Ocean Isle June 21, 2012
Alex Wood (age 6), of Raleigh, with his first flounder, a 14.5" fish that bit a live mud minnow in the Shallotte River.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that the spanish mackerel fishing has been excellent off Brunswick County’s shores over the past week (with both big numbers and an excellent average size). Trolling Clarkspoons behind planers in 15-25’ of water has been the most productive tactic recently.
Plenty of large sharks are feeding in the same areas and have a tough time resisting a big cut bait.
Though not many kings have been seen nearshore lately, the water is beautiful and there’s been plenty of bait, bluefish, and spanish mackerel in the area, so a beach king bite could materialize at any time.
The traditional king spots in 60-90’ of water have been inundated with dirty water, lots of weeds, and a lack of fish recently. Anglers have had success with scattered kings at spots in 90’ and deeper and have found decent numbers of cobia in the same areas (averaging around 30 lbs. but with some big fish, too). Live baits are attracting attention from the kings and cobes.
Bottom fishermen are connecting with grouper at structure in 90’ and deeper. Gags and scamps have been providing most of the action, and both are taking an interest in live baits.
Plenty of beeliners are in the same areas, and squid or cut baits will produce plenty of action with the tasty snappers.
Black sea bass are still feeding at structure in 60’ and deeper, though they’ve thinned out a bit since their season opened June 1st. They’ll also respond well to cut baits and squid.
Gulf Stream trolling has been a bit slow lately, but boats making the run to the blue water are hooking a few dolphin and an occasional wahoo while trolling skirted ballyhoo.
Jon Sweeney and Terry Norton with four black drum (the largest 13.5 lbs.) that bit live shrimp in the Shallotte River.
Mark, of OceanIsleFishingCharters.com, reports that anglers are still catching big numbers of red drum around hard structure in the ICW locally. Live shrimp and finger mullet on Carolina rigs are producing most of the action.
The flounder bite remains strong in Tubbs Inlet, where anglers are connecting with the flatfish while drifting live finger mullet, mud minnows, and small menhaden.
Flounder fishing at nearshore structure has also been strong in recent days, with most of the fish also falling for live baits.
Drifting live shrimp along the rocks at the Little River Jetties is producing action with some speckled trout and red and black drum.
Anglers looking for bait in the area should have little trouble, as shrimp are plentiful in the creeks at lower tides, menhaden are working through the ICW, and finger mullet can be found in the marshes.
Paul, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that anglers are catching speckled trout from the pier on live shrimp, primarily in the early morning hours.
Some sea mullet and spot are taking an interest in bottom rigs baited with shrimp and bloodworms.
