Pamlico September 1, 2011
Dan O'Leary, of PA, with a 54" red drum that fell for a chunk of cut mullet in the Neuse River while he was fishing with Capt. Gary Dubiel of Spec Fever Guide Service.
Gary, of Spec Fever Guide Service, reports that despite widespread flooding and wind damage from Hurricane Irene, much of the area around Oriental has power back and the infrastructure is there in New Bern, Bayboro, and Oriental for anglers to start coming back to town and catching fish.
The good news in the wake of the storm is that the “old” red drum fishing has either been unaffected, or gotten even better since the weather has passed. Anglers in the days following the storm have had incredible action, releasing double-digit numbers of drum from the mid-high 30” range on up to 50-55”. Fishing cut mullet, menhaden, or other baits around drop-offs, oyster rocks, and other bottom irregularities is the way to hook up with the big reds. Despite the influx of fresh water, the action’s still been on in the Neuse River around Oriental and upriver nearly to New Bern, so while the storm had severe impacts on land, it doesn’t seem to have hurt the angling possibilities in the region.
Kristen Aspey, of Charlotte, NC, with a citation 40" red drum that bit a chunk of menhaden in the Pamlico Sound while she was fishing with her boyfriend, Hunter Avery of Tex's Tackle, and John Bird.
Richard, of Tar-Pam Guide Service, reports that the Pamlico and Pungo River basins sustained serious damage from flooding and wind during Irene. Broad Creek, South Creek, Aurora, Core Point, Bath, and nearby areas took some of the hardest damage, with homes destroyed, some still missing, and a 9’+ storm surge impacting much of the region.
On the positive side, the fishing in the area sustained significantly less damage.
Anglers are still catching solid numbers of citation-class red drum in the rivers and out in the sound.
Donald, of Custom Marine Fabrication, reports that the area around New Bern and elsewhere on the Neuse experienced serious wind and flood damage through Hurricane Irene, creating a lot of debris on land and in the water. When anglers get back to fishing in the area, it’s vital they keep an eye out for floating and submerged debris, as there will still be plenty around. There’s no telling how long the clutter will be around, but without a decent amount of rainfall to flush it out toward the sound, it could be quite some time.
Houston Blake, of Grifton, NC, with a citation-class red drum he hooked on a chunk of cut mullet while fishing near the mouth of the Pamlico River with Capt. Richard Andrews of Tar-Pam Guide Service.
Dave, of Knee Deep Custom Charters, reports that the widespread damage from Hurricane Irene has knocked down trees and affected much of Pamlico County, but it hasn’t hurt the fishing.
The big red drum bite is still in full swing, and anglers are hooking solid numbers of the reds while soaking large cut baits around shoals, drop-offs, and oyster rocks that concentrate the fish. Owen Lupton rigs with fixed weights, short leaders, and large circle hooks are the way to go for the big reds, as they virtually eliminate the chance of gut-hooking and killing one of the large breeders inadvertently.
