How to Enjoy Epic Fall Fishing on Topsail Island

No boat? No sweat! Welcome to surfcasting, one of the best ways to enjoy fishing on Topsail Island's beaches. This is an economical way to get into fishing. Easy to learn and fun for all ages surf casting is guaranteed to be a hit with the kids and serious angler alike. With so many great beaches on Topsail Island, you have an almost unlimited number of places to fish while enjoying a day on the beach. 

Don't forget the first thing you need to do is to get a North Carolina fishing license.  Next, you're going to need a proper surf casting rig. Since 1952 the folks at East Coast Sports have been outfitting local and visiting anglers alike. Stop by and find out all about the different types of rigs, rods, and reels you might need for a successful day of fishing. When out on the beach don't be afraid to approach one of the local anglers. Topsail Island's anglers are a friendly and helpful bunch always willing to share some local knowledge with visitors. Tip: the far south end of the inlet is a hot spot for red drum, speckled trout, and flounder. 

Perhaps the easiest way to explore fishing is by visiting one of the three piers on Topsail Island. Each pier has its own distinct personality but all the piers have created a family-friendly atmosphere. Fishing from the piers is great for novices and experienced anglers alike. 

When fishing off one of Topsail's piers there are a variety of fish you can expect to catch. Piers are generally divided into the five zones: Suds, Slough, Sandbar, The Deep, and The Deeper. Different fish and different rigs are found and used depending on the zone you're fishing. By moving up and down the pier just a few yards you can experience the thrill of catching something entirely new! Depending on where you fish on the pier during the fall you can expect to catch: Albacore, Bluefish, Crocker, Red Drum and Sheepshead just to name a few. Here are a few of the piers that you can find on Topsail Island with links to their websites for all the information you need. 

  

This centrally located pier in the heart of Topsail Island's Surf City is the island's oldest pier. The original pier was built on this location in 1948 and stood until it was destroyed by Hurricane Fran. Rebuilt in 1996 the pier has remained in the Lore family since 1973. From March 1 to December 1 of each year the pier is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This allows for exciting night fishing and gives you access to amazing fishing virtually anytime you want. Featuring cleaning stations, lights, and a fully stocked tackle and bait shop, the pier in Surf City is the perfect place to spend a day with the family.  

Seaview Pier, North Topsail 

Located on the northern tip of Topsail Island this is the perfect location for those vacationing in North Topsail. One of the best features of this pier is the Seaview Restaurant. The restaurant has great burgers to keep you fueled up during your trip. During lunch and dinner, take advantage of one of the Seaview's unique features by having them clean and cook your catch to your specifications all at a reasonable price. Seafood doesn't get any fresher than that! The Seaview prides itself on its family-friendly atmosphere. A full-service bait and tackle shop is available to provide everything you need while on the pier. Of course, there are restrooms and cleaning stations for your convenience. If you play your cards right you might get to join the SV Kingers but you have to first catch one of Topsail's giant King Fish. 

Head down to the southern end of Topsail Island and get ready to wet a line on this 850-foot long pier. Located in Topsail Beach you would have to try really hard not to have a great time while fishing on the Jolly Roger Pier. With a friendly and knowledgeable staff, this is a great place to learn all about pier fishing on Topsail Island. The pier features a snack-bar, fully stocked tackle and bait shop with rod rentals. This pier is fully lit at night making it a great spot to enjoy some night fishing under a beautiful star-filled Carolina sky. With cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, night fishing is one of those "must do" things while vacationing on Topsail Island.   

 

Note: All piers have an inclusive license that covers those fishing on the pier, so you're not required to purchase an individual fishing license.    

Let's head off the beaches and the piers for a bit to experience some really intense Topsail Island fishing action. To do this you need to pick any one of the many charter boats serving Topsail Island. No matter what type of adventure you're looking for there is a charter to meet your needs. Offshore, inshore, half day or full day trips for the experienced to novice fisherman are all easily found in the Topsail Island fleet.  

Inland charters are a great option for families. These larger boats include a rod rental, bait and all the other equipment you need to enjoy a day on the water. Inland boats also have amenities like snack-bars, restrooms, and large covered spaces. Longer full day offshore trips to the gulf stream are available for those looking to land the big one! Offshore charters usually take four to six people on smaller vessels and are usually all day affairs. No matter if you choose an offshore or inshore adventure, all charters will include everything you need to enjoy a great day of fishing. Below you'll find links to great resources all dedicated to Topsail Island charter and fishing boats. 

Queen Jean Fishing Charter: The Queen Jean is located at the Assembly Building on Topsail Beach. With half day, evening and kids fishing adventure trips the Queen Jean's friendly staff will make sure you have a wonderful time on the water. This boat is a great way for novice fisherman to explore the waters off of Topsail Island. With reasonable prices and short trips, it is sure to be a family favorite. The boat is also equipped with a snack-bar which sells drinks, deli sandwiches, burgers, and beer. Coolers are allowed. Call 910-545-RIDE for more information and reservations. 

Topsail Charter Fishing  This is a great resource to explore all the different options for charting a boat. From chartering an inshore boat to an offshore adventure the Topsail Charter Fishing website provides a portal to dozens of great boats, captains, and adventures to suit almost any size party, experience level, and budget. This is also a great sight if you wish to hire a local guide or captain to help put you right on top of the local fishing hotspots. 

 

There is still plenty of time to get into the fishing action on Topsail Island this fall. With plenty of great rentals available, we have the perfect place for your family to start their Topsail Island fall fishing adventure.