Ocean Isle – August 20, 2015
Kyle, of Speckulator Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that the flounder bite remains decent in Tubbs Inlet and around docks and other structure in the ICW. Most of the flatfish are falling for finger mullet and other live baits on Carolina rigs. The flounder action has also improved a bit around the area’s nearshore reefs in the ocean (with better numbers and some larger fish). Live baits are fooling the nearshore fish as well.
Red drum are feeding at many of the same ICW docks and in holes and other spots in the local creeks. Anglers can also fool the reds with live finger mullet.
The speckled trout bite has been a bit slower, but anglers are still hooking a few (and some nice fish) at ICW docks and along shell and grass banks between Ocean Isle and Little River. The specks are falling for live shrimp fished under floats and on the bottom. Anglers have also seen some good trout action around the Little River jetties recently, but the bite has been inconsistent.
Black drum are still feeding around structure in the ICW and other inshore waters. Anglers can tempt the drum with live and cut shrimp.
Spanish mackerel anglers have found a solid trolling bite over the last week around the inlets and along the beachfront. Clarkspoons pulled behind planers and trolling sinkers are fooling the spaniards.
Anne Fenwick, of Swansboro, NC, with a 28 lb. king mackerel that bit a live menhaden while she was fishing off Ocean Isle Beach.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that anglers are seeing in improving king mackerel bite in the 80’ depths right now, with some action moving inshore to the 65-70’ spots as well. Live baits are the best bets for the largest kings, but anglers can find plenty of action while trolling frozen cigar minnows on dead bait rigs as well.
Bottom fishermen targeting structure in the 80-100’ depths are seeing a better grouper bite as well. Live baits are the best bets for the larger grouper.
Closer to the beaches, the spanish mackerel bite has come back around and boats are putting together some solid catches. Most are falling for Clarkspoons and other flashy lures.
Donna Taylor with a 26.5″ red drum she hooked on a live mullet while fishing a falling tide in Saucepan Creek.
Marshall, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that anglers have seen some good flounder fishing in the early morning hours recently (with around 50% of the fish keepers). Live finger mullet are fooling most of the flatfish.
Sheepshead are feeding around the pilings and biting baits like barnacles and sand fleas.
Bottom fishermen are hooking some pompano on shrimp.
