Ocean Isle/Holden Beach – December 2023
Jeff, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that anglers have been catching speckled trout (to 20”+). The trout are scattered just about everywhere, from the inlet up to the bridge in the Shallotte River. Red drum are also feeding on the live shrimp being drifted over the same target areas for trout. The reds have been smaller (15-18”), which is hopefully a good sign moving forward into future seasons. Black drum are staged up around hard structure areas, with shrimp being the top producing bait. Look for the black drum to stick around all winter.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that early winter wahoo and blackfin tuna are being found while trolling out in the Gulf Stream. This is a pretty consistent bite that will remain over the winter and into spring. Some of the best wahoo days have come when warm water “fingers” push in over structure along the 30-fathom curve.
Some good bottom fishing action can be found on structure in the 80-100’ range. The big black sea bass move in and are mixed with vermilion snapper. Over past winters, the giant bluefin tuna fishery in the area has become more known. These giants migrate into our waters anywhere from December through February.
Tim, of Tideline Charters, reports that the best action is the red-hot speckled trout bite. Most of the finfish bait has moved on, but shrimp are plentiful and the trout are keyed in on them. There are anglers that love to fish artificials, such as MirrOlures and soft plastics, but live shrimp is just too easy and reliable. Look for the trout to be hanging in deeper areas (6-9’) with a little current, and the rising tide has produced the better bite.
Red drum are still around in good numbers. The bigger reds are pretty spotty and isolated throughout the area, while the smaller redfish (14-18”) are starting to gather in their winter schools. With the winter moving in, black drum are another great target when casting Carolina-rigged shrimp around docks and other inshore structure.
Joe Ziegler, of Myrtle Beach, found this sheapshead fishing near Little River Inlet using a live shrimp under a slip cork.
Tripp, of Capt’n Hook Outdoors, reports that inshore anglers have found speckled trout biting well in creeks along the ICW. Floating a live shrimp under a cork so that it hangs in the lower water column has been getting the most action. Look for these trout to be staged a bit off structure, such as oyster rocks and shell beds. The tidal rips out along the jetties are another place to find some speckled trout.
Plenty of red drum and black drum are mixed in with the trout. Most times the drum species are holding tighter to the structures. The fishing for all three species is really strong and should remain strong through Christmas. Once the water temperatures get really cold, look for the fish to move far up into the creeks and rivers. Scouting will require more effort, but the schools of fish will be large when you can find them.
Offshore anglers have found wahoo biting in the Gulf Stream while pulling ballyhoo and high-speed lures. Most of the wahoo are staged along the break in the 150-200’ range. Some blackfin tuna are mixed in the same areas holding wahoo. Both the tuna and wahoo bite will remain a great option for anglers throughout the coldest months.
King mackerel are being caught in the 65-80’ range. Anglers are having success slow-trolling both live menhaden or cigar minnows. Moving into winter, look for the kings to move into areas around the shoals. The best tactic, though, will be to target any areas of structure where you can find water temperatures around 67 degrees or higher.
Philip, of Rod and Reel Shop, reports that speckled trout fishing has been really strong in the ICW and connecting rivers. Anglers are having success casting a variety of baits. For soft plastics, Saltwater Assassins and Z-Man baits have worked great. Hard bait successes have mostly come from the MirrOlure MR-17s and MR-27s.
David Hosack, of Oak Island, caught this sheepshead near Varnamtown using shrimp under a slip float. He was fishing with Capt. Kelly Hillman of Reef Thief Fishing Charters LLC.
Surf anglers have been catching gray trout and larger whiting (15-20”) on cut shrimp. Nearshore runs are starting to see better numbers of black sea bass moving in. Anglers can find sea bass as close as a 1/2 mile out, with the 10+ mile range seeing the jumbo fish. When conditions come together to make the long run, some blackfin tuna should be around.
Looking forward to the coldest months, surf anglers should be able to find some whiting and puffers willing to feed. The inshore trips can be fairly productive, with some holes holding pufferfish, large whiting, and the occasional winter flounder releases. Speckled trout fishing will remain the top target of inshore anglers, with the bite sticking around through March.
Donnie, of Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Pier, reports that anglers spending late season days on the pier are catching whiting and croakers. Moving into winter, catches will include whiting and (typically) a bunch of pufferfish show up. If the water and conditions are correct, some red drum will also show up.
