Wilmington NC Fishing Forecast: Bonito, Mackerel, and Grouper Action Heating Up

Hey there anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming at ya with the latest fishing scoop from around Wilmington NC for this beautiful Saturday morning of May 10th, 2025.

Y'all, the fishing has really been cranking up this month! The weather's finally stabilizing and those temperatures are climbing, making for some prime fishing conditions. We've been seeing more days where folks can get out in the ocean, which is exactly what you want this time of year.

The nearshore action has been absolutely fire lately! Those Atlantic bonito have been running strong in early to mid-May, and the Spanish mackerel bite has been consistent all month long. It's a real treat watching them bust the surface - even better when they're on the end of your line! For tackle, those Big Nic Spanish Candy spoons in 1/2oz up to 1.5oz have been getting a ton of bites when paired with high-speed spinning reels. If you're feeling fancy, try a high-speed low-profile bait-caster like the PENN Fathom high-speed 300 reel. Fly fishermen are having success with weights seven to nine.

Look for these speedsters around nearshore artificial reefs, ledges, and inlets. You might also run into some false albacore and bluefish mixed in. Word of caution though - we've been seeing small King mackerel in the mix, so check your catch carefully for those undersized Kings!

Inshore fishing hasn't disappointed either. Red drum and black drum have been hitting Carolina-rigged shrimp around docks and other hard structure. The sheepshead bite is starting to pick up too, especially as those fiddler crabs become more available.

For bottom fishing enthusiasts, grouper season opened up at the beginning of May, so now's the time to get after 'em.

Some hot spots to check out: Wrightsville Beach area has been productive for Spanish and bonito, while the intracoastal waterway around boat docks has been giving up nice drum. For those willing to head out a bit, the nearshore reefs are holding plenty of action.

As for today, we're looking at a morning high tide with an outgoing through midday. Sunrise was around 6:15 AM, and we'll have daylight until about 8:05 PM, giving you plenty of time on the water.

Locals have been reporting excellent catches when working the tide changes, particularly as water moves around structure. Fresh shrimp has been money for the drum bite, while those metal jigs like Beach Bum or Jigfish lures in glass minnow style have been producing for the faster species.

Get out there and wet a line, folks! The fish are hungry, the weather's cooperative, and the season's just getting better. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines, y'all!