Ocean Isle August 4, 2011
Curtis and Eric Richard, of Ontario, Canada, with a 33" red drum they caught and released after it bit a live finger mullet near Shallotte Inlet.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that there have been good numbers of menhaden schools moving along the beaches in 25-30’ of water lately.
Bluefish and spanish mackerel have been feeding around the schools, and anglers are hooking them while trolling Clarkspoons behind planers and trolling weights.
The king mackerel bite has improved a bit, but it’s been an early morning thing lately. Areas in the 50-65’ range like the Shark Hole have been producing the most action with the kings. Live menhaden are the go-to baits.
A bit further out, boats are finding some dolphin (to 12-15 lbs.) feeding in 60-100’, and decent numbers of sailfish have been in the same areas. Live baits or dead cigar minnows and ballyhoo will attract attention from the ‘phins and sails.
Decent numbers of cobia are also around right now, and they seem to be following big tiger sharks. The sharks and cobes have been seen at the 90/90’s, Lighthouse Rocks, Shark Hole, and spots on offshore recently. Live menhaden are also tough for the cobia to resist.
Mark, of OceanIsleFishingCharters.com, reports that there’s been a solid flounder bite at the nearshore reefs lately (with a larger ratio of keeper fish than inshore). Live shrimp, finger mullet, and menhaden are all drawing bites from the flatfish in the ocean.
Rising tides are producing some excellent variety fishing in the Little River Inlet. Live shrimp have been producing the most action and attracting attention from red and black drum, flounder, gray trout, bonnethead sharks, sea mullet, and many more fish.
Inshore, red drum are still feeding in the creeks off the ICW, although it’s been difficult at times to tempt them to bite lately. Live baits like shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows are some of the best bets.
Jacob, of J & J Inshore Charters, reports that the flounder bite is still solid inshore around the Inlets and in the Shallotte River. Live finger mullet are producing most of the fish, with a few falling for soft plastics in chartreuse, white, and smoke colors.
Some black drum are feeding in the creeks and around inshore structure. Live shrimp are tempting bites from the drum. Anglers should bring plenty, though, because everything else in the area will bite them, too.
Spanish mackerel are feeding just off the inlets and along the beachfront, and trolling Clarkspoons is the way to hook them.
Nicole Vick,of Oak Island, with her first spanish mackerel, which fell for a live menhaden near Lighthouse Rocks.
Paul, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that anglers are catching some solid numbers of keeper flounder on live finger mullet fished near the pilings.
Some pompano are taking an interest in cut shrimp on bottom rigs.
The water is finally clearing up, which should turn the spanish mackerel bite back on.
