Swansboro March 29, 2012
Brandon and Katie Kaput, and Roman Valentine, from MI, cradle a trio of red drum they caught and released in the marshes near Bogue Inlet. The reds fell for Gulp baits and cut mullet while they were fishing with Capt. Rob Koraly of Sandbar Safari Charters.
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that huge numbers of red drum are in the backwaters from Bogue Inlet to Sneads Ferry, and schools can be found in the marshes on both sides of the waterway. The fish have been working through the shallow bays at high tide and feeding on slightly deeper flats when the water’s lower.
Topwater plugs, Gulp baits, and even flies have been tempting bites from the reds lately, and the fish have an even tougher time passing up a live mud minnow, finger mullet, pinfish, or chunks of cut mullet and crabs.
Speckled trout fishing is still good in the mainland creeks and rivers, and the fish are on the move out towards the ICW. Most are on the short side, but there are some solid 2-3 lb. keepers in the mix. Billy Bay Halo Shrimp, Gulp baits, MirrOlures, and live mud minnows will all produce action with the trout.
A few trout are also scattered through the marshes, and some flounder have been mixed in and falling for the same baits.
In the ocean, schools of false albacore are chasing bait within a few miles of the beach, and the Atlantic bonito are likely close behind them. Casting small metal jigs or soft plastics to either fish when they’re feeding on the surface will result in plenty of hookups.
Flounder are most likely holding around bottom structure in the 5-8 mile range, but numerous black sea bass make them tough to target. It’s hard to beat a 2 oz. bucktail tipped with a Gulp bait if anglers for the flatfish can make it through the bass.
There’s plenty of bait around, so it’s likely the springtime cobia run will get off to an early start this year.
Robbie, of Hall’Em In Charters, reports that red drum (most 22-30”) are schooling up in the backwaters (and sometimes numbering in the hundreds). Gulp baits on 1/8 oz. jigheads and topwater plugs (like MirrOlure Top Dogs and the new Live Target Mullet) are tempting plenty of bites from the reds.
Anglers are starting to see some solid flounder fishing around structure like docks in the ICW, and Gulp baits or live mud minnows on jigheads or Carolina rigs will produce action with the flatfish.
Speckled trout are still feeding in the White Oak River and Queen’s Creek, where anglers are hooking them on Storm Shrimp and Gulp Jerkshads.
Sea mullet are feeding along the beaches, in the inlet, and around the Swansboro waterfront, and they’ll take an interest in spec rigs tipped with shrimp.
Some gray trout are in the mix with the mullet. Gulp baits or jigging lures, like Stingsilvers, are the tickets to bites from the grays.
Rich, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that Emerald Isle pier and surf anglers are connecting with some sea mullet, pufferfish, and an occasional black drum. Shrimp on double bottom rigs will tempt bites from all three.
Some keeper flounder are also feeding along the beachfront, and Gulps or small live baits on jigheads will strike their fancy.
Landon, Benton, and Dustin Myers and Tracie Deal with a 64 lb. wahoo that bit a ballyhoo under a dark-colored Ilander near the Swansboro Hole while they were trolling on the "Team Tracie D."
Offshore, blue water trollers are finding consistent action with wahoo, blackfin tuna, and dolphin while pulling ballyhoo around local spots like the Big Rock and Swansboro Hole.
The water is 65 degrees and there are already some bait balls working off Bogue Inlet, so it shouldn’t be long until the cobia make their springtime appearance.
Joanne, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that the pier is fully rebuilt from the damage it sustained during Hurricane Irene, and the fishing season’s already off to a good start.
Anglers bottom fishing with shrimp from the pier are connecting with pufferfish, sea mullet, bluefish, and a few black drum and speckled trout.
Plug casters are also starting to hook bluefish while working Gotchas from the planks.
