Ocean Isle July 3, 2008

Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that the king bite has been good at the usual 60-65′ deep areas this week, like the Shark Hole and the 70′ Hole. The Jungle has been especially hot over the past week, producing a lot of kings in the 15-20 lb. class lately.

Some dolphin, cobia, and sailfish are feeding alongside the kings, and cigar minnows have been producing the most action lately.

Bottom fishing should be solid for red and gag groupers at structure in the 100-110′ depth range. Live baits will appeal to the largest groupers.

Per usual for this time of year, the Gulf Stream bite has gotten slower, and not many boats are making the long run.

There are still plenty of spanish mackerel not far from the beaches, but the recent southwest winds have the nearshore water dirty, and most of the fish are holding 2-3 miles offshore. Trolling Clarkspoons should attract their attention.

Kyle, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that over the past week, anglers have been landing more red drum than speckled trout. They’ve been hooking the reds (averaging 18-22″ with a few big ones to 28″) around the Little River jetties, ICW docks, and sea walls. Live shrimp beneath floats are the best all-around baits, and anglers can find the shrimp up in area creeks.

Anglers fishing shrimp around the Sunset Beach Bridge are hooking some reds, a few trout, and a lot of black drum (2-3 lbs.).

Flounder fishing was a little tougher last week than it has been, but anglers hooked up with some flatfish on live baits in Tubbs Inlet, Shallotte Inlet, and the Shallotte River.

There are a few flounder, but not many, on the nearshore reefs; however, over the next few weeks, the reef bite should get good.

Anglers are still seeing plenty of spanish mackerel jumping and feeding in Little River Inlet.

David, of Capt. Hook Outdoors, reports that there’s been an excellent king bite at the Shark Hole and other spots 18-20 miles out lately. Some dolphin have been mixed in with the kings.

Live pogies are producing the best results on the kings, but boats last week had to run to the Cape Fear River to catch them. The dolphin seem to prefer cigar minnows to the pogies, and bright green/chartreuse skirts are drawing the most mahi bites.

Spanish mackerel fishing has been good just off the beaches for boats trolling Clarkspoons.

Ryan, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are landing a lot of whiting and some spots on bottom rigs baited with cut shrimp.

by Gary Hurley