It’s hard to believe that the month of July and the holiday weekend is already upon us. With the month’s arrival, unfortunately, comes the typical weather patterns one can expect for this time of year. For those wanting to spend some quality time on the water wetting a line, the forecast is looking just a tad iffy with scattered thunderstorms and some wind to boot as a front is stalled across our area. Making matters just a tad worse for the outdoor activities, the extended forecast calls for a low-pressure system to ride that front later in the weekend, bringing with it a better chance for rain and wind. Of course, all extended forecasts are subject to change, so don’t let the threat of some weather coming through ruin your plans, but be aware you may just need to make adjustments.
Water temperatures are reading in the lower 80s but the fishing has remained good despite the warm conditions. Inshore, the flounder fishing has been really good on both live baits fished on Carolina Rigs and soft artificial baits. There are plenty of finger mullet, mud minnows and peanut menhaden available in the creeks for those who can throw a net. With the heat, the fish are holding in the deeper waters of the creeks, channels and inlets. Anglers have found some decent-sized fish in the Cape Fear River while those fishing around Wrightsville Beach have had success in the creeks and around the docks. A lot of the fish being encountered are in the 16- to 18-inch range with a few larger fish being reported, mainly from areas to our south.
Red drum are also being found around the area docks and are eating the same baits as flounder, as well as cut bait fished on Carolina Rigs. The area docks are holding some good fish but managing to keep a hooked fish away from the pilings requires some stout tackle and a little bit of luck. The creek mouths are holding good numbers of fish during the falling tide.
Surf and pier anglers fishing with cut shrimp are reporting some pompano and Virginia mullet as well as a few black drum. Cut bait is enticing bluefish, black and a few red drum and flounder. Jigging Got-Cha Plugs off the pier has produced some Spanish mackerel and bluefish.
Just off the beach the Spanish mackerel fishing has slowed because of the heat but there’s still plenty of opportunity to catch them. The fish have been holding in water depths around 35 feet and targeting them early and late in the day when they are more active will increase your chances of being successful. There are still some cobia being reported around the inlets and being found around the bait pods cruising just off the beach. King mackerel have moved in close and have been reported from just off the beach out to 10 miles.
Whatever species you are targeting this week, weekend or anytime, make sure you stay abreast of any changes in rules or regulations and always visit the North Carolina Department of Marine Fishery (NCDMF) webpage for important changes and updates before venturing out. And as always, pay attention to up-to-date forecasts, listen to the weatherman and know your limits.
