Swansboro August 8, 2013
Anna Hurst, of Hubert, NC, with a 28.5″ red drum she caught and released near Swansboro.
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that with the hot conditions last week, anglers found their best inshore action early and late in the day. Red drum are still feeding in the marshes of the mainland creeks and rivers and behind the barrier islands. There are big numbers of shrimp in the marshes now as well, and live shrimp have been the best bet for anglers looking to hook up with the reds lately. Topwater plugs, Gulp baits, and other artificials are also producing some action with the reds.
Sheepshead are feeding around bridge and dock pilings along the ICW. Anglers are hooking them while dangling fiddler crabs and live shrimp tight to the structure. Some black drum are mixed in and taking an interest in the same baits.
Flounder are feeding around the inlet, in the nearby channels, and around docks and other structure along the ICW. Anglers can hook the flatfish on live finger mullet or work Gulp baits with success.
The flounder bite in the ocean is getting better, and anglers are hooking more keepers by the week around structure within 5-10 miles of the inlet. Gulp baits pinned to bucktail jigs are the way to go for the flatfish in the ocean.
Large (4-7+ lbs.) spanish mackerel are feeding in many of the same areas. Small, live menhaden on scaled-down king mackerel rigs (lighter wire and smaller treble hooks) are fooling the big spaniards, as well as a few king mackerel feeding in the same areas.
Chesson, of CXC Fishing Charters, reports that there’s been excellent spanish mackerel action off Bogue Inlet over the past week. Big numbers of the spaniards are feeding on the surface just off the inlet and beachfront, and anglers who spot the fish on top can cast small metal jigs to the schools to hook up.
Larger spanish (to 6+ lbs.) are feeding around nearshore live bottoms and other structure in 40-60’ of water. The big spaniards will pounce on peanut menhaden fished on light-wire leaders.
Some king mackerel (a few 30+ lbs.) are feeding in the same areas and will also attack live menhaden.
Evan Sewell, Capt. Chris Sewell, of Fishead Charter, and Andrew Haymore with the results of a triple red drum hookup behind Bear Island. The reds fell for Gulp ripple mullet.
Bottom fishing in the 80’ depth range is producing some gag grouper, with live baits the best bet for the larger fish. Triggerfish and other bottom dwellers are in the same areas and biting cut bait and small vertical jigs.
Josh, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that there’s been a hot king mackerel bite for anglers on the pier and fishing nearshore spots in boats lately (with many 20-30+ lb. fish). Live baits like menhaden and bluefish are fooling the majority of the kings.
Some big (to 8 lbs.) spanish mackerel are feeding alongside the kings, and they will also take an interest in live baits (with slightly smaller baits a better bet).
Flounder are feeding around nearshore structure within a few miles of the beaches, but the bite has been a bit hit-or-miss lately.
Anglers are catching good numbers of flatfish inshore, with the average size better around Bear Island and to the south than at Emerald Isle. Live finger mullet or soft baits like Gulps are the way to go for the flounder.
Red drum are scattered throughout the marshes and biting Gulps and live baits as well.
Surf casters are connecting with sea mullet, pompano, bluefish, and a few puppy drum while baiting up with shrimp, sand fleas, and cut baits.
Mike, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that live-baiters have hooked king mackerel (to nearly 30 lbs.) and some large spanish (to 5+ lbs.) while fishing live baits on pin-rigs off the end of the pier.
Bottom fishermen are connecting with spot, sea mullet, and other panfish while baiting up with shrimp and bloodworms.
Sheepshead are feeding around the pier and taking an interest in sand fleas and other crustacean baits fished close to the pilings.
