Black Sea Bass

Targeting Black Sea Bass off Carolina Beach offers a rewarding experience, especially if you key in on the local forage. These fish are structure-oriented, so focus your efforts around the numerous artificial reefs and wrecks just offshore. Spring and fall are prime times, as the water temperatures are moderate and the sea bass are actively feeding before and after the summer heat. Natural presentations like cut bait or squid on a bottom rig are highly effective. Be prepared to adjust your depth based on the thermocline and current. A local tip: the nearshore AR-315 reef is a popular spot, but can get crowded; try exploring some of the less-visited numbers further out for potentially less pressure. Also, pay close attention to the water clarity as it can change quickly with wind and tides; clearer water often yields better results.