Ocean Isle May 24, 2012
Colin and Kyle Warren with a pair of keeper flounder that bit live mud minnows in the Shallotte River.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that Gulf Stream trollers have found a decent, but scattered dolphin bite all the way along the edge from the Winyah Scarp to the Steeples this week. Most of the fish are falling for ballyhoo rigged under skirted trolling lures. A few stray wahoo are feeding in the same areas, and at least one boat encountered a blue marlin while fishing a deeper temperature break last week.
Scamp and gag grouper are looking for meals at bottom structure in the 100-120’ range off Ocean Isle, and live baits are the best ways to weed out the smaller bottom dwellers and target the grouper.
Beeliners are feeding around structure a bit closer to the beaches, and boats were able to put limits together in water as shallow as 80’ recently. Squid and cut baits will both tempt plenty of bites from the tasty snappers.
The recent winds kept most boats closer to the beach during the latter part of last week, and they found a scattered king mackerel bite around Yaupon Reef and other nearshore structure. Live pogies are the best baits for the kings, and there have been good numbers off Holden Beach recently.
Some large spanish mackerel are also taking an interest in live baits, and anglers are catching smaller spanish while trolling Clarkspoons behind planers and cigar weights. Big numbers of bluefish are mixed in and will strike the same lures.
Patrick, of Twister Charters, reports that the spanish mackerel bite is hot along the Brunswick County beaches. Trolled Clarkspoons are producing plenty of action with the spaniards.
A few king mackerel are feeding around Yaupon Reef and nearby, and they have a tough time turning down live menhaden or bluefish.
Large sharks are feeding in the same areas, and drifting with cut baits will attract their attention.
Offshore, the dolphin bite is still excellent in the Gulf Stream when boats make the run. Ballyhoo paired with skirted trolling lures are the way to go for the dolphin. A few wahoo are still in the mix out in the blue water.
Bottom fishermen are connecting with grouper around structure in 100’ and deeper, with live baits producing the best results.
Bill Gay, of Lumberton, NC, with a 15.25 lb. bluefish that bit a finger mullet in the ICW near Holden Beach.
Mark, of OceanIsleFishingCharters.com, reports that the flounder bite has been solid in Tubbs Inlet and other inshore spots lately (and the fish are getting bigger). Live mud minnows, tiger minnows, and Gulp baits on jigheads will all tempt bites from the flounder. Last week’s rain slowed the bite a bit, but anglers are still catching plenty of fish, and it’ll get even better after a few days of stable weather.
Some red drum are feeding around ICW docks and other inshore structure in the area. Live menhaden have been producing the best results with the reds lately, and there are plenty in the ICW for anglers searching for bait.
Anglers are connecting with speckled trout along grass lines and oyster bars in the backwaters lately, with most falling for Billy Bay Halo shrimp fished either solo and combined with popping corks.
Paul, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that some bluefish, spanish mackerel, and (recently) speckled trout have been taking an interest in Gotcha plugs that anglers are working from the pier.
Bottom fishermen are catching sea mullet on double-hook rigs baited with shrimp.
A few flounder are coming over the rails, but there hasn’t been much bait around the pier, and the flatfish bite will likely improve when more bait shows up.
