Ocean Isle August 2, 2007
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that area Gulf Stream fishing is getting much better after a few slow weeks. Wahoo are making up the majority of the catch. They’re mostly 20-30 lbs., with a few up to 50+ lbs. mixed in.
There are still some dolphin around. Several yellowfin tuna (in the 40 lb. class) were landed last week as well. Skirted ballyhoo are the best baits to troll out in the blue water.
Boats are finding kings at spots in 55-70’ of water. The Jungle has been a good place to start searching for the kings recently. There has also been scattered king mackerel activity in 80-110’ of water. Both live pogies and cigar minnows or dead baits will draw strikes from the kings.
Boats are finding a few more cobia than in past weeks. Some are feeding out where the kings are, and anglers are also hooking up with a few cobia by fishing behind shrimp boats near the beach.
Bottom fishing has been solid in around 110’ of water, where boats are landing both snapper and grouper. Live pogies are excellent baits, but the bottomfish will respond well to a variety of live and dead baits.
Kyle, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that good flounder fishing continues throughout the area. Little River Inlet is producing plenty of flatfish (in the 1-3 lb. class), and anglers are still catching fish in Tubbs Inlet as well.
The Jim Caudle Reef has also played host to a decent flounder bite over the week. A Carolina-rigged finger mullet will draw plenty of bites from the flounder.
Red drum are holding at the Little River jetties, and they will also take an interest in finger mullet baits. Most of the drum are over-slot sized (in the 28-32” range).
A few trout are still feeding at the jetties, and anglers are also hooking up with trout and reds while casting to docks in the ICW near Ocean Isle. Finger mullet should tempt the trout as well.
Victoria, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that anglers are catching good numbers of speckled trout in the morning hours. Live shrimp are the top choice for trout baits.
Flounder are still feeding near the pier, and they should respond well to live shrimp or mud minnows.
Bottom fishermen are landing decent numbers of whiting. Shrimp should get their attention.
A few bluefish are also coming over the pier’s rails.
