Fishing Report 07/14/2016

 

 

Inshore / Nearshore:

The Spanish fishing has been going crazy the last few days; the larger fish have shown up in big numbers around the AR Reefs. Almost, every angler wasn't having any trouble getting some action on 5lb plus fish and we've even seen a few that topped the scales over 7lbs. 

Most of the action has been coming off Live Bait or trolling Dead Cigar Minnows on Dead Bait Rigs. As for the smaller fish there's been good action along the beach and up around the Cape Lookout area. Anglers trolling Clarkspoons on planers are getting the best action along with Bird Rigs, Squid Rigs and Spoons. There's even been some fish starting to show up inside the inlet back toward the Turning Basin and Shackleford Banks.  So, if it's too rough in the inlet and along the beach don’t count out still catching some fish.  Along with the Spanish there's plenty of nice Bluefish that's been schooling around the inlet area, one of our charter boats had some great action on 3lb fish on small casting jigs.

We're starting to see some King Mackerel make a showing, most have been the smaller fish but this past week I've heard of some fish over the 20lb mark being caught. It’s getting very close to tournament season so, anglers are being tight lipped about locations of the larger fish.  The Shipping Channel, Atlas Tanker, 17 Rock, Barge Wreck, North West Places, Dead Tree Hole and AR 285 are all common spots to find King Mackerel action.  Live Bait and Dead Cigar Minnows on Dead Bait Rigs are going to be the best choice to find some action.

It's very good to see some Red Drum action in the Marsh, it's been a while since I've seen Top-waters leaving the wall and that means one thing; anglers are having some good luck. I talked with a few customers that's having no problem finding action. Areas would be the Haystacks all the way up toward the Neuse River area. There's been no secret spot just moving and trying different areas have been producing fish. 

Also, Live Mud Minnows and Live Shrimp have been playing a key into catching fish. Fishing them under Popping Corks along the grass edges and oyster bars will produce action. Also, anglers are catching some nice Speckled Trout in the same area, not quite as well as the Drum bite but catching some nice fish. 

Sheepshead fishing been good this week. This week, we've weighed some of the largest fish that we've seen all year. There's been a few over the 9lb mark and even heard of some topping 10lbs. The Sheepshead guys have been waiting for the big ones to show up and just maybe they have.  Most of the fish have been in the 4lb range but it's good to see that bigger class of fish. Still all the normal places any of the bridges and port area will be good places to look for action. We do have Live Fiddler Crabs and Sea Urchins in-stock ready to go so you don’t have to waste time catching bait in this heat.

The crazy Shark fishing we were seeing behind the Shrimp Boats in the Ocean has slowed down, we haven't seen many boats out working this week because the shrimp catch has fell off. But we have located where the fish seemed to be holding, most of the action this week has been up on the Cape Lookout Shoals. Put out a chum line and it won't take long to have Sharks showing up behind the boat; then pretty much whatever you want to throw out you can get a bite on.  Just keep in mind when Shark fishing what’s going on because a good trip can turn bad very quick.

We've seen a few Flounder this week, anglers have been drifting the ICW Channels and a few been caught from the Port Wall area. The AR reefs are still holding fish to catch. Also, I've been hearing of some decent action in the Marsh areas in the deeper parts of the creeks and fish are holding around oyster bars. So, don’t think since it’s hot you have to be fishing deep water to get any action. Shallow areas under docks is also good places to find some bigger fish hiding out in the shade waiting on bait. Spro 2oz Buckatils, Berkley Gulp, Live Mud Minnows, Live Shrimp all have been producing fish.

 

Piers / Surf:

Well, with the heat we are getting into the summer slowdown as I like to call it for the piers.  But we're still seeing some good action, fishing at the right time of the day will make a big difference.  Early in the morning and late in the day for Spanish and Bluefish will be the key to catching fish. When the sun gets up and the heat kicks in the bite just slows way down. 

As for the bottom fishing this week, anglers have been seeing Hog Fish and a few Sea Mullets, but fishing at night seems to be producing the most action than the heat of the day. I'm not saying you can’t catch fish in the day this time of the year just nighttime will be more active.  Now, if you're out fishing on the piers keep your eye out as there are still some Tarpon coming through heading to the river. Just the other day, the Bogue Inlet Pier had one that was over the 100 lb mark.  

 

Offshore:

The boats that have been heading out to the Gulf Stream are having some great luck with the Wahoo and Black Fin Tuna, the Dolphin fishing still slow with just mixed action.  I did talk to a customer yesterday that caught 15 Dolphin this week.  The best Dolphin action I've seen has been when you can find something floating in the water. Seems like there's been plenty of Bailers hanging around anything like that. But keep in mind it’s a huge ocean so, if you just happen to luck up and come across something holding fish you're going to catch some.  

The bottom fishing has been great this week, one of our charter boats came back 2 days straight with limits of Grouper, also anglers are catching Sea Bass, Trigger Fish and Snappers. The best action seems to be over on the East Side of the Cape at the rock piles or wrecks. This time of the year when the trolling fishing slows down you can most of the time count on bottom action to save the day.