Wrightsville Beach July 8, 2004
Tex, at Tex’s Tackle, reports that spanish mackerel are very thick off Masonboro. The bigger spanish are mixed in with small kings at Dallas Rocks. Tarpon are cruising along the beaches, with fish spotted by those fishing the jetties. Sailfish are scattered in the 10 mile range and are mostly hitting ballyhoo. Dolphin are mixed in with kings from 5 to 30 miles, especially around the 23 Mile Rock. Look for weed lines for the dolphin. A good king bite has also come from the 30/30, and don’t be surprised to see a lingering cobia around the artificial reefs.
Dickie, at Tidal Market, reports flounder up to 5 lbs. are being caught from the river and area inlets. Red drum are scattered and should hit live menhaden. Spanish are everywhere, with small kings mixed amongst them. Dolphin are around the reefs as close at the 5 mile areas, and sailfish have moved further inshore with some caught as close as 5 to 7 miles off the beach. Cobia are still being spotted around the jetty and reefs, along with a few tarpon rolling around following schools of menhaden.
Tyler, at Intracoastal Angler, reports that tuna, wahoo, and 20 to 25 lb. dolphin are the gulf stream catch and are biting early in the mornings. A few blue marlin have been caught and released which shows promise for upcoming tournaments. Closer inshore, the sailfish have moved in as close as 5 miles. King mackerel still dominate the catch around the artificial reefs and rocks. Redfish and trout are being taken on artificials in the Cape Fear River, and sheepshead are on pilings and bridges eating fiddler crabs. There are also a few tarpon around the area inlets.
Lewis, at Bug-Em Bait Co., reports sailfish at the 23 Mile Rock along with dolphin and king mackerel. Snake kings are in the 5 to 10 mile areas. There are a few dolphin and cobia mixed in. Bottom fishing as close as 15 miles has been good. Closer in, the flounder action has not slowed. The bigger the mullet get, the better the flounder fishing should be. Red and black drum are also biting well around docks and creeks in the area.
Emily, at Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, reports a 54-inch, 37.12 lb. king mackerel hit angler Bill Carr’s live menhaden and was landed soon after. Spanish mackerel fishing, along with small bluefish, has been off and on. Small flounder and Virginia mullet are coming off the bottom.
