Southport April 14, 2011
Stephanie Herivel, of Lonetree, CO, with the results of a double black sea bass hookup she found in 100' of water near Frying Pan Tower while fishing with Capt. Butch Foster of Yeah Right Charters. Both bass were released after the photo.
Butch, of Yeah Right Charters, reports that when the winds allow local boats to make it to the Gulf Stream, they’re finding some wahoo and blackfin tuna along with false albacore and houndfish. The first few dolphin of the year have also been caught, and a few yellowfin tuna have been reported as well. Skirted ballyhoo are top choices for all the blue water predators.
Deep-jigging along the break is producing plenty of action with giant amberjacks, cobia, African pompano, some blackfin tuna, and a host of other fish.
Offshore bottom fishing is still producing plenty of action (again, when the wind lays down), but it’s been difficult to get through the large black sea bass (closed to harvest at present) to hook the fish that anglers are allowed to keep. The bottom action should be solid at any rock, ledge, wreck or other structure in 80’ or deeper, particularly in the area southwest of Frying Pan Tower.
Nearshore water temperatures continue to climb and bait is schooling just off the beaches, so it won’t be long until anglers see some king and spanish mackerel moving towards the coast.
John, of Dutchman’s Creek Bait and Tackle, reports that anglers are catching some sea mullet off the piers and in the surf, primarily on bottom rigs baited with shrimp and bloodworms.
Larger sea mullet are feeding in the deeper holes near the mouth of the river, and anglers with boats are putting together pretty solid catches while using the same baits the fish are taking in the surf.
Anglers are finding some red drum (from under to mid-slot) working the creeks and a few black drum feeding in the same areas. The reds will respond to a variety of baits and lures, while shrimp are top choices for the black drum.
A few flounder are joining the inshore action, and anglers hooked some in Lockwood Folly Inlet and in the shallows off the ICW in recent weeks. Live mud minnows will attract attention from the flatties.
Offshore, bottom fishermen found some excellent action with triggerfish at structure along the break last week.
Brendan Faust with a large bluefish he hooked while bottom fishing in the Oak Island surf.
Jon, of Haag and Sons Seafood, reports that Gulf Stream trollers making the run north to the Same Ol’ Hole had some good action with blackfin tuna and plenty of false albacore last week. Skirted ballyhoo are top choices in the Stream.
Tommy, of Oak Island Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are decking some sea mullet and small spots while baiting up with shrimp. Bluefish are starting to take an interest in the bottom rigs, too, and it won’t be long until anglers are able to hook up with them while working Gotcha plugs from the pier.
Bertha, of Ocean Crest Pier, reports that anglers are catching good numbers of whiting, pufferfish, and a few small flounder while bottom fishing with shrimp.
