The official start of summer has arrived, but regarding temperatures, it began a couple of weeks ago. Extreme heat has affected anglers and fishing alike, however fishermen are still reporting decent action depending on where, when and what they are after. Water temperatures are reading in the lower to mid 80s and the extended weather forecast calls for a slight modification and cooling trend to the air temperature later this week, but unfortunately with that comes a significant chance of thunderstorms. Anglers adapting to the conditions are the ones who are having better luck than those who don’t.
Inshore, the flounder bite has continued to pick up around the creek mouths, deeper channels and inlets with plenty of fish pushing the 5-pound mark. The inlets are tending to hold some smaller fish but there are still plenty of keepers being found. Live minnows fished on Carolina Rigs are sure bets. Fishing soft artificial baits will also work, however they need to be fished extremely slowly. Red drum can be caught on the same baits fished around the area docks as well as oyster beds and creek mouths. For a change of pace, good-sized sheepshead are being found around the bridge pilings and can be targeted with one-armed bandits (fiddler crabs) and barnacles.
From the surf and off the piers, anglers are finding some Virginia mullet and black drum while fishing fresh shrimp. If keeping black drum, be sure to stay within the new regulations that went into effect earlier this year of 10 fish per person between 14 and 25 inches with only one of those fish over 25 inches permitted. Some flounder and red drum are also being caught by those using cut bait and live minnows.
Off the beach, the king mackerel bite has been fairly good between 5-10 miles the past week, but sea conditions have hampered anglers the past few days. Most fish are running in the 10-15 pound range and the artificial reefs or live bottom that’s holding baitfish are prime locations to drop the baits in the water. Some dolphin in the 8-15 pound range have also been reported in these areas, although action is sporadic as is normally the case with inshore dolphin. Slow trolling live menhaden and dead cigar minnows are both working to entice the fish. Areas around 10 miles are also holding some keeper black sea bass so keep your eyes fixed on the sonar and when you cross a fishy-looking spot, mark it so you can return at a later time. A lot of fish are undersized but anglers are reporting quite a few decent-sized keepers mixed in.
Further off the beach, the bottom fishing is good when you can stay away from the sharks. As has been the case for several seasons now, fishing in water depths starting around 100 feet will limit your exposure to the toothy critters. Fishing a little deeper water will also expand the species of bottom fish you encounter, namely trigger fish and red grouper.
With water temperatures reading as high as they are, and unless anglers really want a chance at a billfish or larger dolphin, there’s not much need to make the long run to the Gulf Stream, especially if you’re just looking to bring home dinner.
