Northern Beaches April 28, 2011
Casey Foster, an employee of TW's Bait and Tackle, with a limit of flounder he hooked on a jighead/Gulp combo while surf fishing near Ramp 44. Photo courtesy of TW's Bait and Tackle.
Wheeler, of TW’s Bait and Tackle, reports that anglers are starting to see some decent bottom fishing from the area’s piers. Spot, croaker, sea mullet, and pufferfish are all falling for bottom rigs baited with shrimp and bloodworms.
Surf anglers are seeing similar results.
Bottom fishing deeper holes in the sound is also producing some croaker, spot, and sea mullet.
Anglers fishing around Little Bridge are connecting with some croaker and a few speckled trout.
Offshore, the tuna bite has been solid lately. More and more yellowfins are showing up, and there are still decent numbers of blackfin tuna in the mix as well. Boats are also connecting with some wahoo and increasing numbers of dolphin in the blue water. Trolling with skirted ballyhoo has been producing the majority of the action with the Gulf Stream predators.
Keith, of Corolla Bait and Tackle, reports that anglers are hooking up with some scattered bluefish, sea mullet, and croaker while bottom fishing deeper areas in the sound. Shrimp will attract attention from all three.
Boats making the run offshore are finding action with yellowfins, blackfins, and a few dolphin. The majority of the blue water action has been down around the Point and spots further south. Trolling ballyhoo under skirted lures is the most effective way to target the tuna and dolphin.
Bobby Mason, of Red Oak, NC, with a 46”, 40 lb. striped bass he hooked on a large live shad in the Roanoke River near Scotland Neck while he was fishing with Rick Goines and Danny Butler.
Korin, of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, reports that offshore boats have landed a variety of pelagic predators lately. Yellowfin and blackfin tuna have been dominating most boats’ hauls, but more and more dolphin are in the mix as well. Several mako sharks, wahoo, albacore, and king mackerel have also joined the catch in recent weeks.
One boat also released a blue marlin last week, and a few lingering bluefin tuna have been providing catch and release action as well.
Trolling ballyhoo has been producing the lion’s share of the action offshore.
Closer to the beaches, sound and nearshore bottom fishing has been providing anglers with catches of sea mullet, spot, croaker, gray trout, and white perch. Shrimp will tempt bites from all the bottom feeders.
Dave, of Skiligal Charters, reports that despite the news of Oregon Inlet’s closure to large commercial vessels, the charter fleet has had no issues with the navigability of the inlet lately.
The offshore bite in the area is turning on. Anglers have been hooking decent numbers of blackfin and yellowfin tuna on most trips, with a few dolphin and wahoo making surprise appearances as well. The boat also landed a mako shark last week.
A few bluefin tuna remaining in the area (200-300 lb. class) produced some catch and release fun for anglers last week as well.
All of the blue water gamefish are taking an interest in rigged ballyhoo.
