Wilmington Fishing Report: Bonito, Spanish Mackerel, and Inshore Slam

Hey there, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Wilmington fishing report for this beautiful Wednesday morning, May 14, 2025.

Let me tell ya, the fishing around Wilmington has been absolutely on fire lately! The Atlantic bonito bite that started in early May is still going strong, and they're putting up quite a fight for anyone lucky enough to hook into one. These speedsters are hanging around the nearshore reefs and ledges, so that's where you'll want to point your bow.

Spanish mackerel are showing up consistently throughout our waters. For both bonito and Spanish, you'll want to sling some metal - those Big Nic Spanish Candy spoons in 1/2 oz to 1.5 oz have been getting lots of attention. The Capt. Jot edition has been particularly hot. Work them fast with a high-speed spinning reel or baitcaster if you've got one.

Inshore, the redfish and black drum action has remained steady on cut bait and fresh shrimp. Boat docks have been particularly productive for black drum. If you're heading to Carolina Beach, don't forget your MirrOlure MR-17s for some decent speckled trout action.

For those working the surf, black drum and large whiting are hitting shrimp and sand fleas. The ICW and river spots are producing some nice sheepshead around hard structure, with scattered reds and specks mixed in.

Nearshore has been the main event, with bonito and Spanish mackerel from the beach out to about 5 miles. Deep diver plugs and spoons are your best bet, but keep an eye out for surface feeding activity where jigs will do the trick.

If you're heading offshore, blackfin tuna and wahoo are there for the taking, with some black sea bass and large sheepshead on the wrecks.

Hot spots this week include the nearshore reefs for bonito and Spanish, Wrightsville Beach inlet for mixed bag action, and the ICW docks for sheepshead and drum.

Weather looks to be stabilizing with warming temps, which should only improve the bite. Just remember to check your catch carefully - there have been some undersized king mackerel mixed in with the Spanish.

That's all for today, folks! This is Artificial Lure signing off. Remember, a bad day fishing still beats a good day at work - but with the bite we've got right now, there ain't no bad days on the water!