Ocean Isle April 26, 2012
Lee Forbis, Ned Garber, Bob Newell, and Web White landed this wahoo while trolling at the 100/400 on the maidedn voyage of the "Sea Assault." The 'hoo struck a ballyhoo beneath a pink Capt. Joe Shute skirt.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that Gulf Stream trollers are finding excellent wahoo action. The fish are getting smaller (most 20-30 lbs.) as the water warms up, but they’ve been making up for it with big numbers. Dolphin are appearing in increasing numbers (with some 8-15 lb. gaffers), and there are still blackfin tuna to be had as well. Skirted ballyhoo are producing the lion’s share of the dolphin and wahoo, with smaller trolling lures more effective on the blackfins.
Big numbers of king mackerel are still feeding in around 100’ of water in the vicinity of Frying Pan Tower. Live baits are top choices for king mackerel, but the offshore kings will often bite dead cigar minnows just as well.
Fewer but larger (15-30+ lbs.) king mackerel have feeding along the Brunswick County beaches, and anglers landed several from the Oak Island piers last week. Live baits are much better for the kings when they’re in shallow waters, and menhaden and bluefish are good choices.
Spanish mackerel have also shown up close to shore, and anglers are hooking them while trolling Clarkspoons behind planers wherever they’re able to find clean water.
Some larger spanish (4+ lbs.) have been looking for meals around nearshore structure like Yaupon Reef, and they’re taking an interest in smaller live baits than anglers are fishing for the kings.
Zach Evans, TJ Ivey, and Todd Jefferys with 17, 18, and 19" flounder they hooked on live finger mullet and Gulp baits pinned to jigheads while fishing near Sunset Beach.
Mark, of OceanIsleFishingCharters.com, reports that things are turning on at the Little River jetties. Several trips to the rocks last week produced good catches of red drum (most 5-8 lbs.) and a speckled trout. Live shrimp are key to success at Little River, and drifting them along under float rigs is the best method to find the feeding fish.
The water temperature in the inlet is still down around 63-64 degrees. When it hits and stays around 67, anglers can expect the trout bite to turn on further.
Inshore, flounder fishing in Tubbs Inlet is producing some keeper fish (and some throwbacks). Live shrimp and mud minnows on jigheads or Carolina rigs are top choices for the flatfish.
Good numbers of black drum and a few reds are feeding under local docks in the ICW and backwaters. Fresh shrimp and chunks of crab will attract attention from both of the drum.
Bob Lodgek with a dolphin that struck a skirted ballyhoo in the blue water off Ocean Isle while he was attending Gulf Stream Fishing School with Capt. Brant McMullan of Ocean Isle Fishing Center.
Trey, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that anglers have been catching bluefish over the past week while working white Gotcha plugs from the pier.
Some sea mullet are taking an interest in fresh shrimp on bottom rigs.
Anglers fishing live mud minnows under the pier are coming up with some flounder (some short and some keepers).
