Hatteras November 15, 2012
Mary Graybeal, of Newport News, VA, and mate Cat Peele with a 40 lb. yellowfin tuna that struck a ballyhoo under a blue/white sea witch near the 230 Rock while they were trolling off Hatteras Inlet near the 230 Rock with Capt. Jay Kavanagh on the “Bite Me.”
Jim, of Hatteras Jack, reports that anglers are hooking big numbers of puppy drum along with some speckled trout from the local beachfront. Both cut baits on bottom rigs and artificials like soft plastics and MirrOlures have been tempting bites from the trout and pups.
Anglers fishing cut baits around Cape Point are hooking an occasional citation-class red drum.
Fishing has slowed in the sound as the water temperatures have taken a sharp dip.
Tammy, of Frank and Fran’s, reports that big numbers of puppy drum are feeding along the beachfront, along with some bluefish and fat speckled trout. Anglers are hooking all three on bottom rigs and while working artificial lures like Gulp and MirrOlures.
Spot, sea mullet, croaker, and other panfish are taking an interest in shrimp, smaller cut baits, and Fish Bites on bottom rigs in the surf.
The water’s 58 degrees, and the action should remain relatively consistent until the water temperatures drop below the low-50’s.
Josh, of Rodanthe Pier, reports that there’s been a solid puppy drum bite off the pier lately. Some sea mullet, black drum, and speckled trout are also in the mix, and all are taking an interest in cut baits.
Kyle, of Frisco Rod and Gun, reports that surf casters are hooking speckled trout along the Frisco beach (with some 4-5+ lbs.). MirrOlures and soft plastic baits have been fooling the specks. A 28” striped bass was also landed this past week by a Frisco angler.
Anglers at Hatteras, Buxton, and Avon are connecting with some puppy drum, sea mullet, bluefish, and a few specks, both on bait and artificials.
Richard Deaver, of Oak Island, with a double hookup of keeper flounder that fell for shrimp and cut mullet in the Cape Lookout Surf.
Inshore boats are finding big numbers of puppy drum in the sound near Hatteras Inlet.
The inlet’s offshore fleet has been seeing excellent blackfin tuna fishing on many recent days. A surprising number of dolphin are also still in the mix for November. Scattered yellowfin tuna and wahoo are also falling for trolled baits in the blue water off the inlet, and billfish (like sailfish and white and blue marlin) are also still a possibility.
Russ, of Frisco Tackle, reports that anglers are hooking a lot of puppy drum around Frisco Pier (most undersized but with keepers in the mix).
Some speckled trout and flounder have been in the mix with the pups, and all are taking an interest in Gulp baits, with double jig head rigs the most effective.
Some small bluefish are falling for cut baits in the local surf.
Jay, of Bite Me Sportfishing, reports that fall fishing is in full swing offshore of Hatteras Inlet. Tuna have started to be the big news, with yellowfins (to 50 lbs.) and blackfins (a few 30+ lbs.) competing for the baits. Ballyhoo under light-colored sea witch skirts are getting most of the bites, and anglers are also hooking up while trolling spreader bars.
Some late-season dolphin are still around and providing a nice bonus catch to the tunas.
The best fishing of late has been out to the east of the inlet around Diamond Shoals Tower.
Alan, of Tradewinds Tackle, reports that last week’s rough weather produced some solid fishing, and it should continue.
Surf casters are connecting with puppy drum (most short but some to 20”), black drum, and a few speckled trout and flounder on cut baits and artificials.
Some sea mullet and big numbers of pufferfish are taking an interest in shrimp and smaller baits on double-drop rigs.
