NORTH CAROLINA SALTWATER FISHING REPORTS: North Carolina Offshore Fishing and Inshore Fishing: Updated January 14, 2011

12-year-old Stephen Furlough's fame was short-lived following the catch of his 63 lb. state record striper. A mere 48 hours later, Keith Angel of Sandy Ridge landed a 64 lb. fish, barely eclipsing the already impressive benchmark set by Furlough. These are not the only two anglers getting into quality fish, though. Striper fishing is hot for everyone on the N.C. Coast right now.

Northern North Carolina Tidal Waters Fishing Reports (North Carolina line to Ocracoke)

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center brings us these reports:

1.11.11 One boat went rockfishing from the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. They caught some nice size fish. They marked more. There was a lot of bird activity.

1.10.11 Limits of rockfish again. Keep in mind if you do not have a full party, we put together charters and pair you up with other people to help share the cost.

1.9.11 Another fantastic day of striper fishing. Boats had limits for everyone. Lots of fun catching those fat stripers. We also are reserving for the spring and summer trips. Book online or call us at 800-272-5199. Stay warm, more news as we get reports.

1.8.11 Numerous boats sailed out today and every one of them came back with limits. Some of the citations that were issued were as large as 47 lbs. Maybe not a record but some really happy fisherman. We have boats available so give us a call at 1-800-272-5199 to get in on the striper action!

1.7.11 KEITH ANGEL FROM SANDY RIDGE, N.C. CAUGHT 64LB STRIPER 53 1/4 LENGTH, GIRTH 33 3/4 ANGLER. Today was just a repeat of limits of stripers.

1.6.11 Just another day of great striper fishing. The stripers skipped breakfast this morning and starting eating around noon and carried on through the afternoon. We need some fishing reports for offshore. Where are our tuna fishing customers? Yes, the yellowfin are out there.

TW Bait and Tackle offered up these reports:

1.12.11 I have a must see video this morning. The video will answer some of the questions I get about kayak fishing. It is so cool. Just copy and paste. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKL2ud5Al4w. There was a lot of bird activity yesterday. Only one boat fished out of Oregon Inlet. They caught stripers.

1.10.11 I do not have much weekend news. I heard there were a few Drum caught from the surf. If you can stand the 30 degree weather and the NW wind, you could possibly catch one today. There were stripers caught on Saturday. They were pretty close to shore. I save fishing reports one year back so I can compare from year to year. There were a good many stripers caught in January last year.

1.9.11 Boaters caught their limits of stripers again on Saturday. stripers weighing up to 47 lbs. Lots of citations.

1.8.11 Two days ago, I wrote possibly a new state record had been caught. Stephen Furloughs fame was short live. Keith Angle caught a 64 lb., length 53 ½ in, and girth 33 ¾ in on Friday. He weighed in at Oregon Inlet so I don’t have a picture. The boats are catching many large stripers, many citations. Life is good.

1.7.11 It is so exciting to have a striper season. It has been 4 years since we have seen this kind of action. If the water temp would rise just a few degrees, we would see a little action from the surf. The water temp is 39 this morning.

1.6.11 A NEW STRIPED BASS STATE RECORD. Twelve year old Stephen Furlough of Roper, NC decked a 63 lb Rockfish. The previous record was 62 lbs caught in 2005. The fish measured 52 ½ in long and the girth was 34 in. Stephen was fishing on the charter boat “Rigged Up” with Captain Charles Haywood.

Overview
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.

Inlets/Sounds/Bays: Inshore activity will be heavy when weather conditions permit with most 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 (they have been everywhere throughout the year). A good place to try is 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 can 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)

Ocean: There will be plenty of excellent fishing opportunities on-board 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. Stripers 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 will be are a lot of fun and really provide a quality fishing experience. Extended/overnight fishing trips are also offered. Bluefin tuna trips have also been offered in the past. Check with your favorite fishing vessel Private boat anglers will enjoy many of the same opportunities as those mentioned for charterboat anglers. Near-shore bluefin tuna fishing will be excellent. Those fishing offshore will have access to excellent catches of king mackerel.

Inlets/Sounds/Bays: Newly established striper fishing on the shoals of Cape Lookout will also be a favorite. Inside, the creeks of the White Oak, Neuse, Bay, Pamlico and Pungo rivers will offer occasional excellent speckled trout fishing. Do a little research before going, however; this is a very specialized fishery.
Piers/Beaches: 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)

Ocean: 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 during the winter months. 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 we don't see too cold of a winter, 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. Striper fishing in the Cape Fear River is another option for wintertime fishing.
Piers/Beaches: Most piers are closed for the season. Some may allow access but catches will be limited.

See you on the water,
Bryce Butner
TidalFish.com Associate Editor