Ocean Isle June 20, 2013
Jeff Gemmell with a shark that bit a kayaked chunk of stingray in the Holden Beach surf.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that anglers found king mackerel action from the 50’ depths on out to 100’ and deeper last week. Live baits like menhaden are the best bet for anglers looking to connect with the kings, but anglers may also be able to tempt them to bite dead baits like cigar minnows.
Plenty of amberjacks are feeding around structure in the 80-100’ areas, and they will hungrily attack anglers’ live baits. Scattered dolphin are also in the same range and will bite dead or live baits.
Some cobia are still around many of the same areas as the kings and also have a tough time turning down a live menhaden.
The spanish mackerel bite on the beach has been a bit slow lately, but anglers did find some larger spanish in 50-65’ of water last week.
Menhaden have been available, but not abundant, along the beachfront lately, so anglers may have to do a bit of searching to fill up their livewells.
George Clauss, of Calabash, NC, with a blacktip shark he hooked while kayak fishing for red drum in Tubbs Inlet with Charles “Rip” Van Winkle of Summertide Adventure Tours.
Mark, of OceanIsleFishingCharters.com, reports that there’s been some decent action with over-slot red drum lately around the Little River jetties. Most of the fish are falling for live menhaden as anglers are drifting through the inlet.
Some red and black drum are still feeding in the local creeks, with the best action along oyster bars and in potholes at the lower tides. Live shrimp, mud minnows, and Gulp baits will fool the drum.
Flounder fishing has been a bit tough due to dirty water in the area, but anglers should be able to connect with some flatfish in spots like Tubbs Inlet when the water cleans up a bit. Live mud minnows and Gulp baits are solid choices for the flounder.
Speckled trout are feeding around ICW structure and falling for live shrimp fished under floats.
There’s also been a decent trout bite around the jetties on the falling tides.
Live shrimp are available in cast-nettable quantities in the creeks. Most are on the small side, but the trout haven’t seemed to mind.
Dan Ratika with a dolphin he hooked while trolling at Yaupon Reef.
Kyle, of Speckulator Charters, reports that anglers are seeing an improving speckled trout bite in the area, with action coming from the Shallotte River to the Little River jetties. Drifting live shrimp along structure like oyster bars and docks is the best bet for anglers looking to hook up with the specks, and the shrimp have been reasonably abundant in the creeks lately.
Red drum are feeding around docks and other inshore structure in the area. They’ll take an interest in shrimp, live mud minnows, and a variety of soft plastic baits.
Flounder are still feeding in Tubbs Inlet, but the bite has been better at spots to the east lately. Live baits like small menhaden are the best bets for the flatfish.
Trey, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that anglers are connecting with some healthy speckled trout while fishing with live shrimp.
Some black drum and spot are biting shrimp and bloodworms on bottom rigs.
Plug casters are hooking bluefish and an occasional spanish mackerel while working Gotchas.
