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(North Carolina to Jacksonville, Florida)
Best Bites from North Carolina to North Florida
June marks the start of peak saltwater fishing across the Coastal Southeast, with anglers from North Carolina to North Florida enjoying warm waters, active fish, and steady weather patterns. Whether you’re casting from a pier, trolling offshore, or wading the flats, this is one of the best months to fish the Southeastern U.S. coastline. This forecast will help you target the hottest species, best locations, and winning techniques for June 2025.
Inshore Forecast
Inshore waters are teeming with opportunity this month. Redfish, speckled trout, and flounder are all on the move in the marshes, creeks, and grass flats. Early mornings and late evenings produce the best topwater bites, especially on calm days. North Carolina and South Carolina anglers should look to oyster-lined points and feeder creeks on outgoing tides. In Georgia and northeast Florida, live shrimp and soft plastics fished under popping corks are deadly for trout and slot reds.
Tarpon are showing up strong along Florida’s east and Gulf coasts, particularly in the Indian River Lagoon, Tampa Bay, and around the Florida Keys bridges. June is prime time for sight-fishing migrating silver kings on the flats. Use live crabs or threadfin herring for best results, and remember—tarpon require stamina, patience, and strong gear.
Surf and Pier Forecast
June surf fishing is excellent across the entire Southeast coastline. Look for pompano, whiting, and bluefish cruising the first trough. In North Florida and southern Georgia, sand fleas and fresh shrimp are top baits for pompano. South Carolina’s beaches are seeing an increase in black drum and occasional redfish near deeper cuts.
Fishing piers along the Southeast coast are alive with Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, jacks, and even king mackerel on the longer piers. Sabiki rigs tipped with cut bait can quickly fill your cooler with baitfish and provide non-stop action.
Nearshore and Offshore Forecast
Nearshore reefs and wrecks are holding cobia, amberjack, and barracuda. King mackerel are migrating northward and can be found from the Florida Panhandle to Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Slow trolling with live pogies or cigar minnows behind a downrigger is a proven strategy.
Offshore, June offers some of the best bluewater fishing of the year. Dolphin (mahi-mahi), wahoo, and tuna are abundant along weed lines and temperature breaks. Gulf Stream trips out of Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville, and Cape Canaveral are producing mixed bags of pelagics, especially around floating debris.
In the Gulf, red snapper season typically opens in June (check local regulations), drawing heavy traffic to offshore reefs. Grouper, triggerfish, and vermilion snapper round out bottom fishing options across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana waters.
Tips for Success
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Fish early or late to beat the heat and catch the best bites.
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Watch tide charts—moving water means active fish.
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Match bait to local forage: mullet, shrimp, and glass minnows dominate.
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Keep sunscreen, water, and safety gear on hand—June heat can sneak up fast.
Tags: June 2025 fishing forecast, Southeast fishing report, coastal fishing tips, Florida Keys tarpon, Gulf Coast red snapper, South Carolina redfish, summer saltwater fishing, pier fishing June, offshore fishing Southeast USA
Final Cast: With stable weather, abundant baitfish, and warming waters, June 2025 promises explosive fishing action along the Southeast Coast. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, now is the time to hit the water and enjoy one of the best fishing months of the year.