Moreheady City – July 21, 2016
Matt, of Chasin’ Tails Outdoors, reports that anglers are reporting a strong spanish mackerel bite, with plenty of fish in the 5-7 lb. range. Most of these large fish are being caught on small menhaden trolled near offshore reefs like AR-315 and AR-320, but any offshore structure could be holding the same large spanish. Cigar minnows on Hank Brown Rigs or Pirate Plugs are also tempting bites from the spanish, and they can be trolled faster in order to cover more ground when looking for feeding fish. Smaller spanish are being taken on #0-#1 Clarkspoons trolled behind a #1 planer or 2-3 oz. trolling weight.
Anglers have been reporting good catches of king mackerel. Well known spots like the Shipping Channel, NW places, 14 Buoy, AR-285, and other areas around Cape Lookout should be holding large numbers of kings given that the weather and water conditions are right. Slow trolling live large pogies or bluefish near structure, ledges, rocks, and rips is the best way to catch a large king.
Inshore, anglers are reporting action with red rum in area marshes, and many are saying the bite is better than it has been all summer. Anywhere from the Haystacks to the Middle Marshes and even up towards the Neuse River should be holding good numbers of scattered reds. Soft plastics like Gulp jerk shad or Z-Man PaddlerZ on weedless weighted hooks are the best way to catch fish throughout the day, but anglers are also having success using topwater baits early and late in the day. Live bait under a popping cork has also been extremely successful when fished near grass banks and oyster beds.
Surf zone anglers are reporting sea mullet, pig fish, pompano, and small bluefish. Most of the action is happening at night when the temperatures are much cooler and the fish feed more heavily. Fresh shrimp on a double drop bottom rig is the best way to target multiple species in the surf.
Team “Not a Chance,” with Capt. John Collins, showcase their winning fish, a 2.306 lb. flounder and a 7.65 lb. spanish mackerel, from the 9th Annual Carteret Community College Foundation Spanish Mackerel & Dolphin Fishing Tournament.
Paul, of Freeman’s Bait and Tackle, reports that the sheepshead bite has been excellent recently, with many citation class fish coming from the Atlantic Beach high rise bridge and other heavy structure in the area. Live fiddler crabs on a Carolina rig fished close to the structure is the best way to target the sheepshead, but anglers need to be on their toes and ready to set the hook on this hard mouthed crustacean lover. Mixed in with the sheepshead are some smaller black drum that will take an interest in the fiddlers or live shrimp.
The inshore flounder bite has picked up recently, with many more flatfish being caught around ICW docks, the Port Wall, and other deep channels. Drifting live mud minnows or finger mullet on a Carolina rig is the best way to target flounder, but 1-2 oz. Spro bucktails tipped with a 3” white Gulp shrimp tossed under docks and near grass banks will also fool them.
Gulf Stream trollers have been reporting an excellent billfish bite. The recent Barta Billfish Tournament had over 60 releases, with sailfish dominating the action and quite a few blue and white marlin caught as well. Large artificial lures trolled over deep ledges, large rocks, temp breaks, weedlines, and other offshore features is the best way to target almost all species of billfish.
Anglers are also reporting catches of wahoo and blackfin tuna past the break. They can be caught on a variety of lures as well as skirted or naked ballyhoo.
Adam Bell, of Asheville and on leave from Afghanistan, caught this 41″” king on a ballyhoo while fishing offshore of Cape Lookout.
Justin, of Breakday Charters, reports that anglers are finding large numbers of citation class spanish mackerel at nearshore reefs while live baiting with menhaden, threadfin herring, and cigar minnows on scaled down king rigs. Slow trolling or dead drifting these live baits is the best way to target the large spanish.
Inshore, ICW docks are holding good numbers of keeper flounder and slot-sized red drum. Spinner baits (like the Strike King Spinner) and gold spoons are excellent for targeting both species. Anglers are also having success catching reds and flounder while using live mud minnows or mullet on a Carolina rig fished under the docks.
Mahi have been reported in 70’ of water, but they’ve been scattered at best. Covering a lot of ground and looking for floating structure is the best way to locate these late season mahi now that the water is warm and temperature breaks are hard to find. A variety of artificial lures will fool them, but naked ballyhoo is a local favorite for putting fish in the boat.
Paul Minor, and his daughter Taylor Minor, with mahi they caught off of Atlantic Beach.
Chris, of Mount Maker Charters, reports that red drum fishing has picked up in the Core Creek area where anglers are catching them using live mullet fished under a popping cork. Working grass banks and oyster beds is the key to finding feeding reds that are patrolling the area looking for an easy meal.
Offshore flounder are still biting at nearshore reefs and wrecks. Using 2-3 oz. bucktails tipped with Gulp shrimp has been fooling a majority of the flatfish. Anglers are also connecting with plenty of small black sea bass, although most are too small to keep.
Amberjack are being found at the nearshore reefs where they will take interest in live menhaden fished on a large circle hook or offshore popping lures if they are feeding close to the surface.
Thomas, of Dancin’ Outlaw Sportfishing Charters, reports that the Gulf Stream is producing plenty of action with billfish, wahoo, and blackfin tuna. The sailfish bite has been excellent recently, with most boats on the Morehead City waterfront flying release flags almost every day. Trolling a variety of large and small artificial lures as well as teaser dredges is the key to a successful day past the break.
Larry, of Oceanana Pier, reports that anglers are connecting with spanish mackerel and bluefish at the end of the pier, while bottom anglers are catching sea mullet, pompano, croakers, and the occasional small flounder while soaking fresh shrimp and other baits on the bottom.
The water is 81 degrees.
