Harkers Island Fishing Reports (December 2025)

Harkers Island Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Harkers Island

Joe Tunstall
Gloucester, North Carolina
Reported: 5 days ago

NC's world-class Cape Lookout False Albacore Season officially ended strong! They're still out there and will be on and off throughout the winter months. But we'll transition to sightfishing slot Redfish, backwater speckled trout, and riding the ocean for Trophy-sized Redfish.

Joe Tunstall Gloucester, North Carolina Reported: 5 days ago

NC's world-class Cape Lookout False Albacore Season officially ended strong!
They're still out there and will be on and off throughout the winter months.
But we'll transition to sightfishing slot Redfish, backwater speckled trout, and riding the ocean for Trophy-sized Redfish.

Fishing in Harkers Island, North Carolina

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Jack Jackson
Newport, North Carolina
Reported: 6 days ago

Some incredible fishing right now. Enjoying some time in the kayak when I don't have trips

Jack Jackson Newport, North Carolina Reported: 6 days ago

Some incredible fishing right now. Enjoying some time in the kayak when I don't have trips

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Jack Jackson
Newport, North Carolina
Reported: 6 days ago

The speckled trout bite remains hot.

Jack Jackson Newport, North Carolina Reported: 6 days ago

The speckled trout bite remains hot.

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Jack Jackson
Newport, North Carolina
Reported: 1 week ago

The speckled trout bite is wide open right now. Casting suspending twitch baits such as Mirrolure 17mr's and Slicks as well as jigs tipped with a variety of soft plastic baits are producing good numbers of fish.

Jack Jackson Newport, North Carolina Reported: 1 week ago

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

Spanish are here and catching them casting jigs and trolling spoons, bluefish are crushing topwaters, and reds are in the marsh caught on topwater and popping corks.

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

Spanish are here and catching them casting jigs and trolling spoons, bluefish are crushing topwaters, and reds are in the marsh caught on topwater and popping corks.

Fishing in Morehead City, North Carolina

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Justin Ragsdale
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Reported: 9 months ago

It's Black Seabass time of the year. A great spring break option. Lots of action and good eats too! And if the ocean doesn't cooperate weather wise, chasing tasty sea mullet can be a backup.

Justin Ragsdale Atlantic Beach, North Carolina Reported: 9 months ago

It's Black Seabass time of the year. A great spring break option. Lots of action and good eats too! And if the ocean doesn't cooperate weather wise, chasing tasty sea mullet can be a backup.

Fishing in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

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Daniel Griffee
Morehead City, North Carolina
Reported: 9 months ago

Reds are showing up inside in schools, calm sunny days you can go hunting, and nearshore we are catching black drum and sheepshead on the jetty's.

Daniel Griffee Morehead City, North Carolina Reported: 9 months ago

Reds are showing up inside in schools, calm sunny days you can go hunting, and nearshore we are catching black drum and sheepshead on the jetty's.

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Jack Jackson
Newport, North Carolina
Reported: 10 months ago

Been pretty cold here but the fish are still biting and it's starting to warm back up. Last few trips have been speckled trout and when we can get out to the jetty's there's black drum and sheepshead to be caught.

Jack Jackson Newport, North Carolina Reported: 10 months ago

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Get it while it's HOT!
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What's Biting in Harkers Island

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★★★★★
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
★★★★★
Awesome trip!! Capt Jeffery and Kaitlyn were phenomenal and got us on an awesome bite. Very family friendly - definitely recommend if you are in the Moorhead city area.
Edward H. | October 12, 2024

Trip: 1/2 Day Inshore

Top Fishing Trips in Harkers Island

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

Inshore, Nearshore, Eco Tour in Newport

Crystal Coast Inshore Trip - 22'

100% (6) Guided by Justin

22 ft 1 - 10 People From $550

Deep Sea Fishing in Newport

Offshore - 30' Contender

100% (6) Guided by Justin

30 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,700

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.