Although the poor weather has dissipated, the onset of winter threatens to prolong the slow fishing.
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
12/9/2011 Today we had four boats go fishing offshore and they came back with great catches of yellowfin and blackfin tuna and a blue marlin release. Our nearshore and inshore boats did not go fishing today.
12/4/2011 Our offshore fleet had a good day of tuna fishing. We had catches of both yellowfin and blackfin tuna reported, with the majority being yellowfin tuna. There were also a few wahoos bought in to the dock as well. We have makeup charters availble you may inquire by phone and sign up in person or online only. To book your next charter give us a call at 1-800-272-5199.
12/2/2011 Today we had two boats go fishing offshore. They returned to the marina with catches of blackfin tuna, a limit of tilefish and a large bluefish catch. There was also one inshore boat that went out for a morning trip, returning with a good catch of speckled trout and dog sharks.
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 that yesterday the speckled torut fishing at the Cape Lookout rock jetty was pretty good.* There were some nice size speckled trout and gray trout*caught. I have not gotten very much in the way of other reports. I am waiting to hear from people*that are fishing for bluefin today to see if the tuna have showed up. *It is time for the bluefins to be showing up around places like the R6 Shad Boat Bouy, Big Ten and Northwest Places.* There have already been some bluefins sighted on the eastside of the Cape Lookout shoals, but only one short fish has been caught.* There have been no big tuna brought to the dock yet.* Hopefully this weekend that will change since we are seeing more anglers gearing up for the bluefins. If we can help you rig up for bluefin tuna stop by and we will get you geared up with all the bluefin tuna tackle that you need.* Have your reels professionally and properly filled with line, either braid or mono*and pick up some of* Fish Finder Tackle's #1 bluefin tuna lures that are custom tied here at Capt. Joe's Bait and Tackle.* Our lures have been responsible for huge numbers of bluefin put on the deck from here to George's Banks Mass.* WE also have special low prices on cases of horse ballyhoo. Stop by and let us help you have a successful bluefin tuna season. There are going to be some good changes concerning this winters bluefin tuna season.* The season will be extended in 2012 allowing anglers to fish longer.* Good Luck & Good Fishing.
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.
See you on the water,
Bryce Butner
Tidal Fish North Carolina Associate Editor
Attachment 53308
Menu
Advertisement
