Ocean Isle September 29, 2005
Brant McMullan, at the Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports big king mackerel are running the beach along Oak Island out to Yaupon Reef, as well as the Cape Fear River channel. Plenty of menhaden are holding in this area, and this is bringing in the bigger fish.
School size kings are starting to bite well in the 45 to 60 foot depth range as the water clears from Ophelia.
Bottom fishing offshore has been productive for grouper in 75 to 120 foot of water, and gulf stream trips have been fair for wahoo and quite a few sailfish.
Stan Gurganus, at the Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that red fish have been the hot action, with several oversized fish caught recently (up to 35″). Look for them on the deep drop offs and shell banks, and go with a Carolina rig and finger mullet.
The flounder bite has been scattered, with more fish on the AR’s than inside.
Bait has been everywhere since the storm, so you’ll have no problem finding big schools of finger mullet.
Will, at Ocean Isle Beach Pier, reports a good mix of fall fishing with flounder up to 1.5 lbs. on live mullets. Bluefish, whiting, and pompano have been caught by those bottom fishing. The spots should not be too far behind, so get ready.
Hunter, at The Rod and Reel Shop, reports flounder fishing is very good off the pier with fish up to 22 inches being caught. The inlets have also been a great place for flounder, as well as red drum, with live baits. The drum can also be caught in the waterway and creeks along shell banks.
Not much to report offshore due to the seas, but the kings have been biting well along the beaches.
