Southport August 6, 2009
Judy Oxendine, of Oak Island with a 4.2 lb. flounder she hooked on a live shrimp while fishing from Oak Island Pier.
Butch, of Yeah Right Charters, reports that the recent southwest winds have made it virtually impossible to fish the ocean off Southport lately, but boats have been able to take advantage of the coastline and fish off of Carolina Beach.
Fortunately, excellent catches of spanish mackerel have been making the run north worthwhile. Boats are hooking the spaniards on trolled Clarkspoons and other lures just outside the inlet near the sea buoy and along the tide lines.
When the weather calms down and boats can get back out, anglers should be able to find some offshore action with king mackerel and bottom fish.
Tommy, of Southport Angler Outfitters, reports that the strong winds have been keeping offshore boats at the dock lately.
The inshore fishing’s been a little tough as well, but anglers have managed to find some action with a few flounder, speckled trout, and red drum in the backwaters behind Bald Head Island. Live shrimp and finger mullet are fooling all three fish, and have been out-producing artificials lately.
Don Beckley with a doplphin he hooked off shore of the Horseshoe on a dead cigar minnow. He was trolling with Capt. Richard Flick of Get Reel Charters out of Southport.
John, of Dutchman Creek Bait and Tackle, reports that anglers are hooking a few whiting and spot while bottom fishing from the surf and piers. Shrimp are producing action with both species.
Anglers are also picking up a few speckled trout both inshore and on the piers. Live shrimp are producing most of the action with the specks.
Reports of some nice flounder have been coming in from inshore as well (some to 6+ lbs. lately). Anglers are catching most of them on live baits like finger mullet.
Boats able to make it out lately have found a decent spanish mackerel bite while trolling Clarkspoons and other lures near the beaches.
Joe Groce with a 27 lb. red grouper he hooked on a live cigar minnow in 100' of water off Frying Pan Tower.
Deborah, of Oak Island Pier, reports that it’s been a bit of a tough week, but anglers are still hooking a few speckled trout (up to 3 lbs.). Live shrimp are the top baits for the specks.
Dave, of Ocean Crest Pier, reports that bottom fishermen found action with some pompano, black drum, and whiting last week. Fresh shrimp baits are fooling most of the fish.
Anglers are still catching some speckled trout in the early mornings. Live shrimp are attracting the majority of the specks.
Anglers fishing small live baits on the bottom have been hooking up with decent numbers of flounder.
