Swansboro August 16, 2012
Hampton Roberts (age 7), of Cary, NC, with an 18" flounder that bit a Gulp bait near Emerald Isle while he was fishing with his family.
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that the red drum bite has slowed a bit with all the rain that the area has received lately, but anglers are still connecting with some reds inshore around the marsh edges along the ICW and near the inlets. Some fish have also been feeding in the surf not far from the inlets. Anglers may be able to tempt the reds to strike topwater plugs, but Gulps and live baits are often more effective when they’re not feeding as actively.
Flounder are in many of the same areas as the reds, and they’re also feeding around docks and other inshore structure near the inlets and along the ICW. Live finger mullet are top choices for the flatfish, but anglers can also tempt them to bite Gulp baits on jigheads and bucktails.
Sheepshead are feeding around bridge and dock pilings in the area (with some nice fish but lots of smaller ones around right now). Dangling fiddler crabs tight to the structure where they live is the best way to tempt bites from the sheeps.
Ladyfish have arrived in force, and anglers who want to hook up with the acrobatic fish should target lighted docks and bridges in the evening hours with live baits, walk-the-dog topwaters, or soft plastics.
Large sharks are also showing up around the inlet and inshore, and nighttime is the right time to hook them, too. It won’t take the sharks too long to find a big cut bait if they’re in the area.
The big spanish mackerel bite within a few miles of Bogue Inlet has become a bit scattered, but anglers are still hooking a few at spots like the Keypost.
Some king mackerel are showing up at spots 8-16 miles off the inlet, and live menhaden or cigar minnows will get their attention.
Herb Myers with a red grouper that bit a live pinfish around some bottom structure in 120' off New River Inlet while he was fishing with Capt. John Cruise of Pelagic Hunter Charters.
Dale, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that anglers are still finding some action with large spanish mackerel within a few miles of Bogue Inlet. Small live baits on scaled-down king mackerel rigs are the way to go for the big spaniards. A few kings have been mixed in and will also take an interest in the live baits.
Flounder are feeding at nearshore structure off Bogue Inlet (in many of the same places where the big spaniards are). Live baits will tempt them to bite, but 2 oz. bucktail jigs tipped with Gulps are as or more effective.
Big numbers of black sea bass are in the same areas, but the vast majority are still on the small side. Heading out 10-15 miles to spots in at least 60’ of water will lead anglers to more of the keeper fish. Metal jigs, squid, and cut baits are all effective on the sea bass.
Surf casters and connecting with some sea mullet and pompano on shrimp and sand fleas.
Some flounder and red drum are falling for finger mullet, mud minnows, and cut baits in the surf.
Inshore, the flounder and red drum bite remains strong. Anglers can hook both on live baits or Gulps and often tempt the reds to bite topwaters as well.
Herb, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that anglers are hooking some sea mullet, spot, and croaker while bottom fishing with shrimp and bloodworms. The best action lately has been at night.
Those fishing fiddler crabs and other baits close to the pilings are connecting with some sheepshead and black drum.
Some recent mornings have seen a decent bluefish bite for anglers working Gotcha plugs and other metal lures.
