Fishing Report 03/29/2018
Finally, we are back into a Spring like weather pattern, seeing temps back in the 60’s even got a few 70+ days in the forecast over the next ten days. It looks like we're going to have a decent Easter Weekend coming up, so that will be nice. So, let’s hope this is the start of the “Spring Fishing Season” because I know we are all ready to get out on the water!
Inshore / Nearshore:
Some good numbers of Albacore are hanging just off the Shoals of Cape Lookout. I talked with some few customers last weekend that were out and saw quite a few of schools feeding just off the beach. As the water temps start to rise with this warmer weather these fish will start to move toward the beaches making them pretty easy target.
I did hear of some Bluefish being caught yesterday around the Fort Macon Rock Jetty and few around the Cape, but it's been just a few. But again, keep in mind as the water starts warming up everyday now more and more fish will start to show up along the beaches. We should be very close to some good numbers of fish make their showing around the Cape Lookout area. I've been getting some calls about the Chopper Bluefish but I still think we are a few weeks out before we start to see them. Usually, the larger fish won't show up until we see the smaller ones for a week or two. We haven't checked but I have a feeling some of the reefs like AR315 and AR320 are starting to hold schools of fish getting ready to make their way to the beach and inlets.
A few Old Drum schools were spotted along the Cape Lookout Shoals last weekend also, I did hear of a few being caught but no huge numbers. Just keep in mind the weather has been terrible, these fish are the easiest to find when the ocean is calm. I know yesterday some anglers got on them pretty good around the Cape. Also, in the same area back up toward the beach they were catching plenty of smaller slot size fish, they have been hanging right in the rougher Surf Zone on the Shoals just in the shallower water areas. Also, we have been seeing some fish in the back waters in the creeks and flats along the Core Creek area.
We've been getting a lot of calls about Sea Mullets, yes, we have finally seen some show up. Now, I'm not saying there's been coolers full caught but I did see a few customers who fished last weekend around the inlet area and had pretty good luck. These fish are some of the hardest to predict, one day we can catch a few then the next day you'll be filling your cooler. So, it’s very possible by the weekend going into next week we do begin to see some larger schools moving in. Who knows they might be in the inlet as we speak. When these fish first start showing up, you can usually catch them in 50 to 60' of water in the inlet area. Then as the water temps warm they'll start to move more back toward the Turning Basin area. But again these fish can be tricky to predict so they could be anywhere from the Beaufort Inlet entrance to the Turning Basin coming from the Atlantic Beach bridge side. Along with a few mullets showing up, we have now started to see some Puffer Fish moving in. The best areas for them usually are around the Cape Lookout area and along the beaches. If you are looking for them this weekend don't forget to come by the shop and pick up some Sam's Gitter's Spec Rigs tip them with bait shrimp this will be your best choice to target them.
The anglers that have still been fishing for the Speckled Trout are having great luck, seeing some really nice fish in the area. Which is a great sign after the winter we have had. Many anglers were concern that our fishery was hit very hard. We lost a few fish but we're seeing some great signs already for this coming season later into the year. I have seen some really nice pictures of fish over the 26″ mark over the last few weeks. Most of the fish are being caught on some of our custom color 17MR Mirrolures we had made.
I've been getting some calls asking about Gray Trout, we haven't really seen any yet, but I have a feeling it's about time for some schools to start showing up at the nearshore reefs, then move into the inlet area. I did send a few customers over to the Port Wall and the High Rise Beaufort Bridge who reported back they caught some Sheepshead and even caught a keeper Flounder last week.
Piers / Surf:
Still on the slow side of things, but just in the last few days the piers have started seeing some Puffer Fish show up, anglers fishing with bait shrimp on the bottom are seeing the best results. Also, they are still catching a few Black Drum and Red Drum from time to time. Not heard of any Bluefish yet, but could be any day now, just talked to a customer this morning that caught a couple of Bluefish yesterday at the Fort Macon Rock Jetty. So, still on the slow side of things but last week really wasn't producing anything and now this week a few fish were caught so things are definitely starting to happen.
