Southport November 8, 2007
Butch, of Yeah Right Charters, reports that fishing has been good recently when the winds and seas calmed down enough for boats to get out on the ocean. Last week, a break in the weather allowed boats to get in on a hot beachfront king mackerel bite. However, since then the water on the beach has fallen into the 60’s and is staying dirty due to the large waves, so the kings are most likely pushing seaward towards offshore ledges, live bottoms, and bait concentrations.
It is November and past time for gray trout and red drum to make a showing on the nearshore reefs and live bottoms, but the fish seem to be running late. A bottom rig baited with squid (or other baits) or a Stingsilver jigged just off the bottom should entice these fish to bite when they do show up.
Gag grouper should soon be moving inshore and feeding around bottom structure within 20-25 miles of land. The winter run of black sea bass and other bottom fish is just around the corner, and boats should be able to target these species at structure within sight of land.
As long as there is plenty of bait in the area, it shouldn’t be too long until bluefin tuna show up for the winter. These giant fish often feed closer to shore than other tunas, and will provide epic battles to anglers lucky enough to hook one.
Dave, of Ocean Crest Pier, reports that bottom fishermen have had several good days of spot fishing so far, and more runs should be just around the corner. Bloodworms are the top choice in baits when the spot are running.
Whiting, some big pompano, and black drum are also taking an interest in bottom rigs while anglers are waiting for the spot. Shrimp and sand fleas will attract attention from these crustacean eaters.
Flounder fishing remains solid from the pier, with anglers landing good numbers of flatfish (many over 3 lbs.). Live finger mullet or other baits on Carolina rigs should work for the flounder.
Anglers fishing with spot heads in the evenings are hooking and releasing good numbers of big red drum (20-40+ lbs.).
Live baiters haven’t landed any kings in the dirty water over the past week, but the temperature is still 70 degrees, so the season may not be over yet.
Jimmy, of Wreck Hunter Guide Service, reports that anglers are hooking up with speckled trout, red drum, and flounder in Dutchman’s Creek. Anglers can draw bites from all three species while casting bucktails or soft plastic baits, and live shrimp or finger mullet fished on Carolina or float rigs are also very effective.
The trout and flounder bite has also been good around grass islands in the river bays and near Bald Head, where the same baits will draw strikes. Anglers can also cast topwater plugs to the trout with success.
Flounder fishing along the Southport waterfront remains good as well, where casting bucktails, soft plastics, and live baits near the dock pilings should produce good results.
Sheepshead and black drum are still holding near the structure at the Pfizer/ADM dock. Both crustacean-loving fish will fall for crab and sand flea baits, and the largest black drum are usually feeding near the large ship bumpers off the end of the dock.
Gray trout are schooled up at the Yaupon and McGlammery Reefs, where anglers are hooking good numbers while jigging Stingsilvers and Fish Jigs just off the bottom. Big red drum (25-40 lbs.) are also looking for meals on the reefs, and they will strike the jigging lures, too, so anglers should use tackle heavy enough to land the big reds even when targeting the trout.
King and spanish mackerel are still chasing bait near the reefs, but the falling water temperatures should chase them offshore soon.
