Wahoo Season Guide: Peak Months and Top Destinations
Timing your Wahoo fishing trip correctly can be the difference between a banner day and a quiet ride. While these fish c...
Read MoreNorth Carolina · Cape Fear
SOUTHPORT
FISHING CHARTERS
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Verified Captains
4.8★
Avg Rating
3
Fishing Types
16+
Species
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About
Southport Fishing
Southport sits at the mouth of the Cape Fear River where it meets the Atlantic, providing exceptional inshore fishing and easy access to Frying Pan Shoals and offshore waters.
Fishing Calendar
What's Biting in Southport?
See which species are available each month, color-coded by activity level.
Color Key
Peak
Good
Fair
Off Season
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nearshore
|
G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | G |
|
Inshore
|
F | G | G | G | F | - | - | - | - | - | - | F |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | F | G | F | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | F | G | G | F | - | - | - | G | G | - |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | G | G | G | F | F | G | G | P | G | F |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | F | F | F | - | - | - | F | G | F | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | G | P | G | F | - | - | - | - | - |
|
Inshore
|
- | - | - | G | G | G | G | G | G | G | F | - |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | G | P | G | F | - | G | P | F | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | F | G | G | F | - | - | - | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | F | G | G | F | - | - | - | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | G | P | P | G | F | - | - | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | F | F | F | F | - | - | - | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | F | G | G | F | - | - | - | - |
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | F | P | P | G |
|
Nearshore
|
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | F | F | - |
Species Glossary
View Full Species Guide
Southport Fish Species
16+ species organized by fishing type. Click any species to learn more.
Inshore Species
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore.
Nearshore Species
Target reefs, wrecks, and structure within a few miles of land.
Deep Sea Fishing Species
Head to deep water for big game and bottom species.
Charter Guide
Fishing Charter Types in Southport
Understanding the different charter types will help you book the perfect trip for your group.
INSHORE
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
View Inshore ChartersNEARSHORE
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
View Nearshore ChartersDEEP SEA FISHING
Deep sea fishing 20+ miles out. Chase tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and other pelagic gamefish in blue water.
View Deep Sea Fishing ChartersTROLLING
Cover water by dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to target pelagic species.
View Trolling ChartersBOTTOM FISHING
Drop baits to the ocean floor to target snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers.
View Bottom Fishing ChartersFLY FISHING
Sight-cast with fly rods on the flats for redfish, trout, and tarpon.
View Fly Fishing ChartersSURF FISHING
Fish from the beach or wade into the surf to target pompano, whiting, and redfish.
View Surf Fishing ChartersKAYAK FISHING
Paddle out for a more intimate fishing experience on bays and nearshore waters.
View Kayak Fishing Charters
Fishing Tips & Guides
View All Articles
Southport Fishing Blog
Local insights, seasonal reports, and expert tips for fishing in Southport.
Guest Reviews
5
based on 6 reviews
Southport Fishing Reviews
Frying Pan Shoals grouper fishing was epic
Ran out to the Frying Pan Shoals from Southport and the bottom fishing was absolutely incredible. Caught gag grouper, red grouper, and triggerfish on nearly every drop. The shoals create a unique ecosystem that holds fish you normally only find much further offshore.
C
Captain Warren
June 2025
Grouper
Triggerfish
Black Sea Bass
Cape Fear River mouth redfish were stacked
Fished the flats and structure around the Cape Fear River mouth and the redfish were schooled up thick. Threw live shrimp on light tackle and hooked up repeatedly. Landed 10 slot reds in the shadow of the Oak Island lighthouse — a classic Southport experience.
C
Captain Gwen
October 2025
Redfish
Speckled Trout
Flounder loaded in the river channels
Drifted live finger mullet through the Cape Fear River channels near Southport and the flounder were aggressive on every tide change. Landed 10 fat flatfish. Southport's position at the river mouth creates perfect flounder habitat with clean water and strong current.
C
Captain Nelson
September 2025
Flounder
Redfish
King mackerel stacked on Frying Pan Shoals
Slow-trolled live menhaden over the Frying Pan Shoals and the king mackerel were crushing it all day. Boated eight kings with the biggest pushing 42 pounds. The shoals act like a fish magnet and Southport gives you the closest access to this incredible fishery.
C
Captain Sabrina
May 2025
King Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Mahi and wahoo offshore doubleheader
Ran past the Frying Pan Shoals to the bluewater edge and found mahi stacked on a weed line. After filling the box with dolphin we trolled for wahoo and boated a 50-pounder. Southport is the southernmost NC port and gives you the shortest run to incredible offshore fishing.
C
Captain George
July 2025
Mahi Mahi
Wahoo
Speckled trout winter bite was unreal
Fished live shrimp in the deeper holes of the Cape Fear River near Southport and the speckled trout were stacked in the warm-water pockets. Landed 18 trout with multiple gator specks over 23 inches. Winter trout fishing out of Southport is a well-kept local secret.
C
Captain Patrice
January 2025
Speckled Trout
Flounder
Start Your Adventure
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