Hatteras – July 30, 2015
Ryan, of Hatteras Jack, reports that anglers are still primarily seeing panfish like spot, croaker, and pompano in the local surf. Shrimp and cut baits are tempting them to bite.
There have been plenty of crabs just off the beach and anglers are catching big numbers from the pier in drop traps baited with fish scraps and chicken necks.
Anglers fishing around Oregon Inlet are hooking plenty of flounder on bait and artifcials (but many are small).
Sheepshead are feeing around the bridge pilings at the inlet and biting sand fleas.
Staci and Carter Edwards, of Washington, NC, with a pair of citation sheepshead they hooked on fiddler crabs at the Harkers Island bridge. Weighed in at Harkers Island Fishing Center.
Tiffany, of Rodanthe Pier, reports that anglers are hooking some sea mullet while bottom fishing from the pier with shrimp and other baits.
Anglers dropping chicken necks from the pier are bringing up solid numbers of blue crabs.
Charles and Chris Aydlett with the results of a double red drum hookup they found in Oregon Inlet while casting bucktails with Capt. Clay McPherson of Cutawhiskie Charters.
Scott, of The Fishin’ Hole, reports that bottomfish like spot and croaker are making up most of the catch for surf casters at present. A few larger pompano (1+ lbs.) have been mixed in when the water’s clean. Shrimp and Fish Bites baits are fooling most of the bottomfish.
Frank, of Frank and Fran’s, reports that anglers are hooking bottom feeders like croaker, sea mullet, and small pompano while bottom fishing from the beach around Avon. Those who can get baits to the outer bar are hooking some large pompano on sand fleas.
A few bluefish have been mixed in with the panfish.
Anglers fishing the sound are hooking occasional slot and over-slot red drum.
Bob, of Frisco Tackle, reports that sea mullet, croaker, and pompano (ranging from small to large) are biting anglers’ baits from the local beachfront.
Anglers are also picking up some keeper flounder (amidst lots of shorts).
Bluefish and spanish mackerel have been taking an interest in casting lures anglers are working from the beach.
Soundside, flounder, bluefish, and puppy drum have been providing most of the action. Both baits and a variety of artificial lures will fool the fish in the sound.
Kyle, of Frisco Rod and Gun, reports that anglers are hooking some sea mullet, pompano, and croaker while soaking baits from the southern beaches of Hatteras Island. Shrimp, sand fleas, and Fish Bites are producing most of the action with the bottom feeders.
Anglers are also landing some bluefish and spanish mackerel while working casting lures around Buxton and Hatteras Inlet.
Inshore boaters fishing the sound are seeing some good action with slot and over-slot red drum, bluefish, flounder, and some gray and speckled trout. Live and cut baits and a variety of artificial lures are fooling the fish in the sound.
Trolling nearshore is producing plenty of spanish mackerel and bluefish. Most are falling for flashy lures like Clarkspoons.
Offshore trollers are connecting with good numbers of wahoo along with some dolphin. Skirted ballyhoo are fooling most of the blue water predators. A few yellowfin tuna have been mixed in over the past week.
Bottom fishermen are seeing plenty of beeliners, triggerfish, grouper, and amberjacks.
JAM, of Teach’s Lair Marina, reports that anglers are still seeing some cobia around Hatteras, primarily while fishing bait in the sound.
Large red drum are also feeding in the sound and biting baits and lures like bucktail jigs.
Nearshore anglers are hooking spanish mackerel (including a 7 pounder this week) and bluefish on trolling and casting lures.
Surf casters continue to hook some bluefish and spanish mackerel on metal casting lures.
Sea mullet and pompano are falling for shrimp and sand fleas just off the beaches.
The offshore fleet is seeing some decent wahoo action along with blackfin tuna and dolphin. A few billfish are around and adding some excitement for offshore trollers as well.
Jay, of Bite Me Charters, reports that anglers continue to hook solid numbers of bailer and gaffer dolphin while fishing offshore of Hatteras Inlet. Trolling ballyhoo and skirted lures along with pitching squid and cut baits to schooled-up fish is putting the ‘phins in the boat.
Good numbers of blackfin tuna have also been feeding offshore recently and biting ballyhoo and smaller trolling lures.
Melinda, of Tradewinds Tackle, reports that anglers are connecting with slot and over-slot red drum while soaking baits off the beachfront at Ocracoke. There’s also been some decent action with reds back in the sound.
