Added on Thursday, October 13, 2011  Fish Post

Southport October 13, 2011

Butch, of Yeah Right Charters, reports that anglers have had to fish around the wind lately, but the action’s been good when they can make it offshore.

Bottom fishing around Frying Pan Tower has been producing big catches of grouper, grunts, snapper, triggerfish, black sea bass, and other bottom dwellers. Squid and cut baits are putting most of the fish in the boat, while the larger grouper seem to prefer live baits. Unfortunately, the black sea bass season closes October 17, so anglers only have a few days left to catch and keep the tasty fish.

The king mackerel bite was good in the same area last week (with many fish 20-30 lbs.). Dead cigar minnows and live baits will tempt bites from the kings.

A few scattered king mackerel bites have developed closer to shore in recent weeks, but the wind has kept boats from being able to get to the fish for extended periods. Live baits like menhaden are top choices for the kingfish nearshore.

A few king mackerel have been caught on the nearshore reefs lately, along with some citation-class red drum. Both are taking an interest in live baits.

Gray trout are making a showing at the reefs, and Carolina-rigged finger mullet or vertical jigs bounced off the bottom will tempt bites from the grays.

Bluefish have been feeding heavily at the rip at the mouth of the Cape Fear River lately, and anglers can hook them while trolling or casting shiny metal lures. The blues make great back-up baits for king mackerel anglers when menhaden are tough to come by.

Not many boats have made the trip to the Gulf Stream recently, but it’s the right time of year to load up on wahoo and blackfin tuna while trolling the blue water.

 

Tommy, of The Tackle Box, reports that the red drum action on flooded grass flats is still going strong at higher tides. Anglers can sneak up on the tailing fish and sight-cast to them with live baits, weightless soft plastics, or a variety of flies.

Speckled trout action continues to get better in the area, and the fish are feeding around oyster rocks and other structure in the marshes and lower river. Moving water is usually key to finding a good trout bite. Live shrimp are the way to go for the specks if anglers can find them, but a variety of artificial lures will also tempt them to bite.

Anglers caught some larger spanish mackerel around Yaupon Reef on live baits last week, and some king mackerel have been feeding around Lighthouse Rocks when boats get out there.

 

Patrick, of Twister Charters, reports that the bluefish and spanish mackerel are still feeding strong offHoldenBeach, and anglers caught good numbers last week while trolling Clarkspoons behind planers.

Some large blacktip sharks are still feeding in the same area and shouldn’t take long to find a large cut bait.

There was a brief king mackerel bite last week around Lighthouse Rocks, but the best action is likely still in around 60-80’ when anglers are able to make it out that far. Live menhaden are the way to go for the kings when anglers can find them.

Inshore, the red drum bite has been solid in the inlets and on the flats offLockwoodFollyRiver. Live baits and Gulps are tempting the reds to bite.

 

Tommy, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that flounder have been the best thing going from the pier lately, and anglers are catching decent numbers of keepers most days. Live mud minnows and finger mullet are fooling the flatfish.

Some bluefish and sea mullet are biting bottom rigs baited with shrimp and cut baits.

An occasional speckled trout and spanish mackerel have been coming over the rails when the water’s clean.

Live-baiters landed a king mackerel from the end of the pier last week.

 

Vance, of Ocean Crest Pier, reports that anglers saw some solid spot runs last week, hooking good numbers on natural and artificial bloodworms.

Bluefish are falling for metal lures worked from the pier.

Live-baiters landed one king mackerel last week.