Ocean Isle July 14, 2011
Amber Kasey with a 26" red drum that bit a cut bait at the Calabash crossroads.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that the spanish mackerel bite remains strong just off the Brunswick beaches, where anglers are hooking the fish while trolling Clarkspoons.
Some larger spanish (to 6+ lbs.) are feeding out a bit further at spots in the 50-60’ range, and they’ll hit live baits or dead cigar minnows.
The king mackerel bite has been spotty over the past week, but anglers are picking up some scattered fish in 50-80’ of water around structure and bait. Live pogies are the best baits for the kings, and they’re back to schooling just off the beaches.
Scattered dolphin and cobia are in the same areas and won’t turn down a live bait.
Gulf Stream trollers reported a surprisingly good wahoo bite for July last week, with the best action around the Blackjack Hole. Some sailfish and white marlin are feeding in the blue water as well, and they all will take an interest in skirted ballyhoo.
Grouper have been a bit scarce lately, but bottom fishermen are boxing up some fat black sea bass at structure in around 100’.
Mark, of OceanIsleFishingCharters.com, reports that anglers are finding a good red and black drum bite in the creeks right now. Live shrimp on light jigheads are fooling both fish.
Good numbers of reds are still feeding around ICW docks in the Ocean Isle area, and live shrimp or finger mullet are getting their attention.
The flounder bite has turned back on in Tubbs Inlet, as the water cleared up a lot this week. The flatfish will bite Gulps or a variety of live baits.
Some speckled trout are showing up in the area, and anglers caught them inshore and around the Little River jetties on float-rigged live shrimp last week.
The red drum bite is still on at the jetties (with some fish 10-12 lbs.). Live shrimp and menhaden are tempting bites from the drum along the rocks.
Walker Isley (age 8), of Oak Island, with his first dolphin. The 'phin attacked a double pogy rig in the propwash near Lighthouse Rocks while he was fishing with his grandfather, Capt. Mickey Gilley, on the "Sea Walker."
Jacob, of J&J Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that the flounder bite has turned back on (but a lot of short fish are mixed in with the keepers). Live finger mullet and mud minnows or chartreuse soft plastics will attract attention from the flatfish.
Some speckled trout have been feeding in Sasspan Creek, where live shrimp and soft plastics are producing action.
Anglers are catching decent numbers of red drum around docks in Tubbs Inlet and off the ICW. Live baits and soft plastics will also fool the reds. The most productive docks are those closest to deep water and ones with lights on them at night that attract baitfish.
Paul, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that dirty water slowed the fishing last week, but it’s starting to clear up and anglers are catching some speckled trout on live shrimp in the early mornings.
Shrimp and bloodworms on bottom rigs are attracting attention from some sea mullet and croaker.
