Ocean Isle/Holden Beach – August 2021
Jeff, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that flounder fishing has been phenomenal throughout the region. Anglers have been finding they can barely wet a line without hooking up with a flatfish. Carolina-rigged live pogies cast around docks or any similar nearshore structure is producing strikes.
Red drum are around these same structured inshore areas. As with summertime fishing patterns, live baits tend to get the most action with all the bait pushed inshore. The only issue keeping anglers from catching more redfish has simply been the numbers of flounder jumping on the baits first.
Speckled trout are mixed in the trip counts, with live shrimp fished under float rigs being the top producing tactic.
John Brown, from West Virginia, caught this African pompano on a cigar minnow while fishing around Frying Pan Tower.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that anglers are now in the midst of the “dog days” of summer where it is a priority to leave the docks with bottom fishing gear all set up. The grouper and snapper action stays strong despite the warm water temperatures.
Vermilion snapper action has been very good in the 85-100’ range. There are plenty of grouper in the same area (85-130’). Anglers are finding the bite on both species sometimes plagued by the large numbers of American reds and amberjacks around this same structure.
King mackerel fishing has been and should continue to remain consistent in the 60-90’ range. Anglers in this area should always be prepared to run across scattered mahi or cobia.
Spanish mackerel fishing has been good and remains a summertime staple for anglers in the region. Days where the water clarity is good tend to be more productive.
Tim, of Tideline Charters, reports that red drum fishing has been strong through the mid-summer season. There is a great class of mid- to upper-slot redfish hitting Carolina-rigged live baits, and the falling tides have produced the best action.
A few nice-sized speckled trout are mixed in for anglers rigged with live shrimp.
Black drum are holding around inshore structures, such as dock pilings and rocks, and flounder are being caught (and released) by anglers fishing bottom-rigged baits.
Tripp, of Capt’n Hook Outdoors, reports that the inshore has finally flipped into its summertime pattern. Getting on the water in the early mornings or evenings when it is cooler makes a big difference in getting action regardless of the tides.
The redfish bite is good, with most feeding on Carolina-rigged cut baits fished around waterway docks.
There are some speckled trout mixed in throughout the area. Live shrimp fished under float rigs is a great setup for working holes around oyster rocks.
Flounder fishing is on fire. Live mullet or pogies fished on the bottom just about anywhere are getting hammered.
Off the beach, anglers are finding a good number of king mackerel in the 50-100’ range. Most have been in the 10-15 lb. class, but there are definitely larger kings mixed in.
Grouper fishing remains strong, with most action now around 200’. A mix of scamps and gags are being caught on both live and dead baits.
Gulf stream action has been steady, but not wide open with the high water temperatures. There is a mix of blackfins, yellowfins, and mahi around for the trolling trips.
Austin Faucette, of Browns Summit, with a red snapper that was caught (and released) on a bucktail jig southwest of Frying Pan Tower.
Tyler, of Rigged and Ready Charters, reports that fishing live baits has been all anglers need for targeting the nearshore areas from 5-15 miles. A mixed bag of barracuda, large sharks, and kings are giving anglers some action.
Inshore anglers are catching huge numbers of flounder in the ICW and up into the river. Many trips are easily into double-digit catches on Carolina-rigged live bait.
Red drum fishing has been successful for anglers targeting deeper ICW docks with cut and live mullet during these hot afternoons.
Teresa, of Rod and Reel Shop, reports that surf anglers are catching a good mix of croakers, whiting, and spots.
A few small bonnethead sharks are mixed in the surf action for anglers fishing cut baits in the early mornings.
Inshore anglers are hooking black drum and plenty of flounder, and nearshore anglers are catching good numbers of spanish mackerel while trolling spoons.
Jerry, of Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Pier, reports that whiting action has been good for anglers bottom fishing during daylight hours. Anglers fishing in the low light hours into the evening are also catching plenty of croakers.
Black drum are mixed in, with fresh shrimp being key in getting strikes.
A few speckled trout are being caught during the early and later parts of the day. Calmer wind conditions have proven key on choosing times to target the trout.
