Swansboro – November 17, 2016
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that the speckled trout bite remains excellent in the Bogue Sound area. Most of the trout are being found in deep holes and channels close to area inlets where they are following baitfish that are on the move out to the ocean. Soft plastic baits like Zoom jerk shads on jigheads or artificial shrimp below a small popping cork worked slowly from creek banks back to the boat will tempt bites from both speckled trout and any red drum that may be in the same area.
Over-slot reds are being found by anglers cruising the beach just behind the breakers. Large soft plastics on bucktails and jigheads have been producing plenty of bites, but anglers can also fool them using cut bait on Lupton rigs when they do not take interest in the artificial baits. Albacore and spanish mackerel are also feeding on the large schools of glass minnows and mullet close to shore. Shiny lures like Diamond jigs and Stingsilvers have been putting plenty of fish in the boat.
Derek Edwards with a 20” trout caught behind Bear Island. The fish fell for a 1/4 oz. white Spro bucktail tipped with a 4” Gulp shrimp.
Jonathan, of On Point Fishing Charters, reports that the king mackerel bite has pushed offshore as the kings are following the warmer water back to the Gulf Stream. Most of the kings are being caught in the 12-15 mile range where they are schooled up in thick pockets. Slow trolling live menhaden or bluefish on live bait king rigs has been fooling the largest kings, but cigar minnows on dead bait rigs has also tempted plenty of strikes.
Inshore, the speckled trout bite remains strong in the White Oak River and marshes around area inlets. Suspending MirrOlures, soft plastics on jigheads, and live shrimp fished under a popping cork have all been producing large numbers of fish. Anglers are connecting with good numbers of keeper trout and are having no trouble finding plenty of fish to bring home for dinner. Fishing moving water with some noticeable structure (like ledges, marsh points, oyster beds, or even downed trees) is the key to success when searching for trout.
Tyler Lamm, of Wilson, caught this 25” red drum on Gulp shrimp in the White Oak River.
Bobby, of Teezher Charters, reports that Gulf Stream anglers are finding excellent action with wahoo, sailfish, and blackfin tuna. All three species have been fooled while trolling naked and skirted ballyhoo near temp breaks, rips, and floating structure. Wahoo have also been taking heavy interest in dinnerbell-style lures that can be pulled at high speeds which allows anglers to cover more ground.
Closer to shore, anglers are still finding a consistent gag grouper and black sea bass bite in the 70-85’ range. Live pinfish and cigar minnows on Carolina rigs with large circle hooks have been putting the biggest bottom feeders in the boat, but anglers can also tempt them using belly strips on jigheads and bucktails tipped with Gulp shrimp.
King mackerel are still feeding heavily just offshore of the beach in the Keypost area, but anglers should prepare to look for them further offshore once the water cools. Live bait is the best bet for this time of year.
Stukey, of the Reel Outdoors, reports that soft plastics and suspending hard baits have been fooling good numbers of gator trout in Bogue Sound recently. Marsh edges with heavy current and noticeable structure like oyster beds, blow-overs, and drop offs have consistently held fish recently, but with cooling water temps, anglers should consider fishing deeper waters in mainland creeks if they are struggling to find any action. Smaller spike trout have been caught in bays closer to area inlets.
Scattered reds and flounder are also mixed in with the trout, but anglers are reporting that both have been undersized lately.
Anglers fishing just off the beach have been reporting large numbers of bluefish feeding only 200-300 yards off the beach. Mixed in with the blues are spanish mackerel. Anglers are also reporting solid action with false albacore. However, the albacore seem to be here today and gone the next, so anglers should stay on the move to locate the large schools of fish that have been spotted in the area. Shiny metal and lead jigs like Stingsilvers, Diamond jigs, and Kastmasters have been fooling all three species.
Mike, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that pier anglers are connecting with great numbers of flounder while fishing live mullet and mud minnows in the trough just behind the first sand bar. Sea mullet, spots, croakers, and black drum have been taken by anglers fishing fresh shrimp and Fishbites on double drop bottom rigs.
Anglers fishing the end of the pier have not seen a king come over the rails in a while, but spanish mackerel, blues, and false albacore have been keeping them busy.
The water is 66 degrees.
