Ocean Isle August 16, 2007
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that bottom fishermen are hauling in big catches of fat vermillion snapper (beeliners). The best action has been in 100’ of water or deeper. Anglers should fish pieces of squid on small hooks for the best results on the beeliners.
Grouper fishing has been tough over the past week due to the heavy currents. Anglers have boated some red grouper in 110-120’ of water when they can get baits past the amberjacks.
Good numbers of kings are coming from the same structure where boats are bottom fishing. A light-lined cigar minnow or live bait should capture the attention of any kings that swim by while anglers are bottom dropping.
Boats are finding plenty of school kings (in the 10 lb. class) at hard bottom areas in 50’ of water and deeper.
Spanish mackerel are schooled up tight around structure and bait concentrations in the 40-60’ depths. Boats can troll Clarkspoons around the schools or cast Gotcha plugs and Stingsilvers at surface feeding fish.
Kyle, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that flounder are still feeding strong in the area, but inshore water temperatures in the high 80’s have pushed the fish to the inlets and ocean (in search of cooler water). Little River, Shallotte, and Tubbs Inlet are all surrendering good flatfish catches, and the action on the nearshore reefs is hot, too. Live finger mullet pinned to Carolina rigs are the top flounder producers.
Gray trout are beginning to school up on the nearshore structure. They’ll bite the flounder rigs, but anglers who want to specifically target the trout can jig spoons over the structure.
Anglers are still catching good numbers of red drum, and the largest ones are coming from the Little River Jetties. Some big silver mullet have begun to move in the inlet, and this is usually an indicator that the big fall reds (20+ lbs.) won’t be far behind. A Carolina-rigged finger mullet should be more than the drum can resist.
Spanish mackerel are also on the feed around Little River Inlet. The area around the tips of the jetties is a good place to begin looking for the spanish, but they could be anywhere the bait is in the inlet. Live baits free-lined on the surface will draw bites from the spanish, and anglers can also cast X-Raps to the breaking fish.
Trey, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that speckled trout are still feeding around the pier despite the high temperatures. Anglers have been catching the most trout by fishing with live shrimp in the early morning hours. Some flounder are also taking an interest in the shrimp.
Bottom fishermen are hooking up with whiting and sharks at night. Shrimp are the best bait.
Plug casters are landing some bluefish.
The water temperature is 85 degrees.
