Added on Thursday, July 14, 2011  Fish Post

Swansboro July 14, 2011

Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that anglers are still finding good numbers of red drum working the backwaters in the area, and the recent big high tides have been producing a solid bite in the flooded marsh grass. Live mud minnows, finger mullet, and shrimp (as well as Gulp baits) on popping corks and Carolina rigs, as well as topwater plugs, will all tempt bites from the reds.

Sheepshead fishing is solid around the Swansboro bridges, ICW docks, and other hard inshore structure in the area. Live fiddler crabs on Carolina rigs are top choices for the sheepshead.

Black drum are mixed in with the sheeps, and some are feeding on the flats alongside the reds. Fiddler crabs or live shrimp will both tempt bites from them.

Flounder are feeding around docks and other ICW structure, and they’re also being found in the marshes and creeks. In addition, the flounder bite is still decent on the nearshore reefs and live bottoms.

Live mud minnows and finger mullet or bucktails tipped with Gulp baits will fool the flatfish.

Spanish mackerel are feeding in the inlet and along the beaches, where casting small metal lures and trolling Clarkspoons will fool them.

Larger spanish are chasing bait around the nearshore reefs and rocks, and live baits are more effective than artificials at fooling the big spaniards. They’re tackle-shy, so scaled-down king mackerel rigs with light wire and small treble hooks are the way to go.

Some king mackerel are also feeding within a few miles of land, and live baits will get their attention.

Chesson, of CXC Fishing, reports that the large spanish mackerel are still feeding at nearshore structure off Bogue Inlet, and smaller live menhaden or finger mullet on scaled-down king mackerel tackle are the way to tempt bites from them.

Some king mackerel are feeding in the same areas, so it’s a good idea to include a larger live bait on heavier gear in the spread while fishing for the spanish.

Kings are scattered from the nearshore structure on offshore, so if anglers find an area that’s holding bait, it may well be holding kings this time of year.

Some large sharks of several varieties are in the area right now, and they will take an interest in cut and live baits.

Dolphin are feeding around weedlines and bait concentrations 10 miles and further offshore, where live baits or dead cigar minnows and ballyhoo will get their attention.

Schools of amberjacks are milling around high-relief structure from the AR’s to the break, and live baits, vertical jigs, and topwater plugs will all pique their interest.

Rich, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that the large spanish mackerel bite is still on at the Keypost and other nearshore structure off Bogue Inlet. Smaller live menhaden and other baits are the way to go for the big spaniards.

Some king mackerel are in the same areas and will also pay attention to live baits.

Dolphin have been a bit scattered lately, but anglers are encountering some from the 10 mile range on out to the Stream. Cigar minnows, ballyhoo, and a variety of trolling lures are the way to go for the dolphin.

Flounder and black sea bass are feeding at structure within 5-10 miles of Bogue Inlet, and both will attack bucktails tipped with Gulp baits.

Anglers saw some cobia around the Hutton wreck last week, but they weren’t interested in biting.

Inshore, anglers are still finding plenty of action with flounder and red drum on Gulps and live baits. The drum will also take an interest in topwater plugs.

Cathy, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are decking a few spot on rigs baited with shrimp and bloodworms.

Some spanish mackerel and bluefish are falling for Gotcha plugs worked from the pier.