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Spotted Weakfish Fishing with Ashley Hux Guide
Spotted Weakfish Fishing in Oak Island
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The Spotted Weakfish belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 12 and 39 inches in length, with a weight range from 3 to 17 lbs. Habitat: onshore, nearshore, coastal river. - Popular gamefish in Gulf of Mexico and Southeastern US waters. - Found from Maryland to Florida in coastal environments. - Prized by both recreational and commercial fishers for abundance and flavor.
Fishing Charter by Captain Ashley Hux in December
Meet your Captain Ashley Hux
- Reel In To An Epic Oak Island Fishing Charters!
Summary
Captain Ashley Hux of Carolina Fly Guy on Tuesday July offers 4-hour inshore fishing charters targeting Spotted Weakfish, Summer Flounder, and Redfish in Oak Island's productive coastal waters. These guided trips combine surf fishing, pier fishing, and kayak access to maximize your chances on the water. With professional-grade gear included and local expertise, anglers experience the best of North Carolina's inshore bite. Whether you're new to coastal fishing or looking to explore Oak Island's diverse fishing grounds, these charters provide the perfect introduction to the area's seasonal patterns and proven techniques.
Fishing Charter with Captain Ashley Hux – Rates & Booking
Captain Ashley Hux of Carolina Fly Guy on Tuesday July runs 4-hour inshore and nearshore fishing trips from Oak Island, targeting seasonal species like Spotted Weakfish, Summer Flounder, and Redfish. These charters accommodate up to 3 guests and include all professional-grade fishing gear, local expertise, and access to prime fishing spots via surf, pier, and kayak techniques. Trips launch early morning from Fish Factory Road Southeast, with flexible approaches based on current conditions and what's biting. Book your Oak Island fishing adventure online or call for current rates and availability.
Highlights of Fishing Charters Oak Island | 4 Hour Charter Trip
This 4-hour charter showcases Oak Island's diverse inshore fishing opportunities through multiple techniques and locations. Recent trips have produced 12-inch Spotted Weakfish, 11-inch Summer Flounder, and 9-inch Redfish, demonstrating the variety these waters offer. The combination of surf fishing, pier access, and kayak exploration allows anglers to experience different aspects of coastal fishing in a single trip.
Carolina Fly Guy specializes in adapting to seasonal patterns and current conditions, ensuring each charter maximizes fishing opportunities. The mixed approach keeps the action interesting while teaching valuable techniques for future Oak Island fishing adventures.
Local Species Insights: Spotted Weakfish
Spotted Weakfish thrive in Oak Island's inshore and nearshore waters, particularly around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. These members of the drum family are most active during moving tides and low-light periods, making early morning trips especially productive. In July, they're commonly found in 3-8 feet of water, feeding aggressively on shrimp, small crabs, and finger mullet.
The 12-inch Spotted Weakfish caught on this trip represents typical inshore size, though these fish can reach 17 pounds in deeper nearshore waters. Their distinctive spotted pattern and tender mouth require careful handling, but they reward anglers with excellent table fare and spirited fights on light tackle.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 4-hour Oak Island fishing charter includes all necessary gear, tackle, and bait, with Carolina Fly Guy providing rods, reels, and local knowledge to put you on the fish. The trip accommodates up to 3 anglers and launches from Fish Factory Road Southeast, with flexible timing based on tides and weather conditions. Captain Ashley Hux brings years of local experience and adapts techniques throughout the trip, whether surf fishing the beaches, working the pier, or accessing prime spots by kayak.
Fishing in Oak Island: Spotted Weakfish
The Spotted Weakfish (Cynoscion nebulosus) is a highly sought-after member of the drum family (Sciaenidae) found throughout the coastal waters from Maryland to Florida. Also known as spotted seatrout, this species thrives in Oak Island's inshore waters during July, where anglers regularly target them around grass flats and oyster bars.
Spotted Weakfish Overview
Spotted Weakfish are distinguished by their silvery sides covered in distinct black spots, elongated body, and prominent canine teeth. They're prized by anglers for their willingness to bite artificial lures and their excellent table fare. These fish are actually members of the drum family, not true trout, despite their common name of spotted seatrout.
Spotted Weakfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish prefer shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and grass flats where they can ambush prey. In Oak Island waters, they're commonly found around oyster bars, creek mouths, and nearshore structure in depths ranging from 2-15 feet. They tolerate a wide range of salinities, making them adaptable to both inshore bays and nearshore coastal areas.
Spotted Weakfish Size and Weight
Spotted Weakfish typically range from 12 to 39 inches in length, weighing between 3 and 17 pounds at maturity. The 12-inch specimen caught on this Oak Island trip represents a typical inshore size, while larger trophy fish are often found in deeper nearshore waters during cooler months.
Spotted Weakfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators feed primarily on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish like finger mullet and menhaden. They're most active during moving tides and low-light periods, making dawn and dusk prime fishing times. Spotted Weakfish often hunt in small schools, following bait movements through grass flats and along drop-offs.
Spotted Weakfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs from April through September in nearshore waters, with peak activity during warmer months. During this period, they move to deeper waters and form large aggregations, making them more predictable targets for anglers who know the seasonal patterns.
Spotted Weakfish Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include live shrimp under popping corks, soft plastic jigs bounced along grass edges, and topwater plugs during early morning. In July around Oak Island, anglers find success using light spinning tackle with 10-15 pound test line, focusing on areas with moving water and structure. Kayak fishing allows access to shallow flats where larger fish often feed.
Spotted Weakfish Is It Good to Eat?
Spotted Weakfish offer excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat that's high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The flesh is delicate and best prepared fresh, responding well to grilling, blackening, or pan-frying. Their tender meat requires careful handling to prevent overcooking.
Spotted Weakfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Spotted Weakfish?
A: Live shrimp is the top choice, followed by soft plastic jigs in natural colors and topwater plugs during low-light periods.
Q: Where can I find Spotted Weakfish near Oak Island?
A: Focus on grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 3-8 feet of water, especially during moving tides.
Q: Is Spotted Weakfish good to eat?
A: Yes, they offer excellent mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for grilling or pan-frying when prepared fresh.
Q: When is the best time to catch Spotted Weakfish?
A: Early morning and evening during moving tides, with summer months like July providing consistent action in Oak Island waters.
More species you can explore on this trip
Carolina Fly Guy Available Trips
Ready to wet a line in Oak Island? Hop aboard with Carolina Fly Guy for a fun 4-hour fishing trip. We'll cruise the inshore and nearshore waters, chasing whatever's biting. Depending on the season, you might land flounder, redfish, Spanish mackerel, and other local favorites. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand and are happy to share tips to help you reel in the big one. We've got top-notch gear and a crew that knows how to put you on fish. Whether you're a total newbie or have been fishing for years, you'll have a blast exploring Oak Island's rich coastal waters. It's a great way to spend a morning or afternoon on the water. Grab your spot and let's go fishing!
