Water temperatures have finally dipped below the 60 degree mark inshore, now reading around 59 degrees, but anglers are making the most of it and are still having success with speckled trout, red drum and assorted bottom dwellers. Offshore, the fishing has been good when anglers can get out, but rough conditions have hampered them the past couple of weeks and this week is no different. If warm conditions persist, then the inshore fishing should continue to be decent through the month of December, which, by the way, is only a few days away.
As noted, the inshore fishing is where it’s at for most fishermen, with decent fishing for boat, pier and surf anglers. Starting off with the ocean side, surf and pier anglers are lucking out with big Virginia mullet, aka sea mullet, on both fresh shrimp and sand fleas while fishing the sloughs and deeper holes. If warm conditions continue, we should see some good fishing right on through Christmas and maybe even beyond. Fish in the 1-2 pound range have been a fairly common occurrence and if history plays a role, we haven’t even gotten into the good season just yet. Red drum, some well over the slot limit of 18-27 inches, have also been reported on a fairly regular basis. Fresh-cut bait soaked in between the sand bars and around the deeper holes are good places to set up. Some speckled trout have also been caught from the surf, a sure sign that we are getting into the thick of wintertime fishing.
As far as inshore fishing from a boat, the speckled trout have been really firing off, although the past week has seen a few more undersized small fish, which is typical starting around the week of Thanksgiving. Soft artificial baits are still working well, but some anglers are opting for the live shrimp trick, which does work, but will normally shut off any fishing for those using plastics. Areas around the deeper channels and creek mouths are all producing fish, some of which are pushing 4 pounds. Now that the smaller fish have started to arrive, a change of tactics is in order. Areas around the inlets and particularly the Masonboro jetties are a haven for larger trout. Surf anglers will start seeing larger fish in the surf as water temperatures continue to cool.
For those seeking the elusive blowfish, they have started to show themselves. Better fishing should start showing up within the next few weeks.
Offshore, the past two weeks have been hampered by rough weather, although there have been a few boats venturing out when conditions subside. Blackfin tuna and a few yellowfin tuna have been reported as well as wahoo and small dolphin. This week doesn’t look all that great for offshore fishing, so maybe next week will reveal additional offshore reports.
