While the heat, humidity, thunderstorms and warm water temperatures continue, the fishing has been remarkably good considering the circumstances. Water temperatures, after a very brief reprieve due mainly to windy and rainy conditions, are again reading in the low-to-mid 80s, a temperature that’s almost too warm even for the swimmers, let alone the fishes. The one thing keeping anglers going, however, is that the fish are continuing to bite fairly well, of course depending on the species. And this week and upcoming weekend looks to finally be a good mix of seasonable weather, light winds and slight seas, although that forecast can change from one hour to the next, so if heading out, make sure to check the weather from more than one source.
The inshore fishing has been pretty good, with flounder and red drum the main species being reported, although some anglers are also managing decent catches of speckled trout. Most of the better fishing for flounder and trout has been in the bays of the lower Cape Fear River and both artificial and natural baits have worked equally well. While there haven’t been a large number of big flounder reported, most of them have been of respectable size, measuring between 18-20 inches. Some speckled trout up to 3 pounds have been coming from the same locations. Red drum action is also being found in the river as well as the Wrightsville Beach waters, and a lot of fish being reported are over slot fish. With the amount of finger mullet and other baitfish in the creeks and waterways, expect the fishing to only get better as the month goes on.
Surf and pier fishing have also been pretty good with lots of pompano being reported coming from the surf on fresh shrimp and sand fleas. Virginia mullet are also being reported with regularity and while most are on the smaller side, there have been some decent keepers being caught. Flounder, red drum, bluefish and black drum round out the available species being caught by those fishing the deeper holes and sloughs.
Off the beach, the Spanish mackerel fishing has continued to be hit or miss due to the heat, but those lucky enough to find the fish feeding early or late in the day are catching limits fairly quickly. Most fish are being caught on 00 Clark Spoons on long fluorocarbon leaders in around 30 feet of water. While not huge, most of the fish are easily keepers. Be sure to measure if there’s a question. Anglers fishing large artificial soft baits have been decently successful with flounder at the near shore reefs and wrecks by jigging. Those trolling live baits have reported some king mackerel being caught around 10 miles along with an occasional dolphin and amberjack.
Offshore, the bottom fishing has been strong in the 30-mile range with good reports of grouper, snapper and triggerfish. Lite lining cigar minnows while anchored up has produced some king mackerel and plenty of dolphin. Further off the beach, those fishing what temperature breaks they can find have been having some decent success with wahoo, dolphin and the occasional billfish.
