Added on Thursday, June 12, 2008  Gary Hurley

Ocean Isle June 12, 2008

Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that the hot dolphin bite continues in the Gulf Stream. The fish continue to get larger, with boats landing many over 30 lbs. in the past week.

There have been a lot of billfish sightings and hookups in the area recently as well, particularly around the Blackjack Hole and 100/400. Blue marlin have been the most prevalent of the bills, but boats are also seeing some whites and sails as well.

While the dolphin and sails are in slightly shallower water, the marlin bite has been best out toward the 100 fathom line.

Ballyhoo rigged under skirted lures should attract attention from the marlin, sails, and dolphin.

King mackerel, cobia, and a few dolphin are feeding around spots in the 80-120′ depths. Dead cigar minnows should draw strikes from all three.

Bottom fishing in the same areas is producing good catches of grouper and snapper. Live baits, such as pinfish, and cut baits are best for the larger grouper.

The king mackerel bite has been slower at spots in the 50-65′ range, but boats have landed a few fish around the Shark Hole and Jungle lately.

The spanish mackerel bite has been excellent right on the beaches. Trolling Clarkspoons is producing fast action with the spaniards.

 

Kyle, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that speckled trout fishing is still solid (with several fish over 5 lbs. landed last week). Some live shrimp are moving in the creeks where anglers can cast net these prime baits.

Red drum are also feeding well in the same areas as the trout, particularly in the 2-3′ depths around grass beds, creeks, and docks off the ICW and Shallotte River. Live shrimp, mud minnows, or artificials should tempt bites from the reds.

The Little River jetties are also holding good numbers of drum and specks.

Flounder fishing remains excellent in Tubbs Inlet (where anglers are starting to land some 3+ lb. fish alongside the undersized and barely legal ones). Some even larger flatfish are coming from the Lockwood Folly River. Carolina rigs with live mud minnows, pogies, or other baits will attract strikes from the flounder.

Spanish mackerel are still feeding well nearshore, but the best action seems to have pushed off to 30-35′ of water instead of right on the beach.

 

David, of Capt. Hook Outdoors, reports that the wide-open dolphin bite continues in the Gulf Stream. The 100/400 has been producing particularly good action lately, and skirted ballyhoo are drawing the bites.

A bit further offshore than the dolphin, the blue marlin bite has been good recently in 400+’ of water. Ballyhoo with skirted lures should also attract attention from any marlin around.

Boats are finding some king mackerel along with amberjacks around the Shark Hole. Dead cigar minnows have been producing good results with the kings.

Spanish mackerel are feeding right along the beaches and just offshore. Clarkspoons should tempt strikes from the spanish. There are also some large blacktip sharks (up to 150 lbs.) feeding near the spanish for anglers looking for big battles close to land.

 

Josh, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are hooking up with whiting on cut shrimp.

Anglers fishing live shrimp under float rigs are landing some speckled trout.

Early in the mornings, spanish mackerel are taking an interest in Gotcha plugs.