Ocean Isle July 12, 2012
Helen Gabriel, of Holden Beach, with a 10 lb., 14 oz. sheepshead that she hooked on a Gulp Shrimp near Lockwood Folly Inlet while fishing with Capt. Toby Fulford of Holden Beach Fishing Charters.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that anglers are still catching good numbers of spanish mackerel off the shores of Brunswick County. Plenty of bluefish are working alongside them, and both are feeding around schools of menhaden in 30-38’ of water. Trolling Clarkspoons around the bait schools will tempt plenty of bites from both fish.
Anglers netting the menhaden and heading offshore are finding scattered king mackerel action at spots in the 50-65’ range like the Shark Hole. A few more (and larger) kings are feeding at spots in the 100’ depth range.
Scattered cobia and a few dolphin have been mixed in with the kings in the 80-100’ range, and both are taking a hearty interest in live menhaden.
Bottom fishermen are connecting with gag and scamp grouper, beeliners, and other tasty bottom dwellers at structure in 100-110’. Live baits like menhaden or pinfish are tops for the grouper, and squid or cut baits will tempt bites from the beeliners and other smaller fish.
Ashley Oakley with a 32" red drum she caught-and-released near Sunset Beach while fishing with Justin Eddins on the "Slot Machine."
Mark, of OceanIsleFishingCharters.com, reports that despite the hot weather and hard SW winds of last week, anglers are still finding some action inshore in the Ocean Isle area.
The red and black drum bite at Sunset Beach Bridge has slowed down a bit, but anglers are still connecting with a few while soaking live shrimp around the structure. Both (1-3 lb. black drum and reds to 24”) are feeding around oyster bars in the creeks and off the ICW, with the lower tidal stages producing the best fishing. Live shrimp on jigheads have been the most productive offerings.
Speckled trout and some reds are taking an interest in live shrimp under floats and on Carolina rigs in Tubbs Inlet and behind Ocean Isle. Areas with clean water are producing much better action, as most of the inshore water has been pretty dirty due to the wind.
Gabriel Salyer, of Charleston, WV, with a 22.75" red drum that he hooked on a live shrimp near Sunset Beach while fishing with his father.
The flounder are still feeding in Tubbs, and again, spots with cleaner water will be much more productive. Live menhaden have been the most effective flatfish foolers over the past week.
Mary, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that anglers are connecting with some spot and sea mullet while baiting up with shrimp and bloodworms.
