Today, January 4th, 2025, the fishing conditions in Wilmington, NC, are looking promising, especially with the right tidal and weather conditions.

First off, let's look at the tides. For Wilmington Beach, the first low tide is at 6:53 AM with a height of -0.01 m (-0.02 ft), followed by a high tide at 12:24 PM with a height of 1.38 m (4.53 ft). The second low tide is at 7:31 PM with a height of 0.02 m (0.05 ft)[2][5].

The sunrise today is at 7:18 AM, and the sunset will be at 5:15 PM, giving us a good window for fishing. The moonrise is at 10:38 AM, and the moonset is at 10:27 PM.

Weather-wise, January is typically cool, but it's a great time for catching larger speckled trout and striped bass. The colder weather fronts that have been moving through the area make the fish more active, especially in the Cape Fear River and its inlets.

Yesterday, anglers reported catching a decent number of speckled trout, particularly around the Masonboro Inlet and the Cape Fear River. These areas are known for their rich fish populations, including flounder, bluefish, and red drum[3][4].

For lures, hard baits like MirrOlures, specifically the 17MR and 22MR (Catch 2000jr) suspending baits, have been effective for catching big trout. For striped bass in the Cape Fear River, swim bait lures like Berkley Power Bait Cull shad rigged on swimbait hooks are recommended. These lures work well along drop-offs and grass lines[4].

If you're looking for hot spots, Masonboro Inlet is a must-visit. The inlet's unique formation and the mix of waters from the Cape Fear and Shallotte Rivers create an ideal environment for a variety of fish species. Another great spot is the Carolina Beach Pier, which offers easy access and a chance to catch red drum, trout, and other species[3].

Overall, today's conditions are favorable for a productive fishing trip in Wilmington, NC. Make sure to check the local fishing regulations, especially for the catch-and-release only rule for striped bass in the Cape Fear River.