Morehead City Winter 2006
Shane, at Second to None Charters, reports that giant bluefin tuna have been receiving plenty of anglers’ attention off Morehead City over the past few weeks. The Second to None has caught several bluefins already, and anticipates catching many more in the coming weeks. Trolling horse ballyhoo with Jag heads in blue/white, blue/crystal, and pink/crystal is the way to hook up with one of the huge bluefins, which have been most abundant in the area east of the Knuckle Buoy.
While most anglers have bluefin fever right now, there are still kings around the 210 Rock and the 240 Rock. Big king mackerel are also feeding on the east side of Lookout Shoals. Troll live baits such as bluefish to score action with the kings.
Inshore red drum trips are still finding lots of fish. The reds are spread out along Bogue Banks, and good catches are coming from both the beaches and inshore spots. Gulp! baits continue to produce well on the drum.
Patty, at Freeman’s Bait and Tackle, reports that speckled trout fishing is on fire in the Morehead City area. Anglers are finding heaps of trout at the Lookout Jetty, in the surf, inshore at Hoopole Creek, and around the Haystacks. The trout are falling for live shrimp, Mirrolures, and Gulp! baits.
Surf fishing along Bogue Banks has been productive over the past month, with anglers catching plenty of in-the-slot and over-the-slot red drum, flounder, and pufferfish/blow toads. Surf fishermen should use cut mullet and fresh shrimp for the best results.
Offshore, boats are catching giant bluefin tuna, but fishermen are tight-lipped about where and how.
Anglers were catching big kings near Drum Inlet, but heavy winds and seas over the past weeks have slowed the bite.
Matt, at Chasin Tails Charters, reports that the red drum and trout fishing have been great. Red drum (from 16-32 inches) have been doing well up in the shallow water of area marshes, the Haystacks, and the North River.
On warmer December days, look for schools of fish working around oyster bars and grass beds. On the cooler days, the fish are in the same areas but not as active. Slow down and work the areas real thorough. Live shrimp is the way to go, but if you don’t have any then go with Gulp 3″ shrimp. The new penny, natural, and lime tiger are all hot colors.
The Cape Lookout rock jetty has been better for the bigger trout. Live shrimp on a float rig is the way to go. If you hit the surf line, try Mirrolures and Gulp baits.
If December and January stay mild, then the trout and drum will keep on biting. The water gets clearer when the water cools, and on sunny winter days you can really have some great sight fishing for reds. Also, when the water cools in the winter, then gold spoons really work great.
