Southport September 29, 2011
Jason McDowell, of Southport, with an 11 lb. flounder that he caught, weighed in at Wildlife Bait and Tackle, and released after it bit a live menhaden in the Cape Fear River.
Butch, of Yeah Right Charters, reports that the incessant rain over the past few weeks kept a lot of anglers off the water, but those who braved the weather or fished between storms managed to find some action.
When boaters have been able to find somewhat clean water nearshore, the spanish mackerel bite has been decent. Clarkspoons trolled behind #1 and #2 planers have been producing most of the action.
Some larger spanish mackerel are falling for live baits free-lined around nearshore structure like the artificial reefs.
Flounder are feeding on the reefs, and anglers are catching decent numbers on live finger mullet on Carolina rigs.
The falling water temperatures should have large red drum and gray trout looking for meals at the same structure where anglers are hooking the spanish and flounder.
Some king mackerel have been feeding within a few miles of shore over the past few weeks. The king bite hasn’t been incredible, but it’s been better than it has all summer. Live menhaden are the go-to baits for the kings.
Offshore, anglers are reporting some king mackerel action around the Horseshoe on both live and dead baits.
Boats who’ve made the long run to the Gulf Stream are putting together good catches of wahoo and blackfin tuna. Naked and skirted ballyhoo are producing most of the action, but trolling faster with lures like cedar plugs will sometimes produce action when the fish aren’t biting the ballyhoo.
Tommy, of The Tackle Box, reports that there have been some excellent sight-casting opportunities for red drum feeding in flooded marsh grass during higher tidal stages lately (with some fish to 33”). The skinny-water reds offer fly casters their best shots of hooking up with a red, and conventional anglers can fool the fish with lightly-weighted soft plastic baits.
Speckled trout are feeding in deeper holes and channels off the ICW andCape Fear Riverin increasing numbers, although the bite’s still a little slow for this time of year. Live shrimp are the best bet for the specks, but anglers can also hook up on a variety of soft plastic lures.
Greg Nolan, of Kure Beach, with an over-slot red drum that bit a chunk of cut bluefish in the surf at Fort Fisher.
John, of Dutchman’s Creek Bait and Tackle, reports that the Oak Island piers landed several king mackerel last week, an encouraging sign given the absence of kings for much of the summer.
Pier anglers are also connecting with some speckled trout in the early morning hours on live shrimp.
Spot are moving into the area for fall, and anglers are catching decent numbers in the Cape Fear River and a few from the piers. Live and artificial bloodworms are the way to go for the spot.
The red drum bite has been good lately in the creeks and the river. Live shrimp, mud minnows, and finger mullet will all draw bites from the reds, and anglers can also cast Gulp baits, topwater plugs, spinnerbaits and other artificials with success.
Cathy, of Oak Island Pier, reports that anglers are hooking up with some flounder and speckled trout while fishing live shrimp and mullet under the pier.
A few sheepshead and black drum are biting fiddler crabs and other crustacean baits near the pilings.
Live-baiters landed a 25 lb. king mackerel from the pier last week.
Vance, of Ocean Crest Pier, reports that anglers are catching good numbers of spanish mackerel and bluefish on live baits and Gotcha plugs.
Live baiters landed several king mackerel from the pier last week (the largest 22 lbs.).
Bottom fishermen are decking some spot and pompano.
