best fishing spot near camp lejeune for reds

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Top spots for red drum near Camp Lejeune (early spring) 🎣**

- **New River Inlet, North Carolina** — a classic inshore bite near Camp Lejeune. Look for moving water along channel edges and around pilings when shrimp or mullet are pushing through. *Bait options:* live shrimp, mud minnows, or soft plastics that mimic shrimp. *Tackle tip:* 20–30 lb braided line with a 20–30 lb fluorocarbon leader; Carolina rig or a simple jig head with a shrimp imitation works well.

- **Bogue Sound / Bogue Inlet (Emerald Isle area), North Carolina** — this expansive estuary system holds schools of redfish feeding on baitfish and crustaceans that move through tidal currents. *Tackle tip:* cast softly along grass edges and small drop-offs; try a jighead 1/4–3/8 oz with a paddle-tail plastics in natural colors, or a live shrimp under afloat during the incoming tide.

- **Emerald Isle / Swansboro area (near the inlet and bridges)** — a popular stretch for inshore reds, especially when water warms in early spring. *Best approach:* work the up-current side of the channel with slow retrieves and occasional hops to imitate fleeing bait.

**When to fish (early spring):** the water is still cool but on milder sunny days the flats and shallows heat up, pushing redfish toward grass beds, Oyster bars, and creek mouths. Fish habits shift with tides: the best bites often come on the incoming tide as baitfish move toward the marsh and creeks, then switch to the outgoing as schools school up on deeper troughs. Windy days can push bait into pockets, so scout a few shorelines or tidal creeks first. 🌊☀️

**What to use (rigs and lures):**
- Live bait: shrimp or mud minnows on a light circle hook (ensures cleaner releases).
- Soft plastics: paddle-tail or shrimp imitators on a 1/4–3/8 oz jighead; colors like natural shrimp, white, or 'chartreuse with a hint of orange' work well in stained water.
- Spoons or small offshore-style jigs can provoke reaction strikes when fish are finicky.
- Leaders: 20–30 lb fluorocarbon leaders are a solid choice for abrasion along oysters and grasses.

**Rigs to run:** Carolina rig with 12–18 in. leader, or a simple jighead + soft plastic combo. If you’re targeting larger reds, go with a heavier sinker and a heavier rod to punch through current.

**Gear suggestions (handful of picks in case you’re stocking up):**
- [PLUSINNO Fishing Lures, 137Pcs Tackle Box](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT25MCP5?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – great starter kit for versatile inshore setups.
- [TRUSCEND Well-Made Rooster Tail Fishing Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVC9WZZ?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – reliable spinners to tempt cruising reds.
- [TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax, 8-segment Swimbait](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GP1DL4K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) – good for schooling reds on open flats.

If you’re more into gear, check out real-velo videos for red drum in NC:
- [Pamlico Red Drum Fishing (Bull Reds) - Educational](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3wkOIsQ9zg) 🎥
- [Kayak Fishing-Power Back Reds](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcO9AdqTnCo) 🎥

**Pro tips:**
- Focus on early morning or late afternoon light when the water is clearer and reds are less spooky. 
- Stay parallel to current seams and grass edges; cast slightly up-current and retrieve with a slow, steady pace to imitate fleeing shrimp.
- Respect local regulations for red drum size and bag limits—always fish with up-to-date rules.

With a little patience and the right spots, you’ll be sliding redfish into the boat near Camp Lejeune this spring. Tight lines and tight loops! 🧢🐟

Best fishing spot near Camp Lejeune for reds

Related Videos

Product Recommendations

PLUSINNO Fishing Lures, 137Pcs Tackle Box with Tackle Included, Crankbaits, Spoon, Hooks, Weights & Other Accessories, Fishing Bait Lure Gear Kit Gift for Men Bass Freshwater

GOANDO Fishing Lures Kit for Freshwater Bait Tackle Kit for Bass Trout Salmon Fishing Accessories Tackle Box Including Spoon Lures Soft Plastic Worms Fishing Gifts

FONMANG 126Pcs Fishing Lures - 2025 New Tackle Box with Tackle Included, Fishing Kit with VIBs, Frogs, Minnows, Soft Baits, Hooks & Weights Accessories, Freshwater Lure Kit for Bass Walleye Trout

TRUSCEND Well-Made Rooster Tail Fishing Lures with Flash Copper Body and Blade, Two-Way Spinning Spoons System Fishing Spinners for Jigging, Freshwater Crappie Jigs, Blade Bait for Bass Trout Walleye

TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax, Magic Noisy Turbulent Wiggling and Vibrating Actions for More Bites, Segmented Swimbait Jointed by Dyneema Strongest Fiber, Lifelike Fishing Lures for Relax Family Fishing

Fishing Lures Multi Jointed Fish Fishing Kits, Slow Sinking Lifelike Swimbaits Crankbaits Hard Baits Lure Set, Fishing Gear for Bass Trout Pike Walleye, Freshwater Saltwater Predator Bait

TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout Jighead Lures Paddle Tail Swimbaits Soft Fishing Baits Freshwater Saltwater Jigging Bass Gear Gifts for Men

5Pcs Topwater Frog Lures Sets with Bait Box, Frog Lure Ray Frog Topwater Fishing Crankbait Lures, Frog Artificial Soft Bait for Bass Snakehead, Weedless Freshwater Soft Simulated Frog Bait

Community

🎣 New River Inlet, North Carolina

General Questions

how to catch spearing mantis shrimp in hong kong beaches and mudflats

macro

cuttlefish season in victoria harbour hong kong and livebait fishing cuttlefish techniques and gear and rig

best place on sandy bay hong kong to fisb bigfin reef squid and cuttlefish setups

More Questions

When was the name 'fish-o' changed to 'skish'?

Fishing Westpoint Lake in February

What is the best place to fish for salmon in California?

How do I catch a salmon with a steady rod?

Can you help me create a 3D model of the body of a Heddon Hi-Tail lure?

Can I catch bass on a Zoom Salty Super Fluke Albino in late August?

cá có thể ăn những loại thức ăn nào

How to catch schoolie mulloway in the Maribyrnong River with lures at night?