Hatteras – March 23, 2017
Blake, of Hatteras Jack, reports that from the inlet to Avon, anglers have been catching mullet, blow toads, and small bluefish. They’re using cut bait, mostly small pieces of shrimp.
Puppy drum have been reported from Buxton to Frisco, with maybe 2-3 citations reported from the Point. Target the reds with grubs on jigheads.
The Point has held sharks all winter, and it’s a go-to for anyone looking for some surf action. Chuck out some cut bait to connect.
There’s been a few stripers caught in the sound here and there, but the fish haven’t returned to the surf. The striper action in general is considerably down from last year.
Finger mullet are starting to show up in the sounds, so it’s a matter of time before the bite begins to pick back up.
Bonnie Charron, of Hurlock, MD, with a 20” speckled trout that fell for cut bait near Frisco Pier.
The Rodanthe Pier is currently closed but will reopen for the season April 8.
Ginger, of Frank and Fran’s, reports a puppy drum bite at the Point, with anglers catching the reds on cut mullet.
Anglers have also found success with sea mullet and pufferfish in the surf around Buxton on cut mullet and shrimp.
The blues have started showing back up, and there are plenty of sharks around for anglers to practice on until warmer weather moves in.
Avon Fishing Pier is currently under repair and will reopen in mid-April.
Brian, of Frisco Tackle, reports that anglers hitting the waters around the Frisco Pier are having success with cut shrimp. Black drum, sheepshead, and sea mullet (up to 1 lb.) have been reported.
The red drum action has picked up in the waters near Teach’s Lair Marina, and anglers are having success landing the reds on shrimp.
Pat, of Teach’s Lair, reports that the boats that are able to get offshore have been connecting with blackfin tuna and black sea bass. Weather has made it difficult for much of the fleet to get away from the docks, though.
The surf has been rough, but anglers braving the elements have connected with puppy drum and bluefish.
Jay, of Bite Me Sportfishing, reports that when the warmer weather in February moved in, anglers were connecting with blackfin tuna off Hatteras. Trolling and jigging were both successful in connecting with the tuna. Jigging also produced jacks, sharks, and albacores.
Bill, of Predator Sport Fishing, reports that tuna is providing most of the action in the Hatteras area. Recently, a 500 lb. bluefin was caught on ballyhoo, between Hatteras and Oregon Inlet. Anglers have also been successful jigging for the big fish, and a 71” fish was recently landed on a popper.
Those trolling ballyhoo, and not finding luck with the bluefin, can expect to connect with scattered blackfin and yellowfin tuna that are also in the area.
Tradewinds Bait and Tackle should reopen around Easter weekend.
