March 3, 2016 – Morehead
Matt, of Chasin’ Tails Outdoors, reports that the typical March winds have kept many anglers on the hill. However, on the days that do allow folks to get out, there are plenty of angling opportunities with only more on the way as the weather warms.
Red drum are being found in large schools in the local bays and marshes. The majority of the reds found inshore are small to slot size fish, and they can be caught on scented plastics and cut bait. Some flounder may be mixed in with the reds, but these winter holdovers will most likely be undersized fish. A slow presentation is the best way to target the lethargic winter time fish, but on warmer days the fish may be more aggressive.
As the water warms on the beach, the fishing will only improve. Sea mullet and gray trout should soon be found in Beaufort Inlet, the turning basin, and around the port area. Both species will take an interest in double drop bottom rigs baited with shrimp, bloodworms, and Fish Bites.
Gray trout can also be caught on jigging lures such as Stingsilvers, diamond jigs, and bucktails bounced off the bottom.
Also in March, false albacore, Atlantic bonito, and chopper bluefish should make an appearance. These fish will first show up in the 60’ range and make their way closer inshore as the water warms. Anglers looking to hook up with one of these species can troll small lures such as #0-#1 Clarkspoons behind 1-3 oz. trolling weights. If the fish are schooled up, flashy jigs such as Epoxy jigs and diamond jigs should get fish in the boat.
Tim Johnson, of Emerald Isle, with a 30” red drum he landed in the surf.
Justin, of Breakday Charters, reports that there hasn’t been a great trout bite in recent weeks, but they can still be found in local creeks. On cloudy days trout will be found in deep holes where the water stays a few degrees warmer; however, on warmer days anglers should try to find the fish on shallow, sun-warmed flats and banks. Live shrimp or artificial lures under a popping cork are the best bets for winter time trout.
Just off the beach there has been a solid red and black drum bite in sloughs just past the breakers. There should also be sea mullet and pufferfish mixed in, and anglers can target all species with shrimp baited on bottom rigs.
Tim Rudder, the “Trout Man” from Chasin’ Tails Outdoor, with a nice pair of 3 lb. speckled trout caught while fishing the Radio Island rocks with live mud minnows.
Chris, of Mount Maker Charters, reports that bottom fishing for black sea bass has been great when the weather cooperates. Anglers should be able to find a good mix of them at nearshore spots such as the Atlas Tanker, AR-330, and Northwest Places. Bucktails tipped with strip baits or squid and small vertical jigs are the top choices for these bottom fish. Anglers may be able to find some offshore flounder in these areas as well.
Further offshore in the 30 mile range, anglers should be able to connect with other tasty bottom dwellers such as beeliners and triggerfish. Squid and cut baits will put fish in the boat as long as the water doesn’t cool too much.
Peter Overgaard with his first false albacore. The albie was hooked on a Blue Water Candy Spanish Daisy while he was trolling just off the Cape Lookout jetty with his wife Windy.
Thomas, of Dancin’ Outlaw Sportfishing, reports that there are wahoo to be caught for those making the run to the Gulf Stream. Blackfin tuna are mixed in with the wahoo, and there have been reports of a few yellowfin tuna being caught as well. Anglers looking to hook up with these delicious pelagics need to troll baits such as ballyhoo, deep diving plugs, and Ilanders.
King mackerel can also be found in water that is at least 70 degrees. Spoons and slow-trolled live baits are the best ways to catch these toothy predators.
Jim Ottwell with a 29” striper caught on a Zoom soft bait while fishing in the New Bern area with Capt. Stukie Payne of Carolina Backwater Fishing Charters.
The Oceanana Pier is currently closed for the winter season until March 17.
