Ocean Isle April 14, 2011
Freddie Edison with a 28" red drum he caught and released on 6 lb. line while fishing the Shallotte River with Capt. Jacob Frick of Ocean Isle Fishing Center.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that Gulf Stream trollers have had a difficult time making it to the break with all the wind lately, but when they have, the fishing’s been pretty good. Wahoo, blackfin tuna, and even the first few dolphin of the year have been biting fairly consistently around local blue water hotspots like the Steeples, Blackjack Hole, and 100/400. Trolling skirted ballyhoo or picking up the speed a bit and pulling all artificial lures are both good strategies for finding and hooking up with the Gulf Stream predators.
King mackerel reports have been few and far between, but some (including a 30 pounder) were landed last week in around 100’. With rising water temperatures, it shouldn’t be long before the fish make a move towards the coast. Live baits are top choices when king fishing, but the early season fish will often respond almost as well to dead cigar minnows.
Jacob, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that the inshore bite has been somewhat hit-or-miss lately, with a day or two of good fishing followed by a tough bite.
The best red drum action has been south of Sunset Beach in areas like Bonaparte Creek, but anglers have also hooked a few (some over-slot) in the Shallotte River recently. Soft plastics are fooling most of the reds, and chartreuse Sea Assassins have been the most effective lately.
Finger mullet and peanut pogies are starting to show up inshore, but artificials have been outfishing the live baits so far this spring.
A few flounder are coming from the Ocean Isle canals, and there’s been a consistent bite down south in Cherry Grove over the past week, so it shouldn’t be long until the Tubbs Inlet flatfish bite turns on. The early season fish are on the small side, but they’ll be getting bigger and more numerous as spring wears on. Live mud minnows are the go-to baits for the flatties.
Some speckled trout are scattered throughout the area, and anglers are picking up a few while casting baits for the reds (mostly on the small side).
Rube and Caroline McMullan with a 30 lb. king mackerel they caught and released after it struck a live bait on the downrigger in 100' of water. They were fishing with Capt. Brant McMullan (Rube's son and Caroline's father) of the Ocean Isle Fishing Center.
Mark, of OceanIsleFishingCharters.com, reports that anglers are catching some red drum in a foot or less of water when the high tides flood the area’s grass flats. Chunks of blue crabs and spinnerbaits have both been effective with the reds recently. At lower tides, the reds are feeding in the creek mouths and around structure like oyster rocks in the marshes. Live mud minnows, crab chunks, and a variety of lures will fool the reds in the slightly deeper water.
The flounder bite has turned on in Cherry Grove, and anglers are starting to pick at the flatfish in Tubbs Inlet as well (with some keepers already in the mix). Live mud minnows or Gulp baits will attract attention from the flatfish.
A few small trout have been mixed in with the reds and flounder, but the trout bite isn’t as hot as usual for this time of year.
Paul, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are hooking up with some sea mullet, small spots, and plenty of skates and sharks while baiting up with shrimp.
