Wrightsville Beach Local Fishing Reports #723

Published by: Mark Mayo

Wrightsville Beach Local Anglers are reporting:

Surf and Pier:

Many surf anglers have reeled in speckled trout and a number of pompanos. Local pier fishers have had their fair share of excitement with an influx of king mackerel, a few flounder (that were subsequently released), and a lively showing of Spanish mackerel. The day-long action has been heightened with the frequent sighting of bluefish and Spanish mackerel, creating quite the delight for seasoned anglers. King mackerel have made a significant appearance, especially for those using live baits off the edge. Alongside these, the waters have gifted many a hearty fight with sharks, and a handful of barracuda. The bottom-fishing aficionados, using shrimp, artificial bait strips or other smaller offerings, have had their share of success with catches of whiting and spot. Bluefish have been a common sight, caught using casting jigs and bottom fishing techniques.

Inshore:

The ICW and Cape Fear River have been swarming with flounder. Red and black drum fishing has been reliable for those casting bottom-rigged baits around hard structures and deeper holes during low tides. The speckled trout have been biting well in the early morning, lured in by a variety of items including Rapala X-Raps, D.O.A. soft plastics, topwater plugs, and live shrimp, especially around oyster beds in currents. Red drum has been spotted in the marshes, responding well to Rapala Skitter Walks and MirrOlure topwater plugs, more so during lower tide cycles. ICW docks, oyster beds, and marsh grass lines have seen a better turnout of red drum, caught using topwater plugs in low light, and cut menhaden later in the day. Sheepshead fishing around hard structures has remained prolific, and inshore trips have reported a plethora of red drum.

Nearshore:

The nearshore region has been bustling with Spanish mackerel and bluefish. King mackerel have been caught from the beach to 10+ miles out, and off local piers. Several king mackerel have been located in the 10-12 mile range, while the grouper bite has been dominant over structures in the 80-120’ range. The bait of choice has varied from live pinfish to cut Spanish sardines or cigar minnows. King mackerel, albeit a bit closer to the beach, are being attracted to live baits such as menhaden or small bluefish. Large red drum have been seen around the shallower nearshore ledges and reefs. The Masonboro Inlet continues to provide a solid Spanish mackerel bite. In the 3-5 mile range, big king mackerel have been taking advantage of schools of menhaden.

Offshore:

Cobia have been sighted around the nearshore areas, with a few mahi seen in the 20-25 mile range. A positive grouper and black sea bass action is noticeable in the 20+ mile range, and some mahi, wahoo, and sailfish are being caught during gulf Stream runs. Some cobia have also been lured in by grouper anglers in the 25-30 mile range. Billfish, both blue marlin and sailfish, have made an appearance. Anglers have been seeing success by casting baits under floating debris or bottom fishing. Deep-sea fishing is attracting a variety of gags, scamps, red grouper, pinkies, and various porgy species. Swordfishing trips have been consistently rewarding. Blue marlin and white marlin have been sighted deeper in the Gulf Stream. The wahoo bite has been inconsistent, and the grouper action is still strong in the 60-70’ range. Blackfin tuna and mahi have been spotted near good weed lines in 150’ and deeper.”

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