Ocean Isle July 31, 2008
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that boats are finding a good king mackerel bite at most of the known spots in 55-75′ of water. The Jungle, Shark Hole, and 65′ Hole have all been hot, and closer to shore boats are hooking up at Christina’s Ledge, Lighthouse Rocks, and the 390/390. Many of the fish are in the 20’s, and boats weighed in a number of 30’s and a few 40 lb. fish over the past week.
Some king mackerel are also feeding on pogies and spanish along the beaches and at the nearshore reefs.
A number of sailfish are around the same areas where boats are hooking up with the kings. Both have been falling for live baits, and there have been plenty of pogies on the beach, especially around Shallotte Inlet.
Boats didn’t find too many dolphin or cobia last week, but not many made it out past 100′.
Gulf Stream reports have been slow lately.
Anglers have been eagerly waiting on gag grouper to show up at structure closer to the beaches, and a number were caught at ledges in 65-80′ last week. Live baits are effective at targeting the largest groupers.
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Kyle, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that the flounder bite remains good in Shallotte and Tubbs Inlets (where anglers landed a number of fish in the 2-5 lb. range last week). Anglers are starting to find some flounder on nearshore structure (like the Jim Caudle) and the nearshore wrecks off Shallotte and Little River Inlets, where they’ll be feeding for the rest of the summer. Live finger mullet or other baits fished on Carolina rigs are fooling the flatfish both inshore and off.
Gray trout are also hanging around the nearshore structure, and they should respond to live baits or jigging lures as well.
The nearshore reefs and wrecks, even the very close ones, are all holding spadefish. Anglers can hook up with the spades while chumming and baiting up with jelly balls.
Anglers drifting live finger mullet in Little River Inlet are hooking up with some speckled trout, spanish mackerel, and some red drum. A few of the reds are citation class fish (one 42″ drum was released last week).
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Corey, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that anglers are catching a few spanish mackerel on mud minnows.
Some flounder are also falling for mud minnows fished on the bottom.
Anglers baiting up with live shrimp are catching speckled trout.
Bottom fishermen are landing some spot and sand sharks.
