Ocean Isle – September 28, 2017
Jeff, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that fishing has been off and on inshore, but the one species that has cooperated has been flounder. Anglers have found good numbers of flatfish along docks and waterway edges. Live finger mullet pinned on a Carolina rig has been the best way to connect with a few keepers.
Out at the Little River jetties, some bull red drum have started to show up. Drifting (or anchoring) and using large cut baits and/or live baits has worked best.
Derek, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that nearshore spanish fishing has been hot. Trolling with Clarkspoons and #1 and #2 planers has produced fish in the 2-5 lb. range.
Those looking for sharks have found plenty of action fishing behind the shrimp boats, as well as drifting the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Using large cut and chunk baits has been the best way to hook up with a variety of sharks.
Nearshore, the king fishing has improved and will continue to get better with dropping temperatures. Fish in the 20-30 lb. range have been landed on live pogies, and the Shallotte Ledge has been holding perhaps the best numbers of fish.
Off to the 20 mile range, smaller kings have been landed. Trolling a mix of live and dead baits have gotten the job done. Good numbers of false albacore have also been in the mix.
In the 25-40 mile range, blackfin tuna, as well as a few kings, have been feeding. Targeting 80-100′ of water has worked best.
Those headed to the Gulf Stream have found improving wahoo action. On many days anglers are bringing back multiple fish (and quality fish).
Jack Watson (age 8) with a 25 lb. king mackerel caught while trolling a ledge off of Shallotte.
Kevin, of Rigged and Ready Charters, reports that the spanish bite remains steady just off the beach. Trolling Clarkspoons and #1 planers has been the key to hooking up with high numbers of fish.
Around the nearshore reefs, the bull red drum bite has fired up. Dropping live menhaden on drum rigs has accounted for most of the fish landed.
The king bite has moved in closer to the beach. Fishing in front of Shallotte Inlet has produced fish in the 20-45 lb. range, and slow trolling live menhaden has been the method of choice.
In the 40-50 mile range, the bottom fish bite has remained steady. Those looking to land grouper have had the most success dropping live pinfish. Beeliners, black sea bass, and grunts have also been landed in the same areas.
Jacob, of J&J Charters, reports that the flounder fishing has picked up in area creeks. Fishing with live mullet on Carolina rigs has produced the best results.
Those looking for black drum have found fish holding anywhere from 6-16′ of water. Live shrimp has been the best way to get these fish to bite.
The bull redfish bite is starting to heat up just off the beach. Targeting structure holding bait has been the key to finding fish.
Stewart, of Rod and Reel Shop, reports that surf anglers are finding some red drum. Casting cut mullet has been the best bet for the reds. Those using fresh shrimp and sand fleas have boxed pompano, croaker, and sea mullet. A few keeper flounder have also been in the mix.
Anglers fishing inshore have found a few flounder near docks and marsh banks. Most fish have been keyed in on live finger mullet, and targeting depths of 5-8′ has worked best. Anglers looking for red drum have found the best action in area rivers. Focusing on deeper holes and oyster structure has been the best way to hook a few reds. A mix of Gulp plastics as well as live minnows on Carolina rigs has gotten the job done.
Just off the beach, the king bite is starting to pick up. Most fish landed near the beach have been 15+ lbs. A few spanish and bluefish are also being landed when anglers can find clear water. Trolling Clarkspoons and covering lots of area has been the way to find the spanish and blues.
The offshore wahoo bite is starting to pick up.
Shawn Simpson, of Ocean Isle Beach, with a keeper flounder that fell for a live mullet in the ICW near Shallotte.
Kyle, of Speckulator Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that red and black drum have been mixed together in the creeks. Fresh shrimp and finger mullet pinned to a Carolina rig has worked the best for both.
Those searching for flounder have picked up a few fish around Tubbs Inlet and in the waterway. Fishing with live mullet on a Carolina rig around docks and marsh banks has been the ticket to hooking the flatfish.
A good push of bull red drum have made their way to the jetties. Drifting with cut and live baits has done the job when looking for these trophy fish.
Bre, of Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Pier, reports that anglers dropping fresh shrimp from the pier have landed good numbers of spot and black drum. When using cut bait, a few flounder and bluefish have been caught.
