Episode Details

Artificial Lure here, reporting live for all you Wilmington NC anglers on this brisk Tuesday, November 4th, 2025.

Let’s talk conditions first. Sunrise was right at 6:41 AM, with sunset coming early at 5:09 PM—shorter days, so get out early and make ‘em count. We’re in the middle of a solid fall bite, with tidal swings adding extra movement to keep fish feeding. Today, high tide hit at 1:26 PM, topping out at 4.78 feet, and low tide dropped at 6:48 AM at just 0.64 feet—expect good water movement slowing as we approach mid-afternoon. These average tidal coefficients mean fish will be cruising for comfort, so work those transition zones hard and pay attention to slack water in the flats, creeks, and marsh cuts. According to NOAA and Tide-Forecast, that moving water is prime for predators, and local guides report plenty of bent rods all week.

The weather’s classic November coastal—NW winds 15 to 20 knots, gusting to 25 at times, with seas running 3 to 5 feet offshore. Mornings are chillier, warming by midday. Those winds put a little chop and color into the water—just enough to favor lures with vibration, flash, and scent. Overcast skies are in the mix, giving topwater a chance early, then switching to subsurface presentations as the light climbs.

What kind of action are locals seeing? Inshore, redfish and speckled trout are running hot—especially during outgoing and low tides when they push up into marsh edges and creek mouths. Flounder are being picked up at drop-offs and points, with reports of catches along Wrightsville Beach and the mouth of the Cape Fear. Recent charters have been hammering reds and trout, and even on tough weather days, anglers are pulling plenty of fish by working bait hard and covering ground. The best bite windows are around the high tide and just as water starts to drop—if you’re patient and persistent, you’ll find them.

Top lures: Soft plastic paddletails in new penny, electric chicken, and chartreuse, especially rigged on 1/8 to 1/4 oz jig heads for creek mouths and docks. MirrOlure suspending twitch baits and Z-Man scented jerk shads have both been putting trout and reds in the boat this week. For flounder, Gulp shrimp or finger mullet bounced slow on the bottom are scoring big. For bait, live mud minnows and shrimp are your ticket in the backwaters, and cut mullet is picking up slot reds near the river.

Surf fishers on the island stretches—Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and up to Masonboro—are reporting steady bluefish, a few black drum, and plenty of whiting. Best surf baits are shrimp and cut squid, while casting silver spoons and Got-Cha plugs right into the breaks during the afternoon can draw active blues and Spanish mackerel. Local surf guys swap between spinning and baitcasting tackle, depending on wind and casting distance needs.

Hot spots today: The creeks and flats around Bradley Creek and the Carolina Beach backwaters are loaded with bait and feeding fish, especially when the tide is moving. The mouth of Snow’s Cut, docks along Wrightsville's intracoastal, and the Fort Fisher rocks are all pulling in solid numbers. Don’t overlook the marsh drains at slack tide—big reds and flounder have been reported by several guides this week. If you’re seeking quieter action, Kings Creek and the surrounding channels offer relaxed casting and a chance at mixed species with less boat traffic.

To sum it up—fall fishing in Wilmington is firing, so rig up those soft plastics, dust off your hard baits, and keep live bait on hand for finicky fish. With shorter days, moving tides, and fish on the feed before winter, now’s the time to hit the water.

Thanks for tuning in to Artificial Lure’s Wilmington fishing report. Be sure to subscribe for the latest local tips, and remember—tight lines, early tides, and fish big or go home.

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