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Bield:Fish
Single-species migration calendar

Spanish Mackerel in North Carolina Southern Coast may fishing.

Scomberomorus maculatusMigratoryGood

Continuing migration; schools chasing bait.

Year-round calendar

Each month encodes typical migration status. The current month is outlined in gold. Tap a cell for the month-specific note and water temperature.

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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJan — Possible Wintering fish on structure. Typical water temp: 52–60°FPossibleFeb — Possible Same. Typical water temp: 54–62°FPossibleMar — Fair Spring run begins. Typical water temp: 60–68°FFairApr — Good Strong spring run through Carolinas. Typical water temp: 64–72°FGoodMay — Good Continuing migration; schools chasing bait. Typical water temp: 70–76°FGoodJun — Good Resident fish through summer. Typical water temp: 76–82°FGoodJul — Good Same — Spanish on glass minnows. Typical water temp: 80–86°FGoodAug — Good Strong nearshore fishery. Typical water temp: 80–86°FGoodSep — Peak Peak fall migration through region. Typical water temp: 76–82°FPeakOct — Peak Major bait runs concentrate Spanish on the beach. Typical water temp: 70–78°FPeakNov — Good Fish departing south. Typical water temp: 62–70°FGoodDec — Fair Late stragglers. Typical water temp: 56–62°FFair

Migration pattern

Wintering fish on offshore structure; spring run March–May pushes through Carolinas; resident summer fishery; fall run October–November is often the year's best.

Best locations

  • Cape Fear River mouth
  • Masonboro Inlet
  • Wrightsville Beach jetties
  • Topsail Inlet

Top lures

  • Clark spoon trolled
  • Gotcha plugs
  • Small metal jigs
  • Glass minnow flies
  • Sabiki rigs
Verify with current conditions

Migration timing varies year to year. Cross-reference NOAA marine forecasts and a local source the week of your trip.

Spanish Mackerel in other regions

Get a notification when spanish mackerel show up.

Bield: Fish ties NOAA buoy data and water temperature readings to species arrival windows so you're on the water the day they arrive in North Carolina Southern Coast.

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