Ocean Isle July 13, 2006
Stan, at Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that the flounder bite has moved off the beach to the nearshore artificial reefs. Live pogies fished at the Little River inshore reef, or the Yaupon Reef, should score with the flatties.
Spadefish are biting jelly balls at those reef areas as well, and at the Sherman Reef.
The red drum bite has become scattered at the Little River jetties, but a Carolina-rigged peanut pogy is still a good bet for action when they are there.
The ocean water temperature has cooled about 8 degrees with the recent fronts, and the cooler waters should have spanish mackerel schooled up around the inlets soon.
Brant, at Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports good dolphin and king mackerel fishing 5-25 miles off the beach. The kings are running 10-25 lbs., and most dolphin are 10-15 lbs. The best baits are dead cigar minnows with Cape Lookout Smokers Only skirts.
Larger dolphin and wahoo to 60 lbs. can be found further offshore, at the break or deeper. Trolling skirted ballyhoo along weed lines is the best strategy for both fish.
Bottom fishing is good. Vermillion snapper are holding in 75-90′ of water. And fishing in 80-120′ of water is producing gag and scamp grouper. Live pogies or pinfish are the main choice for grouper baits right now.
The menhaden have finally left the river, and they are moving along the beach. So big king mackerel should be close behind them.
Will, at Ocean Isle Pier, reports a few spots and whiting eating bloodworms fished on bottom rigs.
Flounder between 19-21 inches and slot size red drum are hitting mud minnows.
Barnacles fished against the pilings have been productive for sheepshead this week.
Plug casters are catching good numbers of bluefish.
No kings were caught this week, but live baiters did catch some cobia.
The water temperature is 82 degrees.
