North Carolina’s Crystal Coast offers incredible fishing experiences. Paul Doughty
Don’t overlook the early light on a glassy, calm morning while discovering North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Core Sound and Cape Lookout National Seashore deliver an unforgettable atmosphere.
As I navigate my skiff over a submerged shoal blanketed in eel grass, I hope to encounter a school of red drum. Maybe some spotted seatrout are in the vicinity, or possibly a striped bass has wandered into the area. This body of water boasts a plethora of fish, largely due to the effects of both the northbound Gulf Stream and the southbound Labrador Current. Significant ocean currents converge here daily with the shift of the tides.
Read Next: North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is a Jewel
Sportfish anticipate the incoming tide to grant them sufficient water to return to their preferred spots. Observe the grass beds during the peak of each tide cycle, identifying the potholes and sloughs. Occasionally, anglers may spot redfish with their backs above the surface and tails waving energetically. Seatrout are typically more challenging to find, using their unique spotted pattern for camouflage. For a few hours on either side of low tide, fish gather along the outer edges. I cast far beyond a familiar submerged drop-off into deeper waters. My bait glides effortlessly across the surface, aided by a consistent rhythm. Suddenly, the water explodes, and I feel a strong fish striking my lure. These are the rewards of rising early and heading out.