FISHING REPORT: May 7, 2026
Weather/Water Conditions
It’s been a typical spring transition week here in the area—some wind mixed in with a few nicer, fishable days in between.
With temperatures sitting in the mid-high 60's, we are seeing slow fishing but going to pick up in the next 2 weeks with those rising temps.
Water temps are sitting around mid to upper 50s/60s, slowly creeping up with the warmer days.
- Wind: Mixed, with some stronger blows keeping things choppy at times
- Water clarity: Varies—cleaner in the backwaters, more stained in open areas after wind
- Overall conditions: Improving, but still a little inconsistent day to day
What's Biting Inshore
The inshore bite is starting to wake up as temps climb.
- Red Drum – starting to show up in Sandbridge surf as well as the oceanfront pier
- Flounder – few caught around Rudee Inlet and Sandbridge
- Bluefish – Hitting hard in Sandbridge and Rudee Inlet, making their way towards broad bay
- Striper - Still seeing a few hanging out in the inlets
Most consistent setup we’ve seen:
Simple Jig head + soft plastic worked slow has been getting the early season bites.
What's Biting In The Bay
The bay bite has been the most consistent right now.
- Tautog (Tog) – solid bite around the islands and structure
- Black Drum – being caught in the same areas, especially near the islands
- Bluefin Tuna – we’ve had some quality fish brought in lately, including a 106lb tuna weighed here at the shop!
Best Bite Window
Timing has definitely mattered with the cooler water temps.
- Late morning into early afternoon (once things warm up)
- Some evening bite starting to show on calmer days
Tide influence:
Moving water has been key—stronger bites on the incoming and outgoing tides.
Fishing Tips
What’s been working consistently:
- Jig heads + soft plastics for inshore species
- Crab baits for tog and drum
- Basic bottom rigs for structure fishing
- Mullet on Carolina rig
- Shrimp or Fishbites on Double Dropper Rig
We’ve got everything you need rigged up and ready, just stop in and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Looking ahead
As we head into next week:
- Water temps should continue to rise
- More Red drum should start pushing into the backwaters
- Expect the inshore bite to keep improving, especially on nicer weather windows
We’re right on the edge of things really turning on, now’s the time to start getting dialed in and see what's getting bit.