Ocean Isle July 12, 2007
Brant, of the Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that king mackerel are feeding on menhaden pods cruising along the beaches. Some of the kings are bigger fish in the 20-30 lb. range, with smaller snakes mixed in.
Larger numbers of kings are holding on hard bottom structure in the 50-75’ depth range. There are some dolphin scattered among the kings, but the dolphin bite has slowed down a bit. Live menhaden should fool both the kings and dolphin that are around.
Between the 75’ depths and the Gulf Stream, boats have released a good number of sailfish, and they are catching a few dolphin and kings. The sails have been particularly prevalent around the Raritan Wreck. Trolled ballyhoo or live baits will get attention from the sailfish and any other fish in the area.
Gulf Stream trolling has been sporadic over the past week, with some boats putting together good catches, while other experience little to no action. The boats finding good bites are hooking up with dolphin, wahoo, and a few billfish. Trolling spreads of skirted ballyhoo will draw strikes from all the blue water predators.
Bottom fishing has been solid over the week, with anglers hooking up with grouper and snapper at spots in around 100’ of water.
Kyle, of the Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that red drum are feeding around docks and grass edges in the ICW. Most of the fish are running from under 18” up to slot size, and there have been some nice trout (up to 6 lbs.) mixed in with the drum. The best action for both the trout and drum has taken place in very shallow water as the fish chase mullet along grass beds and beneath docks.
Flounder fishing remains good, with plenty of fish still feeding in Tubbs Inlet and Shallotte Inlet. The flatfish are also beginning to make a showing at the nearshore reefs, such as the Yaupon and the Jim Caudle. A live mud minnow or finger mullet fished on a Carolina rig will fool both inshore and nearshore flounder.
Will, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that anglers fishing with live shrimp are hooking up with speckled trout (in the 2-3 lb. range) in the mornings.
Flounder are hitting the live shrimp as well. Anglers caught flounder up to 5 lbs. lately.
Bottom fishermen are catching spot and whiting while baiting up with shrimp and bloodworms.
Plug casters are catching bluefish, but spanish mackerel were few and far between over the past week.
Anglers fishing live baits caught several kings over the week, with the largest weighing 18 lbs.
The water temperature is 78 degrees.
