NC anglers seeing red

Redfish are prime targets this month

May is prime time for redfish along North Carolina’s coast, and anglers have plenty of hotspots to explore. As water temperatures climb and baitfish become more active, redfish feed aggressively in shallow waters, making them easier to target. Four areas stand out for their consistent redfish action this time of year: the Pamlico Sound, Topsail Island, the Cape Fear River, and Bogue Sound.

Pamlico Sound

The Pamlico Sound offers vast grass flats and marshes where redfish patrol for shrimp and crabs. Anglers casting gold spoons, soft plastics, and popping cork rigs have success working these areas. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best action, with the fish pushing shallow as the tide rises. But the time of day is always best when those early mornings and late afternoons coincide with a moving tide.

Many anglers drift quietly in kayaks or flat-bottom boats, covering water until they find a school. When it comes to popping cork rigs, local anglers have found that the louder your cork, the better. Don’t be shy when working those rigs. A local favorite is the Blabber Mouth popping cork, which incorporates a spinner along with the cup-shaped cork, weights and built-in rattles.

Topsail Island

Topsail Island is another hotspot where redfish gather around oyster beds and sandy flats. During May, the inshore creeks and marshes around the island come alive with bait, and redfish are quick to follow.

But it’s not just the inshore waters that attract big numbers of redfish this month. Anglers will also catch plenty of these fish off the beaches.

Live finger mullet or mud minnows fished near structure often produce strikes. Sight fishing is also possible on clear, calm days, as redfish cruise just below the surface.

Cape Fear River

Further south, the Cape Fear River offers a unique environment where freshwater meets saltwater, creating prime conditions for redfish. The river’s marshy creeks and grass lines provide ample cover for redfish feeding on shrimp and small baitfish.

Anglers often target these fish with artificial lures like paddle tails and jerkbaits. The best results come when fishing the outgoing tide as redfish position themselves along drop-offs and current breaks.

Bogue Sound

Bogue Sound rounds out the list with its intricate network of grass beds, oyster bars, and tidal creeks. Redfish move into these areas during May, feeding aggressively on shrimp and baitfish. Topwater lures draw explosive strikes in the mornings, while jigs and live bait work well later in the day.

The sound’s numerous docks and pilings also hold redfish, especially when the tide is moving. While some anglers prefer fishing during the incoming tide, others favor the outgoing tide. But both sets of anglers agree that as long as the tide is moving in one direction or the other, that’s better than fishing at dead low or at the top of high tide.

Anglers in North Carolina have no shortage of opportunities when it comes to chasing redfish throughout the spring. Whether targeting shallow grass flats, exploring tidal creeks, or working oyster beds, these four areas provide consistent action and unforgettable experiences. The key is to adjust techniques based on the conditions and follow the tides, ensuring a successful day on the water.