Ocean Isle May 24, 2007
Brant, of the Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that Gulf Stream fishing has been on fire when boats can get out to the blue water. Many boats have been able to post “Carolina Slams,” catching tuna, wahoo, and dolphin in one day.
Dolphin are the dominant catch, and bulls (up to 50+ lbs.) have been weighed over the past week. There are still plenty of wahoo and yellowfin tuna mixed in with the dolphin.
Anglers have reported some huge tuna (up to 75 lbs.), and plenty in the 40-50 lb. range. The wahoo have also been in the 40-50 lb. class.
Virtually all of the established area Gulf Stream spots have hosted good bites lately, with especially good fishing at the 100/400 and Same Ol’ Hole.
Skirted ballyhoo are still the hottest Gulf Stream baits, and blue/white, blue/pink, and purple/black have been particularly effective lately.
Kyle, of the Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that flounder fishing has taken off for the summer. Area flounder are increasing in numbers as well as size, with several 5+ lb. fish taken over the past weeks.
Anglers are finding good catches of flounder by drifting Tubbs Inlet, and larger fish are coming from the Lockwood Folly and Shallotte Rivers. The canals on the backside of Ocean Isle Beach have been producing some nice flounder (up to 7 lbs.) as well. The flounder will readily strike Carolina-rigged peanut pogies. There are plenty of pogies in the waterway, so catching bait is not a problem.
Speckled trout are beginning to dwindle in the waters around Ocean Isle, but there are still some around. There should be a few trout biting until the beginning of June, when mid-70’s water temperatures will chase them away till fall.
The red drum bite at the Little River Jetties continues to be hot, and should stay that way most of the summer. Target the drum with Carolina-rigged peanut pogies along both jetties and the drop offs into the main channel.
Anglers have seen spanish mackerel jumping in the inlets, so a week or so of stable warm weather will have them biting in full force.
Josh, of the Ocean Isle Fishing Pier, reports that the recent cool weather and strong winds slowed down the fishing. Since the weather has stabilized, pier anglers are catching whiting on cut shrimp.
Before the cold hit, spanish mackerel and bluefish were hitting plugs well, so they’ll both be around and ready to feed when the weather warms up.
