Ocean Isle April 26, 2007
Brant, of the Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that sea bass have been the main target in the area over the past week. This is due to the rough weather that has kept boats from getting any further offshore. The tasty sea bass are schooled up on virtually any nearshore structure.
During last week’s cold snap, the Gulf Stream pushed way offshore, but the few boats that made the trip caught some tuna and wahoo. The Stream has since come back inshore.
It is flowing over the break right now, so the action should be improving greatly. Trolling a spread of skirted ballyhoo is the way to get in on the bluewater action.
King mackerel are holding around Frying Pan Tower, and nice catches of scamp grouper are coming from the same area.
Kyle, of the Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that speckled trout action is the highlight of the inshore fishing right now. The fish are spread out throughout most of Brunswick County’s inshore waters, from Southport to the Little River jetties.
The trout are averaging 2-3 lbs., but there are a good number of 4+ lb. citation fish as well. Live shrimp and mud minnows are accounting for the greatest number of fish, and Halo shrimp are the top artificial baits.
Smallish flounder are becoming a common catch while trout fishing, especially in the Wildlife River. Anglers who specifically target the flounder should be able to produce a fair number of strikes, and there are more and more flatfish around every day.
A few red drum are mixed in with trout at the Little River jetties and Sunset Beach Bridge.
Bonito are around the nearshore structure, such as the Sherman, and they will attack trolled spoons.
Trey, of Ocean Isle Beach Pier, reports that the cold weather has slowed down the action on the beach. Anglers fishing shrimp on bottom rigs are catching some whiting, and a few bluefish are around as well.
