Ocean Isle July 7, 2005
Barrett McMullan, of the Ocean Isle Fishing center, reports that inshore the flounder bite has improved in the inshore waters. Several fish were caught this week in the 2 to 2.5 lb. range. The better spots were Tubbs Inlet and the mouth of all the other area inlets. Red drum fishing is doing well. Their finding fish in and over the slot, with the largest in the 30 lb. class. And the speckled trout fishing continues to produce at the Little River jetties.
The king mackerel bite exploded this week, with lots and lots of fish caught. Some boats were getting 35 fish within an hour. All the king spots in the area are loaded with baitfish, including cigar minnows, sardines, and herring, and this was the biggest factor in the improved king bite. The kings are on the beach in 25′ of water all the way out to 100′ of water. The fish are weighing up to the 30 lb. class, and the average size is about 12 lbs.
There’s stilla good amount of cobia in the area, and they are concentrated on the AR’s. And grouper fishing was good again this week, primarily in 100′ of water.
Ocean Isle Beach pier reports that the flounder have been biting the best while the bottom fishermen are landed whiting and spots. A nice blue was caught off the end but no mackerel to talk about this week.
The Rod and Reel shop of Holden Beach reports spots, whiting, and pompano coming from the surf while fishing the waterway and rivers offers a chance at an inshore slam of speckled trout, red drum, and flounder. Best time for the trout has been early in the mornings on live shrimp. Just off the beach along any structure has been best for spanish and king mackerel while the dolphin have moved in the 18 to 20 mile areas. The gulf stream has been very good for dolphin and most days are providing some action with billfish.
