Hatteras – July 9, 2015
Ryan, of Hatteras Jack, reports that anglers are connecting with some slot and over-slot red drum while casting baits from the beach in Rodanthe. Cut baits and finger mullet are fooling most of the reds. Plenty of sharks are also around and falling for the cut baits.
Plenty of panfish like spot and croaker are biting smaller baits in the surf.
When clean water is within casting distance, anglers are also hooking some spanish mackerel while casting metal lures from the beachfront.
Flounder are feeding in the inlets and biting Gulp and live and strip baits.
Dave Gibson with the winning 52.2 lb. dolphin in the Hatteras Village Offshore Open. He landed the big fish while trolling with Capt. Rom Whitaker on the “Release” off Hatteras Inlet.
Scott, of The Fishin’ Hole, reports that surf casters are hooking spot, sea mullet, croaker, and other panfish while soaking small baits along the local beachfront. Some big pompano are mixed in when the water’s clean.
Bluefish are also feeding in the surf zone and finding anglers’ baits, and there’s been a decent bite of over-slot red drum for local beach fishermen as well.
Butch Spain, of Henderson, NC, with a dolphin that struck a ballyhoo under a blue/white Iland Lure while he was trolling near the Big Rock on the “Reel Motivation.”
Terry, of Rodanthe Pier, reports that anglers are connecting with good numbers of spot, croaker, sea mullet, and other bottom feeders.
Some bluefish and spanish mackerel are biting early and late in the day for anglers working lures like Gotcha plugs.
Live-baiters caught and released a 55” red drum last weekend and have seen some cobia and tarpon cruising by the end of the pier recently.
Sarah, of Frank and Fran’s, reports that anglers are still catching plenty of spot, sea mullet, and croaker while bottom fishing in the surf, with some pompano in the mix when the water’s clean.
There’s also been a good run of puppy drum for local surf casters recently.
Anglers working metal lures from the beachfront are connecting with spanish mackerel and some small bluefish when clean water is in casting range.
Some speckled trout and puppy drum are falling for artificials like Gulp baits in the sound.
Bob, of Frisco Tackle, reports that puppy drum, bluefish, sea mullet, and flounder have been making up much of the surf catch recently. Pompano are mixed in but haven’t been as large as in previous weeks. Cut baits, shrimp, squid, and bloodworms are fooling the fish in the breakers.
Anglers working artificial lures and soaking cut baits in the sound continue to find some action with red drum from slot to citation-size.
Kyle, of Frisco Rod and Gun, reports that surf anglers are connecting with sea mullet, pompano, and bluefish along Hatteras Island’s southern beaches. There’s also been some decent puppy drum action for anglers fishing at night.
Inshore boaters are connecting with plenty of over-slot red drum and a few smaller, legal fish.
Gray trout are also feeding in the sound and biting baits and artificials.
Boaters trolling Clarkspoons and other flashy lures ae connecting with plenty of spanish mackerel.
The local offshore fleet is hooking gaffer and bailer dolphin, wahoo, and blackfin tuna. Most are falling for ballyhoo paired with skirted trolling lures. Billfish are still in the mix as well, and boats have released sailfish and marlin over the past week.
JAM, of Teach’s Lair Marina, reports that the offshore fleet is seeing an improving wahoo bite along with dolphin and blackfin tuna right now.
Those trolling closer to the beaches are hooking big numbers of bluefish and spanish mackerel around Hatteras Inlet and along the beachfront.
Fishing in the sound has been producing plenty of puppy drum, flounder, and a few gray trout.
Local surf casters are reporting plenty of bluefish on both bait and metal casting lures.
Sea mullet, pompano, puppy drum, and flounder are all biting baits in the surf as well.
Jeremy, of Calypso Charters, reports that anglers are hooking big numbers of spanish mackerel while trolling near Hatteras Inlet.
Some king mackerel are feeding a bit further offshore and biting trolling rigs as well.
Amberjacks are schooled up at structure offshore and biting live baits and artificials.
Jay, of Bite Me Charters reports that anglers are hooking dolphin and blackfin tuna while trolling off Hatteras Inlet at present. Some wahoo are mixed in, and all three are biting naked and skirted ballyhoo.
