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 Holden Beach. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Spanish Mackerel
Targeting Spanish Mackerel off Holden Beach? You're in for some fast-paced action, especially from late spring through early fall when the water warms and baitfish become abundant. These fish are drawn to the inlets and nearshore waters as they follow schools of glass minnows, peanut menhaden, and other small baitfish. Focus your efforts around the Holden Beach bridge pilings, artificial reefs within a few miles of shore, and along the edges of the shipping channel. Trolling small spoons or Clarkspoons behind a planer or trolling weight is a productive method. A local tip: Pay attention to water clarity. Spanish mackerel prefer clear, clean water. If the water is murky after a storm, move further offshore or fish the higher tides when the water is cleaner. Also, be mindful of the current; these fish often stage on the up-current side of structure. Light wire leaders are essential to avoid bite-offs, but don't go too heavy or you'll reduce your strikes.
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 for Spanish mackerel in Holden Beach?
Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders and will strike at fast-moving lures and bait. Spoons, jigs, and live baitfish like small menhaden or mullet are all effective.
What is the size limit for Spanish mackerel in North Carolina?
The minimum fork length for Spanish mackerel that you can keep in North Carolina is 12 inches.
How many Spanish mackerel can I keep per day in North Carolina?
The bag limit for Spanish mackerel is 15 per person per day. This applies when fishing near Holden Beach.
When's the best time to fish for Spanish mackerel in Holden Beach?
Spanish mackerel are most abundant during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. Look for them in the surf or nearshore waters.
More Spanish Mackerel Fishing in North Carolina
Other Species to Fish in Holden Beach
Ready to Catch Spanish Mackerel in Holden Beach?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.