Ocean Isle July 26, 2007
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that the main population of king mackerel has moved back offshore. They are now at least in the 50-70’ of water depths. Fishing for kings and other species is most consistent in 80’ and deeper.
There are solid numbers of sailfish feeding along with the kings. You can also expect a few dolphin mixed in as well. Anglers can target the kings, sails, and dolphin by trolling live pogies.
The pogies are schooled up along the beaches, and boats should have little trouble finding them off Ocean Isle or Holden Beach. Anglers who can’t find live baits should still be able to hook some fish on dead cigar minnows or ballyhoo.
Grouper fishing remains good in around 100’ of water, and the grouper will fall for live pogies and other baits.
Though the passing front made for a rough weekend, the temperatures and winds should stay mild for the next week, making for ideal conditions to get offshore and catch some fish.
Kyle, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that flounder fishing in the area has been excellent over the past week. The fish are feeding all over the place—out on the nearshore reefs, in the inlets (especially Tubbs), and back in the creeks. Most of the flounder are in the 2-4 lb. class, and they are responding well to Carolina-rigged finger mullet.
Red drum also seem to be feeding heavily right now. Like the flounder, they are biting all over the place. Waterway docks are excellent spots to begin looking for the drum, especially at lower tides when schools of finger mullet are working through. The drum will have a hard time resisting the same Carolina-rigged mullet that anglers are catching flounder on.
Some bigger drum (around 40”) are feeding at the Little River Jetties, but they could move out of the area at any time.
Anglers are still catching a few speckled trout, and the ones that are still around are nice, fat fish (from 2-4+ lbs.). The trout are feeding in the same places anglers are catching drum.
Will, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that anglers are catching a few speckled trout in the mornings on live shrimp.
Those fishing with mud minnows are hooking up with flounder.
Sheepshead are feeding along the pier’s pilings, and anglers are hooking up with them on barnacle baits.
Bottom fishermen are catching good numbers of whiting on bloodworms.
The water temperature is 84 degrees.
