What Figure Eight Island Offers Anglers

Figure Eight Island is a residential barrier island north of Wilmington with two distinct fishing zones: the Atlantic Ocean side and the Intracoastal Waterway. The island itself is private, but public access exists at the north and south ends where the inlets meet the sound. You can fish from the beach during certain seasons, launch boats into the Intracoastal, and work the inlet channels where baitfish concentrate and larger species move through with the tide.

The island's shape creates two natural fishing corridors. The northern inlet (between Figure Eight and Topsail Island) and the southern inlet (between Figure Eight and Wrightsville Beach) both funnel fish and hold structure. Depth changes quickly in these channels, and the current runs hard on moving tides, which concentrates feeding fish. This is not a place for still-water techniques—you need to match the tide and work with the flow.

Key Takeaways

  • Public beach access exists at the north and south ends of Figure Eight Island, but the residential area between them is private property.
  • The inlets on either side of the island hold Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and flounder year-round, with peak activity during spring and fall migrations.
  • Boat access to the Intracoastal Waterway is available at public ramps in nearby Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, not on the island itself.
  • Inlet fishing requires timing to the tide; slack water and the first two hours of moving tide are most productive.
  • Regulations vary by species and season, so check the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries current rules before you fish.

Beach Access and Seasons

The public beach at the north end of Figure Eight Island is accessible from the parking area near the inlet. This stretch is open year-round, but fishing is most productive from April through October when Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and pompano move into the shallows. Summer brings heat and crowds; spring and fall offer better conditions and fewer people. Winter fishing is possible but slow, and the beach can close temporarily during nor'easters.

The south end beach access is more limited and less developed. Most anglers focus on the north inlet area because the structure and current there hold fish more reliably. If you fish the beach itself, expect to cast into 2 to 6 feet of water depending on tide and swell. Mullet, shrimp, and small baitfish work well; live bait often outperforms cut bait in these waters.

Inlet Fishing from Boat

The two inlets flanking Figure Eight Island are the real draw for boat anglers. The northern inlet (sometimes called New Inlet or Topsail Inlet) runs between Figure Eight and Topsail Island and is navigable at most tides. The southern inlet (Wrightsville Inlet) is shallower and more technical but holds good structure. Both channels see strong tidal flow, which means fish stack up on the edges and in deeper holes.

Spanish mackerel are the most common target, especially April through June and again in September and October. Bluefish run larger in fall and winter. Flounder hold in the deeper channels year-round and bite best during slack water or the first hour of an incoming tide. Tarpon pass through in summer, though they are not reliable. Bring small jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), live shrimp, and live mullet. The current runs 1 to 3 knots depending on tide stage, so anchor uptide of structure and let the current bring your bait to the fish.

Boat ramps are not on Figure Eight Island itself. The nearest public ramps are at Wrightsville Beach (Airlie Gardens ramp and Wrightsville Beach Park ramp) and in downtown Wilmington (Riverwalk ramp and Carolina Beach Inlet ramp). All require a parking fee or launch fee. From Wrightsville Beach ramp, the northern inlet is about 10 minutes by boat. From downtown Wilmington, add another 15 to 20 minutes depending on which inlet you target.

Intracoastal Waterway Access

The Intracoastal Waterway runs behind Figure Eight Island and holds redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder. This is shallower water (2 to 8 feet) and calmer than the ocean inlets, making it good for anglers who prefer less current and smaller boats. The sound side is productive year-round, with redfish most active in spring and fall, and seatrout steady through summer and early fall.

Fishing the Intracoastal requires a boat launch from Wrightsville Beach or Wilmington. Once on the water, work the channel edges, grass beds, and any visible structure. Shallow-draft boats and kayaks work well here. Poling or drifting is more effective than anchoring because the water is shallow and fish spook easily. Use small jigs, soft plastics, and live shrimp. Early morning and late afternoon are best; midday fishing is slow.

Regulations and Seasons

North Carolina requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older who is not a resident fishing from shore. Boat anglers and residents have different rules; check the current status before you go. Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and flounder all have size and bag limits that change by season. As of the most recent regulations, Spanish mackerel have a 12-inch minimum and a daily bag limit of 15 fish per person. Bluefish are 8 inches minimum with a 10-fish bag limit. Flounder are 12 inches minimum with a 4-fish bag limit, though this varies by season.

Tarpon are catch-and-release only in North Carolina. Redfish and spotted seatrout have their own minimums and bag limits. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries publishes updated rules each year, and regulations can change mid-season. Visit the NCMF website or call their hotline before you fish to confirm current limits. Slot limits and seasonal closures apply to some species, so do not assume last year's rules still hold.

What to Bring and When to Go

Figure Eight Island fishing works best on moving tides. Plan your trip around the tide chart for Wrightsville Beach or the Wilmington area. The first two hours of incoming tide and the last two hours of outgoing tide are most productive. Slack water (the 20 to 30 minutes between tide changes) can be slow, but it is the easiest time to position a boat in the inlet.

Bring light to medium spinning or baitcasting tackle. A 6 to 7-foot rod with 15 to 20-pound braid works for most inlet fishing. Bring multiple rigs because the bottom is rocky and you will lose hooks. Live bait (mullet, shrimp, mackerel) outperforms dead bait in these waters. Sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses are essential—the sun reflects hard off the water and you will be out for hours. Bring more water than you think you need; dehydration is real on the water.

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the best times to fish Figure Eight Island. Water temperatures are moderate, fish are feeding hard during migration, and the weather is usually stable. Summer is hot and crowded. Winter is slow, though some anglers target bluefish in December and January. Avoid fishing during nor'easters or when the National Weather Service issues small craft advisories.

Nearby Alternatives if Figure Eight is Crowded

If Figure Eight Island is too busy or conditions are poor, Topsail Island (just north) and Wrightsville Beach (just south) offer similar fishing with different access points. Topsail Pier is a public structure with no license required and a small entry fee. Wrightsville Beach Pier is also public and good for Spanish mackerel and bluefish. Both piers are easier than boat fishing if you do not have a ramp or captain.

The Cape Fear River inlet (south of Wrightsville Beach) is deeper and holds larger fish, but it requires more experience and a seaworthy boat. Carolina Beach Inlet (further south) is another option for inlet fishing. If you want sound-side fishing without the inlet current, the Thalian Hall area in downtown Wilmington offers Intracoastal access with easier parking and less boat traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Figure Eight Island?

No. You can fish the public beach at the north end without a boat. Beach fishing is slower than inlet fishing, but it is free and requires only a license. For inlet fishing, you need a boat or must hire a charter captain.

What is the best tide for Figure Eight Island inlets?

The first two hours of incoming tide and the last two hours of outgoing tide are most productive. Slack water (between tide changes) is slower. Check the tide chart for Wrightsville Beach or Wilmington and plan your trip around moving water.

Can I fish the residential part of Figure Eight Island?

No. The middle section of Figure Eight Island is private residential property. Public access is limited to the north and south ends where the inlets meet the sound. Respect posted signs and do not trespass.

What size boat do I need for the inlets?

A 17 to 22-foot center console or open boat is standard for inlet fishing. Shallow-draft boats (18 inches or less) handle the Intracoastal better. Kayaks work for sound-side fishing but are not safe in the open inlets during moving tide.

When should I fish Figure Eight Island?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are best. Water temperatures are moderate and fish are feeding during migration. Summer is hot and crowded. Winter is slow. Avoid fishing during nor'easters or when small craft advisories are in effect.