Swansboro June 27, 2013
Eric Thompson with a dolphin he hooked on a blue/white Iland Lure while trolling near the 90′ Drop aboard the “Magic Touch” out of Swansboro.
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that some large spanish mackerel are making an appearance at spots in the 5-10 mile range off Bogue Inlet. Some king mackerel are feeding in the same areas, and anglers can tempt both to bite live baits like menhaden (with smaller baits better for the spaniards). As long as the ocean remains relatively calm, the action should move closer to the beaches over the coming weeks.
Flounder are feeding around bottom structure in the same range and will bite 2 oz. bucktails tipped with Gulp baits.
The inshore flounder bite has turned on around structure like docks and creekmouths. Gulp baits and live baits like mud minnows or finger mullet will tempt bites from the flatfish inshore.
Red and black drum are feeding around oyster rocks in the creeks, rivers, and in Bogue Sound. Live or fresh shrimp will work for both drum species.
The red bite has also turned back on in the bays behind the barrier islands, as higher tides have allowed boats to get to the fish recently. They’re biting topwater plugs well, but when they don’t want to feed on the surface, Gulp baits or a variety of live and cut baits will attract attention from the reds.
Chesson, of CXC Fishing, reports that there’s been some solid mixed-bag action at spots in 55-65’ of water off Bogue Inlet lately. Anglers are connecting with large spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and amberjacks while slow-trolling or free-lining live menhaden around bottom structure in that vicinity.
A few cobia and dolphin are also looking for meals in the same range, and they have a tough time turning down a live menhaden as well.
Dropping live baits to the bottom is tempting bites from gag grouper in the 60’ depths.
Black sea bass are feeding in the same areas and will pounce on cut menhaden or shrimp.
Steve Page, of Brevard County, FL, with a 26″ speckled trout that bit a cut bait in the New River and was released after the photo.
Anglers are also connecting with flounder around the same bottom structure while bouncing 2 oz. bucktail jigs paired with Gulp baits.
Josh, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that windy conditions and dirty water have been the norm over the past week, but anglers are still connecting with some fish.
Surf fishermen are landing sea mullet and pompano, and bloodworms seem to be outproducing other baits in the dirty water.
Some puppy drum are also feeding along the beachfront and falling for cut baits and finger mullet.
Inshore, anglers are reporting some excellent flounder fishing, with the best action taking place at structure like docks, particularly those closest to the local inlets. Live baits like finger mullet and Gulp baits are both producing results on the flatfish.
The red drum bite has turned back on in the marshes, where anglers are connecting with the fish while working topwater plugs and Gulp baits.
Mike, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that the water is clearing up and the spanish mackerel have started showing back up for anglers casting Gotcha plugs and diamond jigs.
Some keeper flounder are falling for small live baits fished under the pier.
Bottom fishermen are hooking puppy drum, spot, sea mullet, croaker, and more on shrimp, bloodworms, and other baits.
