Ocean Isle June 30, 2011
Kelsey-Anne Norton, from Lumberton, NC, with a huge sheepshead that bit a live shrimp near a dock at Ocean Isle while she was fishing with her dad.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that strong winds have hampered fishing opportunities a bit lately, but some fish are still being caught.
The spanish mackerel bite has been best in 30-40’ of water, since the water’s been dirty on the beach.
The rough and dirty water has also made finding menhaden for bait a little tricky.
King mackerel fishing has been somewhat slow, but anglers are catching a few at spots in 50-65’ of water. Live baits are the best bet, but the fish will often bite dead cigar minnows for anglers struggling to find menhaden.
Some scattered dolphin are feeding from 60’ out to the break, and they’ll take the same baits as the kings.
A few cobia are in the mix with the kings and sharks.
Gag grouper are holding on bottom structure in around 100’, and live baits are top choices for the bigger grouper.
Chuck Poovey, of Lake Norman, NC, with a 2.86 lb. citation pompano that fell for a live shrimp beneath Ocean Isle Pier.
Mark, of OceanIsleFishingCharters.com, reports that there’s been an incredible red drum bite happening around ICW structure between Little River and Sunset Beach. Live shrimp on Carolina rigs have been producing most of the action (with fish from 18-30”+).
Fishing live baits on jigheads near ICW docks in the area has also been productive with over-slot reds, but anglers need heavier gear and locked down drags to get the fish away from the structure.
Flounder fishing is still strong in Tubbs Inlet, especially when rising tides bring clean water inshore. Mud minnows have been more productive than menhaden or finger mullet with the flatfish lately.
Smaller red drum, black drum, and flounder are feeding near the Ocean Isle docks and oyster bars in the creeks, and all three will inhale a live shrimp pinned to a jighead.
Jacob, of J & J Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that the red drum fishing around Sunset Beach Bridge has been stellar lately. Live shrimp are producing the most fish (ranging from 18-34+”), and jigheads and Carolina rigs have been equally effective.
Many of the docks in the area are also holding red drum.
Live shrimp have been fairly easy to find in the shallow water in area creeks at low tide lately, so anglers shouldn’t have to try too hard to get bait, especially if they’re willing to get out of the boat and get muddy in the process.
The flounder bite is still decent in the Shallotte Inlet and Shallotte River (the average size is going down, but several doormats to 9 lbs. have also been landed lately). Live baits and soft plastics will both produce action with the flatfish.
Ross Porter, from Charlotte, with a flounder that fell for a live mud minnow in the Shallotte River while he was fishing with Capt. Jeff Williamson of Get Busy Charters.
Wes, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are connecting with surprising numbers of spot, some bluefish and sea mullet, and black sea bass. Shrimp are producing most of the bites on the bottom rigs.
