Northern Beaches May 30, 2013
Jerred Francisco, Rob Williams, Jeff Hunter, Jill Julian, Kim Reid, and Paula Francisco with part of a catch of dolphin and a yellowfin tuna they hooked while trolling off Oregon Inlet with Capt. Lee Collins on the “Strike ‘Em.”
John, of TW’s Tackle, reports that cobia have started to show up near Oregon Inlet, and the Hatteras fleet has been catching big numbers for several weeks now. Anglers are hooking up with most by sight-casting to fish that they spot cruising. Bucktail jigs with soft plastic trailers are producing good numbers of fish, and live eels are even better choices.
Big numbers of dolphin are feeding offshore of the inlet and responding positively to trolled ballyhoo and other lures. Yellowfin tuna are still around as well and taking an interest in trollers’ offerings.
Surf casters are connecting with plenty of sea mullet and pompano at the southern beaches. Scattered mullet, puffers, sharks, and skates have been providing most of the action closer to Nags Head. Bottom rigs baited with shrimp, bloodworms, and cut baits are producing from the beaches.
The speckled trout and puppy drum action is still going strong in the sound, with the little bridge again one of the hottest areas. The action’s also been solid in the sloughs and marsh closer to Oregon Inlet. Gulp baits are tempting both the specks and pups to bite.
Travis Kemp, of Moyock, NC, with a 34.5″, 19 lb. cobia that bit a live menhaden off Jennette’s Pier.
Ashley, of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, reports that anglers are still connecting with yellowfin tuna (with fish to 70 lbs. and some limit catches) while trolling the local offshore waters.
Big numbers of dolphin are around as well and taking an interest in trolled baits and lures. Scattered bigeye tuna, wahoo, and blue and white marlin are spicing up the offshore action as well.
Bottom fishing offshore is producing some action with tilefish, and live-baiting around offshore structure like towers is attracting some amberjack attention.
Cobia have made their annual appearance, and boats are connecting with the cobes while sight-casting to cruising fish within a few miles of the beachfront.
The speckled trout action is still solid for inshore boats, and both artificial lures and live baits are tempting bites from the specks.
Katherine Murray with a 20″ black drum she hooked while surf fishing in Corolla. Photo courtesy of TW’s Tackle.
Rob, of Strike’Em Sportfishing, reports that anglers are connecting with huge numbers of gaffer dolphin offshore. Both trolling baits and lures and bailing smaller fish on cut baits and squid are putting the ‘phins in the box.
Some yellowfin tuna are still around and taking an interest in trollers’ offerings as well.
Dave, of Skiligal Sportfishing, reports that there are still solid numbers of yellowfin tuna feeding offshore of Oregon Inlet, and anglers are hooking them while trolling naked and skirted ballyhoo.
The gaffer dolphin bite is also going strong, with boats boxing up big numbers while trolling around temperature breaks and weedlines (and some fish approaching 40 lbs.). Bailing smaller fish on lighter tackle has been effective as well.
Mike, of Jennette’s Pier, reports a solid mixed bag for bottom anglers baiting up with shrimp, bloodworms, and other offerings. Sea mullet, spot, pigfish, hake, pufferfish, croaker, skates, and scattered puppy drum and gray and speckled trout are taking an interest in the bottom rigs.
Anglers are also hooking some trout while working artificials near the breakers.
