Spanish mackerel fishing out of Southport is a nearshore game. Boats work the water off Oak Island, Southport and Bald Head Island, and one local charter lists the species. The Southport, NC port guide shows the Cape Fear River entrance and the nearshore water these boats run through. This page covers where boats run, who fishes the species from this port, and which rules apply.
When and where boats run
Boats from this port work the nearshore water off Oak Island, Southport and Bald Head Island.
Spanish mackerel season and the water temperature that drives it are laid out in the Spanish mackerel species guide. For how the fish move along the coast from year to year, use the Atlantic Southeast regional guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide).
Off Oak Island
Oak Island nearshore water sits west of the Cape Fear River entrance.
Off Southport
The nearshore water off the Southport side of the Cape Fear River entrance is the closest of the three areas to the river mouth.
Off Bald Head Island
Boats work the water off Bald Head Island’s shore on the east side of the entrance.
Grounds and the nearshore water
The grounds here are the three nearshore areas, and each is a place to start searching:
- Nearshore off Oak Island
- Nearshore off Southport
- Nearshore off Bald Head Island
These areas tell you where to begin; conditions on the water determine the rest. Chart layers are not for navigation, so use official charts and the NOAA forecast for the run.
How it is fished from this port
The local charter names Spanish mackerel in its species list, but we attribute no method to it. For general methods, tackle and leaders, see the methods and tackle in our species guide.
Who fishes for them out of Southport
One Southport charter lists the species.
Angry Pelican Charters
Angry Pelican Charters out of Southport lists Spanish mackerel. It runs the boat "Angry Pelican," a May Craft Pilothouse. Anyone who wants to learn the water from a local boat first can contact this operator.
FAQ about Spanish mackerel out of Southport
Where do boats fish for Spanish mackerel out of Southport?
Boats run nearshore off Oak Island, Southport and Bald Head Island. That is the general area to start in.
Is there a charter out of Southport that lists Spanish mackerel?
Yes. Angry Pelican Charters lists Spanish mackerel in its species list.
What boat does Angry Pelican Charters run?
The boat is "Angry Pelican," a May Craft Pilothouse.
When are Spanish mackerel around Southport?
Use the Spanish mackerel species guide for the seasonal pattern and water temperature. The Atlantic Southeast regional guide covers how the fish move along the coast.
What else is caught nearshore from Southport?
The coastal and offshore gamefish guides cover the other species you can find in this water.
