Swansboro August 11, 2005
Capt. Stanman, of Capt. Stanman’s Fishing Charters, reports that the billfish bite continues. White marlin, sailfish, and an occasional blue marlin are as near as the Big Rock moving north to the 800 line. Captains that are downsizing their baits are getting most of the action.
King fishing has been hot all week, with a lot of 20s and one 40 being caught. Then comes a KMT on Saturday, and they leave or stop biting.
There was a big bite at Yaupon and the Jungle on the Friday before the Raleigh Tournament, with a few 40s and many 30s being caught. Several anglers from this area fishing the Raleigh KMT trailered down to Southport only to be very disappointed when the kings used their fins and left town or closed their mouths.
Dolphin are mixed in with the catch out of Bogue Inlet, with an occasional 15 lber in the mix. The kings and dolphin have been moving between Christmas Rock, D Buoy, Sponge Rock, C Buoy, Southeast Bottoms, and Jerry’s Reef. Also heard of some long overdue wahoo being caught.
The jig bait is getting bigger at C and D Buoys. Take both red and green-headed Sabikis. Some days they will hit one and not the other. Use heavy sinkers on your Sabikis, 2 or 3 ounces. Your rigs won’t tangle as quickly when the sardines, cigar minnows, and tinker mackerel bite while your rig is on its way down. If you have difficulty catching bait fishing up and down, try moving away from the buoy and throwing your rig away from the boat letting it drop through the water column jigging it slowly as the rig sinks.
Rhonda, at Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that the action has been slow. They’ve picked up a few blues, a few spots, and a few mullet. They did see an 8 lb. blue over the weekend, as well as a couple of flounder in the 1-2 lb. class.
Dale, at The Reel Outdoors, reports that the flounder bite has been good in the area, with more fish being caught and the sizes improving. You can also find lots of red fish inside, with scattered schools all around. Most guys targeting the reds have been using cut menhaden and artificials.
Anglers targeting sheepshead on the oyster rocks have been regularly finding fish.
The surf has had lots of spots being caught. They’ve been reported both from the north and south.
The kings are still in the area, but they’re not as thick as previous weeks; however, there are all the big barracudas you care to catch.
