If you're planning to head out fishing in Wilmington, North Carolina today, here's what you need to know:

First off, the weather is looking decent, though it's a bit cooler with the onset of November. Sunrise was at 6:52 AM, and sunset will be at 5:04 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water.

Tide-wise, we're in a period of relatively low tidal coefficients, which means the tidal range is smaller than usual. Today's high tide is at 2:51 PM with a height of 4.3 feet, and the low tide is at 8:42 AM with a height of 0.5 feet. This can affect the fish activity, but there are still plenty of opportunities.

Yesterday saw some strong fishing for red drum, Spanish mackerel, and speckled trout. The cooler weather has the redfish biting well, especially in the shallower waters around Wrightsville Beach and Masonboro Island. Spanish mackerel are active on the surface, so casting to feeding schools or trolling with Clark spoons can be very effective.

For bait, live or artificial shrimp are great for catching red drum and speckled trout. For Spanish mackerel, spoons and jigs that mimic baitfish work well. If you're targeting flounder, mud minnows or small jigs tipped with shrimp can be productive.

Hot spots include the waters around Masonboro Island, where the structure and currents tend to concentrate fish. Another good spot is the Cape Fear River mouth, where you can find a mix of red drum, trout, and flounder.

Overall, it's a good day to get out and enjoy some fishing in Wilmington. Just keep an eye on the tides and adjust your tactics accordingly. Happy fishing