Pamlico July 11, 2013
Matt Young with a 19″ speckled trout that struck a D.O.A. at some structure in the Neuse River while he was fishing with Capt. Dave Stewart of Knee Deep Custom Charters.
Dave, of Knee Deep Custom Charters, reports that the southwest winds have led to rough water and low river levels on many recent days, but anglers are still finding some action in the lower Neuse and up around New Bern. Using a shallow water anchor system like a Power Pole or Stick-it to position the boat has been key with the high winds recently.
Speckled trout and puppy drum are feeding along the river shorelines and at deeper structure in the lower river around Oriental. Some flounder have been mixed in, and all three inshore predators are taking an interest in D.O.A. soft plastics under popping corks or on jigheads in deeper areas. Live finger mullet and mud minnows on circle hook Carolina rigs are getting the job done for live-baiters.
There’s still good striped bass and red drum action in the stump fields around New Bern, with topwater plugs producing plenty of bites early in the day. Casting D.O.A. Airhead soft plastics rigged weedless has also been effective at tempting bites around the structure.
Large red drum are trickling into the sound and Neuse River, and many more will soon be joining them. Sight-casting soft plastics or popping cork rigs to big drum that anglers spot cruising or chasing bait is an exciting way to hook the citation-class fish early in the season.
Gary, of Spec Fever Guide Service, reports that anglers are connecting with speckled trout, red drum, and flounder in the lower Neuse River near Oriental. Most are falling for D.O.A. soft plastics fished under popping corks or on jigheads, but anglers are also hooking a few trout while working topwater plugs.
Black drum are feeding around structure in the same area, and they have a tough time turning down fresh shrimp on bottom rigs. Anglers may also hook a few of the striped drum on soft plastics.
Shelby Lily Dubiel, of Oriental, with a healthy speckled trout that bit a D.O.A. Deadly Combo in the Neuse River while she was fishing with her father, Capt. Gary Dubiel of Spec Fever Guide Service.
Striped bass are still on the feed around New Bern, and anglers can find some solid action while working topwater plugs in the morning and evening hours. Stump fields and other shoreline structure are some of the best bets for the striper action.
Good numbers of puppy drum are also looking for meals around New Bern in the stump fields and along marshy shorelines. Gold spoons, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics under popping corks have been effective on the reds recently.
Mitch, of FishIBX.com, reports that the Roanoke River striped bass bite has slowed a bit due to water temperatures climbing past 80 degrees. Anglers are still hooking some stripers under low light conditions in the mornings and evenings, but the bite has been off during the heat of the day. Soft plastics, flies, and often topwater plugs will tempt bites from the stripers.
The lower Neuse River has been producing a steady pick of speckled trout, flounder, and red drum for anglers casting soft plastics and other lures around shoreline structure.
Some croaker are also feeding in the Neuse and will take an interest in shrimp or other baits on bottom rigs.
Tarpon have begun to show up around the mouth of the Neuse and in the sounds, with several schools spotted and the first release of the year last week. Fishing large cut or dead baits on the bottom is the way to connect with the silver kings.
Isaiah, of East Side Bait and Tackle, reports that the inshore action in the area has recovered substantially after the rain and wind slowed things down for several weeks.
There’s been a solid speckled trout bite around Bayview, North Creek, and St. Clair Creek, with most of the fish falling for Gulp baits.
Flounder, puppy drum, and black drum are feeding around Swan Quarter and down towards the sound, as the water’s still rather dirty further upriver. Gulp baits have been producing plenty of action with all three species.
