Hatteras July 14, 2011
Carey Foster, of TW’s Bait and Tackle, with a citation 22 lb., 8 oz. red grouper he hooked while fishing some structure off Hatteras Inlet on the “Miss Hatteras” out of Oden’s Dock.
Ryan, of Hatteras Jack, reports that the sheepshead bite is still on around the pilings of the Bonner Bridge, with sand fleas producing most of the action.
Strangely for July, some large (9+ lb.) bluefish have been feeding in the inlet and taking an interest in cut baits.
Decent numbers of keeper flounder are also looking for meals in Oregon Inlet, but large croakers have been making it tough to get a bait to the flatfish. Larger than usual live baits will give anglers better odds of hooking up with the flatties.
Surf anglers are hooking up with some pompano and sea mullet from the Buxton and Frisco beaches on shrimp and sand fleas. Croaker and spot are also in the mix.
Some bluefish and spanish mackerel are falling for metal lures worked from the beach when the SW winds lay down and the water clears.
The speckled trout bite is excellent in the sound right now, and anglers are hooking the fish on Gulp baits and other soft plastics around New Inlet and between the old barge off Rodanthe harbor and the shoreline.
Dolly, of Rodanthe Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are hooking some sea mullet, spot, croaker, and other bottom feeders on shrimp and bloodworms.
A few keeper flounder are falling for live baits fished on the bottom.
Anglers are decking some bluefish and spanish mackerel while working metal lures when the water is clean.
Ginger, of Frank and Fran’s Bait and Tackle, reports that surf casters have been finding action with sea mullet, pompano, and croaker while fishing shrimp and sand fleas just off the beaches in the wash.
Some flounder are also feeding just off the shoreline.
A few bluefish and spanish mackerel are falling for metal lures that anglers are working from the beaches early and late in the day, particularly when the water’s clean.
Teresa, of Avon Pier, reports that anglers are hooking some spot, croaker, sea mullet, and spadefish on bottom rigs baited with shrimp and bloodworms.
Some spanish mackerel and bluefish have been taking an interest in metal lures worked from the pier.
Live-baiters are hooking some blacktip sharks, and they landed a cobia (around 60 lbs.) last week.
Dan, of Red Drum Tackle, reports that surf anglers are hooking up with some sea mullet, spot, croaker, and pompano (including a 4 pounder last week) on shrimp and sand fleas.
Some bluefish and spanish mackerel are falling for metal lures worked from the beaches when the water’s clean.
Flounder are also feeding along the surf zone and will take an interest in Gulp baits, small live baits, and other offerings.
Rick Rowe, of Richmond, VA, with a 36" red drum he hooked in the Ocracoke surf. Photo courtesy of Tradewinds Bait and Tackle.
Kyle, of Frisco Rod and Gun, reports that surf fishermen are hooking up with some sea mullet and pompano on sand fleas and shrimp.
Speckled trout and flounder fishing have been solid for anglers working soft plastic baits in the sound.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish are feeding around the inlet and just offshore, where boats are hooking them while trolling small spoons.
Offshore, the dolphin bite remains consistent, and boats are seeing good numbers of sailfish. Some wahoo and amberjacks are also falling for trolled ballyhoo in the blue water.
JAM, of Teach’s Lair Marina, reports that the dolphin fishing remains strong for the Hatteras fleet, with limits or near-limits many days (and still some gaffers to 30+ lbs. mixed in with the bailers).
Spanish mackerel and plenty of bluefish are feeding along the beaches, and anglers are catching them while trolling spoons from boats and casting metal lures from the beaches when clean water is on shore.
Some sea mullet and large pompano (to 4 lbs.) are feeding along the beaches and biting sand fleas and shrimp.
Back in the sound, boats found some schooling red drum (over 50 lbs.) last week and hooked them while sight-casting bucktails and soft plastics.
The speckled trout bite is still on in the sound as well, and working soft plastic baits along channel edges and inshore structure is tempting bites from the specks.
Flounder are also falling for soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom in the sound.
Jay, of Bite Me Charters, reports that the dolphin fishing is still excellent off Hatteras Inlet (mostly bailers with a few gaffers mixed in). Good numbers of sailfish and a few white marlin are mixed in, and they all are falling for trolled ballyhoo.
Alan, of Tradewinds Bait and Tackle, reports that there’s been a bit of a yearling drum bite this past week, with anglers landing some of the fish (30-36”) up and down the Ocracoke beach. Sand fleas and cut baits are getting their attention, and the fish have been feeding just off the shoreline in the wash.
When the water’s clean, some pompano (many in the 2 lb. range) are feeding in the same areas and taking an interest in sand fleas. Black drum and sea mullet are taking the pomps’ place when the surf dirties up a bit.
