Ocean Isle May 10, 2007
Brant, of the Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that Gulf Stream trolling continues to be productive. Gaffer dolphin have shown up, and good numbers of them (weighing up to 30 lbs.) are taking the icy ride back from the stream on local boats. Wahoo in a variety of sizes and yellowfin tuna in the 40-50 lb. class are out there as well. Skirted ballyhoo continue to be the hottest bait in the blue water.
The grouper bite has been the best with reds and scamps in 90-120’ of water. Cigar minnows make very effective grouper baits.
Kings are schooled up thick in the Frying Pan Tower area. A smaller group of kings is feeding on the beach, and many have been caught on the piers.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish are running the beaches as well, and both will readily strike a trolled Clark spoon.
Kyle, of the Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that flounder fishing is picking up in Tubbs Inlet. Live mud minnows and mullet on Carolina rigs are the best flounder baits.
Speckled trout and flounder are both feeding at the Sunset Beach Bridge.
Larger flounder, some trout, and red drum are all holding at the Little River jetties. Live mud minnows, mullet, and shrimp can be fished on bottom rigs or suspended from floats to draw strikes at the jetty rocks. The trout show a preference for shrimp.
Trey, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that whiting and bluefish are hitting bottom rigs baited with shrimp.
Larger chopper blues (up to 10 lbs.) are taking live baits.
The spanish mackerel have arrived, and plug casters are catching good numbers.
