Ocean Isle June 13, 2013
Joanna Winebarger, of Conover, NC, with a speckled trout that bit a Powerbait shrimp in near the Wildlife boat ramp in Southport.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that dolphin are scattering out a bit, but anglers are still finding some decent dolphin action from the 100’ depths on offshore. A few wahoo are still mixed in with the ‘phins, and both are taking an interest in rigged ballyhoo and skirted trolling lures.
King mackerel are spread out from the 60’ depths out to around 110’ right now. Anglers are fooling the kings on both dead cigar minnows and live baits like menhaden (but the menhaden have become a bit difficult to come by since the tropical storm last week).
Bottom fishermen are connecting with plenty of sizeable black sea bass while dropping baits to structure in 90-110’ of water. Squid and cut baits are tough for the bass to turn down.
Cobia are still showing up around nearshore and offshore structure, but for some reason they’ve been difficult to tempt to bite recently. Live baits and jig/soft plastic combos will fool the cobes when they’re in a feeding mood.
Spanish mackerel are still feeding along the beachfront, but they’ve also been a bit more difficult to hook since the storm. Trolling Clarkspoons behind planers and torpedo weights is the best bet for anglers looking to put some of the spaniards in the boat.
Kyle, of Speckulator Charters, reports that speckled trout fishing was solid leading up to the tropical storm last week, and it’s already showing signs of strength in the wake of the weather. Live shrimp are the best bets for the specks, and anglers should be able to find some shrimp in the creeks and the marshes to cast net right now. Drifting the shrimp along beneath a float is the best way to temp the trout to bite.
Mike Berges with a dolphin that bit a cedar plug near the Blackjack Hole while he was fishing on “Da’Baiter” out of Bald Head Island.
Anglers are connecting with the specks around the Little River jetties and in creeks near Little River and Calabash, with the best action coming from the spots with the cleanest water.
Red drum are still feeding around structure and in the creeks around Sunset Beach. They’ll bite live shrimp and mud minnows or soft plastic baits pinned to jigheads.
Flounder fishing was also going strong in Tubbs Inlet and other nearby areas prior to the storm, but the dirty water slowed down action with the sight feeders. After a few more tides flush the area out, the flatfish action should be right back on track. Fishing live mud minnows or small menhaden in the inlet is the best bet for those looking for a flounder dinner.
Trey, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that the spot bite has picked up over the past week, with shrimp and bloodworms on bottom rigs fooling decent numbers of the panfish. Some black drum, sea mullet, and small sharks are also taking an interest in the bottom rigs.
A few speckled trout are biting live shrimp around the pier as well.
