Swansboro August 9, 2012
Scott Johnson with a 27 lb. wahoo that bit a blue/flash skirted ballyhoo near the Big 10/Little 10 while he was fishing with Capt. Bobby Trigleth on "The Good Stuff."
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that anglers are still catching good numbers of red drum in the Swansboro area. The upper and over-slot fish have been a bit scarce lately, but anglers are hooking plenty of solid legal fish. The action’s been best around oyster rocks up the White Oak River and in the marshes near the inlets lately, with high tides producing the best fishing. Topwater plugs have been effective early in the days, but the fish have been a bit lethargic when the sun’s high and more apt to strike Gulps or live baits.
Some black drum and speckled trout have been in the mix with the reds, and live shrimp have been attracting attention from both.
Ladyfish have arrived in force, and night time is when to target them. Lighted docks and bridges with plenty of current will attract the bait that attracts the ladyfish, and anglers can hook them on walking-style topwater plugs or live shrimp and finger mullet.
Flounder fishing has been solid around the inlet lately (with plenty of keepers to 18”). Live finger mullet or mud and tiger minnows on Carolina rigs are producing most of the action, and drifting the inlet and connecting channels lets anglers cover more water and find hungry fish.
The flounder bite remains steady at nearshore structure in the ocean, where Gulp baits pinned to 2 oz. bucktails are producing most of the action.
Large spanish mackerel are still feeding around the same structure where anglers are finding the flatfish, but they’ve been hit-or-miss lately. Live menhaden fished on scaled-down king mackerel rigs are the best bet for the big spaniards.
Trolling and casting for smaller spanish around Bogue Inlet and along the beachfront has been more consistent, with anglers putting together good catches with both techniques.
Robbie, of Hall’Em In Charters, reports that the inshore flounder fishing has been some of the best action over the past week (with fish to 5+ lbs.). Live finger mullet are producing most of the action with the flatfish (although a 4.5 lb. fish succumbed to a topwater plug last week), and the action’s been best around docks, creekmouths, and drop-offs inshore.
The flounder bite remains solid at the nearshore reefs and live bottoms, too, with most of the fish falling for Gulp-tipped bucktails.
Large spanish mackerel and a few kings (5-15 lbs.) are feeding at the same structure where anglers are finding the flatfish, and live menhaden will tempt bites from both.
Red drum are feeding in the marshes, with the best action in the morning hours lately. Topwater plugs and live baits are both attracting attention from the reds.
Rich, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that anglers have been hooking some speckled trout from the beach and pier recently, with live baits and soft plastics both attracting attention.
Flounder are also feeding along the beachfront and will pounce on the same offerings.
Paul Schlenker, of Garner, NC, with a 5.89 lb. triggerfish he landed at a live bottom area offshore of Beaufort Inlet. Weighed in at Chasin' Tails Outdoors.
Surf anglers have found a decent red drum bite on the back side of the point at Bogue Inlet, and live and cut baits or Gulps and other soft plastics will get their attention.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish are feeding along the beachfront, and anglers can connect with them while casting Gotcha plugs and diamond jigs or trolling Clarkspoons.
The flounder bite remains solid at the AR’s and other nearshore structure off Bogue Inlet, where anglers are hooking good numbers on bucktail jigs tipped with Gulp baits.
Large spanish mackerel are feeding in the same areas, and they will strike live menhaden on scaled-down king mackerel rigs.
Offshore bottom fishermen are still catching plenty of black sea bass, grouper, and other tasty fish. Squid, cigar minnows, and a variety of other natural baits or vertical jigs will tempt bites from the bottom dwellers.
Wahoo and dolphin are still seeking meals out in the Gulf Stream, and trollers making the run are hooking both on skirted ballyhoo.
Patty, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that anglers have caught some healthy sheepshead from the pier on sea urchins over the past week.
Anglers soaking live finger mullet, mud minnows, and shrimp are hooking flounder and some speckled trout.
Bottom fishing with cut shrimp and sand fleas is producing some action with sea mullet.
Live baiters are hooking some large spanish mackerel (to 5-6 lbs.) and also had some tarpon action last week.
