Ocean Isle October 25, 2007
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that wahoo and a few dolphin are feeding well out in the Gulf Stream. The bite has been particularly good around the Blackjack Hole and the 100/400.
Ballyhoo trolled beneath skirted lures, especially in blue/white and red/black, should be too much for the wahoo to resist.
Bottom fishing has been good lately. Gag grouper are holding on ledges and other structure in 65-90’ of water, with other bottom fish out a bit deeper. Live baits, such as cigar minnows and pogies, are the top grouper baits.
King mackerel are chasing bait along the beaches on out to spots in around 50’ of water. Most of the fish are teenagers, but there are some larger 20-30+ lb. kings in the mix as well. Live pogies will draw strikes from the kings.
As the water cools off, most of the kings will move offshore to spots in 60’+ of water, such as the Shark Hole and the Jungle.
Spanish mackerel are feeding alongside their larger cousins, and they’ll fall for smaller live baits or trolled spoons.
Inshore, speckled trout fishing has been good in the creeks. Live shrimp are top trout baits, but the fish will also fall for DOA or Gulp imitations.
Flounder are feeding well in the area, especially in Tubbs Inlet. Carolina-rigged finger mullet will get plenty of attention from the flounder.
Trey, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are picking up a few spot on bloodworms.
Those baiting up with mud minnows are catching good numbers of flounder.
Several king mackerel were caught over the past week, with the largest weighing 28 lbs. Live bluefish have produced most of the king bites.
