Ocean Isle/Holden Beach – March 2024
Jeff, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that anglers in March will be looking for the black drum action to pick up while targeting ICW docks and other hard structures. Some cut shrimp on a Carolina rig is all that’s needed for some great fishing action when you can find a pocket of fish.
Speckled trout will start getting more active for those casting soft plastics around deeper holes and near structure (such as the jetties).
Red drum will also be scattered in the action. The redfish will still be holding in their larger winter schools, so the bite is overall hit or miss based on whether you find the schools or not.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that runs out to the edge of the break are producing some nice blackfin tuna and wahoo, especially when you can find good blue water pushed up over that 30-fathom line.
Grouper season is closed, and so are American red snapper. That leaves black sea bass as the main target on bottom fishing trips, but at least the action has been steady, especially as you push out further.
Dick Christy, of Lumberton, NC, landed this 72 lb. wahoo while trolling a skirted ballyhoo a few miles from the Scarp. He was fishing with Capt. Riley Atkins of Salt Fever Guide Service out of Ocean Isle.
Tim, of Tideline Charters, reports that a bunch of black drum are staged up around the deeper water near bridges and docks. Red drum are mostly holding in the larger schools they settle in over the winter. The majority of these fish are in in the shallows and slowly moving around looking for food. Anglers need to be very cautious around them to avoid spooking these fish, as they are much more timid in the winter months. A long stretch of fishing pressure and clear water conditions play into that.
Speckled trout numbers have been lower than some past winters, but the quality is good, with most catches being 20”+. Late March into April is usually when the area sees a big change in the trout bite, as warmer water temperatures get them more active and pulled out of their deeper winter holes.
Anglers fishing the Little River jetties have been able to find some nice-sized red drum (to 30”) with cut bait.
Nearshore action is pretty bleak with the cold water around. Black sea bass would be the main target when running out to the 5-8 mile range.
Tripp, of Capt’n Hook Outdoors, reports that speckled trout have been feeding well, and this action only gets better as the water temperatures warm up some. Anglers can be looking for trout to be in the backs of creeks or tucked into little canals. Both artificial and live baits have been working well in enticing strikes.
Red drum fishing has been hot back in the shallows. Focusing efforts on the warmer, sunny days has proven helpful to successes. Target the shallow oyster banks with either bottom-rigged dead shrimp or soft plastic paddle tails.
A couple of black drum are mixed in this same area, and they prefer to feed on the shrimp offerings.
Offshore runs have been finding some nice wahoo and blackfin tuna action in the Gulf Stream. Both of these species will remain the top targets through March as anglers await warmer water to bring in other species.
Bottom fishing has produced some big black sea bass within 15 miles of the beach.
Todd, of Rigged and Ready Charters, reports that as we start to see more spring weather, the speckled trout bite should only improve. These fish are currently falling prey to MirrOlure MR-17s, Mr-18s, and soft plastics in live shrimp color patterns.
Red drum are mixed around, and they’re mostly being caught with cut baits on Carolina rigs.
Black drum can be found around bridges and docks, with cut shrimp being the top producing bait choice.
When the wind allows, bottom fishing offshore is producing vermilion snapper, triggerfish, grunts, and black sea bass. Some cut squid or cigar minnows on a typical chicken rig with 5/0 hooks are doing the trick.
The offshore trolling is very weather dependent. When the opportunity arises, anglers should be able to find wahoo and blackfin tuna while pulling Blue Water Candy Jags in black/purple or blue/white color patterns. This time of year, it’s always a good idea to have at least one natural cedar plug running in the spread.
Gavin Niven and Brayden MucMullan caught this king mackerel offshore of Ocean Isle while free lining live pogies. They were aboard the OIFC King Slinga.
Anthony, of Salt Fever Guide Service, reports that March fishing is all about targeting wahoo and blackfin tuna out in the Gulf Stream.
If we can see some nice pushes of warmer water this spring, the yellowfin tuna could also make a showing.
Bottom fishing is a great option in these cooler months, with black sea bass keepers being found in the 60-80’ range.
Once out in 80’+, anglers will also start seeing vermilion snappers and triggerfish.
Philip, of Rod and Reel Shop, reports that anglers in the ICW will be looking at targeting whiting, spot, and speckled trout in the coming weeks.
The speckled trout action has also been pretty good for anglers fishing up the Lockwood Folly River.
Nearshore reefs are holding black sea bass for those looking to run outside the inlet.
By late March, the inshore area should start seeing more red drum around as more fish push back inshore.
Donnie, of Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Pier, reports that as they await the pier’s opening day around mid-month, anglers look forward to some productive bottom fishing. Catches should include a mix of black drum, whiting, and croakers.
