Fishing Bald Head Island in the Summertime.

Bald Head Island is a hidden gem nestled at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, where freshwater meets the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. With its tranquil atmosphere, rich maritime forests filled with mature live oaks, and pristine sandy beaches, it’s no wonder visitors return year after year. For anglers, the surrounding waters of Bald Head Island, Southport, and Oak Island offer some of the most productive and scenic fishing opportunities along the North Carolina coast—and we’re proud to call this part of our 60-mile guiding range home.

In this post, we’ll dive into the various species we target during the summer months and why Bald Head Island holds a special place in our hearts as fishing guides.

Red Drum (Redfish) on Fly

Targeting Red Drum on fly is one of our favorite experiences to offer clients. In the summertime, these fish often exhibit thrilling behavior—cruising the shallows with their backs out of the water, sometimes even "belly crawling" along the banks. Few places in our area offer such visuals, and the mouth of the Cape Fear River is one of them.

While sight-fishing with a fly rod demands quick, accurate casts and plenty of patience, it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to hook into a redfish. Summer conditions can be unpredictable—some days the fish show, others they don’t—but when everything aligns, the action can be world-class.

Black Drum

Black Drum are a consistent and reliable species around Bald Head Island, especially when Redfish are playing hard to get. They tend to be more tolerant of wind and changing weather conditions, making them a great target when visibility is low or tides aren’t ideal.

Although they rarely take artificial lures in this area, a well-placed piece of fresh shrimp is almost always effective. These fish offer a strong fight and are prized for their mild, flaky fillets, making them both a fun and rewarding catch.

Shark Fishing

Shark fishing is a thrilling summertime adventure in the waters around Bald Head Island. The outflow of brackish water from the Cape Fear River brings with it schools of baitfish—and where there's bait, there are sharks. Whether you prefer fly fishing or bait fishing, these apex predators offer an adrenaline-pumping challenge close to shore.

Species we frequently encounter include Blacktip Sharks, Lemon Sharks, Sandbar Sharks, Spinner Sharks, and the occasional Bull Shark. If you’re looking for a test of strength and endurance, shark fishing is hard to beat.

Speckled Trout

Speckled Trout are a fan favorite, and for good reason. These aggressive feeders strike artificial lures with a ferocity that keeps anglers coming back for more. Whether you’re a fly fisherman or a spinning tackle enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the challenge and excitement these fish bring.

Typically found in our area from late spring through mid-summer and again in the fall, Speckled Trout are plentiful and provide excellent action for anglers of all skill levels.

Flounder

Bald Head Island is well-known for its productive flounder fishing, some of the best in the greater Wilmington region. Although current regulations prevent us from keeping flounder, they are still a blast to catch.

We target three species in this area—Southern, Summer, and Gulf Flounder—using both live bait and artificial lures. Whether drifting nearshore or fishing the riverbanks, you can expect solid numbers and exciting hook-ups.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are another summertime favorite, often found hanging tight to structure such as pilings, docks, and rock walls. Known for their impressive strength and knack for stealing bait, they provide a fun challenge for even the most experienced angler.

Live crabs are our bait of choice for these crustacean-loving fish. While some years they appear in abundance and others less so, when the bite is on, Sheepshead can make for an action-packed day on the water—and excellent table fare to boot.

Spanish Mackerel & Cobia

Spanish Mackerel and Cobia make their presence known during the warmer months, cruising the nearshore waters off Bald Head Island. Spanish Mackerel, in particular, offer fast-paced action and are a great target for light tackle enthusiasts.

Cobia, while less common and a bit more elusive, can show up in surprising numbers and are a prized catch when they do. Keep an eye out during their migratory windows in late spring and early summer.

Bull Reds & Tarpon

For the truly adventurous angler, targeting Bull Redfish and Tarpon in this area is a bucket-list opportunity. While both species are highly migratory and notoriously unpredictable, they do frequent the waters around Bald Head Island in the summer.

These fisheries are often kept under the radar and rarely appear on social media—but make no mistake, they exist. Hooking into one of these giants is an unforgettable experience, and we’ve had the privilege of putting clients on both species when conditions are right.

Whether you're chasing tailing reds on fly, battling sharks in open water, or dropping a live crab for a hard-hitting Sheepshead, Bald Head Island offers a variety of fishing opportunities that few places can match. If you're looking to explore these waters with a professional guide, we at BlackBird Guide Services would love to take you out.

Let us show you why we love this place—and why so many of our clients return each year for another shot at unforgettable fishing.