Fishing Charters in North Carolina
Browse fishing charters in North Carolina that can help you catch spanish mackerel.
Salty Dawg Fishing Charters
Salty Dawg Fishing Charters specializes in Inshore, Nearshore, Shark Fishing, and Kids Fishing Charters. Based in Ocean Isle Beach NC, but also serving Sunset Beach NC and Holden Beach NC. Veteran-Owned.
Hot Pursuit Fishing Charters
Sneads Ferry, North Carolina
Hot Pursuit Fishing Charters is an expert in offshore fishing. Come join us for a chance to catch Wahoo, Dolphin, Tuna, King and Spanish Mackerel. Serving Topsail Beach, Sneads Ferry, Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach and surrounding areas.
Miss Banx Fishing Charters
Want more time to fish and explore? This trip is for you! We'll troll for Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Bluefish, and Ribbonfish, and explore wrecks to catch sharks!
Bald Eagle Sportfishing
About Bald Eagle Sportfishing Charters Whether you are the avid fisherman or a family looking for a fun day on the water, Captain Mike can accommodate your needs in the Holden Beach, NC area. Fish inshore for Spanish Mackerel, Blues, flounder, trout and redfish or the gulfstream for tuna, dolphin and wahool. Fishing is fun
Bad Habit Sportfishing
Fishing all of the North Carolina coast for over 30 years. Bad Habit Sportfishing specializes in fishing techniques that PRODUCE great catches. These catches include, Spanish Mackerel, Atlantic Bonito, Trout, Cobia, King Mackerel, Grouper, Snapper, Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Blue Marlin, just to name a few.
Wann Sportfishing Charters
Inshore charter fishing aboard True Grit in Hatteras, NC and Stuart, FL.m fishing light tackle, spinning rods, ltj, lures, bait, livelining, live bait for rockfish, stripers, striped bass, red drum, black drum, speckled trout, weakfish, flounder, spot, croaker, black sea bass, spanish mackerel. Some trolling and lots of casting the shallows for topwater surface action along the shoreline, grassbed, oyster
Best Time to Catch Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel can be caught year-round in Carolina Beach. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Spanish Mackerel
The waters off Carolina Beach teem with Spanish mackerel during the warmer months, providing exciting, fast-paced action. Trolling spoons or casting small, shiny lures near schools of baitfish is a proven tactic. Look for birds diving, a telltale sign of mackerel feeding below. The area around the nearshore artificial reefs can be particularly productive. Summer is prime time, with the fish often arriving in large numbers. Trolling Clarkspoons behind a planer or using a downrigger to get your lures deeper can be very effective. When casting, retrieve your lure quickly to mimic a fleeing baitfish. Keep an eye on water temperature, as Spanish mackerel prefer warmer waters. Remember to use wire leaders, as their sharp teeth can easily sever monofilament. The Carolina Beach Fishing Pier can also be a good spot to target them from shore.
How to Catch Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel Fishing Regulations in North Carolina
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
15 per person per day
Size Limit
12-inch minimum fork length
License Required
Coastal Recreational Fishing License
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the North Carolina state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bait to use for Spanish Mackerel in Carolina Beach?
Spanish Mackerel in Carolina Beach respond well to fast-moving lures like spoons and jigs. Live baitfish, such as small mullet or menhaden, are also effective. Consider using a wire leader to prevent bite-offs.
What is the daily bag limit for Spanish Mackerel in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you can keep up to 15 Spanish Mackerel per person per day.
Is there a minimum size requirement for Spanish Mackerel I catch near Carolina Beach?
Yes, the minimum size is 12 inches fork length to legally harvest Spanish Mackerel in North Carolina.
Do I need a fishing license to target Spanish Mackerel in Carolina Beach?
Yes, you'll need a Coastal Recreational Fishing License to fish for Spanish Mackerel in the saltwater and brackish waters around Carolina Beach.
More Spanish Mackerel Fishing in North Carolina
Other Species to Fish in Carolina Beach
Ready to Catch Spanish Mackerel in Carolina Beach?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.