Swansboro – August 13, 2015
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that anglers are seeing the flounder biter get even better in the marsh bays and at docks and other spots along the ICW. The flatfish are falling for live finger mullet and Gulp baits worked along the bottom.
Red drum are still feeding in the bays and on the flats behind the barrier islands, with some schools and plenty of smaller pods and single fish. Anglers are hooking the reds on topwater plugs, Gulp baits, and live finger mullet and shrimp.
Some black drum are also feeding on the flats and biting shrimp.
Sheepshead are looking for meals around bridges and docks off the ICW, where anglers can tempt them to bite live fiddler crabs dangled close to the pilings.
Some large spanish mackerel have been feeding on finger mullet along the drop-offs of the ICW recently. Anglers can tempt the spaniards to bite free-lined mullet or realistic artificials.
Spanish are still on the feed in the ocean as well. Anglers are hooking them both on metal casting lures and while trolling flashy offerings like Clarkspoons.
Danielle Bullock, of Wilmington, NC, with a 26.5″ red drum she hooked on cut mullet while fishing near Swansboro with Capt. Dale Collins of Fish or Die Charters.
Chesson, of CXC Fishing Charters, reports that anglers continue to connect with dolphin while fishing live bottoms and rocks in 70-120’ of water. Live baits have been tempting bites from the ‘phins.
Bottom fishing in the same areas is producing plenty of action with sea bass, triggerfish, porgies, and gag grouper. Squid and cut baits are fooling the smaller bottomfish, with large cut, whole, and live baits the best bet for anglers looking to tangle with a grouper. Vertical jigs can also prove effective on all the bottom feeders.
Anglers trolling the Gulf Stream are reporting a solid wahoo bite.
Terry Campbell, of Staunton, VA, with a 26.75″ red drum that struck a chunk of mullet near Hammocks Beach state park while he was kayak fishing with John Taylor.
Rich, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that surf casters are still hooking a mix of summer panfish like spot, sea mullet, and croaker while fishing shrimp on small hooks.
A few black and red drum are also feeding in the surf and biting anglers’ baits.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish are looking for meals just off the beachfront. Anglers are hooking them on casting lures like Gotcha plugs from the pier. Boaters are joining in on the action while trolling Clarkspoons and other flashy lures.
There’s been a decent king mackerel bite at the local AR’s and other nearshore structure this week. Most of the kings are taking an interest in live baits like menhaden.
Sam Killenberg, of Chapel Hill, NC, with a 7.1 lb. flounder that bit a live finger mullet in 2′ of water in a Swansboro marsh. He was fishing with Capt. Rob Koraly of Sandbar Safari Charters.
Mike, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that anglers are primarily catching panfish like spot and sea mullet while bottom fishing from the pier. Shrimp are producing most of the action.
A few flounder are biting small live baits fished under the pier.
Plug casters are connecting with some spanish mackerel and bluefish while working Gotcha plugs and diamond jigs.
Dusty Long, of Summerfield, NC, with an 11. lb., 3 oz. sheepshead he landed while fishing the ICW near Emerald Isle.
