Carolina Beach Winter 2012-2013
Luke Donat, of Donat Marine Solutions in Wilmington, with 4.0 and 4.3 lb. speckled trout that fell for a pink Yo-Zuri Crystal Shrimp in the upper-Cape Fear River in mid-December.
Dennis, of Island Tackle and Hardware, reports that speckled trout are the big story in the area right now, with anglers putting together solid catches in Carolina Beach Inlet, the yacht basin, and around docks and other structure in the Cape Fear River. Live shrimp have been producing by far the best results, but anglers are catching some on D.O.A. soft plastic baits, MirrOlures, and other artificials. The trout action should continue to be good for weeks to come barring any severe cold snaps.
Some specks are also biting in the surf zone, where MirrOlures are producing the best results.
Black and red drum are schooled up around docks in the ICW and boat basin, with more fish feeding in the lower Cape Fear River. Gulp baits and other soft plastics along with fresh shrimp are the best bets for both red and black drum as the water temperatures drop.
King mackerel have pushed offshore to their wintering grounds off Frying Pan Tower, and they’ll likely be in the area as long as water is in the 70 degree range. Boats trolling dead cigar minnows found excellent action with the kings last week, and Drone spoons and strip baits are also effective offerings.
Mark Miller, of Carolina Beach, with a gag grouper that he hooked on a Blue Water Candy Roscoe jig at some bottom structure 30 miles off Carolina Beach while fishing with his son Nick on the “Raw Fish.”
Those boats making the run to the Gulf Stream are finding plenty of action with wahoo (with several in the 40-60 lb. range weighed in last week) and some blackfin tuna. Both skirted ballyhoo and baitless trolling lures are attracting attention from the blue water predators.
Robert, of Carolina Explorer, reports that anglers are still catching solid numbers of speckled trout in Carolina Beach Inlet. Interestingly, the fish will be nearly all keepers (with some to 4+ lbs.) one day and nearly all short the next, with no discernible pattern on the big fish. Both soft plastic grubs and MirrOlures are tempting them to bite in the inlet.
Some larger specks are schooled up with red drum in the surf zone, so anglers casting to a group of reds may connect with a head-shaking surprise.
Big numbers of speckled trout are still feeding to the north of the area, so even if it gets very cold, anglers should see the trout bite continue for quite a while.
Good numbers of red drum are feeding in creeks off the lower Cape Fear River (with many undersized but keepers in the mix). Working Gulp shrimp slowly along the bottom has been producing plenty of action with the reds, and live mud minnows or fresh shrimp will also get the job done. Some black drum are mixed in, and the reds should be in the creeks for the majority of the winter.
MacKenzie Meyer, of Havelock, NC, with a 6.8 lb. flounder that bit a live mullet in the Cape Fear River while she was fishing with Scott Hampton.
Jeff, of Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that anglers are catching plenty of red drum (with some upper-slot fish) in the lower Cape Fear River. Most of the fish are feeding around oyster bars and deeper holes in the creeks off the main river. Gulp baits and fresh shrimp are both attracting attention from the reds, and also fooling good numbers of black drum feeding in the same areas.
The striped bass bite is getting started in the Cape Fear around downtown Wilmington. Casting and trolling diving plugs and swimbaits around drop-offs, creekmouths, bridges, and other structure is the best bet for anglers looking to connect with the stripers (which must be caught and released).
Jim, of Plan 9 Charters, reports that the speckled trout bite has been stellar in the Cape Fear River lately, with the best action up near Wilmington. Black and red drum, flounder, and striped bass are feeding in the same areas, so there’s a good possibility of an inshore slam right now. White Gulp shrimp are producing most of the action.
Offshore, gag grouper are feeding at bottom structure in 60-70’ of water and should continue to be active until their season shuts down January 1. Sardines, cigar minnows, and northern mackerel are tempting bites from the gags.
