Swansboro July 5, 2012
Tracie Deal with a dolphin that struck a skirted ballyhoo near the Naeco.
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that the large spanish mackerel action off Bogue Inlet has been red hot lately. Anglers are catching big numbers of the fish (4-7+ lbs.) while fishing small live baits on scaled down king mackerel gear at the live bottoms and AR’s within 10 miles of the inlet.
Smaller spanish and plenty of bluefish are feeding along the beaches. Trolling Clarkspoons behind planers and casting small metal jigs at fish working the surface will tempt bites from both fish.
Flounder fishing has also been excellent at the same structure where the big spaniards are feeding, with anglers hooking plenty of the flatfish on 2 oz. bucktails tipped with Gulp baits bounced off the bottom.
Plenty of black sea bass are in the same areas and also vulnerable to the bucktails.
King mackerel and dolphin are feeding at spots 8-10 miles out and further. Larger live menhaden or cigar minnows will attract plenty of attention from both.
Cobia are prowling for meals at spots from the inlet to around 10 miles offshore. Live baits or bucktails with large soft plastic trailers are the way to go for the cobes.
Inshore, sheepshead are holding around bridge pilings and other hard structure around Swansboro and Emerald Isle. Dangling live fiddler crabs around the structure will draw bites from the sheeps, and some black drum feeding in the same areas.
More black drum are looking for food around oyster rocks in Queens Creek and the White Oak River, and anglers can hook them on fresh and live shrimp.
Red drum are feeding in the marshes and bays behind the barrier islands, but the heat has them a bit reluctant to bite right now. Live finger mullet, mud minnows, or shrimp on light Carolina rigs or fished beneath popping corks offer anglers the best odds of hooking the reds.
Rich, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that surf casters are hooking some pompano and sea mullet on bottom rigs baited with shrimp and sand fleas.
Some flounder are also feeding in the surf, where Gulp baits or live mud minnows will attract their attention.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish are chasing bait along the shoreline, and they have been venturing into range of surf casters from the pier to Bogue Inlet.
Emily Mahon with a dolphin that bit a skirted ballyhoo at the 200/200 while she was fishing with Jim Mahon.
Larger spanish are feeding at nearshore structure like the Keypost, where anglers can tempt them to bite live menhaden or finger mullet fished on light wire leaders.
Flounder are holding on much of the same structure as the spanish, and they can be tempted to bite 2 oz. bucktails tipped with Gulp baits.
Slightly further out, boaters are hooking king mackerel and dolphin around spots like Jerry’s Reef, the SE Bottoms, and the Hutton. Trolling live baits or dead cigar minnows will attract attention from both fish.
Bottom fishing around the same areas is producing plenty of action with black sea bass, gag grouper, and other tasty bottom dwellers. Live baits, squid, and cigar minnows are tempting them to bite.
Gulf Stream trollers are still hooking good numbers of dolphin and some wahoo around spots like the Swansboro Hole and the Rise.
Cathy, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are connecting with some spot and sea mullet on rigs baited with shrimp and bloodworms.
Plugs casters are hooking some bluefish and spanish mackerel while working Gotchas from the pier.
