Carolina Beach – November 17, 2016
Red, of Island Tackle and Hardware, reports that the inshore trout bite has been the real focus of anglers, with specks taking live shrimp and artificials, such as Gulp and Z-Man.
A few flounder have been caught on Gulp, with fish up to 10 lbs. reported. Anglers should target deep holes for the larger flatfish. Redfish are still around, as anglers are reporting fish ranging from rat reds up to over-slot bulls in the 30-40” range. Most of these fish are being caught on cut bait.
Sheepshead are biting under the Snow’s Cut Bridge and around structure. Live shrimp and fiddler crabs are producing the most bites, but they are also taking cut shrimp. Multiple sheepshead up to10 lbs. have been weighed in.
Black drum are abundant in the local waters, such as back in the creeks and bays around oyster beds. Use shrimp to target these crustacean lovers.
Surf anglers have reported bluefish, a few whiting, and pompano in the surf.
Nearshore anglers are connecting with a few cobia (catch and release) while king fishing.
The king bite has slowed nearshore, and the spanish bite has shut down.
Offshore in the 20+ mile range, anglers are reporting mahi, wahoo, sailfish, and blackfin tuna on the troll. Black/purple and black/pink skirted ballyhoo have proven effective.
Those dropping a line down to bottom fish have connected with grouper and snapper in the same areas.
Ricky Apple with a bull red drum caught in the Carolina Beach surf on a spot head.
Christian, of Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that there are good numbers of black drum and speckled trout in the area, with a few reds mixed in. Search for the black drum in back creeks near oyster beds and deeper holes, and target the drum with fresh shrimp on a Carolina rig. The black drum have been between 12-16” on average, with some larger fish mixed in, and most of the red drum have been under-slot reds.
The trout have been holding near grass points, and they can be targeted with Z-Man soft plastics, such as Trout Tricks. Expect the fish to range anywherefrom 10-22”.
Clark Smith, of Atlanta, GA, with a 68 lb. wahoo caught while trolling in 200 of water north of the Same Ol Hole. The fish ate a Blue Water Candy skirted ballyhoo while fishing with Capt. Mike Jackson of Live Line Charters.
Luke, of TopWater Guide Co., reports that the trout bite has been strong, with fish falling for Down South soft plastics in lighter colors, like white, pink, and light purple. Anglers are connecting with good numbers of fish, and most of the specks have been in the 16-22” range. Find the clear water, and target areas 4-10’ deep.
Red and black drum have been hanging out in the back creeks. The reds are taking soft plastics and Gulp, and the black drum have been hitting cut shrimp. Look for oyster points with nearby holes. The black drum are coming in between 14-18”, and the reds are between 16-21”.
False albacore are still off the beach for those looking for a fight, and anglers should throw Shore Lures and Diamond jigs to hook the fish.
Rod, of OnMyWay Charters, reports that with the cooling water, the prime king mackerel fishing has moved offshore. Anglers are still catching scattered kings around 10 miles off, but the upcoming cooler temperatures should push them out into the 15-20 mile range, where the water is still around 68-69 degrees.
Bottom fishing remains good, with the gag grouper bite still strong in the 10-12 mile range. Those looking for the best bite, though, will need to travel out to 18-24 miles.
There hasn’t been too much action in the Stream, but the bite reported has been wahoo and blackfin. Troll ballyhoo around temperature breaks to connect with the fish.
Jesse, of Ocean Stinger Fishing Charters, reports that king mackerel and false albacore are still being caught a few miles off the beach. Look for diving birds and bait marking on top of structure to find the majority of the fish.
The king bite is best between 6-18 miles off the beach. Fish live bait or slow troll dead cigar minnows to hook the mackerel (most in the 10-15 lb. range). Drone/Eco spoons on a #2 planer have also been successful in hooking the fish during tide changes, with most fish between 20-25 lbs.
The grouper bite has been slow but steady, with the 20 mile range being the best location to catch keeper bottom fish. Use whole cigar minnows to tempt bites from the aggressive bottom fish.
Anthony, of Kure Beach Pier, reports that anglers bottom fishing are connecting with whiting, and the fall spot run has finally started.
Anglers fishing the end of the pier have caught kings, along with red drum.
Donna, of Carolina Beach Pier, reports that anglers are mostly connecting with Virginia mullet, though an early morning run of spots has been reported.
A few kings have also been landed over the past few weeks.
