Emerald Isle Fishing Reports (December 2025)

Emerald Isle Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Emerald Isle

Jason Frivance
Harkers Island, North Carolina
Reported: 1 year ago

A lot of drum in the area now but transition into trout season with the cooler temperatures approaching!!!

Jason Frivance Harkers Island, North Carolina Reported: 1 year ago

A lot of drum in the area now but transition into trout season with the cooler temperatures approaching!!!

Scroll for more

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

Pre storm bite was pretty good, when it's calm the ocean has good Spanish and bottom fishing, inshore we are tucking inside catching redfish in the marsh

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

Pre storm bite was pretty good, when it's calm the ocean has good Spanish and bottom fishing, inshore we are tucking inside catching redfish in the marsh

Scroll for more

Justin Ragsdale
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Reported: 1 year ago

Inshore fishing has been awesome. Both day and night.

Justin Ragsdale Atlantic Beach, North Carolina Reported: 1 year ago

Inshore fishing has been awesome. Both day and night.

Fishing in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Scroll for more

Daniel Griffee
Morehead City, North Carolina
Reported: 2 years ago

Red drum are starting to pick up inside as the water temps steadily rise. Nearshore we are catching bluefish, Spanish mackerel, flounder, trolling and casting metals to them

Daniel Griffee Morehead City, North Carolina Reported: 2 years ago

Red drum are starting to pick up inside as the water temps steadily rise. Nearshore we are catching bluefish, Spanish mackerel, flounder, trolling and casting metals to them

Redfish Fishing in Beaufort, North Carolina

Scroll for more

Jason Frivance
Harkers Island, North Carolina
Reported: 2 years ago

Cobia are here this was from last Thursday!!!

Jason Frivance Harkers Island, North Carolina Reported: 2 years ago

Cobia are here this was from last Thursday!!!

Cobia Fishing in Beaufort, North Carolina

Scroll for more

Jason Frivance
Harkers Island, North Carolina
Reported: 2 years ago

Spring is full swing on the crystal coast!!! Probably one of the best Bonito seasons we have had in awhile very health fish!!! Cobia should start to show up any day now!!!

Jason Frivance Harkers Island, North Carolina Reported: 2 years ago

Spring is full swing on the crystal coast!!! Probably one of the best Bonito seasons we have had in awhile very health fish!!! Cobia should start to show up any day now!!!

Bonito Fishing in Beaufort, North Carolina

Scroll for more

Jason Frivance
Harkers Island, North Carolina
Reported: 2 years ago

Bonito fishing has been hot lately

Jason Frivance Harkers Island, North Carolina Reported: 2 years ago

Bonito fishing has been hot lately

Scroll for more

Daniel Griffee
Morehead City, North Carolina
Reported: 2 years ago

Sea mullet and grey trout have been on fire. Bonito are showing up, Spanish and blues mixed in. Inshore is getting closer to having reds, but your best luck is jigging the bottom structure

Daniel Griffee Morehead City, North Carolina Reported: 2 years ago

Sea mullet and grey trout have been on fire. Bonito are showing up, Spanish and blues mixed in. Inshore is getting closer to having reds, but your best luck is jigging the bottom structure

Mullet Snapper Fishing in Beaufort, North Carolina

Scroll for more

« Newer Reports

More Reports »

Target Species

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

Show more species

Get it while it's HOT!
This species is in play.
You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Need a Place to Stay?

What's Biting in Emerald Isle

« Previous

★★★★★
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
★★★★★
Great guide service. Knowledgeable and friendly. Keeps putting you where you at least have a good chance of putting one in the boat.
Donald H. | September 22, 2025

Trip: Half Day Charter
★★★★★
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 Emerald Isle

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.

Nearshore, Jetty Fishing in Harkers Island

Nearshore Fly Fishing

100% (4) Guided by Joe

23 ft 1 - 6 People From $500

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Atlantic Beach

NC Inshore/Nearshore Combo

100% (7) Guided by Daniel

22 ft 1 - 4 People From $700

Inshore, Nearshore, Eco Tour in Newport

Crystal Coast Inshore Trip - 22'

100% (6) Guided by Justin

22 ft 1 - 10 People From $550

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.