Southport April 15, 2005
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Dave, of Ocean Crest Pier, reports that the pier saw their first little snapper blues during the first week of April. They were being caught on cut bait and artificials (like Gotcha plugs). The pier has also seen some catches of whiting. Other action includes some small, under-sized flounder caught on live minnows. One guy, however, found a “keeper” flounder. The water temperature just off the pier in about 15-feet of water is reading 62 degrees. The area creeks are just starting to show some live mullet minnows and mud minnows.
Bobby, at Long Beach Pier, reports that the pier has recently seen some whiting catches. They’re being caught on shrimp. There have also been a few small specks and blues caught on shrimp. The pier saw its first “keeper” flounder of the 2005 season earlier in the week.
Scott, at Southport Fishing Center, reports that tuna, dolphin, and wahoo are biting offshore, with yellowfins being the most prevalent. The offshore fishing was steady and hot, but then a weekend storm changed the water temperature and threw off the fishing.
Bottom fishing has been producing steady catches. In the 10-12 mile range the primary catch is black sea bass. When guys go farther out in the 35-mile range, then they catch bigger sea bass, as well as some snappers, groupers, and trigger fish.
Inside, speckled trout are being caught at St. James and the Beaver Creek area. The bait’s been scarce, so most have been caught on artificials.
Billie, at Dutchman Creek Bait and Tackle, reports that there are trout, red drum, and some black drum biting in the area creeks. Reds have been reported in St. James, Davis Creek, around Bald Head Island, and in the Wildlife boat ramp area. The black drum have been coming mostly from Davis Creek. For trout and drum, throw live bait, grubs, and plugs.
She’s also had two flounder catches reported. It’s time for flounder to pick up because “when the dogwood’s are blooming, the flounder are coming.”
Capt. Brandon, of All Out Coastal Charters, reports that the south areas have been best for wahoo, tuna, and dolphin. Try to target the continental shelf from south of Frying Pan Tower to Cape Romaine shoals. Wahoo and tuna are the primary catch, with the dolphin bite improving later in April. A reminder to check the new federal regulations on wahoo.
The king bite is beginning. Fish are coming from south of Frying Pan Tower and the Horseshoe reef. In late April they should be on the beach (when water is in the 69-71 degree range). This water temperature will also bring in the menhaden and some cobia.
Right now is a good time to go grouper fishing. The fish are out there, and they’re not under pressure. Commercial guys aren’t allowed to fish for them in March and April.
