The weather finally settled for anglers last week and allowed anglers just about any fishing outing they wanted to pursue. From inshore to offshore and anything in between, the fish cooperated for many who chose to wet a line. Water temperatures have dipped into the lower 70s close to the beach and with nighttime air temperatures dropping into the 30s earlier this week, those 70-degree waters are sure to drop just a tad more before conditions warm up slightly.
Offshore, the wahoo bite was good around the Same Ole Hole for the numerous fishermen who took advantage of calm seas and headed to the blue water. A few dolphin were also reported but the big story was the hungry wahoo. Closer to the beach, the bottom fishing was decent in water depths around 100 feet with catches of black sea bass, snapper and triggerfish being the main species reported.
Areas in the 10-15 mile range produced some decent king mackerel action even though the water clarity is still muddied from the weather from two weeks ago. Some false albacore are also being reported in the same general areas.
Along the beaches, anglers are still reporting finding some decent fishing from the large bull red drum although the numbers have decreased from what was experienced a couple of weeks ago. Those fishing for Spanish mackerel are still finding some in water depths around 30 feet despite the stained water.
Off the piers and in the surf, the bottom fishing has really started getting good with lots of reports of spots being landed by those using both fresh shrimp and bloodworms. Added in the mix are some Virginia mullet and a few pompano. Some decent-sized black drum have also started showing up for the surf anglers.
Inshore, speckled trout are becoming more numerous and are being caught on soft artificial baits as well as live finger mullet. Areas around the inlets are producing some decent catches with locations around the lower Cape Fear River also producing. Some fish have already been pushing the 5-pound mark. As water temperatures continue to decline and water clarity improves, expect plenty more reports and some larger fish in the coming weeks. Flounder and red drum round out the inshore reports with fish being caught in the inlets as well, but a lot of fish are also being found in the creeks, channels and around the area docks. Live Carolina Rigged finger mullet are hard to beat this time of year but artificial baits are also working. Some over slot red drum are also being caught in the inside waters, so if you’re planning on keeping a fish for dinner, make sure you’re staying within the slot size limit.
