If you are a dedicated local Angler or a passionate fisherman traveling from outside the area, you most likely know October fires up the start of some amazing fishing here on the Crystal coast, Morehead City NC.
When we see the “yellow butterflies” we all know it’s time for cool breezes and colder water temps. And just like that, fall fishing is here! The time we’ve all anticipated. Let’s talk about some exciting species to expect to see move in the area with the where, how and when to catch them.
One of the main events that makes fall fishing so great is the moving in of plenty of live bait! The start of the seasonal mullet runs, where tons of finger mullet can be found swiftly traveling and frolicking around beaches, back waters and inlet areas. Always have your cast net ready and hone your throwing skills. Live bait is the magic sauce during this season!
Every fall species loves these tasty treats. You can look forward to seeing large numbers of Red Drum, Trout, Flounder, Big chopper blues, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Sea mullet and Spot around the inlet areas, especially in deep water structures such as bridges, channels, pilings and the port wall area. Fishing an outgoing tide in these areas will produce a higher catch rate. So, plan and time your fishing excursion according to local tide charts. For the dedicated boaters, plan to have a good arsenal of rods for several types of fishing techniques. Fall brings in schools of hard fighting False Albacore and big Spanish. Having a light action rod to cast a quick metal jig to these schools will provide instant excitement to your day! Using your live bait paired with a medium action rod and a fixed Carolina rig will be sure to catch your big Red Drum and Trout!
The local artificial reefs, which are nearshore and very accessible even with smaller boats, are a great place to troll for Spanish and Kings using traditional Clark spoons and #2 planers. Always a fun and sure way to load up the coolers. For those more adventurous, you can live bait pogies or finger mullet on small steel King rigs for the chance on a Smoker king or Spanish!
Sometimes the best day ever is just a relaxing day on the beach with a surf rod in hand waiting for that nice Black Drum or Red fish. Away from the beaches and deep inlet waters you can travel inland to the Pamlico sound and find your bucket list huge old Drum. These beautiful fish can reach over 50” in size and fight like a freight train. A dream come true for many Anglers. Stout rods with 5k spinning reels and fresh big chunks of cut mullet is a favorite of these majestic fish.
I hope everyone gets their fun fall fishing in with successful trips and big catches. It’s 2 months of the perfect storm of conditions.
Until next time … Best Fishes!
CAPTAIN WINKLEMAN
757-761-2167
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