Pamlico May 26, 2011
Ben Bahr, from Lake Waccamaw, NC, with a Roanoke River striped bass he hooked on a 4" paddletail grub while fishing with Capt. Richard Andrews of Tar-Pam Guide Service.
Gary, of Spec Fever Guide Service, reports that the striped bass bite around New Bern has slowed a bit, but the fishing is still excellent, particularly early in the days.
Topwater fishing in the shallow areas has been solid for the first hour or two of daylight lately, and walking and popping-style plugs are both proving effective.
Later in the mornings, the action shifts to the deeper channel edges and bridge pilings, and soft plastics like D.O.A. CAL series baits are the way to go to hook up.
Downriver, the redfish and speckled trout bite is still sporadic in the creeks and along the shorelines from Oriental to the sound. There’s been a massive influx of bait in the area over the past week, so it shouldn’t be long before the reds, trout, and flounder turn on for summer. Fishing live and cut finger mullet along the river shorelines and creekmouths has been the most effective tactic for the reds and specks lately.
Large schools of pup and yearling drum have been sighted around Ocracoke Inlet lately, and they should soon be working their way across the sound and into the river system.
Dave, of Minnesott Beach Bait and Tackle, reports that the striped bass fishing around New Bern remains solid, though the season is closed and it’s all catch-and-release.
Further downriver, the fish are moving into a summer pattern and it’s been a searching game lately. Some puppy drum and speckled trout are feeding along the river shorelines down towards the sound, and cut baits on Carolina rigs are getting attention from both.
Anglers are connecting with decent numbers of flounder in some of the upper creeks near the sounds, but it’s important to remember to make sure they’re above the new 15” size limit before putting any in the coolers. Soft plastics like Deep Creek and Gulp baits have been producing the majority of the action with the flatfish.
Jim Doerr with a 50" red drum he hooked while fishing the shoals near Ocracoke Inlet with Capt. Norman Miller on the "Rascal." Photo courtesy of Tradewinds Bait and Tackle.
Richie, of East Side Bait and Tackle, reports that anglers are connecting with some flounder, speckled trout, and puppy drum while casting Gulp baits (with sugar spice/glow the hot color) in the creeks downriver towards the sounds.
The topwater striped bass bite around New Bern is still solid in the early mornings.
Donald, of Custom Marine and Sports, reports that dolphin have moved inshore of the Gulf Stream to the area around the 14 Buoy (where a large wahoo was caught last week as well). Rigged ballyhoo are the prime baits for the dolphin.
Cobia are still cruising the beach on both sides of Cape Lookout, and anglers can hook the cobes on bucktails tipped with large soft plastic trailers when they sight them.
Spanish mackerel are feeding along the beaches as well, and anglers should be able to put together good numbers while trolling Clarkspoons and other small lures within a few miles of shore.
Closer to home, there’s been a decent flounder, puppy drum, and speckled trout bite in the creeks towards the sound. Gulp baits have been attracting attention from the flatfish and pups, and MR17 MirrOlures have been tops for the trout lately.
