Northern Beaches – April 13, 2017
Betty, of TW’s Tackle, reports that anglers at the Point are connecting with big blues using metal lures, and most of the action in the Hatteras area is coming off blues and reds.
Anglers in Avon are finding gray trout, along with the typical sea mullet and pufferfish.
Those fishing in Buxton are reporting similar conditions, with bluefish and puppy drum in lieu of trout.
Reds from 26-29” are being landed along the surf of Ocracoke, along with smaller drum on the beaches of Corolla.
Offshore, anglers are returning with yellowfin, as well as mahi.
James Joyce with a 27.3 lb. striper landed from the surf. Photo courtesy of TW’s Tackle.
Kevin, of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, reports that the fleet has been returning with early season mahi, as well as sharks, with both makos and blacktips landed.
The yellowfin bite has been fantastic, with fish coming in at 50 lbs. and over.
There are still bluefin in the area, with three landed in the past week.
Lisa, of Pirate’s Cover Marina, reports that over the past week most of the action has been with tuna, with yellowfin being the most common catch, as well as some bluefin releases reported.
Inshore and nearshore, anglers are connecting with speckled trout and red drum, along with a few small stripers.
Aaron, of Carolina Sunrise, reports that the speckled trout have shown up along with the puppy drum. Anglers looking to target both species should use popping corks, surface lures, topwater plugs, or jigs on the bottom.
Flounder should start showing back up soon, as will the big drum and cobia.
Bluefish and spanish mackerel are also starting to show back up for those that like to troll live baits and artificials while looking for the bigger fish.
Linda, of Jennette’s Pier, reports that anglers are connecting with stripers (up to 30”) off the pier. The bluefish are running as well, and Gotcha plugs are the way to connect with both species.
Those throwing cut bait will connect with skates, puppy drum, shad, and pufferfish.
John, of Bob’s Bait and Tackle, reports that anglers are connecting with various species from the surf, including skates, pufferfish, croaker, and drum. Those looking to target the surf this time of year should use bloodworms and cut bait (like mullet).
Keith, of Corolla Bait and Tackle, reports that northern beaches are seeing the most action from dogfish, but those casting out can expect puppy drum, small striped bass, pufferfish, and a stray trout or two. There isn’t much size to any of the fish yet, but those hoping for a bite should throw shrimp, squid, and finger mullet.
