Atlantic Beach Fishing Reports (May 2026)

Atlantic Beach Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Atlantic Beach

Jack Jackson
Newport, North Carolina
Reported: 3 days ago

Here are a few pics from last couple of trips. Redfish bite is heating up. Seeing quite a few lower slot fish inshore and expect the upper slots to start moving in from the beach anytime. Sea mullet aka whiting bite is also really good. Seeing 75-100 plus fish most...

Jack Jackson Newport, North Carolina Reported: 3 days ago

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Daniel Griffee
Morehead City, North Carolina
Reported: 6 days ago

Sea mullet and grey trout are showing up Now, bluefish and bonito are also around for great fights in lite tackle

Daniel Griffee Morehead City, North Carolina Reported: 6 days ago

Sea mullet and grey trout are showing up Now, bluefish and bonito are also around for great fights in lite tackle

Fishing in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

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Scotty Webb
Morehead City, North Carolina
Reported: 1 week ago

Great bonito fishing

Scotty Webb Morehead City, North Carolina Reported: 1 week ago

Great bonito fishing

Fishing in Morehead City, North Carolina

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Jack Jackson
Newport, North Carolina
Reported: 3 weeks ago

The blacks drum bite remains solid at the jetty's and the ocean is coming to life with bluefish. Atlantic bonito and Spanish mackerel are going to be right behind the blues, with some already showing up on our nearshore reefs.

Jack Jackson Newport, North Carolina Reported: 3 weeks ago

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Justin Ragsdale
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Reported: 3 weeks ago

Justin Ragsdale Atlantic Beach, North Carolina Reported: 3 weeks ago

Here on the Crystal Coast spring has sprung in the ocean. The Bonita are finally arriving along the beaches and we will chase these sushi grade speedsters casting metal, trolling spoons, and live baiting. The Chopper Bluefish are on the shoals and smashing topwater. And some jumbo False Albacore up to 25lbs are in the mix. Seabass fishing is solid in 80 to 100ft and the vermillion snapper, triggerfish are joining them. Great time of the year and it will only get better in the coming weeks as cobia and Spanish Mackerel arrive.

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Daniel Griffee
Morehead City, North Carolina
Reported: 4 weeks ago

Bluefish are starting to show up. Water is moving up, it's around 64-67 right now which will get more fish moving in. Never know what you're goin to catch this time of year while everyone's waiting on bonito!

Daniel Griffee Morehead City, North Carolina Reported: 4 weeks ago

Bluefish are starting to show up.
Water is moving up, it's around 64-67 right now which will get more fish moving in. Never know what you're goin to catch this time of year while everyone's waiting on bonito!

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Rick Patterson
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Reported: 4 weeks ago

Speckled Trout, Striped Bass and some Redfish. Bluefish have started showing up at Cape and around the inlets. Atlantic Bonito should show up at the ARs anytime now.

Rick Patterson Atlantic Beach, North Carolina Reported: 4 weeks ago

Speckled Trout, Striped Bass and some Redfish. Bluefish have started showing up at Cape and around the inlets. Atlantic Bonito should show up at the ARs anytime now.

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Daniel Griffee
Morehead City, North Carolina
Reported: 1 month ago

Things are getting better

Daniel Griffee Morehead City, North Carolina Reported: 1 month ago

Things are getting better

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What's Biting in Atlantic Beach

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★★★★★
Dale was phenomenal. He new the bait and the honey hole. Put us on the fish and sent us home with cleaned dinner. I will absolutely be back and will only go out on the water with him when in the area. 11 out of 10!
Joseph L. | March 30, 2026

Trip: Morehead City Inshore/Nearshore
★★★★★
I’m an experienced fisherman who wanted to become better at targeting red drum and trout. Joe not only put me in fish, but taught me things about fishing that area that will help me catch fish on my own for years to come. Highly recommend!
Casey D. | September 27, 2025

Trip: NC Classic Inshore Fishing Trip
★★★★★
We had the best morning with Justin! He was friendly, engaging, and provided a lot of education on the area, the water, the fish, and fishing. We got to explore many different parts of the river to ensure we had ample opportunities to catch both speckled trout and red drum. We also followed a pod of porpoises, which was a fun diversion. Justin cleaned our fish at the end of our excursion which we took home and prepared that evening for dinner. Delicious fish tacos thanks for Justin's guidance and navigation! We look forward to returning to the area and having Justin take us out for another fabulous adventure.
Stacy B. | July 9, 2025

Trip: Crystal Coast Inshore Trip - 22'
★★★★★
Very attentive the entire time. Rob is a great guy and wants to get you on fish. My boys and I had a great time.
Jayson M. | June 19, 2025

Trip: Half Or Full Day Excursions
★★★★★
Excellent trip. Coming back in the Fall for the big fish. Would definitely recommend this Captain and mate
Tina T. | June 7, 2025

Trip: Fish On The Historic JAWS Boat
★★★★★
The trip with Captain Jeffrey and Caitlyn was an A-1 experience. Both were helpful, knowledgeable and worked well together. Overall the only negatives to the trip was wind and tide. Will definitely ask for Jeffrey and Caitlyn again in the future.
Randy W. | June 1, 2025

Trip: Morehead City Cobia Hunt
★★★★★
My mom and I had Captain Daniel and he was so amazing! He made our experience out of this world. We had so much fun and caught quite a few fish. I want to book him again in the future. Words can't describe how unforgettable this experience was. Thank you again 💓
Amanda R. | May 11, 2025

Trip: NC Classic Inshore Trip
★★★★★
Had a great time with Captain Joseph and Chaz. They kept us entertained and taught us a lot about the area and fishing. Would definitely do it again.
John W. | April 19, 2025

Trip: Fish On The Historic JAWS Boat
★★★★★
Bradley is top notch. Everything from the gear, to the location, guide skill, and hunting dog was everything a person could look for in a guided hunt. Bradley’s dog, Shay, made some of the most impressive waterfowl retrieves I have ever seen. I will be sure to book with him again next season!
Jacques O. | January 4, 2025

Trip: Open Water Scissor Rig Duck Hunts
★★★★★
Captain Joseph and Captain Chaz were excellent guides and have expert skills in fishing! Captain Joseph has so much knowledge with a bonus of loads of personality! We could tell that he truly enjoyed being able to put us on the fish! It was a wonderful experience that we would gladly race to experience again and again! Captain Chaz is also a wonderful guide and worked tirelessly to keep our poles going and the fish into the cooler! Because of his efforts we headed back to Indiana with a cooler full of fish! Thank you so much, Captain Joseph and Captain Chaz!
Timothy H. | December 6, 2024

Trip: Fish On The Historic JAWS Boat

Top Fishing Trips in Atlantic Beach

Damn Good

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty in Harkers Island

NC Classic Inshore Fishing Trip

100% (4) Guided by Joe

23 ft 1 - 8 People From $500

Damn Good

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.