Southport – May 24, 2018
Angie, of Dutchman Creek Bait and Tackle, reports that some small whiting are being caught, with the action still best behind Bald Head Island. Most of the whiting have come off of fresh shrimp.
Some bluefish, black drum, and croaker are all being landed in the surf, with cut bait and shrimp being the go to baits.
There’s been some flounder action in the usual inshore areas, but most are still small.
The redfish are biting in the backwaters, mainly on shrimp artificials and smaller live bait.
Off the piers, there are cobia, king mackerel, big spanish mackerel, and chopper blues all being caught.
Offshore on structure, anglers are seeing plenty of sea bass. Squid, shrimp, and cut bait are all doing the trick.
Out at the Gulf Stream, the mahi have shown up in big numbers, along with the occasional wahoo.
Luke, of Spot On Charters, reports that good numbers of bait are starting to be seen in the Cape Fear River and surrounding inshore waters.
A few flounder have been caught, but most are smaller fish.
There is a steady redfish bite from Southport and up the river, with most of the fish falling in the slot. Carolina rigs tipped with live bait is working best for the reds.
The trout have been few and far between, but a few spikes can be found.
Nearshore, anglers fishing around wrecks and structure have landed some big red drum, as well as a cobia or two.
Chris Z. with a bull red drum caught near Southport on live mullet.
Mark, of Angry Pelican Charters, reports that the offshore bite is on, with a mix of mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna feeding along ledges and weed lines in 140-300′ of water. Steady south winds have helped form some nice-sized mats, and they’re drawing in plenty of respectable dolphin.
Closer to the beach, the bottom fishing continues to be good with the usual suspects (grouper, snappers, triggerfish, etc.) hanging out around the tower, rocks, ledges, and wrecks in the 80-100′ range.
There have been some nice king mackerel (and cobia) feeding along the beach, with schoolies and better numbers of kings a little further off in the 10-20 mile areas.
Spanish fishing along the beach is improving by the day, with better numbers and some quality fish in the mix.
Robert, of Reelin’ Pelican Charters, reports that the warming water and recent influx of bait has certainly improved the fishing action.
In the creeks, both live baits and Gulp baits have produced keeper flounder, redfish, and a few chopper blues.
Just off the beach around Yaupon Reef and Ocean Crest Pier, there have been plenty of kings, spanish, and a few cobia.
At the Gulf Stream, the mahi bite is hot.
Wally, of Oak Island Fishing Charters, reports that the spanish mackerel are everywhere just off the beach. They’re biting best on Clarkspoons.
In the backwaters, some nice-sized red and black drum are being caught. Carolina-rigged pogies have done well for the redfish, and fresh shrimp remains best for the black drum.
Offshore, the scamp and gag grouper bite has been hot in around 130’ of water. Cigar minnows and live bait have both done well for these fish.
Further off at the Gulf Stream, mahi can be found everywhere.
Clint Mabrey and Wes Brantley, of Youngsville, with a 55.2 lb. bull dolphin caught at the Steeples on ballyhoo. They were fishing with Capt. Dave Moxley on the “Bow Movement.”
Ryan, of Fugitive Charters, reports that on the beach there are some big spanish and a few king mackerel. Trolling spoons and live baits have both worked well. There are also some cobia around, and plenty of smaller kings can be located further offshore.
Bottom fishing has been hot, with anglers seeing good numbers of scamp and gag grouper, sea bass, triggers, and pinkies. Squid, cigar minnows, and live bait have produced on the bottom fish.
Around the Gulf Stream, there are plenty of mahi to be caught.
Tim, of Wildlife Bait and Tackle, reports that the red and black drum are still biting well in the creeks, with live pogies, mud minnows, and fresh shrimp doing the trick.
Some sheepshead are being found on docks and structure, and they’re biting best on crabs.
There are some big spanish on the beach (6-8 lbs.), as well as some kings and a few cobia.
Even more smaller kings can be found further off the beach, as well as some good bottom fishing for scamp and gag grouper.
Out at the Gulf Stream, the mahi bite is on fire, and some blackfin and wahoo are mixed in.
Steve, of Ocean Crest Pier, reports that pier anglers are connecting with some king mackerel, as well as a few cobia.
There are also plenty of bluefish around, with a few spanish mixed in. Both species are biting well on Gotcha plugs.
