Added on Thursday, July 7, 2016  Fish Post

Ocean Isle – July 7, 2016

Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that inshore the flounder bite had picked up, and anglers can connect with the fish using live pogies.

Off the beaches, spanish mackerel have been schooling in 15-25’ of water. Anglers are finding the fish around glass minnows and the edges of pogie pods, where an occasional cobia can still be found, along with stray kings, bluefish, sharks, and tarpon. Most cobia are moving into deeper water, and they have recently been landed in 50-80’ of water.

Larger kings have been scarce around the area, but there are many in the 20-22” range in 60’ of water. It’s reported that 10-20 lb. kings are in the Murrell’s Inlet area, and they can be expected to move towards the Ocean Isle area soon. Those looking for the larger kings should move offshore into 100’ of water and troll ballyhoo.

Bottom fishing has been steady in depths ranging from 90-250’, and anglers are reporting black sea bass, pink snapper, vermillion snapper, as well as scamp and gag grouper around small ledges and hard bottom areas. Anglers looking for a fight can try live lining menhaden near offshore wrecks for amberjack.

In the Gulf Stream, anglers are connecting with mahi and blackfin tuna around the 100/400.

Cecil, of Rod and Reel Shop, reports that the bite in the river has been great, and anglers are targeting red drum and flounder with success. Bucktails and Gulp baits, such as the swimming mullet in chartreuse, have been the most successful. The fish that are being caught are small but legal, with the occasional whopper or doormat being landed.

Trout can be caught first thing in the morning, especially off the pier, but they can also be hooked in the backwaters when the temperature cools.

Surf anglers have been catching whiting, croaker, and small sharks. Blues and spanish are also being hooked, and most have had success with Clarkspoons.

Nearshore, the spanish mackerel can be found most often in 20’ of water, but this can vary from 15-30’ based on water temperatures and water clarity. Most of the kings have moved into deeper water along with the mahi, but there are a sporadic few kings hanging just off the inlets. They are being hooked along with the spanish.

Kyle, of Speckulator Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that the speckled trout fishing has continued to be good overall, although the fish have been mixed in sizes, from under-slot up to 4 lbs. Target these fish with live shrimp under a float or popping cork.

The black drum bite is strong as well, and although these fish have varied in size, a few have been reported weighing up to 10 lbs. There have been a few sheepshead mixed in with the black drum around structure, and anglers can use the same tactics as the trout to tempt bites.

The flounder bite is becoming more consistent during times of clean water, and they can be expected to increase as the waters warm and the finger mullet become larger and more prevalent. Those looking to hook up with the flatfish should use menhaden or mud minnows on a Carolina rig, and expect to cull through undersized fish to find some keepers.

Redfish have been a bit more scarce than usual, but the bite is expected to increase as the summer continues.

Kevin, of Rigged and Ready Charters, reports that inshore fishing has been great over the past couple of weeks, and anglers have been connecting with speckled trout, flounder, drum, bluefish, and spanish mackerel.

Nearshore trips reported spanish, blues, kings, cobia, sharks, and grouper.

Tyson, of Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Pier, reports that anglers are catching small spots and whiting, with scattered bluefish mixed in. Those looking to target the panfish should use a bottom rig with shrimp or small pinfish.

A few kings have come over the rails as well.

The water is 81 degrees.