Hatteras/Ocracoke – April 2022
Ryan, of Hatteras Jack, reports that red drum action has been picking up on most of the island’s beaches. The citation-class red drum are running out at the Point.
Anglers bottom fishing around ramp 55 are seeing some good blow toad action.
As the area starts to transition into spring, the slight differences in water conditions can make all the difference in a day’s fishing efforts. Runs of south to southwest winds have been best for bringing temperatures up just enough to turn on the bite.
Over the next few weeks, look to see more sea mullet and bluefish being caught in the surf.
Greg Lekavich (left) and John Berquist caught these bull reds on Bowed Up Lures 2 oz. bucktails while sight fishing in 20′ of water. They were fishing with Capt. Aaron Aaron of Tightline Fishing Charters out of Hatteras Harbor Marina.
Heather, of Frank and Fran’s, reports that anglers on the Hatteras Island beaches are seeing lots of puppy drum being caught.
The trophy reds are also being caught during blitzes at the Point.
Bottom fishing is producing good numbers of sea mullet and blow toads, with action on both species getting better moving further into April.
Look for speckled trout fishing to come alive in the next few weeks as water temperatures have these fish more active and pushing out into the surf looking for bait.
Bryan, of Hatteras Style Custom Rods & Tackle, reports that red drum fishing in the area has really fired off in recent weeks. Puppy drum are scattered just about everywhere, with anglers headed out to the Point finding bonus runs of the citation-class reds.
Bottom fishing action is also picking up as water temperatures continue to climb. Sea mullet and some black drum are being found around ramps 48-49.
Blow toads are mixed in just about everywhere up towards the inlet.
Nearshore anglers have been finding some great action on schools of the big reds just off the beaches.
Going into the later part of April, look for all the surf action to really pick up as better numbers of fish migrate into the area. A lot more bluefish will also be included in local catches, with those schools just starting to arrive.
Aaron, of Teach’s Lair, reports that surf anglers out at the Point have been seeing some great runs of bull red drum. Puppy drum are in the surf zone from Ocracoke up to Rodanthe.
Inshore anglers are starting to sight-cast at some of these red drum schools moving into the inlets and staging on flats.
Over the next few weeks, speckled trout will also be mixed in.
Bluefish have started to trickle into the area, and a little more stable weather will bring in even more schools from offshore. Based on the early action of blues and other species, spanish mackerel could also show up by the end of the month.
Offshore anglers have been finding good blackfin tuna action on days they can get out of the inlet, and yellowfin tuna and possibly mahi could be in landings by the end of April.
A few kings are being caught by some of the commercial boats over offshore structure.
Joey, of Fingeance Sportfishing, reports that anglers have found some schools of big red drum while sight-casting large bucktail jigs (2-3 oz.) or Hopkins spoons off the beaches. Getting out of the inlet has been an issue, though, in getting to this nearshore action.
Puppy drum are starting to show up in the sounds for anglers fishing cut baits around the inlet.
Sea mullet and gray trout are also mixed in the main channels around the ferry basin. Bottom rigs with bait shrimp will get bites from both species.
Striped bass action has been great for anglers fishing river mouths on the mainland side. Both live baits and chartreuse-colored Z-Man MinnowZ on 1/2 oz. jig heads are producing most of the action through this spawning period.
Hunter Hicks (left) and Bobby Papai caught this 750 lb. bluefin tuna on the green stick offshore of Oregon Inlet. They were fishing with Capt. Chris Barnett of Predator Sportfishing.
Jeremy, of Calypso Sportfishing, reports that April is a great month for anglers looking to take advantage of more comfortable fishing conditions offshore.
Blackfin tuna are around in good numbers, and they’re alongside scattered big wahoo that make up many of the first few trips of the season.
Yellowfin tuna will also be mixed in with the trolling action.
Dolphin and possibly some early blue marlin will also be moving back in towards the later part of the month. Watching reports from anglers to the south is a great way to track the migration of dolphin schools into the area.
Kristen, of Tradewinds Tackle, reports that anglers have been catching a bunch of red drum in the surf recently. The large citation reds have moved in and are mixed in the action.
A few anglers fishing cut baits have been spooled by some large (8-9’) sharks in the area.
Some sheepshead were landed by anglers fishing down around Portsmouth Island.
Sea mullet are being caught along the beaches, and this bite only gets better as more schools migrate into the area.
April seems to really kick-off spring fishing in the area. Anglers will also start to see action picking up on black drum, gray trout, and speckled trout over the next few weeks.
