Anglers across North Carolina and South Carolina enjoyed strong inshore action over the past week, with solid catches of red drum, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead dominating reports. State agencies highlight improving patterns as waters warm, though temporary rules remain in effect for species like spotted seatrout and sheepshead. This Carolina fishing report delivers the latest from official sources to help you plan your next trip.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission celebrated National Fishing and Boating Week and adopted temporary rules for sheepshead harvest in inland and joint waters, setting a daily creel limit of five fish with a 14-inch minimum size and no closed season. In South Carolina, SCDNR provided updates on a Lake Greenwood fish kill investigation while sharing positive saltwater trends, including active redfish, trout, and emerging flounder in Grand Strand and Charleston areas. Reports from Carolinasportsman.com also noted a record turnout at the Brody Bates Youth Redfish Open in the Lowcountry.
CCA North Carolina continues advocacy efforts through ongoing coastal fisheries litigation, underscoring the importance of sustainable management for future generations. NCWRC affirmed 2026-27 CWD surveillance areas for deer hunting and announced migratory game bird seasons, while SCDNR highlighted a sharp drop in hunting-related fatalities thanks to safety initiatives. These updates from official state agencies reinforce the commitment to healthy habitats and responsible outdoor recreation across the Carolinas.
Future Outlook: Look for excellent inshore fishing this week for flounder, red drum, and speckled trout. In SC, captains report flounder numbers increasing in the Grand Strand with more keepers expected, red drum shifting to warm-weather patterns in creeks and jetties (effective on cut bait or live shrimp), and trout active on live shrimp, especially big spawning females around Charleston. North Carolina waters should see similar improvements with slot reds in bays and creeks, plus flounder and trout around structure. Focus on moving tides and structure; water temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s will boost activity for prime Carolina inshore fishing.
Land & Game: Whitetail deer hunters should note the confirmed 2026-27 CWD surveillance areas in NC, emphasizing continued vigilance and proper harvest reporting. Turkey season remains active or recently concluded in SC with new rules limiting harvest to adult gobblers to support population recovery—hunters reported solid success with multiple longbeards taken in NC counties. For habitat improvement, focus on food plots, prescribed burns, and maintaining edge cover to benefit both deer and turkey. These practices align with agency guidance for robust game populations heading into future seasons.
Subscribe to Friends Outdoor Journal for weekly Carolina fishing reports and hunting insights. Share your catches in the comments, tag us on social, and visit https://friendsoutdoorjournal.blogspot.com/ for more. Tight lines and safe hunts!
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