Spring is in the air! For all you fishing enthusiasts out there, some of the best fishing of the year is right around the corner. This week we're talking about Spring fishing on Topsail Island. Grab some bait, load up the cooler, and get ready to learn everything you need to know about spring fishing.

North Carolina requires residents and visitors alike to purchase a fishing License. Licenses can be purchased online or from several local tackle shops and outdoor retailers. North Carolina fishing licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase. All fishermen, age 16 years and older, are required to have a fishing license while fishing in North Carolina waters. Fishing piers are the one exception. You do not need a license to fish from a fishing pier, it is included with the purchase of a pier pass.

You can read more about North Carolina's rules and regulations at the NC Wildlife Commission website.

Pier Fishing

One of the best ways to enjoy fishing on Topsail Island is by fishing from one of our piers. Pier fishing has some significant advantages, especially for those just starting out.  Admission to the pier includes all applicable NC licenses. All the piers have shops where you can rent rods and any other equipment you might need. Finally, they have cleaning stations, lots of local knowledge, and concessions!  Perhaps the best feature is that some of the piers will even cook your catch to order. That's a perk that is hard to beat!

Three Great Pier Fishing Locations

Surf City Ocean Pier

12 South Shore Drive

Surf City, NC  28445

Phone:  910-328-3521

Jolly Roger Pier

803 Ocean Blvd.

Topsail Beach, NC 28445

Phone:  910-328-4616/800-633-3196

Seaview Pier

124 Fishing Pier Lane

North Topsail Beach, NC  28460

Phone:   910-328-3172

Surf Fishing:  Sun, Sand, and Fun

Love the beach and fishing? Well, then surf fishing offers the best of both worlds. Spanish, bluefish, flounder, trout, and albacore are all common catches along the beaches of Topsail Island.  Getting set up for a day of surf fishing is easy. First, visit one of several tackle shops on Topsail Island to get all your basic equipment. Many visitors rent fishing setups, so don't worry about spending a lot of money up front if you just want to try surf fishing. However, don't over complicate it. A rod, a rod-holding spike, some bait... and you are good to go. Don't forget to bring something to sit on. 

That's all you need to have fun Surf fishing. It's a great way to introduce kids to fishing! And like we said, you get a day on the beach and fishing at the same time.

Open Water and Big Fish Await!

Fishing from a pier or the beach is fun. However,  there's nothing like a day on the water to enjoy the magic of fishing during your Topsail Island beach vacation.

Whether you're looking for a family-oriented inshore trip, or you are looking for that monster tuna out in the gulf stream, the local Topsail Island charter fleet has you covered.

Most inshore trips range from a couple of hours on the water to half-day fishing trips. Coastal trips are generally on head boats. There are large boats that have concessions, bathrooms, rod rentals, and all sorts of amenities.

Head boats are great for families with younger kids who want to fish. Another great feature of head boats is they have staff to help you with all aspects of fishing. If you're a rookie, this is the place to be.

Offshore trips are usually full-day excursions that head out into the gulf stream. These trips tend to be relatively expensive. However, the rewards are great. The weather is usually beautiful, but you need to be prepared as most charters will go even if the water is choppy. So, if battling billfish or reeling in huge tuna is your idea of fun, then an offshore trip is your ticket to the action.

You can read all about our local head boats and offshore charters on our Topsail Attractions and Things To Do page.

What You Might Reel In

In the spring, there are a plethora of fish species in the waters off Topsail Island. Whether pier, surf or offshore fishing, there is a great variety of fish that you may encounter. Here are some of the fish you just might reel in: