41.4 F
Wrightsville Beach
Friday, March 29, 2024

Hook, line and sinker

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The month of November has arrived but you wouldn’t know it based on the weather reports, let alone the fishing reports. The fishing and weather have both been pretty outstanding so far and even though this week and upcoming weekend are predicted to be soggy, the air temperatures will be quite pleasant and will no doubt help keep those water temperatures from dipping too far too fast. Water temps are still hovering in the lower 70s and the next chilly front doesn’t look to arrive until the beginning of next week, so enjoy it while you can.

Last week, the reports for the large drum were few and far between, indicating the amazing fishing anglers were experiencing was probably nearing its end for the season. Then the reports recently rebounded considerably, and yes, the large drum are still around in fairly good numbers. Pier anglers targeting them are having some decent luck again as are those fishing around the inlets and nearshore artificial reefs. There were even some reports of fish being caught inside the Wrightsville Beach area waters around Banks Channel and the sound waters just south of the Coast Guard station. Whatever the case for their return, their presence won’t last forever, so if catching a citation-sized red drum is on your bucket list, now will be better than later for your attempt.

Off the beach, the weekend weather wasn’t very favorable or comfortable for offshore outings, but a few anglers braved the conditions and found some fish in the 10 mile range with plenty of king mackerel action to be found. Most fish averaged in the 10-20 pound range with a few fish pushing 30 pounds reported. The postponed U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament was held over the weekend and the winning fish weighed in at just over 50 pounds. Reports are that fish came from an area to the south and about 20 miles off of Carolina Beach.

Speckled trout have shown up in very good numbers around Wrightsville Beach and while most fish are averaging in the 2-3 pound range, a lot of smaller undersized fish have arrived within recent days, making fishing for the larger fish a bit difficult. Larger soft artificial baits will help alleviate some of the responses from the smaller fish and live finger mullet are reported to be working well for keeper fish. Areas around the inlets and some of the deeper creeks are all holding fish and the better fishing is being found about an hour or two on either side of a tide change.

Surf fishing both from the beach and the piers has started producing with good reports of spots being caught on fresh shrimp and blood worms. Shrimp and sand fleas, if you can find them, are producing some good catches of decent-sized Virginia mullet and a few pompano mixed in. While a monster cold front could come crashing in and affect the water conditions at almost any time, if the current setting continues, then the excellent fishing could continue right on into the month of December. Only time will tell, but get out there before it’s too late.

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