Well, as you may know, the weather is turning and so are the fish. Spring time in NC is an exciting time that we all look forward to. From inside the marsh to the offshore grounds, the fishing is right on schedule. Below is some information on the bite that is unfolding as we speak:
Inshore
Geez, what's not biting inshore? I mean the red drum bite is hot, the flatfish have been as prevalent as ever and the speckled trout never disappoint. Spinnerbaits (Redfish Magic) and paddle tail jigs have been to blame for the dirty fish cleaning stations as of late. Of course, the flatfish aka Flounder are loving finger mullet on Carolina rigs. The sheepshead have been plentiful around bridge pilings and pretty much any vertical structure that has 8+ feet of water and good current. Drum and trout can be found around grassy points and it seems that the oyster points hold good fish on incoming and outgoing tides. Red Drum or "Puppy Drum" as we call the slot sized fish can put up one heck of a fight. They pull hard, strip your drag and leave you questioning the integrity of your rod. If bit, take your time and don't try and "horse" them in. Retrieve them in a respectable and timely manner, but don't miss the fight. It's the best part of catching one of the strongest fish in our waters, pound for pound. Also, don't forget that this time of year is when the early morning top water bite can be epic. Though it doesn't last long, it can be some of the most enjoyable fishing you will ever do. The Unicorns as we call them, or Flounder as they are widely known, have really been chewing good. Although out of season, when caught and released in a timely manner, they can make for awesome fights and even better photo opportunities. That unmistakable "flutter" of the rod tip is a dead giveaway that you have hooked one.
Nearshore
If you are on social media at all, well there's no excuse for not knowing that the nearshore bite is just as epic as to be expected. The Spanish Mackerel are literally so thick that they are jumping in the boat. Planers (no. 1, 2 & 3 rigged with 25' of 20 mono and a Clarkspoon) are to blame for the shortage of ice at the docks. Troll around in water from 10' to 50' and when you find one, stay there and "mow the grass" as we call it. Bluefish have littered the shoals as they always do and on a decent weather window, you can snag some nice 3-5 pounders. Casting Yozuri plugs and ClarkSpoon Pogie Jigs are deadly on these feisty fish. They bite fast and fight hard, not to mention they are quite tasty when cooked on the flat top grill. Those Unicorns that some people call "Flounder" can be found around the nearshore wrecks and love to eat 2 or 3 oz Spro Bucktail Jigs tipped with 3" or 4" Gulp Shrimp, as well as Carolina rigged finger mullets. The only problem is that you can't keep them right now but they are fun to catch none the less. The AR's close to the beach have been holding good numbers of Grey Trout (Weakfish) as well. Remember, only one Grey Trout per person. Oh yeah, and let's not forget the man in the brown suit. That's right, I'm talking about Cobia. They have also started to show. A little later than usual but they are here. Live bait or dead bait will work. The bait I'm referring to is Menhaden, or Shad, or Pogies, or... I could go on forever with names given to them but you get the point. Slow trolling or drifting either of the two will get you bit. From right on the beach to 100' of water, they are all over and definitely one of the most curious fish in the ocean. Just be sure you have gear that can handle these beasts as they will humble even the most seasoned of anglers, with a quickness. Not to mention that the real fight starts once you have boated said fish. If you do get one to the boat, be sure to clear the decks!!! Stay clear of their powerful tail flipping and flopping all over the boat. The last thing you want is a visit to the E.R. because of an unexpected injury due to the catch of the day.
Offshore
Well, you all know that this is my happy place and what a happy place it is right now! The King of the ocean, also known as "Blue Marlin" have been on fire as of late. With most of the fleet getting multiple bites, multiple releases per day and consecutive days of "Blue Ones" in the spread, it has been an epic Billfish season already. This is great news for a lot of us, especially for those of us trying to practice and prepare for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, which is only a couple of weeks away. The White ones are around as well as a few sails sprinkling in. The Mahi are right on time and are plentiful in the right areas. They have been holding tight to the grass in 40 to 50ish fathoms, as expected and with these winds changing back and forth, should be spreading out as well as moving closer inshore as we speak. Remember, when you catch a Slinger or Bailer (fish just small enough to sling into the boat/box), leave him/her boat side for a minute and get have your pitch rods ready. Leaving one in the water next to the boat can take you from one in the box to a box full. Once you get a second fish hooked up, bring it boat side and leave it in the water, bringing the first fish into the boat. Repeat the process until you have enough for dinner and some for the freezer. Don't forget, someone has to clean all those fish once you get back to the hill. LOL Grouper season is open and these tasty morsels are making a good showing as well. Offshore ledges and "Flat Structure" are the go-to spots to get you grouper. Live menhaden aka Pogies/Bunker/Fatbacks/Shad/Etc on grouper rigs are the way to get bit but a dead bait works just as well most of the time.
AJ's are plentiful as always and will humiliate an angler with a quickness. They don't call them "Reef Donkeys" because they are easy to get to the boat. All of the bottom species will be returning to their "summer patterns" and will be ready to chew as long as you have the 3 key ingredients: structure, bait and current. Remember to keep a close eye on the bottom while you are trolling for dolphin and mark points of interest that you can go back and investigate some other time.
I hope this information helps someone and remember, if you have any suggestions or questions, leave them in the comments. I'm not the perfect fisherman and I learn something new everyday so if you have any tips or tricks, by all means, share it with us. It is greatly appreciated. Tight lines to all and remember, if you want to do something, you better do it today, because tomorrow might not show up. Let's go fishin'...
