Ocean Isle November 8, 2007
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that king mackerel bit well along the beaches last week, with anglers finding solid action off Oak Island in 10-20’ of water and around Shallotte Inlet. However, the kings should be moving to deeper water soon, as the water is getting down to the 69-71 degree temperature that triggers their offshore migration.
Spots near the end of the river channel, such as the Lighthouse Rocks, will probably host the next good king bite, and the fish will move further offshore (to the 55-75’ areas) after another cold front or two. Then boats should begin looking around the Jungle, 65’ Hole, Shark Hole, 90/90, and the Cucumber.
Live baits are still the best king producers, and as the fish move offshore, cigar minnows and other baitfish will replace pogies as the king’s primary forage.
The gag grouper bite is good and should stay consistent or improve over the next few weeks in 60-80’ of water. Live baits offer anglers the best shot at hooking the larger groupers.
The wahoo bite has been good recently when boats could make it to the Stream, and cold fall weather only seems to make it better, particularly for larger fish.
Inshore, slot and over-slot red drum are feeding well around the grass lines, drop-offs, and docks of the ICW. Anglers can target the reds near the docks on rising tides by casting Gulp baits on light jigheads or Carolina-rigged finger mullet to the structure. Some flounder are feeding in the same areas, and they will also have a tough time resisting the Gulps.
Speckled trout are also feeding well in the ICW and creeks. Anglers looking for trout should suspend live shrimp just off the bottom on slip float rigs.
Becky, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that the spot bite is on. Anglers are landing the tasty panfish on bottom rigs baited with red or bloodworms.
A few whiting are also coming over the rails and falling for the worms or cut shrimp.
A few flounder are biting the bottom rigs as well.
The water temperature is 74 degrees.
