Hatteras/Ocracoke – December 2024
Ryan, of Hatteras Jack, reports that anglers out in the surf have been catching scattered black drum and decent numbers of puppy drum.
It’s a little less common, but some big red drum are also still around.
Some nice-sized sea mullet are being caught, with speckled trout starting to better mix into the action.
The cold-water dogfish sharks and skates are already showing up, especially after a run of hard west winds.
Out in the sounds, most of the speckled trout have begun to work their way to the west side, with water temperatures already getting into the mid to low 50s on the east side. Some trout will continue to be found on the east side in the sound, but most anglers fishing the island will have better success targeting the trout as they work their way into the surf.
Moving into December, most of the same species that are active now will stick around in fairly decent numbers until water temperatures get and stay under 50 degrees. At that point, most of the action will revolve around skates, sharks, and the occasional drum.
Heather, of Frank and Fran’s, reports that anglers have been doing well in the surf zone even with temperatures cooling down. Black drum have become much more common, with a few speckled trout also showing up.
Anglers using smaller bottom fishing setups with shrimp or sand fleas are catching blow toads, a few scattered bluefish, and some good-sized sea mullet.
Puppy drum action has been good, with anglers doing best when using fresh bait (either mullet or menhaden).
Those getting out to the Point have found a decent puppy drum bite.
Down around Buxton, anglers are starting to see some of the wintertime sharks showing up.
Rod Oslen, of Toad Fish Mafia, hooked this bluefish near Harker’s Island with a Z-Man MinnowZ paddle tail.
Chris, of Avon Pier, reports that anglers getting some bottom fishing in to close out the season have been catching a few black drum and a bunch of sea mullet.
Mixed in the action, though a little slower, have also been bluefish, speckled trout, and croakers.
Kristie, of Frisco Rod & Gun, reports that surf anglers are still seeing some good action off the beaches. There have been a bunch of bluefish, puppy drum, and some sea mullet around (and around consistently).
With temperatures cooling down, anglers are also seeing the first blow toads showing up, especially around Ramp 55.
Joey, of Fingeance Sportfishing, reports that anglers are still enjoying some good bluefish action throughout the sound in the Hatteras area.
The red drum bite has picked back up for anglers fishing cut baits now that the cooler water temperatures have these fish transitioning into winter patterns and gathering into larger schools.
Some nice sheepshead are being caught when anglers can get to the wrecks outside the inlet or in the ferry basin on the Ocracoke side of Hatteras Inlet. Most of these fish are being caught with sand fleas or hermit crabs.
As the winter progresses, anglers will start focusing their fishing efforts up into the Albemarle Sound. The Albemarle Sound in the winter is all about targeting striped bass as they begin to stage up before their spawn run up the Roanoke River.
Anglers can also focus on the super fun, light-weight tackle shad action on the western side of the sound.
Jeremy, of Calypso Sportfishing, reports that the live bait action for king mackerel has been on fire.
Anglers running out for some trolling action are catching decent numbers of blackfin tuna on the classic Sea Witch and ballyhoo combo.
Wahoo and some dolphin are still in the mix if out fishing the Gulf Stream.
Anglers look forward to the possibility of some yellowfin tuna showing up, with bluefin tuna expected to arrive soon.
Jackson Saunders, of Raleigh, caught (and released) this 25.75″ flounder near Cape Lookout using dead bait.
Peter, of Wann Sportfishing, reports that there’s been some fun action for anglers fishing deeper channels around the inlet. Live baits set up on Carolina rigs in the 10-20’ cuts are producing some gray trout, bluefish, and a bunch of flounder (released).
Getting off the beach, a strong king mackerel bite has been happening in the 8-mile range.
Looking forward to the winter months, anglers can usually find some puppy drum and even the occasional speckled trout in the surf zone. Most of these bites will come while throwing grub tail soft plastics under lightweight jig heads.
If looking to get offshore, some decent blackfin tuna action is typically available out over structure.
Lee, of Teach’s Lair, reports that anglers have had some up and down success with king mackerel. Water temperatures have been cooling down quicky, though, so this bite may be on its way out soon.
Anglers running offshore in the winter can usually find some blackfin tuna action, and the expected giant bluefins should start making a run in the area at anytime.
Those out hitting the surf are catching some black drum and puppy drum.
Jackie, of Tradewinds Tackle, reports that the red drum bite has been good on Ocracoke beaches, and it’s seemingly heated up a little now that conditions are cooling down. Anglers are reporting catching up to 15-20 puppy drum in their daily efforts.
Mixed in the surf action are some large whiting and a few bluefish.
