Northern Beaches March 8, 2012
Rick Sherman with a 23" striped bass that struck a Rat-L-Trap in Currituck Sound. Photo courtesy of TW's Bait and Tackle.
Nathan, of TW’s Tackle, reports that surf and pier anglers are primarily finding action with dogfish and skates while soaking baits off the beaches. The mild winter means anglers will likely see an early start to the spring fishing, however, so it shouldn’t be long before sea mullet and pufferfish are feeding along the shoreline. Bottom rigs baited with shrimp and squid will get attention from both.
After the sea mullet and puffers show, bluefish, speckled trout, and puppy drum should be following on their heels.
Offshore, the bluefin tuna action has been solid when it’s calm enough to get out lately.
Trolling larger ballyhoo/lure combos is producing some bites from the big tuna, but working vertical jigs and casting topwater poppers to fish that anglers see on the depth sounder or on the surface has been even more effective lately.
Keith, of Corolla Bait and Tackle, reports that there are plenty of dogfish feeding in the inlet, and the beach and sound nearby, for anglers seeking some action. Just about any bait will produce bites when the dogs are around.
The mild winter means the spring surf and pier fishing should get off to an early start, so anglers should begin seeing pufferfish, sea mullet, and smaller bluefish along the shoreline over the coming month.
The offshore fleet has found some good bluefin tuna fishing on the days the weather is cooperating. There have been decent numbers of yellowfin tuna and some dolphin in the mix, and all are feeding to the south of the inlet, around the Point, and below. Ballyhoo trolled under skirted lures are fooling all the blue water fish.
Jake Worthington, of Camden, NC, cradles a striped bass that struck a casting spoon as a school of fish was feeding on the surface near the VA/NC border.
Denise, of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, reports that the offshore fleet has been finding action with bluefin tuna when they’ve been able to get out lately (ranging from 60-300+ lbs.). Yellowfin tuna have also been around, with some boats landing limits recently, and a few wahoo and dolphin are rounding out the offshore catch. Trolled ballyhoo are accounting for most of the action with the blue water gamefish.
Bottom fishing closer to the beaches has been producing action with sea bass, tilefish, flounder, and more.
The inshore boats are catching plenty of dogfish.
Mike, of Jennete’s Pier, reports that anglers are catching plenty of dogfish while soaking a variety of baits from the planks.
Whales have also been in the area and providing a treat for anglers on the pier lately.
