Carolina Beach June 24, 2004
Kelly, at Cape Fear Marine and Tackle, reports that king mackerel activity has picked up around the School House and 23 Mile Rock, with reports of multiple kings weighing around 15 to 20 lbs. Dolphin are as close as 20 miles from the beach, and they seem to be around any weed line they can find. Spanish fishing has slowed and allowed flounder fishing to take the spotlight, as flounder are being brought in from almost everywhere. Here at the shop we have weighed in multiple flounder weighing from 2 to 7 lbs. The trout are still scattered between the waterway and the river, but seem to be slowing on their bite.
Steve, at Seagull Bait and Tackle, reports that the fishing has been slow. It has resembled typical summer fishing, but this is too early for that pattern to start. The surf has had croakers, some blues, and a few small flounder. The piers are seeing some blues and also some spanish early in the mornings. Kure Beach Pier had a king that weighed in at over 30 lbs. Inside, flounder fishermen haven’t been finding too many fish or flounder of any size. The heaviest of the week that was weighed in went 6 lbs. The guys have been picking up only a few reds, a few blacks, and a few sheepshead. Most have been coming from the Cape Fear River. The trout have slowed, but there’s still a few down in the bays.
Capt. Dave Marshall, of Musicman Charters, reports that the gulf stream can still produce a little action, but you definitely have to work for it. The water temperature has gone up to about 82 degrees. He’s been locating a few tuna (40 to 50 lbs.), a few wahoo (20 to 30 lbs.), and more dolphin (15 to 25 lbs.) than anything. The king fishing was good until the NE winds. Boats were finding kings weighing from 8 to 12 lbs. at about 20 to 25 miles offshore. There have also been plenty of dolphin mixed in with the kings.
Capt. DaveTilley, of Wild River II Charters, reports that the gulf stream continues to produce with catches of tuna and lots of dolphin. The season in the stream will be coming to a close soon, so go get’em while the getting’s good. Offshore, dolphin have been plentiful and king mackerel have been caught in numbers this week. Pink and white seems to be the color of choice for the dolphin, and the kings are biting just about anything in the water. Inshore, spanish mackerel have been chewing with limit catches coming from both Carolina and Wrightsville Beaches. The grouper bite has been strong for the last several weeks. Gags are in as close 15 miles, with reds from 25 to 40 miles and scamps from 30+ miles. Cigar minnows, squid, and old shoelaces seem to be the baits of choice.
