Ocean Isle May 23, 2013
Tim Gallimore and Mason, Cody, and Matt Owens, of Ocean Isle Beach, with a 42 lb. cobia that bit a live menhaden under a balloon at a nearshore wreck off Ocean Isle while they were fishing on the “Mac Solo.”
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that boats making the run to the Gulf Stream are finding some decent dolphin action at local spots along the break like the 100/400 and the Blackjack Hole. There are also still decent numbers of wahoo and some blackfin tuna in the same areas, and all three will take an interest in ballyhoo under skirted trolling lures.
Grouper season is open, and anglers should be able to find some cooperative grouper around bottom structure in 100’ of water and deeper. Live baits are the best bets for the larger groupers.
Cobia have been caught from the Gulf Stream to nearshore structure over the past week, so anglers should be on the lookout for one of the brown brutes while running or fishing. Casting a large jig/soft plastic combo or a live bait at the fish that anglers see will often tempt them to bite.
King mackerel have also been spread out, with some reported from area piers and more at offshore structure lately. Live menhaden are top choices for the kings, but anglers may also be able to tempt them to bite dead cigar minnows, especially at the offshore spots.
Mark, of OceanIsleFishingCharters.com, reports that anglers are catching good numbers (and good sizes—to 27”) of red drum in flooded grass at the higher tidal stages. Chunks of crab have been proving the most effective bait for the reds recently, as the scent will draw the fish in from a distance.
At lower tides, anglers are finding more reds along with some black drum feeding in deeper holes in the marsh creeks. Both drum have also been looking for meals around ICW docks and other structure. Along with the crabs, live mud minnows and fresh shrimp have been proving effective in the creeks and around docks.
Genie Lowe with a 3 lb., 21″ speckled trout that bit a live mud minnow in the Holden Beach surf.
Flounder fishing is turning on in Tubbs Inlet, where anglers are starting to catch some solid numbers on Carolina-rigged mud and tiger-side minnows. Most are still undersized, but anglers weeding through the smaller fish are managing to bring a few home for dinner.
Kyle, of Speckulator Charters, reports that anglers are finally seeing flounder fishing pick up for the summer, as it should have nearly a month ago. Tubbs Inlet, Cherry Grove, and other springtime spots have all been hosting some of the flatfish action. Plenty of undersized fish are in the mix, but anglers are connecting with some keepers as well. Most are baiting up with live mud minnows, but anglers who can find peanut menhaden or other slightly larger baits stand better odds of hooking up with the legal fish.
Speckled trout are still feeding in the area creeks.
Anglers are also catching a few specks at the Little River jetties (to 3 lbs.) along with plenty of healthy red drum. Live shrimp are the best baits for both when anglers can secure them.
More reds and some black drum are feeding at docks and in the creeks, but it can take some searching to find them right now. Live shrimp or crab chunks have been attracting attention from both drum.
Paul, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that plug casters are connecting with plenty of bluefish and should be seeing some spanish mackerel any day now.
Bottom fishermen baiting up with shrimp have been connecting with sea mullet and some fat (2+ lb.) pompano.
Some flounder are taking an interest in live baits under the pier, but most are still on the small side.
