As spring rolls in and water temperatures start to rise, saltwater fishing enthusiasts know it’s time to hit the coast. Spring marks the beginning of some of the best saltwater fishing action of the year, as baitfish become more active and predatory species start moving into shallow waters to feed and spawn. Whether you’re targeting striped bass in the Northeast, redfish in the Gulf, or tarpon in the Florida Keys, spring offers prime opportunities for landing big catches. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the top coastal fishing spots in the U.S. and offer tips on the best techniques and gear to use for each location.
1. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks are legendary among saltwater anglers, and spring fishing here is exceptional. As water temperatures rise, species like red drum, speckled trout, and flounder become more active along the inlets and sounds.
What to Target:
- Red Drum (especially large “bull” reds)
- Speckled Trout
- Flounder
- Bluefish
Best Techniques:
- Surf Fishing: Use cut bait or live mullet for red drum and bluefish.
- Drift Fishing: Speckled trout and flounder respond well to soft plastics and live shrimp on a popping cork.
- Pier Fishing: Cast bucktail jigs or metal spoons for bluefish and drum.
Pro Tip:
Try fishing at dawn and dusk when the tide is moving — predators are most active during these times.
2. Florida Keys, Florida
Spring in the Florida Keys is prime time for tarpon, with schools of these silver giants migrating through the area. The backcountry flats also offer excellent opportunities for permit and bonefish.
What to Target:
- Tarpon
- Permit
- Bonefish
- Snapper
Best Techniques:
- Live Baiting: Use mullet or crabs for tarpon.
- Fly Fishing: Bonefish and permit are highly responsive to small shrimp or crab imitations.
- Deep Dropping: For snapper, use cut squid or pilchards near reef structures.
Pro Tip:
Use fluorocarbon leader when targeting tarpon — they have excellent eyesight and can spot heavier lines.
3. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland and Virginia
The Chesapeake Bay comes alive in spring as striped bass (known locally as rockfish) begin their spawning runs. Anglers flock to the bay for a shot at trophy-sized stripers.
What to Target:
- Striped Bass
- Bluefish
- Flounder
- Croaker
Best Techniques:
- Trolling: Use deep-diving plugs or umbrella rigs for big striped bass.
- Jigging: Vertical jigs work well for stripers and bluefish.
- Bottom Fishing: Croaker and flounder are suckers for squid strips and live minnows.
Pro Tip:
Focus on fishing near oyster beds and underwater structures — striped bass love holding around cover.
4. Galveston Bay, Texas
The warming waters of Galveston Bay attract redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in large numbers during spring. The bay’s shallow grass flats and oyster reefs create ideal feeding grounds.
What to Target:
- Redfish
- Speckled Trout
- Flounder
- Sheepshead
Best Techniques:
- Wade Fishing: Redfish and trout are easily caught with soft plastics and topwater plugs.
- Drift Fishing: Cast live shrimp or finger mullet near oyster reefs for flounder.
- Pier Fishing: Fish cut bait or live shrimp under a popping cork for sheepshead.
Pro Tip:
Fish the outgoing tide for the best action — baitfish will be pushed out of the marshes and predators will follow.
5. Montauk, New York
Montauk is known as the “Fishing Capital of the World” for a reason. Spring brings an influx of striped bass, bluefish, and fluke into the area’s rich waters.
What to Target:
- Striped Bass
- Bluefish
- Fluke
- Weakfish
Best Techniques:
- Surf Fishing: Cast metal jigs or bucktails for bluefish and stripers.
- Trolling: Use bunker spoons or deep-diving plugs for striped bass.
- Drift Fishing: Use squid strips or spearing for fluke and weakfish.
Pro Tip:
Fish around rocky points and rips — these areas hold more baitfish and attract large predators.
6. San Diego, California
The spring yellowtail bite off San Diego’s coast is legendary. Kelp beds and reefs hold hungry fish looking to fatten up after winter.
What to Target:
- Yellowtail
- Halibut
- White Seabass
- Rockfish
Best Techniques:
- Live Baiting: Sardines and mackerel are the top baits for yellowtail and white seabass.
- Slow Trolling: Use deep-diving plugs near kelp beds for halibut.
- Jigging: Vertical jigs work well for rockfish around structure.
Pro Tip:
Try fishing near the Coronado Islands — the waters are less pressured and hold big fish.
7. Charleston, South Carolina
The shallow estuaries and marshes around Charleston heat up in spring, attracting schools of redfish and trout. Flounder also become more active as they move into inshore waters.
What to Target:
- Redfish
- Speckled Trout
- Flounder
- Sheepshead
Best Techniques:
- Sight Fishing: Redfish cruise the shallow flats — use gold spoons or soft plastics.
- Popping Cork: Live shrimp or mud minnows under a cork work well for trout and flounder.
- Pier Fishing: Use fiddler crabs for sheepshead around pier pilings.
Pro Tip:
Fish around oyster bars and grassy flats during high tide — predators will be feeding actively.
Essential Gear for Spring Saltwater Fishing
To maximize your success this spring, make sure you’re equipped with the right gear:
✅ Rod and Reel: Medium to heavy action rods with a strong drag system.
✅ Bait: Live bait like shrimp, mullet, and crabs work best for most species.
✅ Line: Braided line with a fluorocarbon leader for stealth and strength.
✅ Lures: Topwater plugs, soft plastics, and metal jigs are versatile options.
Final Thoughts
Spring is one of the most productive times of the year for saltwater fishing, but success depends on knowing where to go and how to adapt to changing conditions. From the shallow flats of the Florida Keys to the rocky points of Montauk, the opportunities are endless. Gear up, head to the coast, and make the most of this spring fishing season. The big catches are out there — now it’s time to reel them in!
