Leland, NC Fishing: Peaceful Coastal Experience

In North Carolina's Brunswick County, Leland has the most residents. The population increased from 13,527 in 2010 to 23,504 as of the 2020 census. It is anticipated to have one of North Carolina's fastest growth rates by 2020. When Village Road crossed the train tracks for Augusta, Columbia, and Wilmington, a tiny community called Leland was erected there. Leland benefited significantly from its location near the Brunswick River, which allowed it to act as an early transit hub that allowed people to cross the Brunswick and Cape Fear rivers. Founders Park, Cypress Cove Park, and Westgate Park are the city of Leland's three designated parks. Leland's first water access point is Cypress Cove Park, which has a fixed viewing platform, an outdoor classroom, a floating dock, and a fishing area accessible to those with disabilities.

Leland Fishing

A variety of year-round coastal fauna, such as catfish and flounder, can be found in and around Leland thanks to the area's winding creeks, rivers, and canals. Members of fishing tours will have a great time as they launch their canoe, kayak, or fishing boat from several locations.

Carolina Beach State Park is on Dow Road, at Snow's Cut's western terminus. There is a public fishing dock, marina, and boat ramp. While the fishing dock is situated in the Cape Fear River, fishing is also permitted on the banks of Snow's Cut inside the park's limits. Any of these entry points is a wonderful place to go surf fishing. At Carolina Beach Fishing Center and Marina, boats were berthed. One of the best reputations in the state for filling anglers’ ice chests with fish belongs to the offshore boats at the Carolina Beach boat dock. The "six-pack" fleet, which consists of charter boats like Aunt Bee Sportfishing, shares the harbor with several party boats. The Cape Fear River, the Intercoastal Waterway, the docks in Boat Basin, and Carolina Beach Inlet are all well-known locations for inshore fishing. Red or black drum, sheepshead, flounder, Croaker, speckled trout, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and if you're lucky, sharks are among the fish you can expect to throw for.

One of the few locations in North Carolina where anglers, or anybody else, can drive their four-wheel drive vehicles on the beach strand is Freeman Park, where Canal Drive enters at Carolina Beach's northernmost point. Surf fishing is possible in the Atlantic Ocean and Carolina Beach Inlet for anglers. Surf fishing, popular with experienced and novice anglers, includes trolling close to the beach. It costs little money and takes little effort. All you need before going to the beach is your license, bait, and gear. Find an area with open water that is far from other swimmers. Beginners should start at the shore for safety's sake.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is the only park in the network that permits four-wheel-drive beach access, making it well-liked for surf fishing. It is situated in New Hanover County, 18 miles south of Wilmington. Loggerhead sea turtles nest on the park's sandy beaches during the warm months. Bluefish, red or black drum, pompano, speckled trout, and Virginia mullet are typical ocean catches. Numerous shellfish inhabit the estuary with spot and flounder. The rules and licensing for coastal recreation are all applicable. Make your trip a lot easier with help from freshwater charters around the area.

Lake Waccamaw, arguably one of North Carolina's top white perch fishing lakes, is underfished for almost all fish species. You are invited to visit and take advantage of the fantastic fishing at this 8,900-acre lake in the state's southeast. Small boats work well on the lake, including inflatables, canoes, kayaks, Jon boats, and aluminum boats. Bass and catfish flourish here and can grow to trophy size due to the abundance of greenery. Most lures will entice bites in relatively clear water. Bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass, and perch will be drawn to smaller lures like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and spinners. You never know what will charge your lure next when using small sizes. Get freshwater fishing tips from seasoned guides to make the most of your trip to Lake Waccamaw.

The 2,208-acre Jones Lake State Park includes Salters Lake and Jones Lake, two Carolina bay lakes. Fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, picnics, and environmental and historical education programs are among the year-round activities available at the park. Unless otherwise stated, catch and release fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass is permitted all year round. Per angler, motor trolling is allowed with a maximum of three hooks, baits, or lures. Bullheads, catfish, lake sturgeon, northern pike, paddlefish, ruffe, and white perch are frequent fish species in this area. 

A creek called Black River is just 5.3 miles from Leland. In southeast North Carolina, the Black River, a tributary of the Cape Fear River, is about 50 miles long. Cypress, maple, swamp tupelo, ash, and oak trees commonly make up the dense woods that line the sides of rivers and streams. Walleye, smallmouth bass, paddlefish, catfish, and largemouth bass are just a few of the fish that anglers can catch here. There are three public access points: the two boat ramps operated by the Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) near Ivanhoe and Hunts Bluff and Henry's Landing in the Rowan region. They're all in the Black River's lower reaches. Fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, shellcracker, and redbreast is excellent on the Black River. Chain pickerel, warmouth, pumpkinseed, crappie, catfish, bowfin, and gar are other species that can be caught here. It offers good fishing for redbreast sunfish averaging half to three-fourths pound. Bass enter the shallows to prepare for the pre-spawn and spawn cycles when the water temperature reaches the upper fifties. The largemouth bass are most active, aggressive, and catchable during this time. Scull gently down the shoreline or through the shallows. If you use a trolling motor, run it at the lowest feasible speed and try to keep a consistent pace. Avoid using sonar systems, depth sounders, or equipment that produces an electronic pulse. When the fish are on the beds during the spawning time, this is very crucial.

Top 10 Fish Species in Leland, NC

The top ten fish species caught in Leland, NC, are largemouth bass, red drum, black drum, sheepshead, flounder, Croaker, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, and catfish.

Seasonal Fishing

The ideal period for largemouth bass fishing is from early April until mid-June. Sunfish fishing is best during spring spawning, but excellent catches can also be had in the summer and early fall. In Leland, North Carolina, spring and fall are the finest times to go fishing.

Walk Around in Leland

Known for being a place great for “walking around,” Leland has plenty to offer for both anglers and tourists.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

One of the main reasons why so many people favor using a fishing charter is the upkeep needed to keep a boat in good working order. Many anglers prefer concentrating on having fun and catching fish instead of getting the boat and equipment ready, worrying about navigation, and cleaning the boat after the trip. When you book a fishing trip with a licensed captain like Keep Castin' Charters or Reel Knotty Fishing Charters, all you have to think about is relaxing, catching fish, and enjoying your day on the water.

2. Visit Cypress Cove Park

The 10.9 hectares of wetlands and 0.5 hectares of uplands that make up Cypress Cove Park in Appleton Way are used for recreation by friends and families. It offers a location where locals can launch kayaks, canoes, and small boats into Mill Creek. The park also offers additional attractions like a fishing area accessible to those with disabilities, a permanent deck viewing the waters, and a floating dock. Leland's first water access point, it's a popular destination for people who like to get their feet wet. Gather your fishing supplies and prepare a picnic lunch for a leisurely outdoor day.

3. Enjoy Nature at the Brunswick Riverwalk

A beautiful park along the Brunswick River is called the Brunswick Riverwalk. It offers a variety of free activities in Leland, North Carolina, thanks to the park's numerous picnic sites, playgrounds, trails, and viewing platforms. This is a fantastic location to discover the area's natural beauty. It is also a premier fishing location with a public fishing pier. Over half a mile of nature trails run alongside the river and verdant marshes. This hidden gem is ideal for spending an afternoon in Leland during the summer!