Morehead – March 24, 2016
Matt, of Chasin Tails Outdoors, reports that inshore there has been a great sea mullet bite around Beaufort Inlet, especially near the #18 and #21 buoys. The mullet are here much earlier than normal. They are moving inshore steadily and should be found in the turning basin within the next week or two. Two-hook bottom rigs with size 2-4 gold long shank hooks or Betts spec rigs baited with shrimp and Fishbites should put plenty of fish in the boat.
There haven’t been any grey trout caught inshore yet, but it’s still early in the year. When they do arrive, they can be caught right alongside the sea mullet on the same rigs.
Red drum are schooled up in the local marshes and creeks around the area. The Haystacks have been the go-to spot for many anglers recently, so if fish in this area seem reluctant to bite, they have probably been pressured too much and anglers should move on to other locations. Soft scented plastics like Z-Man PaddlerZ fished on weighted hooks will tempt bites from the reds.
Some trout have also been caught recently, with a few up to 6 lbs. There are still plenty of fish holding in area creeks around the Atlantic Beach high rise bridge, and live mud minnows, MirrOlure 17MRs, and soft plastics are putting plenty of trout in the boat.
Kevin Dewer, of New Bern, with a 23.5” tagged striper caught on a topwater plug while fishing with Capt. D. Ashley King of Keep Castin’ Charters.
Steve, of Freeman’s Bait and Tackle, reports that anglers have been connecting with plenty of under-slot to mid-slot red drum lately. The fish have been hard to find as the large schools are beginning to split apart, but once anglers find them they are often in schools of 30-50 fish. On mornings where high tide is just a couple of hours after sunrise, anglers should concentrate on finding shallow mud flats where the reds are sunning and can be sight casted to. Egret Wedgetails and Gulp baits can fool the hungry fish.
There has also been an excellent speckled trout bite lately, with most of the fish keepers. Fishing local bays known to have some bottom structure is a great place to start looking for the tasty fish. Anglers looking to connect with trout need to remember to fish baits as slowly as possible as they are often reluctant to bite. Live mud minnows under a popping cork is a great alternative when the trout aren’t biting artificials.
Bottom fishing the surf zone has been providing plenty of fish lately. Anglers are connecting with sea mullet, blowfish, and the occasional red and black drum. All four species will take an interest in bottom rigs baited with shrimp, but anglers can also use squid or cut mullet.
Scott Maxwell, from Morehead City, with a speckled trout that weighed in at 5 lbs. The speck was caught fishing a creek around Morehead City on a Vudu shrimp.
Justin, of Breakday Charters, reports that there has been an excellent black sea bass bite, with some larger fish in the 5 lb. range caught past the 210 area as well as around the #14 buoy. Just about any lure pinned to the bottom will fool this aggressive bottom feeder, but anglers looking to connect with the best of them should use cut baits such as squid or clams.
Those looking to use artificials can try jigs like the AOK P-Nut Bunker Spoons or 1-3 oz. Spro bucktails tipped with Gulp baits.
Chris Spencer with a 24” striper that hit a MirrOlure 17MR in Upper Goose Creek near New Bern.
Chris, of Mount Maker Charters, reports that the early spring weather has the bait moving inshore, and there are plenty of opportunities to be had.
Anglers are finding schools of red drum in the local marshes and creeks, and these winter holdovers seem to be hungry. The schools of fish are smaller than they were earlier in the year, as they begin to split up and move throughout the marsh.
Anglers looking to find the mid-slot to under-slot fish should concentrate on bays known to have shallower water, or shallow mud flats during high tide, especially in the early mornings. At low tide anglers should look towards creeks with deep holes that offer protection and an easy meal for the sometimes lethargic fish.
Thomas, of Dancin’ Outlaw Charters, reports that there has been solid action for offshore trollers past the break where anglers are hooking up with amberjack, wahoo, blackfin, and yellowfin, and there was even a cobia caught early last week. Pulling skirted ballyhoo or diving plugs (such as Mann’s Stretch 25 or Rapala X-Rap Magnum 30) should put anglers on the wahoo, but those looking to connect with a tuna should scale down their lures for the more picky eaters.
Bottom fishing in the 40+ mile range remains consistent with many boats catching limits of beeliners, triggerfish, and black sea bass. Those looking for these bottom feeders should have plenty of squid, sardines, or shrimp on hand.
Larry, of Oceanana Pier, reports that anglers have been catching plenty of skates, pufferfish, sea mullet, and dogfish. The water is 58 degrees.
