Pamlico – April 27, 2017
Richie, of Eastside Bait and Tackle, reports that the trout fishing has become pretty decent as the specs start to come out of the creeks. Anglers are having luck with the MirrOlure MR17 and Yo-Zuri little minnow baits, as well as soft plastics, like Gulp.
A few flounder are being caught on soft plastics, and although they are still small in size, there are a few keepers scattered around.
The puppy drum are starting to show up, taking various soft plastics.
The rockfish bite is still happening in the river, with anglers connecting using topwater lures like Super Spook Jrs.
Jimmy Hawley, of Rock Ridge, with a 26” trout caught in the Pungo River. The fish hit a Vudu shrimp under a popping cork.
Todd, of Neuse River Bait and Tackle, reports that despite the earliness, there have been some old drum caught in the river.
Most of the action for anglers, however, has come from the big speckled trout, with over 30 citations written this month. Most fish are being caught as they make their spring transition out of the creeks and tributaries that join up with the main river. Topwater is a great way to connect with these fish, popping corks with soft plastics or MirrOlure MR17s are also a way to entice the fish to bite.
The striped bass that have migrated upriver to spawn are now making their way back down in huge numbers. Some anglers have reported over 100 fish a day. Topwater is proving effective on these fish, with Super Spook Jrs and Rapala SW11 Skitterwalks working on the rockfish.
Mitchell, of FishIBX, reports that the striper bite is good in the Ronanoke, Pamlico, and Neuse rivers. The fish are taking both artificials, like swim baits, and live bait. Those throwing topwater will also find good action with the fish. Both Spooks and popping baits will work on the rockfish.
Those targeting the trout with soft plastics are starting to see a decent size fish, with up to 3 lb. fish being landed. Yee Ha soft plastics are the brand to use.
Marylee Palmieri with a trout caught in Fishing Creek on a Z-Man Trout Trick. She was fishing with Capt. Richard Andrews of Tar-Pam Guide Service.
James, of Neuse River Adventures, reports that the Neuse River is on fire right now, with anglers connecting with stripers, redfish, trout, and bluefish. Most fish are in the 17-22” range, with a few smaller and larger mixed in.
Topwater presentations are getting bites, and anglers should try MirrOlure Top Dawg Jr, Heddon Super Spooks, and Lucky Craft Sammy lures.
Those fishing soft plastics should use a 1/8 oz. jig head with DOA Minnowz and Egret Wedge Tails. Look for natural colors like silver and black, mimicking colors of mullet that are naturally occurring.
The water temperatures are in the low 70s.
Dave, of Knee Deep Custom Charters, reports that the trout are moving out of creeks as water temperatures rise above 70 degrees. They will be found hanging out on river shores and back in the river marshes for the summer. Anglers should target them using DOA Deadly Combo shrimp, as well as DOA shrimp along the bottom. Both will get bites and can also tempt bites from flounder or redfish if around. Big drum will also take similar baits if they are in the area.
The rockfish are moving back down river providing excellent topwater action. Most of the fish are small and will take the Rapala Skitter V along with the DOA Deadly Combo worked in structure areas. The bridges have held some pretty fish when jigging around pilings with DOA TerrorEyz. Rock season closes soon, but the catch and release action should continue to be good.