Offshore:
A few boats did make it out last Saturday and a few fish were caught, weather still wasn't all that perfect but fishable. We didn't weigh any Wahoo but got some pictures sent in of some caught, looked to be in the 30lb range. Most of the action has been from the Rise south, I did hear of some good action south of us in the Wilmington area. So, that means the fish are moving up with the Gulf Stream and will be in our waters in better numbers very soon. Along with the Wahoo, anglers have reported a few Black Fin Tuna and Yellow Fin Tuna, boy we would love to see a run of those this spring, which always seems to be a hit or miss in our waters each spring.
Bottom action still remains good with the Sea Bass, Trigger Fish and Snappers along with seeing some nice Grouper but as you know that’s closed until May. Reports have been anywhere from the 15 mile range off the East Side of the Cape on out to the 40 mile range on the ledges all seem to be holding good numbers of fish. It's just a matter of finding a good weather window to get out and catch some fish when it comes to the Offshore side of things.
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RULES:
– Entry must sign up at Chasin’ Tails Outdoors or over the phone by an official weigh master. Official weigh master are any employees of Chasin Tails Outdoors and Tournament Director is Capt. Matt Lamb.
– Entry fee of $250.00 per boat, paid by cash or entry fee of $255.00 paid by debit/credit card, this is a 100% Payout back to the anglers.
– There is no sign up dead line – you can enter at any time during March 30th – June 14th.
– TWT Entry Fee $50.00 – Optional – Winner takes all pot.
– This is a boat format tournament – each boat entered will have to designate an official Captain and co-Captain (optional) for each boat entered. One of the two has to be present to weigh a fish to sign off on boat weigh sheet to be kept on file at Chasin Tails Outdoors as the official weigh card for that boat.
– Each boat entered can only be registered once.
– There are no restrictions as to the number of people allowed aboard each boat during the competition hours.
– Any Official weigh master reserves the right to refuse entry from any applicant, if needed.
– Entry must abide by official guidelines set by NC Marine Fisheries on minimum length requirements to be eligible.
– Fish must be caught in North Carolina waters. No boundaries.
– Entry must have entered 3 days prior to weighing in a fish.
– Prize money will be awarded solely on the basis of weight. Entry may weigh in additional fish to replace prior weight.
– Entry can win only one prize within the payout.
– In the event of a tie; winner will be determined by the following: weigh master will log fish by date, weight; weigh in time earliest will be winner.
– Fish must be weighed by official weigh master at Chasin’ Tails Outdoors. Weight will be logged and initialed by weigh master and registered entry.
– Fish will be weighed on a certified tournament pro hanging digital scale.
– Fish must be caught on rod/reel, hook and line only, no spear fishing or free gaffing allowed.
– Entry can fish anytime during challenge dates, May 1st – June 17th.
– Live or artificial bait is allowed.
– Weigh master can disqualify fish due to (net marks, spear marks, etc.).
– Fish must be freshly caught (24 hours limit) to weigh fish in. The weigh master will cut the tail of the fish when weighed in.
– Fish can only be caught by one boat entered in the event. Cannot weigh in fish caught by someone else. (NO EXCEPTIONS)
– Violation of any rule may result in automatic disqualification. The weigh master shall be the sole judge and their decision is final. The weigh master reserves the right to examine internally and externally any fish weighed. Fish will be gutted if any questions by weigh master.
– Top five places will be subject to lie detector test or polygraph by certified tester.
– The tournament director reserves the right to make the sole determination as to whether any of the challenge rules have been violated. Any questions concerning the rules and regulations should be directed to Matt Lamb, head tournament director. Tournament Director has the right to change any rule at any time if needed.
– Scales will be open during regular business hours. (NO EXCEPTIONS) fish can be brought by water or by land to the scales.
– Decisions of the Tournament Director are final in all matters and are not subject to appeal and are not reviewable by any court of law.
Phone: 252-240-FISH (3474)
709 Atlantic Beach Caseway, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
