Southport – May 10, 2018
Angie, of Dutchman Creek Bait and Tackle, reports that the whiting are still biting well, especially behind Bald Head Island. Fresh shrimp remains the top bait for these fish.
Some chopper bluefish are being landed in the surf, and they’re falling for cut bait as well as shrimp.
There have been a few flounder reported, but the majority have been smaller fish.
A few redfish are being found in the creeks, mainly on artificials like Vudu shrimp and swimbaits. Fresh shrimp on the bottom is also producing.
Several king mackerel and cobia have shown up closer to the beach, with a few already caught off the piers.
Offshore on wrecks and structure, good numbers of sea bass are still being caught. Dropping down squid and shrimp has landed the majority of these fish.
At the Gulf Stream, anglers are connecting with mahi, blackfin and yellowfin tuna, and a few wahoo.
Mark, of Angry Pelican Charters, reports that spanish and kings are feeding on the beach, along with some nice cobia and large bluefish. Live baits slow trolled around structure will draw strikes from any of these species, including the larger spanish that are currently moving through the area. Those targeting spanish should try Clarkspoons, and then match the spoon size to the bait the fish are feeding on.
The kings are spread out from the beach to the tower, and they are holding well over rocks and wrecks. Although the majority of these fish are juveniles, there are some nicer fish mixed in.
Offshore, the bottom bite has been very good with grouper, black sea bass, snapper, and triggers feeding over structure and ledges in the 80+’ range.
Gulf Stream action is getting better by the day, with mahi moving in from the south to join in on the wahoo and tuna bite.
Wayne Tyner with a 35.4 lb. king mackerel caught off of Ocean Crest Pier.
Wally, of Oak Island Fishing Charters, reports that the spanish mackerel are biting well off the beach. Trolling Clarkspoons has produced many fish.
In the creeks, several redfish are being caught, with some up to 26”. Live pogies have been the best baits for these reds.
There are also some good-sized black drum in the same areas as the reds, with sizes ranging from 18-22”. Carolina-rigged fresh shrimp has landed the most fish.
Offshore in around 130’ of water, the scamp grouper bite has been hot. They can best be targeted with cigar minnows on the bottom.
At the Gulf Stream, mahi have shown up in good numbers.
Ryan, of Fugitive Charters, reports that big spanish mackerel are being caught near the beach, with fish up to 6 lbs. and even a few bigger ones than that mixed in. Casting spoons are doing well for these fish. Near the shoals, there are big bluefish mixed in with the spanish.
Some king mackerel have pushed in closer to the beach, with a few being caught from the pier and on nearshore reefs. However, the majority of the fish have moved into the 15-20 mile range.
With the season opening up, scamp and gag grouper are biting well. Dropping down squid and cigar minnows has fooled these fish.
Around the Gulf Stream, the mahi have arrived, with plenty of blackfins, yellowfins, and a few wahoo mixed in.
Ron Oja, of Michigan, with an 18″ black drum that attacked fresh shrimp in the ICW near Oak Island.
Tim, of Wildlife Bait and Tackle, reports that the red and black drum continue to bite well in the backwater, with anglers finding plenty of slot-sized fish. Live bait, artificial shrimp, and fresh shrimp are working for the drum.
Surf anglers are connecting with some whiting and pompano, mainly on fresh shrimp.
Plenty of spanish mackerel have shown up near the beach, along with a few cobia and bigger king mackerel.
The smaller kings can be found near the tower, and they’re falling for Drone spoons and cigar minnows. Dropping down shrimp and squid around the tower has produced plenty of keeper sea bass.
There has also been a good grouper bite lately, and it’s been best on squid and cigar minnows.
Near the Steeples, there are lots of mahi and blackfin to be found.
Steve, of Ocean Crest Pier, reports that several nice king mackerel have been landed recently, with one close to 40 lbs.
There have also been good numbers of bluefish and spanish mackerel caught, and they’re biting best on Gotcha plugs.
A few flounder are being landed from the planks, but most are still undersized.
