I'm glad you found my fishing reports and fishing blog page! Here you'll find detailed updates and pro tips straight from my daily charter trips around Brunswick County's waters. From flounder fishing in Shallotte and the ICW, to chasing red drum near Jinks Creek and Shallotte Inlet, to targeting speckled trout in the backwater creeks around Ocean Isle, Sunset Beach, and Holden Beach - these reports and fishing blog posts share exactly what's biting and how to catch them.
Each article combines seasonal patterns, proven techniques, and specific locations to help you have more successful fishing trips on our local waters. Whether you're fishing from a boat, kayak, or pier, my detailed reports cover everything from bait selection and tide patterns to specific spots and effective techniques. Check out my latest reports below for the current bite! and thanks for reading! -Captain Harvey Wall
Captain Harvey's OIB Fishing Reports and Fishing Blog
The Story of the World Record Tiger Shark
The 1,780-lb world record tiger shark was landed at Cherry Grove Pier, just 6 miles from Ocean Isle Beach. Here’s the story and how to fish the same waters...READ ARTICLE
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...READ ARTICLE
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...READ ARTICLE
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...READ ARTICLE
Video Tutorial: Building Your Own Shark Fishing Rigs
When I’m running shark fishing charters out of Ocean Isle Beach, this is the exact rig I trust. It’s simple, durable, and quick to build. Once you’ve got the right gear, you can make one in just a couple of minutes. I use these rigs with clients all season long, and they...READ ARTICLE
September 2025 Fishing Forecast for Ocean Isle Beach
Bait is already stacking up thick, both inshore and just off the beach, which is a sure sign summer is fading and fall fishing is approaching. So, get ready for bigger speckled trout, schools of bull redfish, and smoker king mackerel showing up on the Brunswick County beaches...READ ARTICLE
Why Your Favorite Fishing Spot Might Be Holding You Back
Every angler has a “magic” spot or a go-to lure. Maybe it’s the creek bend where you caught your personal-best bull redfish, or a lure that fooled a trophy trout on a perfect fall morning years ago. Those memories are powerful—and it’s natural to chase them, but...READ ARTICLE
August 2025 Fishing Report for Ocean Isle Beach
August 2025 has been one of the hottest months we’ve seen in years along the Brunswick County, NC coast. Morning water temps are already in the mid-80s, and afternoons have been over 90 degrees. Combined with heat indexes topping 110 degrees, it’s been a challenge for anglers and for the fish...READ ARTICLE
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...READ ARTICLE
Fishing Charters Near North Myrtle Beach: Just Minutes Away in OIB
If you’re staying in North Myrtle Beach and looking for a fishing charter, you don’t have to settle for crowded head boats or long runs to get to the fish. Just across the state line in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, you’ll find a better option — inshore, nearshore, shark fishing, and kids fishing trips that are just a short drive away, but miles better when it comes to the experience.READ ARTICLE
July 2025 Fishing Report for Ocean Isle Beach
Look for redfish around grass banks, oyster points, docks, and deeper creek mouths. Early morning and rising or lower tides offer the best opportunity. Start with topwater plugs like MirroLure Top Dogs at first light. Switch to live or cut mullet on Carolina rigs or jig heads as the sun rises. Soft plastics like...READ ARTICLE
How to Tie a Live Bait Rig for Redfish
If you're looking to catch Redfish on live bait, you don't need anything fancy — just a clean, reliable rig that keeps your bait swimming naturally and your hook ready for the strike. Here’s the exact live bait rig I use when targeting redfish around Ocean Isle Beach...READ ARTICLE
Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Report for Spring 2025
We’ve wrapped up another Spring fishing season here in Ocean Isle Beach, and despite a colder winter and a few curveballs, the fishing held strong. From Redfish and Flounder inshore to Spanish Mackerel and Atlantic Bonita nearshore, we had a solid Spring with plenty of action for both first-timers and seasoned anglers.READ ARTICLE
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.READ ARTICLE
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.READ ARTICLE
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.READ ARTICLE
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.READ ARTICLE
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.READ ARTICLE
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.READ ARTICLE
How to Catch Flounder in NC
Flounder Fishing in North Carolina has been on Fire in 2024 and I fully expect it to be even better in 2025! Read this fishing blog post to learn how to catch flounder in NC.READ ARTICLE
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...READ ARTICLE
Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Report for July
July fishing around Ocean Isle Beach offered plenty of action for my charter fishing customers, but adapting to the Summer heat was key. Early mornings or overcast afternoons were best for Redfish in shallow waters, with topwater lures performing well during cooler hours.READ ARTICLE
Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Report for June
June fishing in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, offered my charter fishing customers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the area's fantastic inshore and nearshore fishing for Redfish, Trout, Flounder inshore, as well as Sharks and Spanish Mackerel nearshore.READ ARTICLE