Visit Carolina Beach, North Carolina, to reap the full-body benefits of surfing--the area has good surfing conditions nearly year-round and a welcoming local community of surfers. Dine on fresh-caught fish for a wholesome recharge at the end of the day. Carolina Beach, located on Pleasure Island, provides exceptional fishing onshore and off.
Accommodations
Choose from waterfront hotels and inns, family-friendly motels, vacation condominiums or beach houses when visiting Carolina Beach. Accommodations are available in all price ranges. Select accommodations close to the beach for convenience since most surfing and fishing adventures begin at the beach. Camp at Carolina Beach State Park or one of the other area campsites for a more rustic fishing or surfing trip. Surfers enjoy camping at Freeman Park in northern Carolina Beach where you may drive your vehicle onto the undeveloped beach.
Fishing
Carolina Beach provides opportunities for many types of fishing. Stand in the surf and reel in your catch from the shore or grab a spot on one of the area piers for a convenient fishing trip. Visit Carolina Beach State Park to launch a boat or fish from the banks of Cape Fear River. If you prefer a guided trip, arrange a deep-sea fishing charter through one of Carolina Beach's numerous charter operations and enjoy the day on the water. Carolina Beach is famous for its flounder fishing. Common deep-sea catches include mackerel, grouper, cobia, wahoo and tuna. Pair your fresh fish with local produce from the Carolina Beach Farmers Market and whole grains for a healthy, rejuvenating meal.
Surfing
Carolina Beach's warm waters and frequent wave swells sustain an energetic surfing community. The area has opportunities for beginners and longtime surfers. If you are an experienced surfer, grab your board and visit one of the area's many surf spots--make sure to show respect for others in the water. If you have limited surfing experience, sign up for surfing lessons. Area surf schools offer a variety of lessons, camps and surf party packages.
When to Visit
For the best fishing, visit Carolina Beach from March to October when the big fish are biting. Cold-month fishing does have its rewards and if you are in the area between November and February, expect striper, redfish and speckled trout. Surfers are likely to encounter the most consistent waves at Carolina Beach from September to April. June and July are historically the worst months for surfing in Carolina Beach. If you are planning a surfing trip in June or July, prepare to practice patience. Waves are not as consistent and you are likely to spend a lot of time in flat water waiting for the next one.
Considerations
Follow the rules when visiting Carolina Beach. At the beach, alcoholic beverages and glass containers are prohibited. Surfers must remain at least 500 feet away from all piers. To conserve your natural surroundings and avoid fines, keep away from sand dunes--walking on them causes excessive erosion and could result in trespassing charges. Sea turtles nesting at Carolina Beach receive protection via the Endangered Species Act. Feel free to observe sea turtles and other wildlife at Carolina Beach, but do not disturb.
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