Added on Thursday, July 18, 2013  Gary Hurley

Hatteras July 18, 2013

Ryan, of Hatteras Jack, reports that anglers are still finding plenty of action with red drum (ranging from under to over-slot) on the sound side of the island between Avon and Rodanthe. Finger mullet and cut baits are fooling most of the reds.

Some speckled trout are also feeding in the sound and biting baits and soft plastic lures.

Surf casters are hooking sea mullet and bluefish around Rodanthe, with some pompano action further south.

Several cobia have been landed from Rodanthe Pier during the recent easterly winds.

Sheepshead are still looking for meals around the pilings of the Bonner Bridge. Dangling sand fleas, fiddler crabs, or mussels tight to the structure is the way to connect with the sheeps.

Terry, of Rodanthe Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are hooking good numbers of spot, croaker, sea mullet, and other panfish. Shrimp and bloodworms are fooling most of the bottom feeders.

The water is clearing up, and plug casters took advantage by catching some bluefish and spanish mackerel on Gotchas recently.

One cobia also fell for a Gotcha plug last week, and several more were hooked on live baits off the end of the pier.

Ginger, of Frank and Fran’s, reports that anglers are hooking some sea mullet, croaker, spot, and bluefish while casting bottom rigs baited with shrimp, cut baits, and bloodworms in the local surf. Some puppy drum are mixed in.

More puppies are on the feed in the sound, where anglers are hooking them on soft plastic baits and other artificials.

Ramp 43 and 44 have re-opened to off road vehicles, though anglers still must walk past a closure to get to the Point. Full access to the Point is expected to be restored in the next few weeks.

Beverly, of Frisco Tackle, reports that surf casters are finding action with sea mullet, black drum, spot, puppy drum, and some flounder. Shrimp, bloodworms, and cut baits on double-drop rigs are fooling most of the bottom feeders.

Puppy drum are also looking for meals in the sound, where anglers are hooking them on artificial and natural baits.

Kyle, of Frisco Rod and Gun, reports that anglers are hooking sea mullet, croaker, pompano, and puppy drum from Hatteras Island’s southern beaches. Shrimp, sand fleas, and other baits are fooling the bottom feeders.

A few citation-class red drum are feeding around Hatteras Inlet at night, and anglers are hooking them on cut baits pinned to fish finder rigs.

Inshore boats are connecting with large red drum and cobia in the sound, both while sight-casting to fish they spot and fishing cut and dead baits on the bottom.

Offshore trollers are hooking dolphin (with gaffers to 30+ lbs.), wahoo, and blackfin tuna while pulling ballyhoo and skirted lures in the Gulf Stream.

Some billfish are also around and taking an interest in the same baits and lures.

Jay, of Bite Me Charters, reports that anglers are still seeing some quality dolphin feeding off Hatteras Inlet. A few wahoo and king mackerel are in the mix, and all are taking an interest in skirted and naked ballyhoo.

Some blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish are also prowling the blue water, so anglers stand a decent chance of a billfish encounter while trolling as well.

Alan, of Tradewinds Tackle, reports that anglers are hooking some puppy drum and pompano in the Ocracoke surf. Shrimp and sand fleas are getting attention from both.

There’s been a summertime mix of catches inshore, with plenty of variety but not too many of any one species. Sheepshead, flounder, puppy drum, pompano, and more are feeding in the sound and taking an interest in anglers’ offerings.

A few cobia are still around and will bite sight-cast jigs or cut and dead baits on the bottom.

Bottom fishing around offshore wrecks is producing plenty of action with triggerfish.

Amberjacks are feeding in the same areas and will bite live baits or jigs.

Offshore trollers are still finding some dolphin as well.