Ocean Isle July 14, 2005
Brant McMullan, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that the king fishing is looking good in the area. The menhaden are showing up better on this side of Frying Pan Shoals. The bait has been inconsistent in this area, but recently their appearance has definitely improved. With the live bait will come catches of bigger kings, as opposed to the smaller ones that have been biting on dead bait.
The king bite for now is scattered all over the usual areas in anywhere from 50 to 100 feet of water. The next big occurrence will be the big body of fish around Georgetown will move north into the area. They’re movement north into the local areas is about a month behind schedule.
Dolphin catches continue to come on a regular basis. These fish are in the 60 to 80 feet of water range. And there is still a fairly regular cobia bite.
Inshore, the Little River jetties continue to produce speckled trout. They have also been targeting the nearshore reefs as the inshore waters continue to warm. These reefs have been producing a variety of catches, including flounder, gray trout, blues, etc.
Hunter, at the Rod and Reel Shop, reports gulf stream catches are dolphin, wahoo, and billfish. Dolphin are moving in as close as 18 miles, while the kings, spanish, and cobia are off the beach and on nearshore reefs. Bottom fishing is scattered but can be good at times. The surf has been good for pompano, drum, whiting, bluefish, and an occasional flounder.
Graham, at Ocean Isle Beach Pier, reports muddy water has slowed the fishing down, but anglers are still managing some nice 2 to 3 lb. flounder using live shrimp for bait. There have been a few speckled trout and whiting as well. Pluggers are landing some bluefish, but no spanish this week.
