Swansboro June 13, 2013
Cecil Butler and Carson, Lindsey, and Brad Koury, of Burlington, NC, with a 78 lb. cobia that they hooked while sight-casting off Emerald Isle with Capt. Roy Heverly of Emerald Isle Adventures.
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that anglers are still finding good numbers of red drum throughout the inshore waters in the area. There are still fish feeding in the bays behind the barrier islands, but the lower areas and mouths of mainland creeks have been producing some better fishing recently as the reds are feeding on bait flushed out of the creeks by the recent rains.
Topwater plugs will tempt the reds to bite in the morning hours, with Gulp baits and live mud minnows, shrimp, and cut baits producing better during the heat of the day.
Sheepshead and black drum are moving from the marshes to deeper structure like bridge and dock pilings after the rain (with a few sheeps to 5+ lbs. showing up). Anglers can tempt them to bite fiddler crabs, but there are also big numbers of small shrimp showing up inshore that make excellent baits as well.
Not many people have been fishing the ocean since last week’s storm, but anglers should begin to see improved flounder fishing at nearshore structure and the arrival of some large spanish mackerel when they can get out and find clean water. Gulp-tipped bucktails will fool the flatfish, while small live baits like menhaden are top choices for the bigger spaniards.
Robbie, of Hall’Em In Charters, reports that the red drum bite remains solid in the marshes and bays near Swansboro, and anglers are still catching decent numbers on topwater plugs in the early morning hours. Gulp baits are doing the trick when the reds don’t want to bite on top.
Before last week’s tropical storm, the flounder fishing had turned on strong inshore, and it will likely be back on as the water clears up. Casting Gulp Jerkshads on 1/8 oz. jigheads around docks has been producing most of the flatfish.
Not many people have been fishing the ocean since the storm, but there should still be some cobia around when it calms down. Anglers can look for them around bait pods or at nearshore structure.
The grouper bite has been good in the 20 mile range off Bogue recently and should remain consistent when anglers can make their way offshore. Live baits are the best bet for the groupers, but cigar minnows and other frozen baits will work as well.
Dolphin should also have pushed into the 15 mile range by the time the weather calms.
Capt. Rob Koraly, of Sandbar Safari Charters, with a cobia that he hooked off Bogue Inlet on a sight-cast bucktail jig.
Rich, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that anglers are hooking sea mullet and a few red drum while bottom fishing from the surf and pier.
Spanish mackerel are beginning to show back up after last week’s storm, and anglers are catching some on Gotcha plugs from the pier. Trolling Clarkspoons from boats will also produce results with the spaniards.
The dolphin bite remains solid offshore, and boats have been releasing big numbers of billfish in the Big Rock Tournament.
Flounder are feeding at nearshore structure like the Keypost, and anglers can hook them on 2 oz. bucktails tipped with Gulp baits.
The flounder bite is also turning on inshore in the marshes and around structure like docks, where Gulps or live baits like mud minnows will tempt them to strike.
Mike, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that anglers are connecting with croaker, spot, puppy drum, and a few pompano and pigfish while bottom fishing from the pier with shrimp and other baits.
Bluefish and spanish mackerel are starting to show back up as the water clears after Tropical Storm Andrea, and plug casters are hooking some of both on Gotchas.
