Boating in Autumn

You may be quick to associate the activity of boating with warmer weather. Especially in the greater Wilmington area, you will most often see people on the water during the summer months. That being said, there are plenty of reasons why you should extend your boating season into autumn!

Boating is Great Year-Round

Part of what makes coastal Carolina and the Cape Fear region so appealing is that the weather is generally mild year-round. That means residents have many opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy a variety of activities. Boating is one of the most popular pastimes, due to the great number of waterways, rivers, creeks, and channels. Even though you may associate a watersport with summertime, the truth is that locals will often wait for the air to get a bit cooler before heading out on a boat. Here’s why:

Fewer Crowds

The advantage of boating in Autumn is that there will be fewer people crowding the waterways and clogging the ramps. Fall is considered an “off-season” for coastal Carolina. But once school is back in session and the summertime tourists make their way out of town, Fall provides locals with the perfect opportunity to get some quality boating R & R in. Autumn boating allows the enthusiast to relax and enjoy the beauty of coastal Carolina without all the seaborne traffic. It allows for easier refueling, provides boaters with a less stressful environment when planning group activities, and optimal chances to find the best fishing holes.

Great Fishing Opportunities

Speaking of fishing, if you ever wanted an optimal season to relax on board a boat while casting a few lines out in the water, Autumn is an excellent choice! As the fish start heading in a Southward direction for warmer waters, it gives local anglers more chances to catch local favorites like Red Drum, Flounder, Bluefish, King Mackerel, and Sheepshead! Plenty of anglers will take advantage of less-crowded waters to go and pursue their best fishing locations. Autumn in greater Wilmington is also host to plenty of exciting fishing tournaments, such as the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament held in Southport.

Excellent Birding

Bird watching or “Birding” is an excellent activity during the Autumn season with the chance to see a variety of different species. Many birds will pass through the Southeast during their migratory periods, thus offering keen-eyed observers a chance to see all their favorites such as gulls, herons, egrets, and ducks.

Give Autumn Boating a Try

When the cooler air starts blowing in Southport, and you’re looking for a fun way to make use of your time, look towards the water! Boating in Autumn is one of the best ways to enjoy the season and allows you to appreciate the magic of living coastal.