Atlantic Coast Fishing Report: Prime Time for Speckled Trout, Reds, and Tautog

# Atlantic Coast Fishing Report - December 2nd, 2025

Well hey there, folks, it's Artificial Lure coming to you with your Tuesday morning fishing report for our beautiful Atlantic waters here in North Carolina.

Let's talk tides first. We're looking at high tide this morning around 4:13 AM at about 4.5 feet, with the next low tide dropping us down near 11 AM. If you're heading out around midday, you'll want to focus those shallow water areas when that tide starts pushing back in. That falling tide pattern is going to be your friend today.

Now here's the thing about the weather – we've got a developing storm system moving through, bringing heavy rain and some coastal flooding concerns, especially combined with this King Tide cycle that's running through December 9th. Bundle up out there. We're talking cold water temps under 65 degrees, so invest in quality cold gear.

As far as what's biting, December is absolutely prime time here. Speckled Sea Trout are the headliners right now – they're schooling up in our back creeks and rivers like the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River. Hit them with live shrimp on popping corks or go artificial with paddle tails and mirro lures. The Red Drum are holding in those same areas around Cape Lookout Rock Jetty. Black Drum are also fantastic for filling the cooler – they're strong fighters and the creel limits are generous. Fresh dead shrimp on a Carolina rig in deep water around bridges and docks will get you solid action.

We're also seeing Tautog moving in stronger now, ranging 3-8 pounds in deep water drops. These guys fight like crazy and eat shrimp, clams, and crabs. Offshore, Black Sea Bass season is firing – use squid on chicken rigs and watch that 13-inch minimum size. They're moving in close this time of year, shallow as 50 feet.

For your hot spots, head to Adams Creek and Taylor's Creek near Morehead City, or work those back areas off the Cape Lookout Rock Jetty. Both are absolutely producing right now.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI