Summer is finally here! The weather is hot and the fishing is even hotter! June is the apex month of gulfstream fishing here in North Carolina. The mahi bite is strong, the tunas are still here and there, the wahoos are snapping, and the billfish are showing up in full force.
June in NC is known for the awesome blue marlin bite and this year is turning out to be no different from the rest. May has already seen a good showing of blue marlin, and it’s only going to get better from here on out. The sailfish and white marlin should start showing up anytime, adding another flavor of billfish to the mix. Most billfish are caught while meat fishing with ballyhoo for mahis, tuna, wahoo, etc.
However, if you want to target the big blue ones, covering ground with lures is a great way to do it. The tournament season is upon us and with the circle hook rules in place, the top boats are turning to lures to find the winning fish. In the past few years this has shown to be a highly productive way to entice a blue to show itself in your spread. Lures aren’t just a blue marlin bait, as lots of huge mahi, tunas, and wahoo are produced pulling the plastic as well. Now, just inshore of the deep water, fishing the break should produce some sails and whites mixed in with the good mahi fishing that June will bring. Always be on the ready for the billfish to show in your spread while you’re out there because the fish of your lifetime is always one bite away. If nothing else, the mahi bite is June is unbelievable with full boxes of yellow and green gold commonplace along the docks. The mahi bite is also a great way to get started in offshore fishing if you aren’t addicted already.
With the excellent fishing and gorgeous weather, the June fishery is a textbook way to create some unforgettable memories on the water. This is the time to fire up the grill and bring the family and friends together for an offshore adventure that culminates into one serious cookout. You simply just can’t beat fresh mahi on the grill in the summer!
Capt. John Mallette
910-934-2628
www.topsailfishingcharters.com