Southport July 1, 2004
Linda, at Southport/Oak Island Sport Fishing Charters, reports that even though it was “bumpy” a few days last week, the fishing was good. Kings and dolphins have been brought in from around the Horseshoe. Bottom fish have been brought in also, but everyone seems to want the kings and dolphins. The spanish are still strong on the beach, with a king or two thrown in. The flounder are still being brought in regularly from the backwater and around Yaupon Reef. A few whiting, drum, and trout have also been caught, but flounder seems to be the inshore species to go after.
Tanya, at Ocean Crest Pier, reports that speckled trout and whiting are hitting live shrimp very well. Shrimp or sand fleas will produce black drum and possibly a sheepshead. Bottom fishermen have landed some croakers, and flounder fishermen are still having decent luck with minnows. Pompano are biting very well in the surf. Out on the end of the pier, the spanish mackerel have come back after dirty water pushed them out all week. No king mackerel this week, but a 20.5 lb. Governors Citation Jack Crevalle was landed by angler Phil Perdew.
Tommy, at Long Beach Pier, reports speckled trout, up to 5 lbs., are eating live shrimp early in the morning. Flounder in the 2 to 2.5 lb. range are taking mullet and the occasional live shrimp on the bottom. Bluefish are hanging out for the pluggers, but the dirty water has pushed the spanish and kings away from the pier. Bottom fishermen are still having a very good summer with the spots and whiting on worms and shrimp.
Billie, at Dutchman Creek Bait and Tackle, reports that the spanish mackerel are biting very well outside the inlets and along the beach. The flounder action is still producing keeper fish. Mud minnows, mullet, and small menhaden fished in channels and along docks should get a flattie. There have been some bigger size flounders this week, with many in the 2 to 3 lb. range. Trout are showing inside, hitting live shrimp. Whiting and croakers are also in the channels and along the surf.
John, of Haag and Sons Seafood, reports that the beeliners have not been biting recently because they are all stocked full of roe. They need to spawn before they’ll get hungry and start biting. They act a lot like grouper in that way. There were lots of grouper caught in May because that was right after they spawned. The beeliners should spawn anytime, as the full moon may bring it on. It’s usually some natural event that seems to come before the spawn. Divers are reporting that the water conditions are great out at the tower. There’s plenty of blue water with great visibility. The African pompano bite has been elusive so far this season. He has a couple of guys finding a few, but they’ve been small. They’ve been 12 to 16 lbs., when normally they run 25 to 35 lbs. No reason offered for the small size.
Capt. Rick, at Blue Water Point Marina, reports limits of spanish mackerel in the 15 to 20 inch range just off the area beaches. There’s false albacore and juvenile king mackerel mixed in. Limits of king mackerel are coming in from further offshore on the artificial reefs. Small dolphin are mixed in with the kings. Bottom fishing has been good on the reefs if you can make it out. Inside, several flounder over 4 lbs. have been caught in the area and weighed in at the marina.
