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May
9, 2011
Outer Banks Angling: Anglers continue
to be happy
By ROB
ALDERMAN
The
large, spring bluefish have made a showing from Hatteras Inlet to areas
north of Avon. These fish can be a little tricky to catch on lures, but
can generally be caught on large "fire-ball" rigs or drum rigs, while
using cut bait. They can be a formidable opponent and are good table
fare. I do recommend cleaning these fish immediately after catching to
get the best tasting meat out of them as possible.
The
bluefish sound relatively thick from the piers in the early morning and
late evenings. A variety of Gotcha plugs will be the best producers for
these fish.
Keeper
flounder have been reported from the beaches of Hatteras up to Avon,
and it seems those who persistently fish for the flatties are doing
well.
Tradewinds
Tackle reported some nice bluefish down on Ocracoke, along with a few
scattered Spanish mackerel making an appearance. Some black drum and a
few sheepshead were also taken from the sand.
It
sounded as if the Ocracoke Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament was a
little slow last week, with fewer fish being caught. But it did sound
like all the participants had a great time.
The
inshore boats out of Ocracoke running south have managed some cobia and
found some schools of big, red drum on the shoals.
I
spoke with Kenny Koce on the Big Tahuna out of Teach's Lair and he
reported blackfin tuna and scattered yellowfin tuna still being
captured from the fleets. He also spoke of really good mako fishing and
mentioned the gaffer dolphin fishing was steadily picking up. At least
one blue marlin was released in recent days.
The
Hatteras inshore boats seem to be doing well with bluefish and
albacore, along with some nice red drum fishing from the shoals on the
prettier days.
Oregon
Inlet Fishing Center reported fair catches of mahi-mahi and yellowfin
tuna for offshore boats, while the inshore boats have been catching sea
mullet and bluefish.
I
spoke to a few friends who have been wading in the water in the Oregon
Inlet area, off Park Service land, to fish, and they report catching
some small flounder and fair catches of small speckled trout.
A
few die-hard drumheads continue to make the trek through the water to
catch red rum from Cape Point – and, yes, they are catching some nice
citations. But, be warned. If you make this walk you must, and I repeat
must, stay in the water at all times or you will be cited. My friends
informed me of a gentleman who was ticketed the other night for placing
his bag on dry ground.
This
is neither an easy or difficult walk, but I advise you think twice
before doing it, and you should have at least one other person with you.
While
I find these closures appalling and unfair to the public, I do applaud
those who continue to make this walk and try to catch fish. My hat is
off to you, and if I wasn't still recovering from a torn Achilles
tendon, then I would join you.
So,
the fishing continues to pick up a little, and I still expect the cobia
and Spanish mackerel to make an appearance along Hatteras Island any
day now.
The
extended forecasts look pleasant with the occasional small chance of
rain and light winds, but, overall, there should be good beach days
through the weekend. So, if you have a little time on your hands, head
on down and wet a line.
Go
fishing.
(Rob
Alderman is the owner of the Hatteras Island Fishing Militia website
and is a kayak fishing guide. Rob has 10 years of fishing experience on
the Outer Banks, and is host of the “Outer Banks Angler” television
show. You can follow more of his extreme adventures or contact him at
www.FishMilitia.com)
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