays this time of year. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm hours and see what bait they have in stock before you go (at any of these or other tackle shops).

What Should You Book Right Now?

If you’re trying to decide what kind of trip to book based on current conditions, here’s how things are shaping up right now:

• Want the most consistent action? My Nearshore Fishing Charters have been the most reliable right now, with steady bottom fishing and a variety of species.
• Prefer calmer water? My Inshore Fishing Charters let you target redfish, trout, and flounder in protected areas like the ICW, creeks, and marshes.
• Fishing with kids? My Kids Fishing Charters are a great option, with whiting, drum, and even early (small) sharks already showing up.
• Don’t want to guess? Book a Captain’s Choice Fishing Charter and I’ll fish the best pattern for the day.

April is one of those months where things are changing quickly—and the best plan is to stay flexible and fish what’s working that day.

Bottom Line

April is a transition month—but it’s also full of opportunity.

We’re still running about a week or two behind where we were this time last year, but that gap is closing quickly as water temperatures start to stabilize. Each stretch of warm weather is bringing more life into the system, and the fishing is improving right along with it.

This time of year isn’t always about all-day, nonstop action—it’s about timing. If you hit the right tide, the right conditions, and the right window, the fishing can be as good as it gets.

The big advantage right now is variety. You’ve got solid inshore opportunities for redfish, trout, and black drum, and nearshore trips are already producing consistent action with a mixed bag of species. Things are opening up more each week.

If you’re willing to stay flexible and fish what’s working, April can be one of the most rewarding months to be on the water.