Wrightsville Beach August 26, 2004
Tex, at Tex’s Tackle, reports that the Masonboro jetties have been producing slot-size red drum, with a few over-the-slot fish and some flounder mixed in. Live or cut baits have been getting the most bites. Bluefish and spanish mackerel are also outside the jetties, with the spanish in the cleaner water. The surf is producing sea mullet on shrimp or sand fleas. Bottom fishing has been very good with grouper, beeliners, and grunts anywhere from 22 to 40 miles off the beach on any structure. Sailfish have also been hooked from 5 to 30 miles, but none were landed. As the ocean settles, the offshore fishing should improve.
Dickie, at Tidal Market II, reports that the flounder are biting the best in the inlets on live baits. Bluefish and spanish are right outside the inlets and along the beach. There were also some small king mackerel mixed in. The 10 mile areas are still producing kings, but they are very small. Sailfish are close to shore. A 20 lb. yellowfin tuna was landed at the 23 Mile Rock area; however, the bigger fish are closer to the break out at the stream.
Tyler, at Intracoastal Angler, reports a good wahoo bite in 150 to 350 feet of water around the break and fish are hitting trolled ballyhoo. Sailfish are on the inshore reefs. Small kings are coming from the 10 to 20 mile areas. Grouper fishing has been very good from 20+ miles on any live bottom. Reds are still biting along the jetty rocks, with many fish over the 27-inch limit. Ladyfish are providing action at night under lights around bridges and docks. Small baits like shrimp, flies, or topwaters may induce a strike. Fall fishing is around the corner, so the bite should only improve.
Larry, at Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, reports a good week of flounder fishing with 1.82, 1.46, and 1.73 lb. flatties weighed in. Anglers are still pulling in some undersized fish, too. The flounder prefer live mullet or cut baits. Sea mullet and bluefish are hitting the bottom rigs, and a few spanish were landed this week as well.
Lewis, at Bug-Em Bait Co., reports that small flounder are inside around the docks and drop-offs biting live baits. Red drum are biting along the jetty rocks. Big spanish and small kings are along the beach out to the 10 mile areas. Larger sailfish, white marlin, and wahoo have been reported from the gulf stream, while albies and barracuda are just inshore. No big kings or dolphin reported this week.
