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 Southport. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Spanish Mackerel
Southport offers some fantastic Spanish mackerel action, particularly during the warmer months. These speedsters follow the baitfish schools that move into the area's inlets and nearshore waters. Focus your efforts around the mouth of the Cape Fear River and the numerous inlets that dot the coastline. The bite really turns on from late spring through early fall as water temperatures rise. Look for birds diving or surface commotion, as this often indicates feeding activity. A local tip: try trolling Clarkspoons or small, flashy lures behind a planer or inline weight to cover more water. Also, keep an eye on the tide – Spanish mackerel often feed aggressively during tide changes. Remember, these fish are sensitive to leader visibility, so use fluorocarbon leaders in clearer water.
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 is the best bait for Spanish Mackerel in Southport?
Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders and are often caught using fast-moving lures like spoons or jigs. Live bait like small fish can also be very effective.
What is the size limit for Spanish Mackerel in North Carolina?
The minimum fork length for Spanish mackerel that you can keep is 12 inches.
What's the daily bag limit for Spanish mackerel?
You can keep up to 15 Spanish mackerel per person per day in North Carolina.
Do I need a license to fish for Spanish mackerel in Southport's saltwater?
Yes, a Coastal Recreational Fishing License is required to fish for Spanish mackerel and other saltwater species in North Carolina.
More Spanish Mackerel Fishing in North Carolina
Other Species to Fish in Southport
Ready to Catch Spanish Mackerel in Southport?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.