Ocean Isle – September 14, 2017
Jeff, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that the flounder bite inshore has been hit or miss, but the nearshore bite has heated up. Anglers dropping live finger mullet and bucktails around nearshore reefs and structure have found good numbers of quality fish. Catching limits has not been uncommon.
The over-slot redfish bite has also kicked off around the area jetties. Anglers fishing fresh cut mullet and live mullet on the bottom have found good numbers of trophy-sized fish.
Britney Lowery and Chris Harden caught this 41” red drum while using a live finger mullet near Ocean Isle.
Derek, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that the nearshore spanish bite has been hot since the wind has turned out of the north. Trolling Clarkspoons around bait pods and nearshore structure has worked best. A few kings have also been landed around the nearshore reefs.
In the 10-20 mile range, larger spanish (in the 3-8 lb. class) have been hooked while trolling dead cigar minnows. The Jungle has been an especially productive area for fishing in this range. A few smaller kings have been in the mix as well.
Between 25-40 miles, bottom fishing has been solid. Black sea bass, beeliners, and a few gag grouper have been landed. For the grouper, dropping live pinfish or pogies has been a must. Trolling in this range has produced some larger kings on dead cigar minnows.
Out in the Gulf Stream, the wahoo bite has really improved. Days with multiple fish haven’t been uncommon, and a few mahi have also been in the mix.
Shane, of Fin-Fisher Charter Service, reports that the nearshore flounder bite has remained steady. Those dropping peanut pogies and live finger mullet to the bottom have landed good numbers of fish. Most fish have been in the 16-22” range.
The redfish have started to school up in the shallows and have been feeding well. Most fish have been landed when working topwaters like Zara Super Spook Jr.’s and Rapala Skitterwalks. Live pogies and finger mullet on Carolina rigs have worked as well.
Speckled trout are still hanging around, and live shrimp has been the ticket to catching limits of fish.
Kevin, of Rigged and Ready Charters, reports that trolling Clarkspoons on #1 planers has been the key to hooking up to fast-paced spanish action. The spanish have schooled up and are holding close to bait pods and nearshore structure.
Bull red drum have also started to show up on nearshore reefs and structure. Dropping live baits and large pieces of fresh cut bait have both worked well.
Trolling live baits nearshore has produced some larger kings and a few cobia.
In the 20-40 mile range, the king bite has been consistent when trolling naked cigar minnows.
Out to the 40-50 mile range, the grouper bite has been excellent, and dropping live pinfish has been the key to hooking good numbers. Other species, such as black sea bass and beeliners, have also been feeding well on the bottom.
Macy Sellers (age 11) with a red drum that fell for a live finger mullet near Holden Beach.
Cecil, of Rod and Reel Shop, reports that those looking for redfish have had luck targeting oyster beds in the creeks and dock structure. Anything from topwater lures to live finger mullet on a Carolina rig has worked well. A few speckled trout are being landed when looking for the reds. Most trout, though, have been hooked in the first couple hours of the day.
Just off the beach, the flounder fishing has picked up on the nearshore reefs. Anglers dropping 2 oz. bucktails tipped with Gulp plastics have had the most success landing limits of fish. Over-slot redfish have also started to show up on the nearshore reefs and structure. Dropping large pieces of cut bait to the bottom has been the best method of hooking the reds.
Spanish fishing is still holding strong near the beach. Anglers have had success trolling Clarkspoons and casting jigs to busting fish. Those targeting bait pods and nearshore structure have found the most numbers of fish.
Kyle, of Speckulator Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that the inshore fishing has been hit or miss, but those focusing on creek fishing have found the most success. Flounder, redfish, and speckled trout have all been staging in creeks and on docks in the waterway. Live finger mullet and shrimp have been the baits of choice.
Just off the beach, the flounder bite on the nearshore reefs has improved. Anglers dropping live baits and bucktails tipped with soft plastics have landed good numbers of fish.
The big redfish have also started to show up on the reefs, jetties, and nearshore structure. Dropping fresh cut mullet and live mullet to the bottom has been the key to getting bit.
David, of Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Pier, reports that fishing from the pier has been hit or miss. Most anglers have focused on bottom fishing with fresh shrimp and sand fleas, and those baits have been producing spot, whiting, and the occasional flounder.
