Ocean Isle – May 22, 2014
Dr. Robert Littleton with a red drum that bit a live mud minnow near a Holden Beach dock.
Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that anglers saw some solid blue water trolling action last week, with excellent gaffer dolphin fishing (some fish to 40+ lbs.) on several days. The fish have been feeding along the break from the Blackjack Hole to the 100/400 and taking an interest in skirted ballyhoo. Decent numbers of wahoo (to 40 lbs.) have been in the mix as well, and a few blackfin tuna have also been taking an interest in anglers’ baits.
The dolphin action has slowed down a bit, but it’s still been decent. Anglers will likely see another push of fish move into the local waters.
Though a few were caught along the beachfront last week, anglers are reporting king mackerel spread out from spots in the 65’ depths to the break at present. Live menhaden and live or dead cigar minnows are getting attention from the kings.
Solid numbers of cobia showed up along the beachfront last week, and anglers hooked plenty on live menhaden. As with the dolphin, the cobia bite has slowed a bit, but it’s likely due to weather. Anglers should see the bite turn back on before it slows for the summer.
There have been good numbers of menhaden along the beachfront for anglers looking for live bait, which should be a good sign for the action ahead.
Will Snellgrove, of Ft. Mill, SC, with a blackfin tuna that bit a ballyhoo behind a trolling weight near the Steeples while he was fishing out of Holden Beach aboard the “Pokey.”
Kyle, of Speculator Charters, reports that the flounder fishing continues to improve, with increasing numbers of keepers by the week (and some fish to 4+ lbs.). Tubbs Inlet, the Ocean Isle canals, and other well-known flatfish spots in the area have all been producing some good fishing, and anglers are hooking the flounder on live mud minnows and peanut menhaden.
Red and black drum are feeding around ICW docks and other structure, where anglers are fooling them with crab chunks and fresh shrimp. As pinfish and other bait stealers become more numerous, anglers will likely have to switch to menhaden or other baits in order to keep them in the water long enough to attract a drum.
There are also still some reds in the shallow creeks, where they’ll bite crabs, soft plastics, and other offerings.
The red drum bite at the Little River jetties remains hit-or-miss, with some days producing solid action.
Capt. Ryan Rayfield, of Conjured Up Fishing Charters, with a citation-class red drum that bit a 2 oz. bucktail jig a few miles off Oak Island. The fish was released after the photo.
A few speckled trout are mixed in with the reds and are also feeding alongside the flounder . They’re falling for the same baits (some to 4-5 lbs.).
Spanish mackerel fishing has been consistent along the beachfront, where anglers are hooking the fish on trolled Clarkspoons and while casting metal lures to fish feeding on the surface.
Anglers are also seeing some cobia at nearshore structure like the Caudle Reef and the Sherman, and they’re tempting them to bite bucktails and live baits.
Kevin, of Rigged and Ready Charters, reports that anglers found some excellent action while live-baiting off the beachfront last week. King mackerel and cobia have been feeding along the beach and around nearshore structure, and anglers have been hooking both while anchoring up with a chum bag out and live menhaden on their hooks.
Some large spanish mackerel and sharks are in the same areas and also taking an interest in menhaden.
Offshore, the dolphin bite is still going strong at local Gulf Stream spots, where anglers are putting together solid catches on ballyhoo paired with skirted trolling lures.
Robbie, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that anglers are hooking sea mullet and spot while bottom fishing with shrimp.
Some spanish mackerel and bluefish are biting Gotcha plugs that anglers are working from the pier.
