Black Sea Bass

Bottom fishing for Black Sea Bass out of Ocean Isle Beach offers consistent action throughout much of the year, although the cooler months tend to be most productive. These tasty fish congregate around structure, so focus your efforts on artificial reefs, wrecks, and live bottom areas within a few miles of shore. Popular spots include the nearshore reefs accessible from Shallotte Inlet. Standard bottom fishing rigs with squid, clams, or cut bait are reliable choices. A helpful local tip: use a fish finder to locate promising structure and adjust your presentation accordingly. Also, be aware of the strong currents in the area, and use enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom. Black Sea Bass in this region are known for their relatively small size compared to those found further offshore, but they are still a delicious and readily available target.