Things were looking up on the fishing front, but days, if not weeks of wind and rain have been hampering anglers for what seemed like an eternity. Well no more, as sunny skies, cool mornings and light winds, for the most part, have arrived. Fishing is now in full force with lots of reports coming in from every aspect of saltwater fishing. Water temperatures have managed to remain in the mid-to-upper 70s, although for how long remains the question. Until then, enjoy the days; there’ll be plenty of catching and bragging in the days to come.
Offshore, the wahoo bite has continued right where it left off before the winds, with reports of limits of fish caught before the day was even finished. Areas around the Same Ole and Swansboro holes have been mentioned, but find a temperature break and some bait in this general area and you have the makings for some good fishing. A few billfish have been a bonus with lucky anglers as well.
Fishing close to the beach has started once again almost as though it is springtime, with plenty of reports of fish caught, both big and small. For those live baiting, the king mackerel are within 3 miles of the beach and a lot of fish are being reported right on the beach. Fish are averaging in the 20-pound range with many fish in the 30s and larger being caught. Live baits, such as menhaden, are still being found around Wrightsville Beach, although they are becoming a little more difficult to find, especially after this past weekend’s US Open King Mackerel Tournament where a 53-pound fish won first place. There is plenty of bait along the beaches around Oak Island and Southport, and also plenty of king mackerel just waiting for a straggler. Cobia, which is something not normally seen this time of year in any quantity, are also being reported in good numbers from the Topsail beaches through Carolina Beach. Spanish mackerel fishing has also rebounded with lots of fish reported coming from Clark Spoons trolled in about 35 feet of water. Some fish are reported to be pushing 5 pounds.
Pier anglers are enjoying the king mackerel and cobia action with reports of fish decked the past week from Surf City piers. The Virginia are accumulating in the surf and fishermen targeting them with fresh shrimp and sand fleas are having pretty good luck. The spots started showing up to our north last week and have finally made it down to our waters with anglers catching fish on both fresh shrimp and bloodworms. A few flounder and red drum have been pulled from the surf the past week and that fishing should continue to get better.
Inshore, the cooler mornings have gotten the speckled trout active and there are more reports coming from local waters of fish caught on artificial baits. Finger mullet will also work if the fish are around and will also draw interest from the many red drum and flounder that are hanging around the inlets, creeks and local docks.
