Added on Thursday, August 30, 2012  Gary Hurley

Swansboro August 30, 2012

Robbie, of Hall ‘Em In Charters, reports that anglers are still catching good numbers of speckled trout in the marshes of Bogue Sound. Live shrimp fished under floats are the way to go for the specks, and they are also attracting attention from some black drum.

Small schools of red drum are working through the area marshes and in the adjacent channels at lower tides. Live and cut baits, Gulps, and topwater plugs are the best bets for anglers trying to hook up with the reds.

There’s still a solid flounder bite inshore, with fish feeding around ICW docks, the inlet, and in the marshes. Live finger mullet are top choices for the flatfish inshore, but Gulp baits on jigheads and bucktails will also get attention.

There are still plenty of flounder feeding at nearshore ledges, live bottoms, AR’s, and other structure off Bogue Inlet. Live baits will fool the flatfish in the ocean, but 1-2 oz. bucktail jigs tipped with Gulps are a better option and help anglers weed out some of the smaller sea bass and other undesirable fish they’d hook on the live baits.

The same structure in the ocean is playing host to some large spanish mackerel, which are particularly active in the early morning hours. Smaller live menhaden on scaled-down king mackerel rigs are top choices for the big spaniards, and finger mullet will work as well.
Smaller spaniards are chasing bait along the beachfront, where trolled Clarkspoons will produce plenty of action with them and bluefish.

Some king mackerel are feeding in the same areas as the bigger spanish, around nearshore menhaden schools, and at spots further offshore. Larger live baits like menhaden and bluefish are better bets for the kings.

Dale, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that anglers are connecting with some red drum and flounder in the area’s marshes and around inshore structure like docks. Live finger mullet and Gulp baits are top choices for both inshore predators, and the reds will also take an interest in spinnerbaits and topwater plugs.

Some speckled trout are in the same areas and are providing a pleasant bycatch for anglers chasing the drum and flounder.

Surf casters are also connecting with some red drum and flounder, with most of the action around the point. Live finger mullet and Gulp baits are also top bets for the reds and flatfish from the beach.

Spot, pompano, sea mullet, and other bottom feeders are also looking for food in the surf, and anglers are hooking them on shrimp, bloodworms, and sand fleas.

Spanish mackerel and bluefish are feeding just off the beaches, and anglers are hooking both while casting metal jigs and trolling flashy lures like Clarkspoons.

Larger spanish are feeding near bottom structure a bit further offshore, and they are more likely to bite live baits like menhaden, finger mullet, and cigar minnows on light wire leaders.

King mackerel are scattered, but anglers are hooking a few on live baits from the nearshore spots on out to 80-100’ of water.

Bottom fishing remains excellent at offshore structure, where anglers are hooking up with sea bass, grouper, and a variety of snappers. The sea bass season closes September 4, so anglers need to catch them while they can. Live baits and dead squid, cigar minnows, and sardines will fool the bottom feeders, and vertical jigs are often effective as well.

Gulf Stream trollers are still reporting some decent dolphin action, and the wahoo bite has improved markedly. Ballyhoo paired with skirted trolling lures are tempting most of the bites from both predators.

Herb, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that anglers are hooking some sea mullet, spot, croaker, and other bottom feeders on shrimp and bloodworms.

Some slot and over-slot red drum have been taking an interest in sand fleas, cut baits, and finger mullet.

Spanish mackerel and bluefish are chasing bait near the pier, and they’re moving into range of anglers casting Gotcha plugs and diamond jigs whenever the water’s clean.