Beaufort NC Inlet fishing forecast
Beaufort NC Inlet is a saltwater fishing spot in North Carolina, United States. Anglers here target Red Drum, Bluefish, King Mackerel. The most productive months are typically April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 29.7 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 19 km/h from SSW |
| Wave height | 1.2 m at 5 s |
| Current | 0.12 m/s toward ENE |
| Pressure | 1015 hPa |
| Depth | 5 m |
| Cloud cover | 100% |
Last updated Jul 20, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Beaufort NC Inlet
Beaufort NC Inlet currently scores 96 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 29.7 °C. 8 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Beaufort NC Inlet:
About this spot
Open coastal saltwater — conditions and safety depend heavily on the live wind, wave, and tide forecast, so check them before you head out.
Approximate bottom depth: 5 m Depth is GEBCO-derived bathymetry, approximate only — not a nautical chart. Do not use for navigation or anchoring.
What you can catch
-
Sciaenops ocellatus
-
Pomatomus saltatrix
-
Scomberomorus cavalla
Best months by species at Beaufort NC Inlet
| Red DrumSciaenops ocellatus | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BluefishPomatomus saltatrix | ||||||||||||
| King MackerelScomberomorus cavalla |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
| Species | Bag limit | Min size | Open season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Drum | 1/day | 45.7–68.6 cm slot | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents Federal Recreational Fishing License may be required in addition to state license when fishing federal (EEZ) waters., non-residents Same as residents. Many states require their own license even in federal waters.
FishRadar regulations are summaries only. Federal and state waters rules overlap — always verify current federal and state agency rules before fishing.
Check Beaufort NC Inlet before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
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Nearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 169 km of Beaufort NC Inlet.
-
Hatteras Inlet NC
Cape Hatteras Offshore
Cape Hatteras NC
Outer Banks North Carolina
Outer Banks NC
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Beaufort NC Inlet?
Anglers at Beaufort NC Inlet target Red Drum, Bluefish and King Mackerel.
When is the best time to fish Beaufort NC Inlet?
The most productive months at Beaufort NC Inlet are typically April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
What is the fishing forecast for Beaufort NC Inlet right now?
Beaufort NC Inlet currently scores 96 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Beaufort NC Inlet?
Fishing at Beaufort NC Inlet follows the local rules for North Carolina, United States. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Redfish (Red Drum)How to Catch BluefishHow to Read Tides for Fishing
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.