Hatteras/Ocracoke – November 2023
Mark, of Hatteras Jack, reports that surf anglers have been catching a good mix of puppy and slot-sized red drum. Some of the big bull drum are around, but most are being caught off the piers. A ton of bluefish are on the beaches near and in Hatteras Inlet. The sound side water temperatures have been quickly cooling off, and this has the speckled trout on the move. Anglers are having success fishing both topwater plugs and popping cork setups.
Jim, of Rodanthe Pier, reports that fishing has been really good, with anglers catching a variety of species. Bottom rigs with fresh baits have been enticing bites from pompano, sea mullet, black drum, and pufferfish. Casting plugs has produced bluefish and false albacore. Red drum fishing has been strong, especially with all the rougher conditions. Anglers have found good numbers of slot-sized fish, with runs of over-slots also moving through.
Aaron Watkins, of Thomasville, NC, caught this red drum from the surf in Cape Hatteras using cut mullet.
Heather, of Frank and Fran’s, reports that there is a lot of action going on in the surf. Pretty good numbers of pompano are being caught for this late in the fall, with citation-class fish (to 3+ lbs.) in the mix. The same smaller bottom rig setups fished with shrimp are producing black drum, sea mullet, spot, pufferfish, gray trout, and croakers. Cut baits are enticing strikes from both puppy-sized and over-slot red drum (to 30”+), and these same cut baits have also hooked into some large sharks. Soundside fishing efforts are producing speckled trout, puppy drum, and plenty of bluefish.
Keith, of Avon Pier, reports that anglers have been catching a really good class of pompano (to 2+ lbs.). Red drum have been the big news, with the action being strong for most of October. Anglers found good numbers of both puppy drum and big drum moving through, with the bite thriving as a result of the stirred-up water conditions. Kristi, of Frisco Rod & Gun, reports that anglers have been catching a lot of bluefish in the surf. A decent number of puppy drum are around as well for those anglers fishing cut baits.
Victoria, of Teach’s Lair, reports that inshore anglers have been catching a bunch of bluefish and scattered red drum. Offshore trips have been far between, with most of October seeing unfavorable wind patterns. Based on landings from those that were able to get out, expect to see some strong wahoo action in the coming weeks. This time of year also provides great opportunities to catch large king mackerel with live baits, and blackfin tuna will also be mixed in the action.
Joey, of Fingeance Sportfishing, reports that speckled trout fishing has been really good for anglers fishing soft plastics. A smaller (3”) Z-Man MinnowZ in the Slam Shady color patterns has been one of the top favorites. A lot of bluefish are hanging around the inlet and back into the sound. Red drum are still very active, with cut baits being the most productive way to target them.
Lynn Dillard, of Taylorsville, NC, hauled in this wahoo near the point of Oregon Inlet using a ballyhoo. She was fishing with Capt. Jack Graham of Afishionado Charters.
Jay, of Bite Me Sportfishing, reports that anglers are starting to see some nice-sized wahoo on the days that boats are able to get offshore. Mixed in the action are sailfish and some late season dolphin. Blackfin tuna have been a bit scattered, but there’s good quality to the fish that are hitting. Jeremy, of Calypso Sportfishing, reports that anglers are starting to see some really good live bait action on king mackerel. Early October was loaded with unfavorable winds, but offshore runs when able have produced some nice-sized blackfin tuna, wahoo, and scattered sailfish.
Kristen, of Tradewinds Tackle, reports that surf anglers have been catching a bunch of bluefish. The action has been wild, with these aggressive blues pushing bait right onto the beach as they blitz the surf zone. Bottom fishing has been producing sea mullet and some larger throwback flounder. The best red drum action has been in the dark hours, either after sunset or right before sunrise, and anglers are seeing both slot and over-slot reds. Offshore anglers are catching wahoo, blackfin tuna, scattered mahi, and nice-sized sailfish.
