Ocean Isle July 27, 2006
Brant, at Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that the king mackerel have really picked up off the beach in 50 to 70 foot of water. They’re in places such as the Shark Hole. Kings in the 8 to 12 pound range are hitting dead bait, with the bigger fish going for live bait and running in the 15 to 25 pound range.
Big pogies have been moving consistently along the beach.
Dolphin are still occasionally being caught in the kingfish areas, but the bite has definitely slowed down.
Sailfish should continue to move closer to shore. Further offshore, the billfishing is picking up.
Grouper are in their summer spots in the 90 to 120 foot areas.
Kyle, at Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that the redfish has been the main action in the area. The Little River jetties have been the spot for the bigger reds. They are averaging 8-10 lbs., with the biggest running up to 15 lbs.
A couple of big reds (40+ pounds) were also reported at the 390/390. They’ll appear in the 50-60’ of water areas before moving to the jetties later in the summer.
There are smaller reds inside at locations such as the Sunset Beach Bridge and the docks in the ICW around Ocean Isle.
You can also pick up some flounder in the same inside locations as the reds.
Buddy, at Ocean Isle Pier, reports a very solid week of fishing. Bottom rigs baited with shrimp and bloodworms have accounted for pompano up to 2 lbs., spots, and large whiting.
Flounder from 15 inches all the way up to 4 lbs. are biting live finger mullet and peanut pogies on Carolina rigs.
Live shrimp fished on float rigs are producing a lot of keeper trout. Black drum up to 2 lbs. and sheepshead are also eating the shrimp.
