Fish guide
Spot
Leiostomus xanthurus.
Showing the fish for Southern North Carolina coast.
Season in Southern NC
Peak months: Oct, Nov.
FishOS's Myrtle Beach chart for this species (same Carolina beach type, about 60 to 150 miles south) carried north with slightly cooler water: NCEI averages at Wrightsville Beach are 52 to 58 F December to February and 78 to 83 F June to September. NCDMF: more spot are caught in NC than any other species, from piers, jetties and the surf. (Our inference)
Season by region
| Myrtle Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
|---|---|
| North Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| South Jersey | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Delmarva | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Virginia Beach | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Outer Banks | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Southern NC | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Charleston | JFMAMJJASOND |
| Georgia | JFMAMJJASOND |
Where to find them
Piers and the first trough during the fall run.
Bottom, close in.
What to look for
Pier crowds with bloodworms in October.
Bait
Bloodworms (top bait), Shrimp bits, Fishbites bloodworm. Double-drop, #4 to #6 hooks, 1 to 3 oz.
Leader
15 to 20 lb.
Common mistakes
- Hooks too large
Landing
Simple.
Handling
- Minor spines
No special hazards.
Keep or release
Good eating and prime live bait. Check state rules.
Typical: About 8 in, 0.5 lb. Large: Over 0.75 lb. SC record 1 lb 1 oz.
Limits
FishOS has not checked the NC limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the NC Division of Marine Fisheries before you keep a fish.
Sources
- NC Division of Marine Fisheries species profile: spot (Official source)
- SCDNR species profile: spot (Official source)
- NOAA NCEI Coastal Water Temperature Guide: monthly average water temperatures, all stations (Official source)
- ASMFC 2017, Atlantic Sciaenid Habitats (Habitat Management Series 14): Spot chapter (Official source)
Is spot worth it today?
The planner rates it for your exact time with the live tide, weather and water temperature.
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