Ocean Isle July 18, 2013
Morgan and Brooke Campbell, of Wilmington, with a pair of red drum that attacked float-rigged live shrimp near some Ocean Isle oyster bars. They were fishing with Capt. Jeff Willamson of Get Busy Fishing.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that anglers are finally seeing some consistent king mackerel fishing in the area at spots in 50-65’ of water (with most fish 8-12 lbs. but some pushing 20). Live baits like menhaden are the best bets for the kings, but anglers can also hook up on dead cigar minnows.
Some larger kings (20+ lbs.) have been feeding in 80’ and deeper. Live menhaden are the best bets for the bigger fish, although rigged ribbonfish will also fool some giant kings.
Dolphin and cobia are feeding in the same areas as the kings and taking an interest in the same baits. There are also a few sailfish showing up in the same spots. Live baits or rigged ballyhoo will tempt bites from the sails.
Spanish mackerel fishing along the beachfront had picked up before last weekend’s storm, so the fish should be back around once the water cleans up a bit. Trolled Clarkspoons are some of the best bets for the spanish.
Mike, Taylor, and Casey Miller and Warren Reid, of Raleigh, with king mackerel and a cobia they hooked while live-baiting 20 miles off Ocean Isle Beach in 65′ of water.
Mark, of OceanIsleFishingCharters.com, reports that there’s been some excellent action at the Little River jetties over the past week. Anglers drifting live shrimp under floats around the rocks are connecting with some healthy red drum (24-32”), sheepshead, and some speckled trout.
There’s also been a decent red drum bite in the creeks and along the ICW. Live shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows will all attract attention from the reds inshore. The fish have been feeding around oyster rocks at lower tides and looking for meals along grass edges when the water’s higher.
Speckled trout are also feeding along the grass edges of the creeks and ICW at higher water. They’ve got a tough time turning down a live shrimp wherever they’re feeding.
The influx of fresh water in the area has made shrimp a bit tough to come by, but as in previous weeks, anglers who go through the hassle will likely be rewarded.
Kyle, of Speckulator Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that anglers are catching solid numbers of red drum around the Little River jetties, with most falling for live shrimp fished under float rigs (and most fish over-slot sized with a few to 30 lbs. reported recently).
Brody Hughes with a red drum that bit a live shrimp near Calabash while he was fishing with Robert Hughes on the “Lil’ Bro Bro.”
More reds are feeding in the creeks and around docks at Sunset Beach. They’re biting live shrimp and finger mullet.
Speckled trout are looking for meals in Shallotte River and Calabash Creek. Live shrimp under floats are the way to go for the specks, too.
Some flounder are in all the same areas and biting the same baits. The flatfish bite has been a bit off in the usual spots due to dirty water conditions, but it should turn back on whenever the water cleans up.
Trey, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that anglers are still hooking some speckled trout on live shrimp, especially in the early morning hours.
Bottom fishermen are hooking sea mullet, a few spot and bluefish, and sharks, mostly on shrimp.
