North Carolina's Atlantic Coast Fishing Report - December 2025

# Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina Fishing Report – December 3rd, 2025

Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your Wednesday morning fishing report for the Atlantic Ocean around North Carolina.

We're looking at some excellent winter fishing conditions today. The N.C. Marine Fisheries recently released analysis showing modest improvements in Southern Flounder stocks with increased abundance and a wider age range of fish in our waters—that's good news for everyone heading out.

**Tides and Conditions**

Over at Cape Hatteras, we've got low tide at 10:51 AM this morning, so plan your trip accordingly. The water's dropping right now, which can push fish into tighter pockets. Atlantic Beach Bridge is showing similar patterns with a low tide around 11:52 AM. These dropping tides are actually prime time for hunting.

**What's Biting**

December in Eastern North Carolina is absolutely prime time. Red drum, black drum, and speckled trout are showing in good numbers right now. Striped bass are also very active this time of year. Recent tournament reports show anglers are consistently landing quality fish—Colby Ard and Justin Lane just weighed in five bass at 14.60 pounds on the Waccamaw River, so the bite is definitely on.

**What to Throw**

For cold water fishing, blade baits are absolute money right now—they're one of the most overlooked lures in winter. Jerkbaits work great too with that classic jerk-jerk-pause pattern. Don't overlook crankbaits either; Shad Raps are producing solid results. For the stripers and drum we're targeting, you'll want soft plastics and spinnerbaits in your arsenal.

**Hot Spots**

Head down to Morehead City Harbor on the Crystal Coast if you can. The docks are quiet compared to summer, and locals know the winter fishing there is some of the best around. Cape Hatteras is always a reliable choice for land-based saltwater action with plenty of structure holding fish.

Thanks so much for tuning in, everybody. Make sure you subscribe for daily fishing reports right here.

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