Swansboro – October 13, 2016
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that the conditions are right for anglers to start targeting redfish and speckled trout in the marshes near area inlets. Slot-sized reds can be found patrolling grass banks looking for an easy meal, and the trout will be holding in areas with heavy currents like grass points and deep channels.
Anglers should try to imitate their food sources when selecting baits. Reds and specs in areas with large concentrations of shrimp will take interest in artificial baits like DOA shrimp or Gulp shrimp on jigheads. Jerk shads, curly tail grubs, and other soft plastic baitfish imitations will tempt bites in areas heavy with mullet and mud minnows.
False albacore are feeding just outside the inlet, and with the recent rains pushing bait out of the inshore waters, the bite should only improve. Casting shiny jigs like Stingsilvers, Diamond Jigs, or Epoxy Jigs will tempt bites from this speedy member of the tuna family.
Dale Traxler, of Sophia, with a spanish caught on cut bait in the surf on Emerald Isle.
Jonathan, of On Point Fishing Charters, reports that there is excellent king mackerel action just off the beach. The kings are taking interest in live mullet and menhaden on live bait rigs fished near large schools of bait in the area. Using fresh and lively baits is the key to success when fishing for nearshore kings.
Speckled trout fishing has improved recently, with anglers finding large numbers of keeper fish throughout Bogue Sound. Storm Shrimp and hard plastics like the MirrOlure MR17 fished in marshy areas with heavy current and structure will tempt bites from any hungry speckled trout in the area (and the occasional puppy drum as they frequent the same areas). Live shrimp floated beneath a popping cork is also irresistible to both species.
Large numbers of red drum are being spotted just behind the breakers at the beach, and anglers can target them most effectively from boats on calm days. Large soft plastics on jigheads or cut bait on drum rigs will get the attention of these schooled up, over-slot reds. Anglers should remember to approach schools of fish with caution and stealth to avoid spooking the fish.
Rich, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that there has been a steady speckled trout and slot-sized drum bite for anglers fishing in the surf. Plenty of bluefish are being caught as well. The trout are falling for jigs like Gotcha plugs and Stingsilvers worked from behind the breakers back to shore.
Soft plastics on jigheads can also fool both the trout and reds hanging around in the surf. The reds are preferring cut bait on fish finder and drum rigs with large circle hooks. Fresh menhaden and mullet are the top baits right now, but anglers can also get a bite using spot and croaker heads.
The king mackerel bite was excellent just before the storm, and that bite should continue into the fall. Live baits like bluefish, blue runners, and menhaden on live bait rigs fished close to structure or bait balls are putting the most fish in the boat. Anglers are connecting with the kings from just behind the breakers in 15’ of water out to the Keypost rocks.
A few sailfish were caught at the Keypost rocks as well, so anglers should be prepared for a bite from both species.
Citation class red drum have been feeding at the nearshore wrecks recently, and anglers are having success catching them on drum rigs baited with fresh cut mullet and menhaden. Live bait can also tempt bites from these old reds.
Mike, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that the king mackerel action from the end of the pier has been excellent, with plenty of big kings being caught on live bluefish and menhaden. Numbers of bluefish and spanish mackerel are also being caught from the end of the pier. They are both taking interest in Gotcha plugs.
Bottom fishing has been producing large numbers of pompano, spots, and black drum while soaking fresh shrimp on double drop bottom rigs.
The water is 78 degrees.
