Swansboro July 21, 2011
Ryan Kennedy with a gaffer dolphin that attacked a pink/white-skirted ballyhoo offshore of the Swansboro Hole while he was fishing on the "Team Tracie D."
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that the recent full moon thinned the red drum in the area out a bit, but there are still good numbers of scattered fish and a few schools working through the Swansboro-area backwaters. Live finger mullet on Carolina rigs, Gulp baits, and topwater plugs will all tempt bites from the reds when anglers find them.
The inshore flounder bite has been excellent around docks and other structure over the past week. Plenty of finger mullet are in the area. The mullet are both attracting the flatfish to the docks and some of the best baits. Bucktail/Gulp combinations are also top flatfish producers.
Black drum and sheepshead are feeding around dock and bridge pilings in the area and near oyster rocks and other structure in the marshes on flood tides. Live fiddler crabs on Carolina rigs or live shrimp under floats will tempt bites from both the sheeps and drum.
The large spanish mackerel bite on the nearshore reefs is still solid. Fishing live baits like menhaden on scaled-down king mackerel gear at structure within a few miles of the inlet is the way to go for the big spaniards (3-6+ lbs.).
Smaller spanish are feeding in the inlet and along the beaches, and Clarkspoons trolled behind planers or torpedo weights will produce fast action with the smaller fish.
Chesson, of CXC Fishing, reports that large spanish mackerel are still feeding at nearshore structure within a few miles of Bogue Inlet. Small live menhaden on scaled-down king mackerel rigs are the top choices for the big spaniards. Interestingly, the spanish have been feeding well offshore to spots in the 10-15 mile range as well.
Some smaller groups of king mackerel are feeding in around 50’ of water off Bogue Inlet, and live menhaden or jig baits like cigar minnows will tempt them to bite.
Amberjacks and barracuda are feeding around the AR’s and buoy chains in the area, and both have a tough time resisting live baits.
Bottom fishing has been producing some action with keeper gag grouper, black sea bass, and other bottomfish at spots in 60-80’ of water. Cut baits, live baits, and bucktail jigs tipped with the same will fool all the bottom dwellers.
Chuck Harris., Chris Burleson, Jr., and Jennifer Harris with a white marlin Jeffier caught and released off Beaufort Inlet while they were fishing on the "FishJig."
Rich, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that there are still decent numbers of red drum feeding in the Swansboro-area marshes and backwaters. They’ll bite a variety of baits and lures, including topwater plugs, spinnerbaits, Gulps, and live finger mullet or mud minnows.
Flounder fishing has been solid inshore lately as well, and Gulp baits on Easy Hooker stand-up jigheads are producing plenty of action with the flatfish. Docks, seawalls, and other inshore structure are the places to look for the flounder.
Good numbers of tarpon are moving through the area, and anglers hooked one and saw several from the pier last week.
Large spanish mackerel are feeding around the Keypost and other nearshore reefs, and small live baits are the way to tempt them to bite.
Some king mackerel (including fish to 40 lbs.) have been feeding around the SE Bottoms, and they’re falling for live baits like menhaden.
Billy, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are connecting with some spot, sea mullet, and a few pompano on shrimp, bloodworms, and sand fleas.
Some keeper flounder are falling for small live baits fished next to the pier.
Plug casters are hooking up with some spanish mackerel and bluefish while working Gotchas from the planks.
Live-baiters caught one tarpon last week and saw several more.
