Southport March 28, 2013
Wyatt Clark, of Lake Norman, with speckled trout he and his father hooked in creeks near Tubbs Inlet while casting D.O.A. Shrimp beneath popping floats.
Steve, of The Tackle Box, reports that anglers are connecting with some trout in the local creeks, with Wildlife Creek producing the most action in recent days. Live shrimp are tops when it comes to the trout, but anglers can also hook up on artificials like Gulp baits and Yo-Zuri’s 3D series suspending lures. The trout bite should only get better as March turns to April and the water temperatures climb a few degrees.
Red drum are feeding on the flats off the lower Cape Fear, and there are some fish feeding around docks on the ICW and in the river as well. Sunny days produce the best action with the reds wherever they are. On the flats, anglers have to operate stealthily to avoid spooking the schools of fish, but they can hook up on soft plastics and a variety of other lures once they get within casting range. Under the docks, Gulps and fresh shrimp or other natural baits will produce results with the reds.
A few flounder are around and taking an interest in baits that anglers are casting for the specks and reds, and giggers are putting together some impressive hauls. As the water temperature rises, the flatfish will begin feeding more actively and the hook and line bite should improve.
Not many people have been offshore due to the wind recently, but wahoo are still feeding around local spots like the Steeples and Blackjack Hole. Trolling ballyhoo under skirted lures will tempt bites from the wahoo. Blackfin tuna are in the same areas and will strike ballyhoo, smaller trolling lures, or vertical jigs.
Wally, of Oak Island Fishing Charters, reports that the weather has kept many people off the water in recent weeks, but some fish are around for anglers when the winds moderate.
For anglers looking for action, nearshore structure in the ocean is holding big numbers of black sea bass and dogfish. Both will pounce on virtually any bait pinned to a bottom rig, but anglers should remember the sea bass season is closed until June 1.
When boats are able to make it to the Gulf Stream, they’ll likely find some action with wahoo and blackfin tuna. Ballyhoo paired with skirted trolling lures will fool both fish. Sometimes the blackfin are in the mood for a lighter meal, so it’s not a bad idea to keep a smaller lure in the spread.
Jimmy, of Wildlife Tackle, reports that anglers are catching some healthy speckled trout (with fish to 5 lbs. weighed in this past week) in the local creeks. Gulp baits and other soft plastics are producing most of the fish, and anglers should see the bite get better over the coming days.
Some more specks and a few puppy drum are feeding under the Oak Island Bridge, and soft plastics have also been producing there.
Sea mullet have shown up around the mouth of the Cape Fear River, and anglers have started to catch decent numbers while bottom-fishing with shrimp. Like the specks, the sea mullet bite should improve over the coming weeks.
A few flounder are already in the area, and plenty more will be on the move as April progresses. Many of the early fish will be undersized, but anglers should be able to find a few keepers, too. Live baits and Gulps will both produce results with the flatfish.
Annette, of Dutchman Creek Bait and Tackle, reports that there have been some speckled trout feeding in the local creeks, but lately dolphins have been harassing the fish and making it tough for anglers to connect. The bite should get better as the water temperatures rise over the coming weeks.
Anglers should also see a good sea mullet bite develop over the coming weeks around the mouth of the river. Shrimp and other baits on bottom rigs will tempt bites from the mullet.
Vance, of Ocean Crest Pier, reports that anglers are hooking some pufferfish while bottom fishing with shrimp. A few sea mullet are in the mix, but most are on the small side.
The water is 56 degrees. As it approaches 60, anglers should see the sea mullet bite improve and the first bluefish of the year make their spring appearance.
