Sport Fishing
The convergence of the river, the waterway and the ocean make Pleasure Island one of the premier bottom, pier and surf fishing sites on the east coast.
For deep-sea fishing, the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin is the center of boating activities and boasts one of the largest recreational fishing fleets north of Florida. Charter boats (limited to six passengers) and head boats (carrying up to 150 fishermen) leave the municipal marina each day and return with catches of grouper, snapper, dolphin, and flounder. Bait, poles and tackle are provided, but you may bring your own.
From the northern extension of the island down to the southern tip, surtcasters land red drum, flounder, and bluefish. For the pier fishermen, two excellent fishing piers are located along the seven miles of Pleasure Island.
For the competitive fisherman, Pleasure Island hosts two fishing tournaments each year: the East Coast Got-EmOn-Live-Bait Classic King Mackerel Tournament in July, and the Carolina Beach Surf Fishing Tournament in October.
Fish Watching
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is one of the three state aquariums along our coast.
Located on US 421, the Aquarium is approximately twenty miles south of Wilmington, just beyond Kure Beach. Here you can discover the amazing undersea world by viewing their 20,000 gallon shark aquarium, whale exhibit, eels, sea turtles and countless other fascinating forms of marine life.
Educational field trips let you explore coastal habitats. Hands-on exhibits encourage you to touch living seastars, marine snails, crabs, and more. Special programs and lectures are offered on a variety of sea-related topics. Educational and fun hiking and fishing workshops and field trips on the Aquarium environs are offered.
Major renovations are being undertaken so please call for information and hours of operation.
for more information:
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Official Web Site
Fishing Links