The bluefin tuna fishing is picking up on the N.C. coast with anglers hauling in both harvestable-sized tuna as well as catching and releasing fish outside the legal size limit.
Northern North Carolina Tidal Waters Fishing Reports (North Carolina line to Ocracoke)
Overall Summary for the region
Ocean: Winter anglers catch plenty of yellowfin tuna, when conditions permit, along with a few wahoo and dolphin, to make for some good offshore action. Midrange anglers target striped bass and red drum during the winter season with moderate to good success. Find a regional fishing website that reports daily catches or contact a local tackle shop for up-to-date fishing reports.
Oregon Inlet Fishing Center brings us these reports
1/24/2012 Today we had one inshore boat go out and it just returned with a limit of tilefish. Bluefin tuna fishing has been outstanding when the weather permits charters to go out. The photo of a released bluefin was sent in by one of our captains. The angler was John O'Brien. The bluefin had an estimated weight of 375 pounds and measured 84 inches. Great fishing, John.
1/21/2012 We had four offshore and one inshore boat go out today. One boat came in with a 62 inch bluefin tuna and the rest had bluefin tuna releases.
1/20/2012 Today was a good day on the water. We had four offshore boats go out and they all had bluefin tuna releases, one boat brought in a 62 inch bluefin and another caught two dolphin. We also had an inshore boat go out, however he has not yet returned at the time of this writing.
1/19/2012 Today we had one offshore charter go out and they had a good day with catch and release bluefin tuna.
1/18/2012 This is one of those winter days with blustery weather, so no charters out today. We are posting an action shot sent in my by one of our offshore charters out fishing for bluefin tuna. Great catch guys!
Inlets/Sounds/Bays: When weather permits, activity will be heavy with anglers targeting striped bass. They are often found throughout the Roanoke, Croatan and northern Pamlico sounds, especially near bridges or any other structure. There will also be some good winter catches of spotted seatrout and red drum. Good places to try include around the barrier islands and Oregon Inlet's Green Island Slough from pre-dawn to mid-morning hours.
Piers/Beaches: Piers are currently closed, most will re-open around Easter. Beach anglers may have a tough time fishing this time of year due to rough surf and adverse weather, but once again, when conditions permit, some of the largest red drum and striped bass are taken from the surf. Bluefish blitzes can happen this time of year and offer anglers some short-term active fishing. Don’t forget about the possibility of some excellent speckled trout surf fishing this winter on the beaches from Rodanthe southward.
Central North Carolina Tidal Waters Fishing Reports (Ocracoke Inlet to Surf City)
Overall Summary for the region
Ocean: There will be plenty of excellent fishing opportunities onboard charter boats during the winter. The central district has become home to North Carolina’s bluefin tuna fishery. Multiple hook-ups and multiple fish days are the norm rather than the exception. Another species that sometimes makes the winter scene in the Central area is striped bass. Striped bass are sometimes taken from Cape Lookout Shoals and other areas along the beach throughout the winter. Other offshore species such as king mackerel, yellowfin tuna and wahoo will also be available to Gulf Stream anglers. Bottom fishing for a variety of reef fish species is also excellent during the winter months. There are several headboats that operate throughout the year. Some of the best snapper and grouper catches occur during the winter, providing a quality fishing experience. Extended/overnight fishing trips are also offered. Bluefin tuna trips have also been offered in the past. Private boat anglers will enjoy many of the same opportunities as those mentioned for charter boat anglers. Near-shore bluefin tuna fishing should be excellent. Those fishing offshore will have access to excellent catches of king mackerel.
Capt. Joe Shute's Bait and Tackle Report in Atlantic Beach reported on Jan. 24 that there will be a monthly tournament series that will run from May thru November of 2012.*The first tournament starts in May with cobia. "I have been out of town for the last 4 or 5 days for the Richmond VA Bass and Saltwater Expo.* I don't a whole lot of fishing news just yet except that the commercial bluefin tuna season is now closed.* The recreational bluefin season remains open for those of you that want to go and catch a huge fish.* We will be keeping up with what is going on with the bluefin and hopefully their numbers will increase here around Cape Lookout."
Inlets/Sounds/Bays: The speckled trout fishing was excellent this fall in the central district. A good winter fishery is in the making. Newly established striped bass fishing on the shoals of Cape Lookout will also be a favorite. Inside, the creeks of the White Oak, New, Neuse, Bay, Pamlico and Pungo rivers will offer occasional excellent speckled trout fishing. Good catches of speckled trout were already being reported in the fall from Bay River, Campbell’s Creek and other central area tributaries. Do a little research before going, this is a specialized fishery. You might want to consider a local guide. This will greatly improve your opportunity to get on the fish.
Piers/Shore: Most piers are closed for the season. Some may allow access, but catches will be limited. Shore fishing activity will be limited.
Southern North Carolina Tidal Waters Fishing Reports (Surf City to North Carolina line)
Overall Summary for the Region
Ocean: Anglers on private and charter boats enjoy some of the best bottom fishing and king mackerel fishing of the year during the winter months. Frying Pan Tower normally holds lots of king mackerel. Look for bait and water temperature around 70 degrees. There may also be great fishing, in these same areas, for groupers, sea bass, porgies and other various bottom fish. Bluefin tuna are another option during the winter months. Ledges around the shoals such as the Fairway Ledge and the Cucumber are good places to look for one.
Inlets/Sounds/Bays: If the weather is not too cold, speckled trout and red drum fishing can be good during the winter months. Look for the trout around the inlets and the drum in the bays and up in the back of the creeks. Striped bass fishing in the Cape Fear River is another option for wintertime fishing.
Piers/Shore: Most piers are closed for the season. Some may allow access, but catches will be limited.
Events
OBXAC will be having a Rockfish Tourament on January 28, 2012. The entry fee is 200.00 per boat and the 1st Place prize will be 3000.00 dollars based on 50 boats entered. There will be 10 payouts based on the 50 boat entry. There will also be a tournament within the tournament for those who want to participate with a 90% Payout. Broad Creek Marina will be offering discounted slip rentals for 20.00 as well as use of their ramp. Captains Meeting will be January 27, 2012 at 700pm. The weigh in will be out of Broad Creek Marina in Wanchese which is about a 10-15 minute boat ride from the Oregon Inlet Bridge.* You can email obxac@outerbanksanglersclub.com for more information.
See you on the water,
Bryce Butner
Tidal Fish North Carolina Associate Editor
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