Coastal North Carolina fishing is popular in the autumn season, and Holden Beach is no exception! Whether it’s beach fishing in the surf, on a charter, or from the public fishing dock on Jordan Boulevard, there are plenty of options for Holden Beach anglers.
You can refer to our Guide to Holden Beach fishing for a complete guideline, but here’s a quick overview for fall fishing so you can cast a line sooner than later.
Fall Fishing on Holden Beach, NC
Chartering a boat for an off-shore excursion is a fun adventure to enjoy some of the best bottom fishing along the east coast. You can also bring your own boat or rent a boat. The local marina is a great resource for information for fishing options and what’s biting in our area, although the catch is fairly dependent on the time of year.
In the cooler seasonal waters around Holden Beach, autumn anglers find an occasional shark, Spanish Mackerel or King Mackerel on half-day nearshore trips. Black Drum, Whiting, and Blues on shrimp, or a few Trout in the surf on plastics are also common catches for the conditions this time of year. In addition to the infamous Spot runnings in the fall salt waters, fishing enthusiasts also go after Flounder and Croaker, try to hook a Red, or catch a streak of Black Drum.
Besides the Holden Beach Marina, it’s always helpful to talk to the local anglers. They might just be willing to share a few of their sweet spots for particular fish. The inlet at the east end of the island is a popular fishing hole, with some parking available. You’ll have options there to fish on the ocean side, in the inlet between Holden Beach and Oak Island, or walking along the shoreline to the waterway on the backside. Try your hand at fishing with minnows or use your throw net for shrimp. The local bait and tackle shops are a good place to meet some locals, and the shop owners are happy to help you gear up for the type of fishing you’ll be doing.
Fishy Tips
No matter the season, it’s important to have your fishing license (The Rod and Reel Shop can help with that). You should also be aware of any size or catch limits.
And, if the kids need a fun break from weather or worms (or whatever bait you use!), you can always enjoy fish from another angle:
- The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a super popular outing for all ages. You can take the ferry out of Southport or drive around through Wilmington and Carolina Beach.
- The Museum of Coastal Carolina is another interesting outing to learn about the coastal envirnoment and history.
- Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, SC is a quick trip down Highway 17 South for a unique fishy adventure!
- You can also always turn your fishing outing into a mini lesson about how to catch, clean, prep, and cook your catch (or some that you buy if the fish aren’t biting) for an enjoyable family meal around the table at your vacation rental. After all, making lifelong memories is what it’s all about.
See You Soon
While most of us love those hot summer days in the sand, Holden Beach is a treasure in the fall! Just ask the folks you see with a rod, reel, tackle box, or net in their hands!
We’re happy to help you find a great oceanfront vacation home where you can simply walk out of the back door to the shore, or the perfect canal home to enjoy casting a line with your family from the back floating dock. Explore all the vacation home options across our island or call our Hobbspitality Team for some extra assistance at (844) 846-4885. We’d love to help!
So whether it’s fishing, a memorable daytrip, or building memories around a one-of-a-kind family meal, you’ll want to be sure to catch a fall vacation on Holden Beach!
We hope to see you soon… at the beach!
