Tim, of Chasin’ Tails Outdoors, reports that sea mullet have shown up in Beaufort Inlet and the turning basin. Anglers are hooking them on spec rigs tipped with shrimp, and some smaller bluefish have been mixed in with the mullet. The warming water temperatures should have some gray trout arriving soon, and they’ll take an interest in the spec rigs as well.
Puppy drum and speckled trout are feeding in Core Creek and the creeks off the Neuse River. Live shrimp and mud minnows, soft plastic baits, and MirrOlure MR17’s have all been effective on the puppies and specs recently.
Some black drum are also feeding in Core Creek (primarily north of the 101 Bridge). They’ll take a hearty interest in live or dead shrimp.
A few speckled trout and black drum have also been coming from the mainland creeks along Highway 24, but the action has been hit-or-miss.
Surf casters are finding action with sheepshead, black drum, sea mullet, pufferfish, and a few puppy drum while fishing near the rocks at Fort Macon. The surf action will only get better over the next few weeks as the water temperatures rise.
Plenty of bluefish and black sea bass are feeding around AR-315, but flounder don’t seem to be that far inshore yet. AR-285, AR-330, and other spots in the 10 mile range are likely better bets for those looking to hook up with some ocean flatfish. Gulp baits pinned to 2 oz. bucktails are the way to go for the flounder.
Bottom fishermen further offshore are putting together solid catches of triggerfish and beeliners, along with black sea bass and grouper that must be released until their seasons open up.
Gulf Stream trollers are still finding some blackfin tuna and wahoo while plying blue water hotspots like the Big Rock, Rise, and Swansboro Hole. Skirted ballyhoo will tempt bites from both of the blue water predators.
Paul, of Freeman’s Bait and Tackle, reports that sea mullet have shown up in the surf, and anglers are catching them from Fort Macon down to Bogue Inlet. Some black drum, puffers, and red drum are mixed in, and all are taking an interest in bottom rigs baited with shrimp, squid, and bloodworms. The surf action has been somewhat inconsistent so far, but it should get better over the coming weeks as the weather and water warm up.
Not many people have been fishing for reds and speckled trout inshore as everyone seems to be gearing up for the spring arrival of the Atlantic bonito and other nearshore targets.
Offshore, boats are running into some wahoo and blackfin tuna while trolling ballyhoo along the break.
Chris, of Mount Maker Charters, reports that some red drum are feeding in the marshes and smaller inlets in the area. Anglers can tempt them to bite soft plastic baits or a variety of other artificials.
Some speckled trout are still feeding in the creeks, where soft and hard baits will get their attention.
Plenty of reports of false albacore are coming in from the 10-15 mile range, and it shouldn’t be long until Atlantic bonito are feeding in the same areas. Both will fall for metal jigging and casting lures worked around fish feeding on the surface.
It’s also time for the ocean flounder bite to get started. Working 2 oz. bucktails around bottom structure is the way to connect with the flatfish, and deeper spots in 70-80’ are likely the best bets right now.
Thomas, of Dancin’ Outlaw Charters, reports that anglers are connecting with good numbers of wahoo while trolling around the Big Rock and spots to the south. Blackfin tuna are mixed in, and both are taking an interest in skirted ballyhoo. Sending a bait deep on a planer is often the best way to connect with the ‘hoos.
It won’t be long until dolphin make their spring arrival in many of the same areas, and they’ll push inshore from there.
Martha, of Oceanana Pier, reports that anglers are hooking some pufferfish, sea mullet, bluefish, and black drum while fishing bottom rigs baited with shrimp from the pier.