Added on Thursday, September 13, 2012  Gary Hurley

Hatteras September 13, 2012

Dalton, of Hatteras Jack, reports that anglers are picking up some larger sea mullet and fat pompano in the local surf. Spot are showing up, and small puppy drum, croaker, and other bottom feeders are mixed in. Shrimp and bloodworms have been producing most of the action with the panfish.

Larger red drum are beginning to make their fall appearance along the northern beaches, and anglers are hooking most on large cut baits pinned to fishfinder rigs.

There are still plenty of flounder and speckled trout feeding in the new inlet and the sound. Live baits and a variety of soft plastics are tempting bites from the flatfish and specks.

Michael, of Rodanthe Pier, reports that anglers are hooking plenty of sea mullet, croaker, spot, pompano, and puppy drum (some keepers) while baiting double-drop bottom rigs with shrimp.

Some sheepshead are feeding around the pilings, where they’ll take an interest in sand fleas.

The spanish mackerel and bluefish bite was solid before the recent winds, and it should get back on track when the water calms down and clears up a bit.

Tammy, of Frank and Fran’s, reports that spot, croaker, sea mullet, pompano, puppy drum, and other bottom feeders are producing fast action in the local surf. Shrimp on double-drop rigs are tempting bites from all of them.

Some spanish mackerel and bluefish have been feeding around the Point when the water’s clear, and anglers are hooking them on metal casting jigs worked from the beach.

Back in the sound anglers are reporting good fishing for speckled and gray trout along with a few flounder and puppy drum while working soft plastics.

Cameron, of Frisco Tackle, reports that anglers are hooking small flounder and puppy drum along with the usual sea mullet, spot, and pompano in the local surf. Most of the fish are falling for shrimp and bloodworms on double-hook bottom rigs.

Some spanish mackerel and bluefish have been feeding around Hatteras Inlet and Cape Point, where anglers working metal casting jigs are finding plenty of action.

Kyle, of Frisco Rod and Gun, reports that anglers are hooking some sea mullet, pompano, smaller puppy drum, and bluefish in the surf from Avon to Hatteras. Shrimp are producing most of the action.

Some bluefish and spanish mackerel have been feeding within range of surf casters near Hatteras Inlet, and anglers are hooking them while working metal casting jigs.

Inshore anglers are reporting some excellent catch and release action with red drum in and near Hatteras Inlet. Large cut and dead baits or bucktails cast to fish that anglers spot cruising are the way to connect with the big reds.

Some flounder, puppy drum, and gray and speckled trout have also been rewarding anglers casting live baits and soft plastics in the sound.

The Hatteras Inlet offshore fleet is still finding plenty of wahoo action, with fish falling for both skirted ballyhoo and baitless high-speed trolling lures. A few dolphin, blackfin tuna, and sailfish have also been taking an interest in naked and skirted ballyhoo while boats are trolling the blue water.

Melinda, of Tradewinds Tackle, reports that anglers are hooking some spanish mackerel and bluefish on metal casting jigs that they’re working from the sand.

Bottom fishing in the surf is producing action with puppy drum, black drum, pompano, flounder, and more. Shrimp and cut baits are generating most of the action in the breakers.

The citation-class red drum bite is going strong in the sound, with good numbers of fish falling for bait and sight-cast bucktail jigs. Some cobia are in the mix along with the big reds.

There’s also been some decent flounder and speckled trout action in the sound lately, with soft plastic baits fooling most of the fish.

Spanish mackerel and bluefish are feeding in the sound and around the inlet, and trolled Clarkspoons are tough for them to turn down.