Northern Beaches September 15, 2011
Andy Anderson, of South Boston, VA, with a 29 lb. cobia that bit a live bluefish on a bottom rig off of Jennette's Pier.
Christian, of TW’s Tackle, reports that anglers are connecting with bluefish, speckled trout, black drum, pompano, and other bottomfish from the Nags Head-area piers. Most are falling for shrimp on bottom rigs, but anglers have also been targeting the blues and specks with Gulp baits.
More bluefish, trout, and pompano have been rewarding surf casters in the area.
Boaters trolling around the inlet are catching good numbers of spanish mackerel and bluefish on Clarkspoons and other lures.
Sheepshead are feeding around the pilings of the Bonner Bridge, where sand fleas will get their attention.
Some speckled trout and puppy drum are also feeding in Oregon Inlet, and Gulp baits will fool both.
Offshore, the white marlin bite has been excellent in recent weeks, with some boats releasing double-digit numbers of fish. Naked ballyhoo paired with teasers like dredges and daisy chains are fooling the whites.
Plenty of dolphin are feeding in the same areas, and anglers are also still picking up some yellowfin tuna in the blue water. Ballyhoo will fool the ‘phins and tuna, too.
Keith, of Corolla Bait and Tackle, reports that anglers are catching big numbers of spanish mackerel and bluefish while trolling Clarkspoons in and around Oregon Inlet.
False albacore are feeding just a bit further off the inlet, and Clarkspoons are producing fast action with them as well when boats find the schools.
Some speckled trout, puppy drum, and flounder are also feeding in the inlet, and Gulps or live baits will get attention from all three.
Surf casters are seeing an improving bite. Bluefish (some to 3 lbs.), speckled trout, puppy drum, sea mullet, croaker, spot, and more are all feeding in the breakers now that the water has calmed down from the storms. Shrimp, bloodworms, cut baits, and more will get attention from all the surf bottom feeders.
Offshore, trollers are finding some action with white marlin while pulling naked ballyhoo. Plenty of dolphin are still in the mix, and good numbers of blackfin tuna are showing up as well. A few scattered yellowfins are still around, but the blackfins seem to be the dominant tuna right now.
Karla, of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, reports that progress continues on rebuilding the marina’s docks, but the Oregon Inlet fleet is leaving from other docks and still catching plenty of fish.
Yellowfin and blackfin tuna, dolphin, and white marlin are making up the majority of the offshore action, with the white marlin bite nothing short of phenomenal some days. All the blue water fish are taking an interest in trolled ballyhoo. Some wahoo and sailfish have also been in the mix lately.
Nearshore trolling has been producing action with bluefish, spanish mackerel, and false albacore.
Inshore, the speckled trout bite remains excellent.
Mike, of Jennette’s Pier, reports that anglers are catching bluefish and spanish mackerel while working Gotcha plugs and other metal lures from the pier.
Some pompano, pigfish, pinfish, spot, black drum, and croaker are falling for bottom rigs baited with shrimp and other offerings.
Several cobia (including a 29 pounder) were landed last week.
