Added on Thursday, July 19, 2012  Fish Post

Hatteras July 19, 2012

Jim, of Hatteras Jack, reports that anglers are still connecting with good numbers of flounder in the new inlet (with plenty of smaller fish but keepers in the mix as well). Gulp baits are fooling most of the flatfish.

Surf casters are hooking plenty of spot, sea mullet, and croaker on shrimp and bloodworms from the local beaches. Some pompano are in the mix to the south.

Some tarpon have been cruising past the end of the pier over the past week.

Sheepshead are feeding around the pilings of the Bonner Bridge, where anglers are hooking them on sand fleas fished tight to the structure.

And the speckled trout bite continues to be good in Pamlico Sound. Gulp baits and other soft plastics are the way to connect with the specks.

 

Josh, of Rodanthe Pier, reports that spot, croaker, and sea mullet are making up most of the action for bottom fishermen. Shrimp and bloodworms will fool all three.

Sheepshead are feeding around the pilings and will bite sand fleas.

Bluefish and a few spanish mackerel have been taking an interest in Gotcha plugs worked from the pier at times over the past week.

Live baiters landed a 33 lb. king mackerel and a 42 lb. jack crevalle last week.

 

Anne, of Frank and Fran’s, reports that a lot of sea mullet and smaller bluefish are making up much of the catch in the local surf. Some spot and croaker are also in the mix, and bloodworms have been the most productive baits for all the bottom feeders recently.

 

Beverly, of Frisco Tackle, reports that sea mullet, some pompano, and bluefish are producing most of the action for surf casters right now. Shrimp, sand fleas, and cut baits will get their attention.

Working soft plastics and live baits back in the sound has been producing some action with puppy drum and speckled trout.

 

Kyle, of Frisco Rod and Gun, reports that the Hatteras offshore fleet is still finding good dolphin fishing off the inlet. A few wahoo are mixed in with the ‘phins.
The billfish bite has been solid offshore lately as well, with good numbers of sailfish and blue and white marlin releases.

Skirted and naked ballyhoo are producing the lion’s share of the blue water action.
Bottom fishing around offshore structure is producing good action with tilefish and grouper.

Boats trolling around Hatteras Inlet are hooking up with plenty of bluefish and spanish mackerel on Clarkspoons.

Inshore boats are hooking up with some speckled and gray trout while fishing the sound.

Large red drum and cobia are also feeding in the sound and falling for bucktail jigs, menhaden, and other baits.

Surf casters are finding plenty of action with sea mullet and pompano while casting bottom rigs baited with shrimp and sand fleas from the Frisco and Hatteras beaches. Some flounder and bluefish have been mixed in around Buxton.

 

Jay, of Bite Me Sportfishing, reports that the dolphin bite is still going off Hatteras inlet, with mostly bailers but a few gaffers still in the mix. Trolled ballyhoo or squid and cut baits pitched to the smaller fish are putting the ‘phins in the boat.

The billfish bite has been solid for the local fleet over the past week. Anglers are releasing good numbers of sailfish and a few white and blue marlin. Naked and skirted ballyhoo are tempting the bites from the billfish.

 

Melinda, of Tradewinds Tackle, reports that surf fishing has been a bit slow lately, but anglers are connecting with some sea mullet, croaker, and scattered puppy drum and smaller bluefish. Shrimp, sand fleas, and cut baits are producing most of the action in the breakers.

Inshore fishing has been better over the past week. Anglers chumming and bottom fishing are reporting some decent catches of cobia.
Flounder and speckled trout are falling for live baits and soft plastics worked along the shorelines and shoals in the sound.

Offshore, anglers are hooking dolphin and a few billfish while trolling ballyhoo in the Gulf Stream. Amberjacks and triggerfish are providing action on the wrecks between the beach and the Stream.