Ocean Isle May 8, 2008

Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that dolphin are feeding strong out in the Gulf Stream. The action has been spread out at a variety of local blue water hot spots such as the Steeples, Blackjack Hole, and 100/400. Most boats are also picking up a few wahoo per trip as well. Ballyhoo rigged under skirted trolling lures will attract attention from both the dolphin and wahoo.

King mackerel are still schooled up in the 80-100′ range. There are also some kings running the beaches feeding on the numerous bluefish nearshore. There are only a few kings between the 30-80′ depths; however, that area is loaded with bait (mostly greenies and cigar minnows) right now, so the kings should be moving into the 65′ range very soon.

For the beach kings, anglers will do best with live baits, but the offshore fish will respond well to trolled dead cigar minnows.

The grouper bite has been excellent lately, with good numbers of gags feeding closer to shore at structure in 80-100′ of water. Live baits (such as pinfish or cigar minnows) will produce the best results on the larger gags. Anglers can also expect to land some fat sea bass and big beeliners around the same structure holding the gags.

Kyle, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that inshore anglers have been landing some big speckled trout lately. The Little River Jetties have been a particular hotspot (producing a number of trout in the 5-8 lb. class over the past weeks). Live shrimp fished under float rigs are the very best baits, but anglers can hook up while fishing with mud minnows or a variety of artificials as well.

Flounder fishing remains steady, but although anglers are catching plenty of fish, the majority are small right now. A live mud minnow fished on a Carolina rig is tough to beat for the flounder. The areas around the inlets, like Tubbs, Shallotte, and Cherry Grove, should be holding the most flatfish this early in the season.

Some red drum should also be feeding around area docks, other structures, and on the shallow flats. Gulp baits or live mud minnows will get their attention.

David, of Capt. Hook Outdoors, reports that the Gulf Stream is surrendering decent numbers of dolphin. Some wahoo are still mixed in with the dolphin as well (many of the ‘hoos are 40+ lbs.).

Ilander/ballyhoo combinations should appeal to both species, and anglers can add a few swimming plugs, such as Braid Marauders, to the spread to appeal even more to the wahoo.

A few kings have been caught around the Shark Hole already, but the main body of fish is still out around Frying Pan Tower. Drone spoons and cigar minnows are both deadly baits on the offshore kings.

Paul, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that bottom fishermen have been landing some whiting and pompano over the past few weeks. Cut shrimp are producing the most action on the bottom rigs.

Plug casters are hooking up with good numbers of bluefish on Gotchas.

by Gary Hurley