Fishing Report 04/07/2016

This week, the Chasin’ Tails Family Ray, Michael, Joshua and Capt. Matt is experiencing fishing in the Louisiana Bayou (check them out on Facebook).  They’ve had a perfect week of weather but we sure can’t report that for Atlantic Beach.  All week, we’ve had wind and more wind with cool temperatures and it doesn’t look like the pattern’s going to change much this weekend. Yet, anglers are reporting there’s some good fishing going on.

Inshore / Nearshore

Sea Mullets, Croakers, Hogfish and Gray Trout are being caught around the Port Wall to the Beaufort Inlet.  The mullets seem to be a little more picky but scout around and you’ll find a good school to drift over.  Sam’s Gitters tipped with Fishbites and/or Bait Shrimp will bring the mullets in the boat.  The other bottom fish, Croakers and Hogfish just a bottom rig tipped with Bait Shrimp will get you a bite.

The Gray Trout bite has picked up considerably this week from the Inlet to the Turning Basin.  Fishing the Atlantic Beach Bridge at night is producing good sized Grays.  Jigging a Sting silver or just fishing Spec Rigs tipped with Bait Shrimp will get the Grays fired up if you come across them.

All of the creeks have Reds, Specs and Black Drum if you will patiently fish for them.  Live Mud Minnows will be the best bait along with Berkley Gulp for the Redfish and Speckled Trout, Bait Shrimp will get you the best action for Black Drum in the creek’s deeper holes around docks.

Good schools of Bluefish are still holding up at Cape Lookout.  With these winds anglers just haven’t had the opportunity to get up there to fish the schools.  Sunday, just may give you a window to venture out for some Bluefish action. If you give it a try make sure you have a Top-water lure plus small casting metal lures like P-line, Jig Fish or Diamond Jigs in your tackle box.

Piers / Surf

Oceanana Pier has reported good schools of Sea Mullets off the end this week.  Pier anglers are using the gazebo to block the wind and pulling up good catches.  There’s still a good Puffer Fish bite with a few small spots in the mix.  Bait Shrimp fished on a bottom rig is the way to go when fishing off the pier for any bottom feeder.  There’s been a few Bluefish caught but this weather is just holding them off.

Surf anglers are reporting Sting-rays, Sharks, Sea Mullets, and Puffers with a few Black Drum being caught at Fort Macon Rock Jetty.  Just over the last two days, anglers are catching Gray Trout at the Fort Macon Park.  The best bait to use is Live Mud Minnows, New Penny 3” Gulp or Bait Shrimp.

Offshore

When will the wind allow boats to get Offshore?  There’s definitely Wahoo, Black Fin with some Yellow Fin out there wanting to bite.  We have a good supply of Offshore tackle and all the bait you need when the weather opens up, in the meantime stop in for your rigging supplies so, you’ll be ready when the weather cooperates.

Bottom fishing still remains good with Sea Bass, Triggerfish and Snappers.  Unfortunately, we’re experiencing March winds continuing right into April, it’s time to fish and for the weather to get right.