As of today, December 19, 2024, the fishing scene in Wilmington, NC, is showing some promise after a tumultuous December. Here’s what you need to know:

### Tidal Report
Today's tide times for Wilmington are as follows: High tide at 12:31 AM with 1.19 m (3.9 ft), low tide at 6:30 AM with 0.03 m (0.1 ft), high tide at 12:31 PM with 1.35 m (4.43 ft), and low tide at 7:19 PM with 0.1 m (0.32 ft)[2].

### Weather and Daylight
The sunrise is at 7:13 AM, and the sunset is at 5:05 PM. The weather has been clearing up after the recent tropical depression and rain, which had disrupted the fishing patterns. However, the water is finally starting to clear, and fish are beginning to reappear in numbers[1].

### Fish Activity
Redfish are the primary target during the winter months in these waters. After the recent weather events, the schools of redfish are slowly returning to their usual spots. You can also expect to find some Speckled Trout, although they are less abundant during this time, and Black Drum, particularly around docks and on the flats[1].

### Catch Reports
Yesterday saw a decent return of redfish in the areas around Masonboro Inlet and the beaches of Carolina Beach. Anglers reported catching reds in the 18”-27” range using gold spoons and Z Man Paddle tails on Eye Strike Jig Heads. Some Black Drum were also caught using cut shrimp on docks[1][3].

### Best Lures and Bait
For spinning gear, a gold spoon is excellent for murky waters, while Z Man Paddle tails in various colors work well on an Eye Strike Jig Head. For fly fishing, use a 7 or 8 wt rod with a floating line and flies that match the water and bottom color – darker flies like black, purple, and dark brown for muddy waters, and tan or white flies for clear waters[1].

### Hot Spots
Masonboro Inlet is a top spot for fishing, with its diverse fish population including red drum, flounder, bluefish, and speckled trout. Another hot spot is the fishing pier at the North End of Carolina Beach, which offers easy access and a high chance of catching red drum and trout[3].

Overall, with the water clearing up and the fish starting to return, it looks like we're in for a productive winter of sight fishing for redfish and other species in the Wilmington area.