Wrightsville Beach August 30, 2007
Chris, of Tex’s Tackle, reports that fishing is continuing in a typical summer pattern. Fishing for most species is best very early and late in the day (when it is slightly cooler).
Red drum and flounder are looking for meals in the creeks and near the inlets. Carolina-rigged finger mullet and peanut pogies will attract attention from both species, as will Gulp baits fished on jigheads.
The flounder bite has also been good around nearshore structure in the ocean.
Spanish mackerel are feeding close to the beaches. They’ll take an interest in Clarkspoons trolled behind planers and inline trolling weights. The spanish bite is best very early in the mornings.
Some tarpon are still feeding near the beaches and inlets. Anglers targeting the “silver kings” should slow troll live baits or fish cut baits on the bottom near areas where they see the huge fish rolling on the surface.
With the mid-80 degree water temperatures, most of the king mackerel action has been at least 10 miles off the beach. Live pogies are the top choice when it comes to king mackerel baits.
Boats running to the Gulf Stream are still catching wahoo. Some wahoo have also moved inshore of the stream, and they are surprising anglers king mackerel fishing at offshore spots.
Bottom fishing remains good. Some gag grouper are still feeding around ledges and other structure 15-20 miles offshore, while red and scamp grouper action is best 30+ miles from the beach.
Jim, of Plan 9 Charters, reports that king mackerel have been tough to locate over the week, but some sizeable spanish are feeding at spots 10-12 miles offshore.
Shark fishing has been excellent not far from the beach, and anglers released large blacktips (100+ lbs.) and smaller lemons and sharpnose sharks recently.
Gray trout have taken up residence on the nearshore reefs. Vertically jigging with Stingsilvers or other metal lures will draw strikes from the grays. Anglers are also taking good numbers of spanish mackerel using the same technique. Structure south of Masonboro Inlet, such as John’s Creek, is a good place to search for the trout, and the largest fish have been slightly further offshore in 40-45’ of water.
Some flounder are also holding on John’s Creek.
Grouper fishing is still productive, but the best action has been 40 or more miles offshore. The offshore spots are producing more and bigger grouper than areas in the 30-40 mile range. Bottom fishermen are catching good numbers of big black sea bass at spots 10-20 miles off the beach.
Some over-slot 30”+ red drum are feeding around the ends of the Masonboro Jetties. The first hour of moving tide, either falling or rising, is the best time to target them. Live finger mullet or cut pogies are the top drum baits.
Ladyfish are still feeding actively in Wrightsville Beach’s inshore waters. Lately, it seems the ladyfish bite is best in the early mornings instead of at night.
Mike, of Corona Daze Charters, reports that red drum are feeding near the inlets and around area creeks, but they can be picky about biting. Gulp baits and spinnerbaits are good artificials for the reds, but live baits should produce the most action.
Speckled trout are feeding in the ICW near Topsail. New Penny colored Gulp baits are top trout producers.
Brent, of Current Adventure Charters, reports that anglers are hooking up with some dolphin while trolling 30-35 miles offshore.
King mackerel are around, but they have become a bit more difficult to locate over the past week.
Red drum are feeding around structure and creek mouths in the ICW.
James, of Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, reports that with midday temperatures in the 90’s, fishing has been best during the nighttime hours.
Pier anglers are landing good numbers of keeper flounder on live baits fished on the bottom.
Pompano (up to 2+ lbs.) are biting shrimp.
Some large red drum (30”+) are taking an interest in live baits, shrimp, and cut baits, although many are breaking anglers off on the pilings when they get close to the pier.
Bluefish and a few spanish mackerel are taking an interest in Gotcha plugs.
Live baiters hooked several tarpon over the week.
The water temperature is 86 degrees.
