Ocean Isle May 29, 2008

Brant, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that boats are still hooking up with good numbers of dolphin and wahoo in the Gulf Stream. Trolling ballyhoo beneath skirted lures along the break, especially around weedlines or temperature breaks, will produce strikes from both species.

Bottom fishermen are landing good numbers of snapper and grouper at structure in around 100′ of water. The action has been particularly good near the Atlantic Ledge recently.

Kings are feeding well at structure around Frying Pan Tower. The main body of fish still seems to be holding in the 80-100′ depths. Trolling live and dead cigar minnows or pogies will produce results on the kings. Some pogies have shown up in the ocean just off the beaches.

Spanish mackerel fishing has been excellent along the beaches when there’s clean water. Trolling gold Clarkspoons has been productive with the spanish.

Kyle, of Ocean Isle Fishing Center, reports that flounder fishing continues to get better by the week. The action has been hot around Tubbs Inlet, the Sunset Beach Bridge, and Cherry Grove. Mud minnows and pogies on Carolina rigs have been getting their attention.

Some larger flounder (up to 6 lbs.) are coming from the Shallotte and Lockwood Folly rivers.

Speckled trout fishing has been solid (with some fish up to 5+ lbs.) around the Little River jetties and Sunset Beach Bridge. Live mud minnows and shrimp fished beneath floats are producing the most trout action.

Red drum are also feeding at the Sunset Beach Bridge, the jetties, and at docks on the ICW. Live mud minnows and shrimp will also draw bites from the reds.

Spanish mackerel are feeding heavily just outside the inlets, with acres of feeding fish near the Little River jetties recently. Trolling Clarkspoons or casting X-Raps and other lures to the fish will produce hookups.

David, of Capt. Hook Outdoors, reports that there’s been pretty good king fishing around spots 18-25 miles offshore and out at the Atlantic Ledge. Trolling cigar minnows will entice them to strike.

Some cobia have been feeding in the same areas, but they’ve been picky about what they’ll eat. Live baits should entice them to strike.

Inshore, speckled trout fishing has been excellent around the bridges and jetties. Live shrimp are the top baits, and anglers are also hooking a few smaller red drum when trout fishing.

Anglers drifting in Tubbs, Shallotte, and Little River inlets are hooking up with good numbers of flounder. Live mud minnows on Carolina rigs are producing the bites.

Josh, of Ocean Isle Pier, reports that anglers casting Gotcha plugs are catching a mix of spanish mackerel and bluefish.

Bottom fishermen are landing some pompano on shrimp during the day. At night, sharks and some whiting are falling for the bottom rigs.

by Gary Hurley