Swansboro – August 14, 2014
Noah Hargett, of Pollocksville, NC, with a 9 lb., 15 oz. sheepshead that struck a fiddler crab at some inshore structure near Swansboro.
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that anglers are still seeing plenty of red drum action in the local marshes, but the fish remain scattered so anglers should stay on the move until they find some active fish. The best action lately has been taking place around the bays and flats near Bogue and Bear inlets. Anglers are also finding some feeding reds around oyster rocks in the White Oak River at lower tidal stages. Topwater plugs and live finger mullet have been the best bets for the drum recently.
Some speckled trout have been looking for meals in the White Oak as well, and anglers are fooling them with topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live baits.
The flounder bite is getting better inshore, too, and anglers are finding the flatfish feeding alongside the reds in the marshes, in the inlets, and around inshore structure like docks and bridges. Live finger mullet and Gulp baits are tough for the flounder to turn down.
Anglers are also seeing the flatfish bite continue to improve around nearshore structure in the ocean. Bucktail jigs tipped with Gulp baits are fooling the nearshore flatfish.
Some large gray trout have been feeding around nearshore structure within a few miles of the beaches as well, and they’ll bite the bucktails, live and cut baits, or jigging lures like Stingsilvers.
Chesson, of CXC Fishing Charters, reports that the rain has made finding bait and fish a bit tough lately, but there’s still been plenty of action nearshore in the ocean.
Amberjacks are feeding around structure 5-15 miles off the beachfront, where anglers can tempt them to bite live baits, jigging lures, and occasionally topwater plugs.
John Lewis with a red drum that bit a live finger mullet in a Swansboro-area marsh.
Sharks and barracuda are looking for meals in the same range, and they will pounce on live baits as well.
Bottom structure closer to the beachfront is holding good numbers of flounder, and anglers are tempting them to bite bucktail jigs and live baits.
Rich, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that there’s been some excellent red drum action in the sound lately, with most of the fish falling for topwater plugs.
Speckled trout are also pushing out into the sound and biting topwaters, soft plastics, and live baits.
The inshore flounder bite is improving, and the best action recently has been around docks and drop-offs in the ICW and near the inlets. Live baits and scented soft lures like Gulps are fooling the flatfish.
Surf casters are hooking a mixed bag of panfish along with a few flounder, puppy drum, and blues.
Spanish mackerel are feeding just off the beaches and falling for trolled Clarkspoons.
Anglers are finding a few king mackerel within 10 miles of the beachfront, and they’re fooling them with live baits.
Offshore reports have been few lately, but those who’ve been are seeing a fair dolphin and wahoo bite in the blue water.
Anglers bottom fishing around offshore rocks and reefs are putting together some impressive catches of black sea bass, snappers, grouper, and more.
Mike, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are hooking some spot, sea mullet, pompano, and other panfish on shrimp and bloodworms.
Plug casters are seeing some spanish mackerel action.
Anglers are picking up a few flounder on live and Gulp baits.
The water temperature is 82 degrees.
