Northern Beaches – September 1, 2016
Betty, of TW’s Tackle, reports that surf fishermen are regularly catching sea mullet, bluefish, and spots, and the bluefish action has been over the top in the northern beaches with recent catches in the 10-14” range. There have also been reports of drum catches near Oregon Inlet.
The Little Bridge on the Nags Head/Manteo causeway has reported scattered trout and flounder (including some keepers), as well as black drum, nice-sized spot, and croaker catches.
Inshore and nearshore boats are having great luck with bluefish and spanish mackerel a short distance offshore, along the beach, and just outside the inlet.
Inshore boats are also limiting out on speckled trout. Head boats are reeling in a mixed bag of bottom fish, and both inshore and nearshore vessels have also reported scattered catches of sea mullet, amberjack, cobia, and sharks.
Offshore vessels are having a wave of extraordinary days for sportfishing anglers, with plenty of sailfish, white marlin, and blue marlin releases. There have also been good numbers of dolphin, a handful of yellowfin tuna (including some big catches weighing up to 86 lbs.), wahoo, and plenty of tilefish.
Cormac Davis (age 9) with a 50+ red drum caught sight fishing in the ocean out of Oregon Inlet. The red fell for a 2 oz. Meat Hog jig.
Gabby, of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, reports that offshore boats are catching a lot of billfish, which includes plenty of white marlin and sailfish, as well as a few blue marlin catches. Offshore anglers are also steadily reeling in wahoo, a lot of blackfin tuna, and scattered dolphin, and there have been a few yellowfins that are still hanging around, too.
Nearshore boats patrolling the shoreline about 3-5 miles out are consistently catching blues, albacore, and spanish mackerel, while inshore boats targeting the sound and the ocean waters about 1-3 miles out are catching blues, spanish mackerel, trout, and cobia.
Noah Hurly, of Kitty Hawk, with a red drum caught while fishing behind Hatteras with Capt. Aaron Aaron of Tightline Charters out of Hatteras Harbor Marina.
Lynn, of Jennette’s Pier, reports that the fishing has picked up recently with water temps in the 72-78 degree range. There have been a number of cobia catches for the pin riggers, and a couple cobia were caught on bottom rigs as well.
Anglers have also landed a mixed bag of species, including spot, plenty of bluefish, pompano, flounder, sand perch, small sea bass, croaker, spadefish, triggerfish, and a lot of bar jacks.
Brian, of Nags Head Pier, reports that anglers have been regularly catching spot and bluefish, and there have been a few spanish mackerel caught off the pier as well.
Cindy, of Avalon Fishing Pier, reports that there have been a number of big cobia catches, including a recent 36 lb. and a 46 lb. fish caught, all on a range of rigs and baits.
Anglers on the pier are also catching a lot of bluefish, spanish mackerel, and sea mullet, and the spot have recently made an appearance with the wind change, including a scattering of keepers.
Ed, of Bob’s Bait and Tackle, reports that with regular east winds in the forecast, the fishing has been fantastic and will continue to be the best it has been all summer. The east wind makes a big difference as it blows in warm, clear, hot water, and as a result it brings a little bit of everything to the beach.
Anglers along the surf are catching bluefish and spanish mackerel, flounder, and a lot of bottom fish, especially sea mullet. Surf fishermen are catching the flounder on Gulp baits and flounder rigs and the bluefish on bottom rigs with cut bait, and they’re also casting lures for the bluefish and spanish.
There has also been a handful of red drum making an appearance, as well as more trout than normal. The yellow butterflies are here which means that the trout are here, and the trout and red drum bite is expected to pick up. Sharks will likely make an appearance in the coming days or weeks as well.
The pier fishing has also been outstanding for cobia catches, as well as a variety of bottom fish.
The sound boats are catching a lot of flounder, bottom fish, trout, and drum, and inshore fishing trips are resulting in big numbers of bluefish, spanish, false albacore, big red drum, and cobia.
Boats venturing 8-10 miles offshore are catching mahi and amberjack, as well as limits of bluefish, cobia, drum, spanish mackerel, and false albacore. The fishing has been at its peak across the board, and it will likely pick up even more in the days and even weeks to come.
Keith, of Corolla Bait and Tackle, reports that surf fishermen along the northern beaches are catching plenty of bluefish and spanish mackerel on a daily basis, on a wide variety of rigs and bait. There have also been a number of sea mullet and spot caught on bloodworms, and a few puppy drum on cut bait. Anglers are also reporting trout catches, which have just started to show up along the shoreline.
Inshore boats are catching spanish mackerel, false albacore, and small kings, and the wreck fishing is still producing plenty of amberjacks. There has also been a number of mahi caught close to shore.
Offshore, there’s been good billfishing for marlin, as well as steady bottom fishing for tile fish and sea bass. Offshore vessels are also catching scattered mahi and yellowfin tuna.
Inshore, there has been good flounder fishing, especially during a northeast wind.
