Southport June 2, 2011
Dennis Watson, of Bolivia, NC, with a 5 lb. flounder that he hooked on a live menhaden in the Cape Fear River near Southport while fishing with his wife Laurie.
Butch, of Yeah Right Charters, reports that boats making the run to the Gulf Stream are still picking up decent numbers of dolphin. Some blackfin tuna and a few wahoo are still in the mix, and anglers may see a billfish while trolling the blue water as well. Skirted ballyhoo and baitless lures like cedar plugs will tempt bites from all the pelagic gamefish.
Offshore bottom fishing has been producing plenty of action with grouper, black sea bass, triggerfish, and plenty of other bottom dwellers. Ledges, rocks, wrecks, and other structure in 80’+ of water are where to look for the bottom dwellers, and live baits, cut baits, and squid will tempt them to bite.
Higher relief structure offshore is playing host to schools of amberjacks and some king mackerel and cobia. Live baits will attract attention from all three.
Along the beaches, anglers are catching good numbers of spanish mackerel while trolling Clarkspoons, mackerel trees, and other small lures.
Large sharks are feeding in the same area, and they have no qualms about biting cut and dead baits.
Flounder fishing on the nearshore reefs has also been productive of late, and small live baits like menhaden are the way to go for the flatfish.
John, of Dutchman’s Creek Bait and Tackle, reports that the flounder bite is turning on inshore and along the beaches. Anglers are putting together good catches of flatfish in the creeks, along the Southport waterfront, and at the oceanfront piers. Live baits like mud minnows and small menhaden will appeal to the flounder.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish are feeding along the beaches, and boaters are catching both while trolling Clarkspoons.
Pier anglers have been getting in on the blue and spanish action when the water clears up along the beaches.
A few king mackerel are also feeding between the beaches and Yaupon Reef. Live baits will get their attention.
Tommy, of Southport Angler Outfitters, reports that anglers have been landing some fat flounder in the Cape Fear River near Southport lately (with several fish in the 9 lb. range last week). Good numbers of smaller fish are in the mix as well. Live menhaden are the way to go for the flounders.
King mackerel and dolphin have moved in to the 20 mile range off Southport, and boaters should be able to tempt them to bite live baits or dead cigar minnows.
A few large cobia have been brought in from the Frying Pan Tower area lately, and live baits are a solid bet for them as well.
James Midgett with a 30 lb. red grouper he hooked while bottom fishing southwest of Frying Pan Tower with Capt. Butch Foster on the "Yeah Right II."
Tommy, of Oak Island Pier, reports that anglers have caught solid numbers of flounder from the pier in recent days (good numbers of keepers with some fish to 4 lbs.). Live mud minnows are doing most of the damage on the flatfish.
Bottom fishermen are connecting with some whiting, croaker, and others on rigs baited with shrimp.
Vance, of Ocean Crest Pier, reports that anglers have landed some pompano (several 2+ lb. citations) while bottom fishing with shrimp over the past week.
Small live baits are attracting attention from flounder (including a 6 lb. fish last week).
