Pamlico – April 28, 2016
Gary, of Spec Fever Guide Service, reports that the spring fishing on the Neuse is finally underway. Speckled trout have moved into the lower Neuse River between Minnesott Beach and Oriental. Anglers who stay on the move are reporting double digit catches of keeper-sized specks despite the recent windy conditions. Popping corks baited with shrimp and soft plastics are producing the majority of the bites when fished near shorelines.
The red drum have moved into the area, and most of these fish are lower to mid-slot fish, but there are a few over-slot fish mixed in. The reds are congregating further upriver than the trout, and they are hitting topwater plugs. Structure like stump beds, downed trees, and docks are holding plenty of fish, and anglers can target them using Rapala Skitter Walks and MirrOlure Top Dog Jr’s.
Striped bass are beginning to work their way back downriver, and anglers can target them right alongside the reds.
Michael Cummings, of Tarboro, with a 25” striper he caught during the T.A.S.S. tournament.
Richard, of Tar Pam Guide Service, reports that the striped bass action in Weldon has been excellent recently, with half day charters producing at least 50 fish. Topwater plugs are producing the majority of the action in the mornings and evenings, but Z-Man soft plastics rigged weedless are producing more in the middle of the day when the sun is high and the fish hold deeper in the water.
Al Schilling, of Charlotte, with a 5 lb. speckled trout he caught in the Neuse River near Oriental on a mud minnow.
Dave, of Knee Deep Custom Charters, reports that some trout and drum are beginning to show up in the lower Neuse River and mixed in with them are the occasional striped bass. The DOA Deadly Combo fished with a 1/8 oz. jighead baited with a DOA C.A.L. jerk shad has been the most productive rig throughout the entire day. Anglers can also throw topwater baits in the mornings and evenings. Rapala Skitter Walk and Storm Chug Bugs are solid plugs for topwater reds and trout.
Warming weather should push more striped bass downriver where they can be found anywhere from Oriental to the mouth of the Neuse River.
Mitchell, of Fish IBX, reports that the Roanoke River striped bass bite has been excellent, with some large 10+ lb. fish caught recently. The bite is concentrated mostly in Weldon, but anglers can avoid the crowds by fishing in Williamston where there are still plenty of hungry fish to be caught. Mornings after a cool night are the perfect time to use soft plastics like the Yee Ha Mr. Wags or Zoom Super Fluke on jigheads or rigged weedless.
Anglers can also use live baits by drifting them under a cork. This method will also fool some large catfish.
Richie, of East Side Bait and Tackle, reports that there have been scattered striped bass action near Washington as the fish return from their spawning runs. Heavy structure like stump beds, bridges, and docks are holding the majority of the fish, and subsurface plugs like Rattlin’ Rogues and Rapala Flat Raps are producing the majority of the fish.
Trout, puppy drum, and flounder are being found further downriver in Broad Creek and near Bath. Gulp shrimp on jigheads will produce bites from all three species.
