Ocean Isle May 28, 2009

Ronnie Ensminger, from Charlotte, NC, and Capt. Keith Logan, of Stand N Down Charters out of Holden Beach, with an African pompano that fell for a Blue Water Candy Roscoe Jig near the 100/400.

Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that the dolphin bite is still solid at the blue water hotspots. The action’s been better to the east at spots like the 100/400 and the Blackjack Hole than it has been down south at the Winyah Scarp. Skirted ballyhoo will produce bites from the dolphin.

Dolphin have also pushed inshore of the Stream, and anglers have caught good numbers at spots in the 100′ range. Good numbers of king mackerel were also feeding in the same areas, although most were schoolies. Live baits are getting attention from the dolphin and kings.

Bottom fishermen are finding good action with scamp grouper at structure in the 100′ range. Cut baits, cigar minnows, squid, and vertical jigs will all draw strikes from the scamps and other grouper and bottomfish.

The nearshore king mackerel bite has slowed a bit, but there are still some fish feeding around the Jungle, the Atlantic Ledge, and other spots in the 80′ depth range.

Cobia are cruising around the reefs and other structure in the 50-60′ range, and boats are spotting them while live-baiting for kings or trolling for spanish mackerel.

The spanish mackerel are still feeding along the beaches, but like most of the fish, last week’s cold snap and east winds slowed the bite a bit. The fish should be back on the feed as the weather calms down and warms up this week.

Brandon McKinnis with a 44 lb., 13 oz. cobia he hooked on a live bait fished on a king rig from Ocean Crest Pier.

Kyle, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that there were a good number of flounder caught in Tubbs Inlet and the Shallotte and Lockwood Folly Rivers. Some big fish (5-8 lbs.) have been coming out of the rivers. Carolina-rigged live baits like peanut pogies and finger mullet are the way to go for the flounder.

The only speckled trout and red drum bite most anglers have been able to find recently has been around the Little River jetties. Live shrimp drifted on float rigs are attracting attention from both fish.

Some stout sheepshead (5-10 lbs.) are also feeding around the Little River jetties, and float-rigged shrimp have been producing action with them, too.

The spanish mackerel bite has slowed down somewhat from last week, but there are still some fish around. Anglers can find them by trolling Clarkspoons around working birds or surface activity.

David, of Capt. Hook Outdoors, reports that the dolphin bite has been on fire in the Gulf Stream. Anglers have caught the fish in both directions out of Ocean Isle, finding good bites at the Blackjack Hole and the Winyah Scarp. A few yellowfin and blackfin tuna are in the mix as well. Ballyhoo trolled under skirted lures will produce action with the tuna and dolphin.

There have been good numbers of king mackerel feeding in the 75-90′ areas, and some fish are scattered from there on in to the beach. Live baiting is the best strategy for the kings right now.

Trolled Clarkspoons are producing plenty of action with spanish mackerel and bluefish in the 15-25′ depths just off the beaches.

Caleb, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are picking up some small whiting and good numbers of sand sharks and small hammerheads.

by Fish Post