Northern Beaches June 23, 2011
Robert Pink with a 56 lb. cobia that took a sight-cast bucktail jig just off the beach at Hatteras Island.
John, of TW’s Bait and Tackle, reports that offshore boats running out of Oregon Inlet are catching big numbers of dolphin while trolling ballyhoo around weedlines and rips along the edge of the Gulf Stream. Some yellowfin tuna and decent numbers of billfish are also falling for trolled baits and lures in the blue water.
Closer to the beach, bottom fishermen are picking up some triggerfish and other species on the nearshore wrecks and other structure.
The cobia bite has slowed up, but boats are connecting with plenty of bluefish and spanish mackerel along the beaches. Trolling Clarkspoons behind planers and trolling weights will appeal to both the spanish and blues.
Sheepshead fishing is still solid for anglers dangling sand fleas from the Bonner Bridge catwalk.
The piers have been seeing some bluefish, spanish mackerel, flounder, and sea mullet over the past week.
Surf casters have been picking up a lot of the same, with spot and sea mullet falling for bottom rigs baited with shrimp and bloodworms. Small live baits and Gulps are getting some attention from flounder in the breakers. Some bluefish are also feeding in the surf, and they’re striking a variety of baits and lures. Anglers fishing to the south are encountering some pompano as well.
Inshore, speckled trout are taking an interest in Gulp baits around Little Bridge.
Keith, of Corolla Bait and Tackle, reports that surf anglers have seen action with sea mullet, spot, and croaker while bottom fishing with shrimp and bloodworms.
Some flounder and bluefish have also been rewarding surf anglers lately. The wind direction plays a big role in the surf fishing this time of year, with NE winds pushing warmer water and better fishing towards the shore, and S or SW winds slowing the bite down a bit.
Bluefish and spanish mackerel are feeding around Oregon Inlet, where anglers can hook them while trolling small spoons or casting metal lures.
Plenty of flounder are also coming out of the inlet, mostly on live and Gulp baits (but many are on the small side).
A few cobia are still around, but that bite seems to be petering out.
Amberjacks are feeding at the wrecks off the inlet, and a live bluefish is hard for the hard-battling jacks to resist.
Offshore, boats are finding plenty of action with gaffer and bailer dolphin. Some scattered yellowfin tuna and billfish are in the Gulf Stream mix as well.
Dave Setser landed this puppy drum from the Bonner Bridge catwalk. Photo courtesy of TW's Bait and Tackle.
Korin, of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, reports that offshore boats are still catching big numbers of gaffer and bailer dolphin when headed to the blue water. Skirted ballyhoo are producing most of the action with the ‘phins. A few days last week saw a solid billfish bite, with boats tallying good numbers of white and blue marlin releases. There have also been scattered yellowfin tuna and a handful of wahoo mixed in to the offshore catch lately.
Wrecks and structure within a few miles of the beaches are holding amberjacks and triggerfish. The AJ’s will attack live bluefish, and cut baits, squid, and other offerings will tempt the triggers.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish are feeding strong along the beaches, and boats trolling small spoons are hooking plenty of both.
Flounder, croakers, and speckled trout are rounding out the catch for boats bottom fishing inshore.
Tim, of Jennette’s Pier, reports that anglers are picking up some sea mullet and croaker on bottom rigs.
Some flounder are taking an interest in small live baits on the bottom.
Anglers are hooking some bluefish on baits and while working metal lures from the pier, and NE winds over the coming week should improve the spanish mackerel bite.
