When Spanish mackerel are off Wrightsville Beach
Spanish mackerel fishing out of Wrightsville Beach starts around April, after the bonito run. The fish work the beach and the nearshore grounds, and Wrightsville Beach boats reach them on short runs through Masonboro Inlet. Southern Run’s 4-hour trips target them spring through fall.
Spring arrival after the bonito
Fish are on the beach from around April, following the bonito run. When bonito show up, expect mackerel to follow.
For biology, size and general habits, see the Spanish mackerel guide.
| Marker | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Bonito run | Mackerel follow it |
| From around April | Fish on the beach |
| Spring through fall | Southern Run’s 4-hour trip window |
Spring through fall
Southern Run’s 4-hour trips target Spanish mackerel from spring through fall, which is the working window for a local operator fishing them on a schedule. For how the run moves along the Atlantic Southeast (see also the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide), see the regional guide.
Where boats run
Boats run within about 5 miles of the beach. Masonboro Inlet and its jetties are the closest structure, and the named reefs sit inside the same radius.
Within about 5 miles
Southern Run’s 4-hour trips stay within about 5 miles of the beach, a workable radius for Spanish mackerel out of Wrightsville Beach. The reef waypoints in the next section fall inside a short half-day run.
- Radius: about 5 miles from the beach
- Trip length: 4 hours
- Entry point: Masonboro Inlet
Masonboro Inlet and the jetties
A local report describes a solid Spanish mackerel bite at Masonboro Inlet. The north and south jetties are the nearest structure to the entrance. For bar conditions and inlet navigation, use the Wrightsville Beach port page and the official forecast.
Grounds and structure
The reefs below work as waypoints inside the 5-mile radius. Load them, then fish the water between them.
Artificial reefs
The named artificial reefs near the port are:
- AR-370 Meares Harris Reef: 34 10.467 N, 77 45.067 W
- AR-364 Billy Murrell Reef: 34 14.833 N, 77 42.833 W
- AR-372: 49 ft
- AR-378 Phillip Wolfe Reef: 34 00.633 N, 77 50.683 W
AR-378 sits farther south, toward Carolina Beach, as its latitude shows.
You can view these reefs on Chart Contours in the Breakpoint app. Chart layers and coordinates are not for navigation; use official NOAA nautical charts.
Other named structure
Anglers also fish Schoolhouse, Dredge Wreck Reef and 10-Mile Boxcars.
Conditions at buoy 41038
The nearest NOAA buoy is NDBC 41038, Wrightsville Beach Nearshore (ILM2), at 34.141 N 77.715 W, in 59 ft (18 m) of water. Check wave height, period and wind at 41038 first, then compare them against the NWS Wilmington marine forecast.
The buoy reports a single point, and the inlet bar can differ from what it shows.
How it is fished locally
Locals troll first and fish bait when the situation calls for it.
Trolling the first half
Southern Run’s 4-hour trips troll for Spanish mackerel on the first half of the trip, along with bluefish and bonito. Bluefish and bonito often come up on the same lines; they are among the other coastal gamefish that share this water.
Live and cut baits
Local reports name cut sardines and cigar minnows as baits for Spanish mackerel here.
Who fishes them from this port
These local charters list Spanish mackerel. Southern Run’s pattern of trolling the first half within about 5 miles is one an owner-operator can copy.
| Operator | Captain |
|---|---|
| Southern Run Fishing Charters | Captain Ben Morris |
| Whipsaw Fishing Charters | Captain Robbie Wolfe |
| Ocean Stinger Charters | Captain Jesse Gawlik |
| Wild Rover III | Captain Dave Tilley |
FAQ: Spanish mackerel fishing out of Wrightsville Beach
When do Spanish mackerel show up at Wrightsville Beach?
From around April on the beach, after the bonito run. Southern Run’s 4-hour trips target them spring through fall. Use the bonito run as a planning cue, then watch the beach and the inlet for the first fish.
How far do boats run for Spanish mackerel?
Boats run within about 5 miles of the beach on 4-hour trips. Waypoints inside that radius include the Masonboro Inlet jetties and the named reefs: AR-370, AR-364, AR-372 and AR-378. A local report describes a solid Spanish mackerel bite at Masonboro Inlet.
What baits do locals use?
Southern Run trolls for Spanish mackerel on the first half of its 4-hour trips, alongside bluefish and bonito. Local reports name cut sardines and cigar minnows as baits. That suggests a plan of trolling first and fishing bait second on a short run from the inlet.
Do Wrightsville Beach charters target Spanish mackerel?
Yes. Four local operators list them: Southern Run Fishing Charters with Captain Ben Morris, Whipsaw Fishing Charters with Captain Robbie Wolfe, Ocean Stinger Charters with Captain Jesse Gawlik, and Wild Rover III with Captain Dave Tilley.
Which buoy should I check before running the inlet?
NDBC 41038 (ILM2), Wrightsville Beach Nearshore, at 34.141 N 77.715 W. Check wave height, period and wind there against the NWS marine forecast. The buoy reports a single point, and the inlet bar can differ from what it shows.
