Swansboro August 15, 2013
Molly Andrews, of Cary, NC, with a flounder that bit a bucktail jig at AR-342 off Bogue Inlet while she was fishing with her husband James.
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that the red drum bite is going strong again in the Bogue Sound marshes, but the river and creek action has slowed down a bit. The fish are feeding around shorelines and oyster rocks and taking an interest in live finger mullet and Gulp baits.
Good numbers of flounder are mixed in with the reds and also taking advantage of the mullet and Gulps.
Anglers are also connecting with the flatfish at ICW docks and other structure inshore.
Sheepshead and black drum are looking for meals around bridge and dock pilings and other heavy structure inshore. Live fiddler crabs and shrimp are tough for both of the crustacean-lovers to turn down.
The nearshore flounder bite is decent, but not red hot. Bouncing 2 oz. bucktails tipped with Gulp baits around live bottoms, ledges, and other structure is the way to connect with the flatfish in the ocean.
Large spanish mackerel are still feeding around the same areas where anglers are hooking the flounder. Drifting, anchoring, and slow-trolling with small live menhaden and finger mullet is an angler’s best bet for hooking up with the big spaniards (many 5+ lbs.).
The smaller spanish feeding along the beachfront have become a bit scarce, but anglers may be able to find some feeding fish while trolling Clarkspoons behind planers within a mile or two of shore.
King mackerel (including smokers to 40+ lbs.) are also feeding within several miles of land, and they will pounce on live baits like menhaden.
Chesson, of CXC Fishing Charters, reports that wahoo are still feeding in the Gulf Stream off Bogue Inlet. They’ll attack ballyhoo paired with skirted trolling lures like Islanders and sea witches, especially in darker colors.
Bob Bosco and Nick Griffee, of Rochester, NY, with upper-slot red drum that struck GUlp shrimp in a Swansboro marsh. They were fishing with Capt. Chris Sewell of Fishead Charter.
Closer to the beaches, there’s still excellent action with king mackerel and some large spaniards at structure well within sight of land. Live baits like menhaden are top choices for both fish, with lighter rigs and smaller baits best for the sharp-eyed spaniards.
A few dolphin have moved into some of the same areas and will also attack live baits.
Some sharks are also feeding alongside the mackerels and biting live baits to provide anglers with some exciting battles.
Dropping live baits to structure in the 60’ depths is producing plenty of action with amberjacks along with a few fat gag grouper.
Rich, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that surf casters have been hooking some solid red drum around the point at Bogue Inlet. Cut baits and live finger mullet are attracting attention from the reds.
Some sea mullet, bluefish, and flounder are also feeding along the shoreline and taking an interest in anglers’ baits.
Off the beaches, the king and spanish mackerel bite is still going strong at nearshore structure within a few miles of land. Both mackerel are taking a hearty interest in live menhaden.
Flounder are feeding on the bottom in the same areas and will attack bucktail jigs tipped with Gulp baits.
Mike, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that anglers are still hooking king mackerel while live-baiting from the end of the pier (to 30 lbs. recently).
Some spanish mackerel are taking an interest in Gotcha plugs that anglers are working from the pier, along with good numbers of bluefish.
Bottom fishermen are finding action with sea mullet and spot while baiting up with shrimp.
