Hatteras July 21, 2011
Paul Edwards, from Dobson, NC, with a 19” flounder that fell for a Gulp swimming mullet on a Hatteras Jack jighead while he was fishing near Hatteras Inlet with Capt. Doug Barker of Soundside Excursions.
Eddie, of Hatteras Jack, reports that surf casters are connecting with some spot, croaker, sea mullet, and pompano from the beaches. Shrimp and bloodworms on bottom rigs are producing the most action, but the larger sea mullet and pompano tend to favor sand fleas.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish are feeding just off the beaches, and anglers are connecting with some while working metal lures from the sand and piers early and late in the day. The Point is once again open for pedestrian access, and the spanish bite should be on fire down there.
Boats are also finding fast action with the spaniards while trolling Clarkspoons just off Oregon Inlet and the beaches.
In the inlet, sheepshead and black drum are feeding along the pilings of the bridge, and both will take an interest in sand flea baits.
The speckled trout bite is still excellent in the sound near Rodanthe, and most of the fish are falling for Gulp baits and other soft plastics.
Kathleen, of Rodanthe Pier, reports that anglers are hooking up with some spot, croaker, sea mullet, spadefish, and pompano while bottom fishing from the pier. Shrimp, bloodworms, and sand fleas are getting the job done.
Some bluefish are feeding near the pier, and they will attack small metal lures.
Malcolm, of Frank and Fran’s Bait and Tackle, reports that anglers are connecting with sea mullet, spot, croaker, and pompano up and down the beaches while bottom fishing with shrimp, bloodworms, and sand fleas.
The Point is once again open for anglers, and some puppy drum, pompano, and spanish mackerel have been hooked in the vicinity.
The spanish bite has also been decent from the beach down near Hatteras Inlet.
Speckled trout, flounder, and some schooling puppy drum are feeding in the sound, and all will take an interest in soft plastic baits.
Earl, of Avon Pier, reports that bluefish, spanish mackerel, and a few small cobia are taking an interest in Gotcha plugs and other metal lures worked from the pier.
Bottom fishermen are finding plenty of action with spot and croaker while baiting up with shrimp and bloodworms.
Dan, of Red Drum Tackle, reports that anglers can drive to the Point again. Surf casters there and elsewhere along the beach are finding action with spot, croaker, sea mullet, and pompano. Most of the action is coming on shrimp, bloodworms, and sand fleas.
Bluefish and a few spanish mackerel are falling for metal lures worked from the beach early and late in the day.
There’s also been a decent flounder bite in the surf, where Gulp baits, small live baits, and strips of cut bait will tempt bites from the flatfish.
Randy, Stephen, and Trent Strickland and crew, of Gloucester and Hampton, VA, display the flags for a grand slam plus an additional blue marlin they released (along with dolphin and blackfin tuna) while trolling ballyhoo off Hatteras Inlet with Capt. Jay Kavanagh and mate Jeremy Hicks on the "Bite Me."
Kyle, of Frisco Rod and Gun, reports that sea mullet, pompano, and spot have been providing most of the action in the surf lately. Shrimp, bloodworms, and sand fleas will get their attention.
Some spanish mackerel and bluefish are feeding within range of surf casters around Hatteras Inlet, and they’ll strike small metal lures early and late in the day.
Boats fishing the sound are connecting with good numbers of red drum, flounder, and speckled trout.
The offshore fleet is still finding a decent dolphin bite, a few wahoo, and solid billfishing, tallying good numbers of sailfish and white marlin releases and a few blue marlin.
JAM, of Teach’s Lair Marina, reports that the dolphin bite remains excellent off Hatteras Inlet (with some big bulls mixed in with the bailers). Some wahoo are also feeding in the blue water, and both are taking an interest in skirted ballyhoo.
Most of the big pompano have moved north, but surf casters are still catching a few.
The spanish mackerel and bluefish bite has been decent from the surf near the inlet, and anglers are hooking the fish while casting small metal lures early and late in the day.
Cody, of Tradewinds Tackle, reports that the pompano bite has slowed down a bit, but anglers are still catching a few on sand fleas fished right in the wash.
Bluefish and a few spanish mackerel are falling for metal lures worked from the beaches.
A few puppy drum and an occasional yearling (30-40”) drum are falling for sand fleas and other baits in the surf, too.
Boaters are still catching plenty of spanish mackerel while trolling spoons in the sound and just off the beachfront.
Offshore, boats are connecting with good numbers of amberjack and a few tuna.
Jay, of Bite Me Charters, reports that the billfish action is excellent off Hatteras Inlet right now. Anglers released a grand slam (sailfish, blue marlin, and white marlin) last week, with an additional blue marlin.
Decent numbers of dolphin are still in the mix with the billfish, and a few blackfin tuna are also feeding in the area. All the offshore predators are taking an interest in skirted and naked ballyhoo.
