The fishing for our area waters has lately been nothing short of fantastic with decent reports coming in for several inshore species. Hurricane Matthew’s heavy rains caused the water clarity to be is less than ideal, however that doesn’t seem to be having too much of an effect on the fish. Water temperatures are still reading in the mid-70s and should dip another degree or two before the end October.
The speckled trout fishing fired off right on schedule and plenty of anglers have reported fish-filled days with limits for all on board and many more released. Many (including me) thought the trout season would be delayed due to the influx of fresh water and debris, but it doesn’t appear as if it has slowed them down one bit. Artificial baits work fine and just about any soft bait in the 3- to 4-inch range should produce, although some anglers have their favorites, such as Gulp and DOA brands. Color variation is another topic that we could spend hours on as each angler has his or her own preference. If you don’t have a color in mind, talk to some of the local tackle shop guys and they can direct you to what’s been flying off the shelves.
Large red drum have been a topic of conversation for anglers targeting them for the past couple of weeks. While some of the piers have gotten into the action both before and after the storm, the areas just off of the beaches of Oak Island are producing some quality over-slot opportunities. Cut mullet or menhaden rigged on a circle hook and fished on the bottom is the method most are using. Use some stouter rods and reels so the fish have to endure a long fight. This will increase their chances for survival when releasing them.
In other inshore news, the flounder fishing will remain open past the Oct. 16 deadline due to an injunction filed by a judge. The injunction basically will allow fishing for and possession of flounder until the injunction can be heard in court. The size limit remains at 15 inches with a six fish limit.
Elsewhere, the large Virginia mullet are making a good appearance in the surf with fresh shrimp and sand fleas being the best choices of bait. Lots of spots, some pretty large, have also started showing up with regularity and fresh shrimp and even the artificial fish bites are catching them.
Off the beach, when conditions allow, the king mackerel bite has been good from right on the beach out to around 10 miles or so. Anglers are also reporting lots of Spanish mackerel and false albacore in the same areas.
