Fishing Report 03/08/2016

 

I’ve been slacking on the reports over the past few weeks, it seems like every day a truck shows up with more stock to put out that’s been keeping us very busy around the shop. But with this beautiful weather we’re having and next week’s forecast with temperatures in the mid 70’s going right into the weekend.  It’s time to get back at the weekly reports and get this fishing season started.  Right now, the water temperatures are a good 10 degrees warmer than we were last year at this time, so that’s a very positive thing. With daylight savings time starting this weekend giving us some longer days, the water temps should be on the rise.

 

 

Inshore / Nearshore:

Some of the creeks around are starting to hold some Redfish.  Anglers working the pockets, docks and shallow flats are seeing a few fish.  I talked to a customer today that had pretty good luck with a school of fish he found in back of a creek over the weekend.  The water is pretty clear, so if you run across them they aren’t going to be that hard to spot.  Live Mud Minnows, Berkley Gulp Baits and Bait Shrimp seems to be working the best. I’ve not talked to anyone that’s been out around Shark Island but it wouldn’t surprise me if there aren’t some Reds in that area to catch. Maybe even around the Cape Lookout Rock Jetty, Reds seem to like that area this time of the year.  Along with the Red Fish, we’re seeing Black Drum in the same creeks, bait shrimp on the bottom will get you a bite if they’re in the area. I have heard of some around the Haystacks but haven’t seen or got a good solid report on that. It’s very possible just explore the area when you venture out.

I’ve received reports of a few Speckled Trout in some of the creeks along Bogue Sound, there’s not a lot of fish but a few are holding around the docks and deeper areas in the creeks.  I’ve seen some nice catches of fish from the Neuse River over the last few weeks; again not lots of fish but a few are starting to bite with the warmer weather.

I’ve been getting a lot of calls about Sea Mullets and bottom fish moving in, it’s still a little early. If the weather stays warm like we’re seeing I’d think by the end of the month we’ll start to see some fish:  Grays, Sea Mullets and Hog Fish. Last year, it was the first of April until we saw any good numbers of Sea Mullets and other bottom feeders move in.  But, who knows with the water being a lot warmer this year they may move in a little early this spring.

Probably, the best action you’ll find over the next few weeks will be at the nearshore reefs, AR315, AR320 and AR 330 are holding the most fish.  I haven’t heard but I’m sure on the East Side at AR285 should be holding some nice fish. Mostly, what you’ll find will be Black Sea Bass on the reefs. Keep in mind the further you go out the larger the fish you’ll find. Squid fished on the bottom, along with Live Mud Minnows will work the best.

 

 

Piers / Surf:

You know winter has come and gone when the piers start to open for the season.  Bouge Inlet Pier opens this Saturday and the Oceanana Pier opens next Saturday. There’s been a few coming through the shop picking up some bait trying their luck from the beach but it’s been slow. Over the next week or so you’ll catch Dog Fish, Skates and maybe a few Puffers. The Dog Fish and Skates aren’t the most sought after fish but they’ll pull the line. Wouldn’t surprise me to see some Black Drum and Red Drum out at Fort Macon, it’s just very hit or miss right now.  But before we know it, the Sea Mullets will start to make an appearance along the beaches.

 

 

Offshore:

We saw some great action over the weekend, Wahoo, Black Fin and a few Yellow Fin. The Wahoo bite for a few boats that made it out was pretty good to be this early. Most of the action was south towards the Swansboro Hole up toward the Rise. So, if the weather allows, the fish seem to be there it’s just a matter of getting out to them.

Bottom fishing still remains good in the 30 to 40 mile range, I know the Capt. Stacy ran this past weekend and came back in with quite of few fish hanging on the rails: Snappers, Trigger Fish and Sea Bass. We should start to see a few Cobias start to show up on the Offshore structure areas real soon.  Yesterday we had a great bite from the bottom fishing grounds, big Sea Bass up to 5lbs and good numbers of them.