Morehead/Atlantic Beach – July 2024
Nick, of Chasin’ Tails, reports that surf anglers have been catching decent numbers of spanish mackerel and bluefish while throwing smaller metal jigs (3/4-1.5 oz.) at fish that move within range. Bottom fishing with shrimp is producing sea mullet, red drum, and a few pompano.
The local piers are seeing plenty of spanish mackerel and bluefish action by those casting Gotcha plugs and metal jigs.
Inshore anglers are finding a few red drum and some speckled trout while fishing topwater plugs early in the morning. As the day moves on, live shrimp under a cork has continued to produce strikes, though this will also attract plenty of non-target species.
Sheepshead fishing has been decent, with most caught on live fiddlers around bridges and hard structures.
Nearshore anglers have been catching a bunch of spanish mackerel, though the bigger fish have been harder to come by. A handful of small king mackerel are mixed in with the spanish along the beaches.
The deeper bottom areas are holding some large triggerfish and plenty of vermilion snapper. Offshore anglers have been finding decent numbers of smaller dolphin in the 30-40 mile range.
Billfishing action has been excellent. Anglers are reporting a mix of all species (blues, whites, and sailfish).
Brian Thomas, of Hamilton, NC, found this triggerfish in 110′ of water out of Beaufort Inlet using a piece of squid on a bottom rig.
Joe, of Carolina Traditions Guide Co., reports that nearshore anglers are finding some bigger spanish mackerel while fishing live baits around the ARs. Trolling spoons will also produce plenty of action, though many of these are the smaller class of fish. Sight-casting for spanish mackerel has been pretty tough. The fish seem to be holding in smaller groups and not staying on the surface very long.
Plenty of bluefish are being caught around the shoals, and some cobia are still hanging around under turtles or bait balls.
Inshore anglers getting out on the water early with topwater plugs have produced some speckled trout. Target grass flats around the inlet for the best chances of success.
A few sheepshead have been on these same grass flats (in 3.5’+) and around oyster rocks.
The inshore red drum bite has been sub-par this year.
Chris, of Mount Maker Charters, reports that the typical inshore species have been cooperating, including red drum, sheepshead, and black drum.
Off the beach, anglers are finding plenty of spanish mackerel and bluefish while both trolling and sight casting jigs.
The nearshore ARs are holding sharks, spadefish, and king mackerel.
The deeper structures feature all sorts of bottom fish through these summer months, including black sea bass, triggerfish, grunts, porgies, various shallow water grouper, and amberjack.
When fishing over the live bottoms or ARs, keep out a free-lined live bait to attract attention from a roaming king mackerel or dolphin.
Justin, of Breakday Charters, reports that inshore anglers have been finding a nice mix of red drum and speckled trout in the ICW, marshes, and rivers. Early mornings and evenings have been best for anglers rigged with popping corks and Vudu shrimp.
As water temperatures continue to reach summertime temperatures, live bait really becomes the top option, with some anglers adding crustaceans to bring black drum and sheepshead into the catches.
Spanish mackerel (both school-sized and jumbo) are out along the beaches, and some excellent casting opportunities are popping up around the inlets. Slow-trolling live baits over nearshore structure will work for targeting king mackerel and the jumbo spanish mackerel.
The 80-100’ depth range offers the opportunity for mahi and king mackerel, with a real chance of a sailfish or wahoo showing up. Trolling ballyhoo will produce strikes from any of these species.
When the bite slows down, switch over to the bottom for good numbers of vermilion snapper, triggerfish, black sea bass, amberjack, and many others.
Tyler, of Drumroll Charters, reports that throughout the Bogue Sound and ICW, anglers are seeing a bunch of red drum around, from upper-slot fish to the standard summer 14-18” class.
The speckled trout bite has been slower, with most fish moved deep now that the warm water has taken over.
A ton of large bluefish are in the ICW. These fish are aggressive and will hit any artificial that you’re already using to target red drum or speckled trout.
Nearshore anglers are still finding the occasional cobia over some of the deeper structure (in 65’+), and amberjacks are showing up, with the majority of fish still out in 80’+.
Byron, of Going Bogue Outdoors, reports that bottom fishing action on the deeper structures (85’+) has been holding some triggerfish and black sea bass.
Mahi are here, and with so much hot water around, anglers will do best targeting temperature breaks that help congregate groups of fish.
Tyler and JK with gags landed back to back in 140′ of water dropping whole shad south of Beaufort Inlet. They were fishing on the “Princess Too” with Capt. Wayne Dodson.
Jason, of Ali-Kat Sportfishing, reports that anglers running deep (70-120 fathoms) are continuing to see some really good billfish action while pulling plugs.
Gulf Stream trolling efforts are producing mahi and the occasional wahoo.
The 90’+ area is holding great numbers of vermilion snapper and black sea bass. Some big triggerfish are around, though getting deeper (130-190’) provides better opportunity.
King mackerel action in the nearshore areas (75-90’) has been slower than normal, and structure in this nearshore range is holding a ton of amberjack and almaco jacks.
Along the beaches, the spanish mackerel fishing (18-20” class) is excellent. Clarkspoons and Drone spoons have had a ton of success while trolling, and then casting jigs at surface-feeding fish is a favorite tactic when the opportunity arises.
Some small king mackerel (shorts and just legal) are mixed in around the spanish.
Cody, of Reel Time Charters, reports that dolphin fishing has been pretty good on the temperature breaks and along weed lines. The area isn’t seeing a lot of size to these fish, with bailer gear and small lures working best to catch them.
Anglers are finding a stray wahoo here and there while working these same temperature breaks.
Blackfin tuna action has been great along the edge of the Continental Shelf.
Anglers looking to do some bottom fishing will do best targeting the 100’+ areas for vermilion snapper and triggerfish.
Hal, of Oceanana Pier, reports that bottom fishing has been the most productive, with catches of sea mullet, spot, and pompano.
As the waters settle and cleaner conditions come back, anglers expect to see the bluefish and spanish mackerel (to 4 lbs.) pop right back up.
