FISHING REPORT: August 6th, 2026
Weather/Water Conditions
The weather has been about as good as you could ask for this past week. Daytime temperatures have stayed between 85–90°, with evenings remaining comfortable in the low 80s and little to no wind. Those calm conditions have made for some beautiful mornings on the water, whether you're launching the kayak, heading offshore, or fishing from the beach.
- Water temperatures are holding in the low to mid 80s, and the water clarity has remained excellent throughout the area. The recent stretch of light winds has also provided ideal conditions for sight fishing and getting out on the bay.
- Wind: Light to calm on most mornings and evenings
- Water clarity: Very clear
Overall conditions: Excellent with stable summer patterns
What's Biting Inshore
The inshore bite continues to stay productive, with one bite in particular really starting to turn on.
- Puppy Drum – they're back! We've received several reports and seen pictures of quality puppy drum being caught around docks, in the inlets, and across the flats.
- Flounder – still providing steady action throughout the inlets and nearby structure.
- Bluefish – continuing to keep anglers busy, especially around bait schools.
- Striped Bass – a few fish are still being picked up inshore during the lower light periods.
Most consistent setup we've seen:
Live mullet has been one of the top producers lately, while the Z-Man Mulletron continues getting crushed by puppy drum. Mud minnows remain one of the best baits for flounder and have been producing plenty of bluefish as well.
What's Biting In The Bay/Ocean/Offshore
The bay has continued to produce quality fishing thanks to the calm weather and abundant bait.
- Spanish Mackerel – still providing excellent action off the beaches, with trolling spoons and casting spoons continuing to produce.
- Bluefish – feeding aggressively around schools of bait throughout the bay.
- Pompano – reports are starting to come in from the Oceanfront and Croatan Beach, a welcome sight for surf anglers.
- Bull Drum – anglers targeting them are still finding success around the bay.
- Cobia - popping back up regularly after spawning, more being caught off the surface than in the previous weeks. Should start to see them on the pilings at the CBBT tunnel starting this week.
- Sheepshead - The Sheepshead bite has sprung back up. We are not seeing as many citations brought by but are still seeing solid numbers coming through the shop.
- Flounder - Starting to see the doormat bite slow down but plenty of flounder still being caught out there on Gulp Grubs and Minnows.
- Red Snapper - Starting to see red snapper being caught offshore on those calmer hot days.
The recent mullet run has fish feeding throughout the bay, in the inlets, and right in the surf, making live bait one of the best options available.
Hot Tip:
If you find the mullet, you're usually close to the fish. Don't be afraid to throw a cast net for fresh bait before heading to your fishing spot.
Best Bite Window
For those trying to time it right, here's when we're seeing the best action:
Best times:
- Early morning for inshore and bay fishing
- Late afternoon into the evening for surf fishing
- Offshore action has stayed productive throughout the day
Tide and Wind influence:
The evening tides have lined up well for surf anglers, helping keep the bite active as the temperatures cool and bait moves through the wash.
If you're still learning, fishing around sunrise or the evening tide change will give you some of the best opportunities this time of year.
Fishing Tips
What's been working consistently and what we've got ready for you:
- Live mullet
- Mud minnows
- Z-Man Mulletron
- Z-Man Paddle Tails
- Gulp! Grubs
- Casting and trolling spoons for Spanish mackerel
- Simple bottom rigs for live bait
We've got everything you need to stay on the bite. Stop by the shop and ask our staff what's been working, we're always happy to help get you rigged up for success.
Looking ahead
Heading into next week, expect:
- Continued stable summer weather with warm temperatures and lighter winds.
- Water temperatures holding in the low to mid 80s.
- The puppy drum bite continuing to improve around docks, flats, and inlets.
- Live bait remaining the top producer as mullet continue moving through the area.
Over the past couple of weeks we've seen more and more pictures of puppy drum being caught around the flats and under docks, and all signs point to that bite continuing to build. If you've been waiting to target slot reds, now is a great time to get your gear ready and hit the water.