Carolina Beach August 30, 2007
Seth, of Reel Bait and Tackle, reports that inshore anglers are catching flounder around structure in the ICW, Snow’s Cut, and Carolina Beach Inlet. Carolina-rigged finger mullet or Gulp Alive baits will both attract attention from the flatfish.
Flounder are also holding on nearshore structure like the Yaupon Reef. Live baits should produce results with these ocean flounder.
Gray trout are showing up on the same structure. Anglers can hook up with them by jigging Stingsilvers vertically over the structure. The nearshore structure is holding schools of spadefish as well. Strips of cannonball jelly are the best spade baits.
Sheepshead are feeding around bridge and dock pilings in the ICW, Snow’s Cut, and the river. One armed bandits (fiddler crabs) are the top sheepshead baits, and anglers should fish them tight to the structure for the best odds.
There are still some tarpon feeding on the shoals around the river mouth. These giants will take an interest in trolled live baits or cut and dead baits fished on the bottom.
Spanish mackerel are feeding nearshore, but the action has been sporadic. Trolling Clarkspoons will attract attention from the mackerel when boats can find them.
Kings have moved offshore, and the king action is best at spots five miles or more offshore. Live baits are tops for the kings, but anglers can also hook up by trolling dead cigar minnows.
A few sailfish should still be around. They’re feeding in the same areas as the kings, and they may surprise anglers dragging live baits for the mackerel.
The hot water has brought some wahoo inshore of the Gulf Stream. Anglers have caught several wahoo in the 20 mile range lately.
Bruce, of Flat Dawg Charters, reports that anglers are still landing plenty of 2-6 lb. flounder from the nearshore reefs. John’s Creek, Sheepshead Rock, and the Marriott are all producing good catches.
Gray trout are schooled up and feeding at the same structure. Anglers may catch a few while flounder fishing, but those who want to target the grays should jig Stingsilvers near the reefs. Tipping the lure with a piece of cut bait will get the trout’s attention even better than the naked spoon.
The flounder are also feeding well in the southern part of the Cape Fear River, and a few fish are coming from Snow’s Cut, the inlet, and the ICW.
Carolina-rigged finger mullet are the top baits for the flounder whether inshore or in the ocean.
Chopper bluefish (up to 10 lbs.) and some red drum are feeding in Snow’s Cut and surprising anglers drifting for flounder.
The structure around Snow’s Cut Bridge is holding plenty of sheepshead. Some of the sheeps are 6+ lbs., and one armed bandits (fiddler crabs) are the top baits.
Brad, of Fish Spanker Charters, reports that big scamp and gag grouper have been highlighting the bottom fishing catch recently. Anglers have landed scamps up to nearly 20 lbs. recently, and both live and cut baits are drawing the grouper bites.
Amberjacks in the 50 lb. class are feeding at the same structure, and they’re providing anglers with tough battles all the way to the surface.
The grouper and amberjack action has been best at structure 35-40 miles offshore.
Big beeliners are holding above bottom structure from 32 miles offshore on out. Cut squid or other small baits are top choices for the beeliners’ small mouths.
Aside from the grouper and beeliners, bottom fishermen are landing triggerfish, sea bass, and a variety of other species.
King mackerel are feeding from nearshore structure out to around 30+ miles offshore. The largest fish are holding further offshore than the snakes and teenagers. Boats are also landing a few dolphin while trolling for the kings.
Lauren, of Kure Beach Pier, reports that some flounder are feeding near the pier. Live mud minnows are producing the best results with the flatfish.
Anglers bottom fishing with shrimp are landing some whiting.
Plug casters are hooking up with some bluefish but not many spanish mackerel.
