Swansboro June 2, 2005
Capt. Jeff Cronk, of FishN4Life Charters, reports that the numbers of kings have moved off a little this weekend, with lots of 23 to 30 inch fish being caught around Divers Rock, Lost Rock, and a few around the C and D buoys. Spanish are mixed in with the kings, as well as with the bluefish along the inlets and the surf in the 10 to 25′ depth range. The summer flounder have begun to show in dependable numbers along the nearshore live bottoms and artificial reef structure. Some spots out of Bogue Inlet to try include Station Rock, Tom Smith Rock, Lost Rock, AR 340, 342, and 345. Bluefish are running all over the surf and along the nearshore structure. Most of these fish are ranging from 1 to 3 lbs., although there have been quite a few 4 to 8 lb. fish working close to the beach. And there are some scattered schools of reds in the 3 to 10 lb. range working the shoals around the local inlets.
There are plenty of small 1 to 3 lb. summer flounder around the mouths of the rivers and creeks, as well as along structure in the ICW. The last full moon and the high tides have pushed some of the reds into the marshes and grass flats of the backwaters. High tide will be the time to target these reds using topwater baits, spinner baits, jerk baits, and live baits under float corks. Sheepshead have just begun to show in the backwaters around Bogue Inlet. There are still bluefish scattered all over the internal waters. Most of these blues range from 1/2 to 2 lbs., with an occasional 3 to 5 lb. fish. Typically, channels 5′ or better, near the inlets and with good green water, will hold plenty of bluefish.
Herb, at Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that blues are the most prominent. Most are 12 to 14 inches, and the big ones haven’t been biting like before. There are some spanish (12 to 16 inches) mixed in with the blues. Midway down the pier they’re picking up a few spots and sea mullet. The pier did see a 5 lb. 8 oz. black drum over the weekend, as well as a 3 lb. 6 oz. spanish. The flounder bite hasn’t really happened yet for the pier.
