Ocean Isle – November 13, 2014
Kathy McLaurin, of Shallotte, NC, with a 12.83 lb. flounder that she hooked on a live finger mullet inshore of Ocean Isle Beach. Weighed in at Sheffields.
Kyle, of Speckulator Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that anglers are finally seeing the fall trout bite in the area turn on in earnest. Just about every spot that anglers think trout should be feeding at has some active fish right now (with most 2-3 lbs. and some larger fish in the mix). The shell banks between Little River and Calabash, the Shallotte inlet and river, and the shell banks near Lockwood Folly Inlet have all been producing excellent numbers of fish, and anglers are finding them at plenty of other spots throughout the area as well. Live shrimp fished under floats are fooling the majority of the specks, but anglers are also hooking decent numbers on artificials like soft plastics and MirrOlures.
Anglers are seeing some larger trout around the Little River jetties (some to 6 lbs.), and some even bigger fish will likely be landed around the rocks before the season draws to a close.
Anglers are picking up a few red drum while trout fishing, but the majority of the reds inshore seem to be moving up the creeks and to the shallow flats where they’ll school up over the winter. Live and cut baits or Gulp shrimp will fool the reds in the shallows.
Christian Carter, of Martinsville, VA, with a 40″ red drum he caught and released just offshore of Holden Beach.
Some larger (to 10+ lbs.) reds are feeding around the Little River jetties and biting live and cut baits as well.
Anglers are still connecting with a few flounder as well, but the flatfish action will likely be slowing down as the water continues to cool.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that anglers are seeing some solid king mackerel action at local spots in the 65-80’ depths right now. Live baits are top choices for the kings, but they can be hard to come by when the water cools off. Fortunately, cigar minnows pinned to dead bait rigs are also rather effective at fooling the offshore kings. Anglers can expect the kings to follow upper-60’s water offshore to their wintering grounds around Frying Pan Tower as the mercury continues to sink.
Boaters making the run to the Gulf Stream are still reporting plenty of wahoo action at local blue water hotspots like the Blackjack Hole and the 100/400. The ‘hoos will take an interest in ballyhoo paired with skirted trolling lures (particularly in dark color) or baitless high-speed lures, which allow anglers to cover more water in search of hungry fish.
Bob, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are hooking some sea mullet while baiting up with shrimp.
Some flounder and speckled trout have been falling for live baits that anglers are fishing around the pier.
