[dropcap]C[/dropcap]an’t believe it’s already July but you can sure tell by the heat along the Crystal Coast, and by heat I mean the fishing has been really hot this summer. The fishing is going to still be good during the heat of summer but for inshore success you might have to change the time of day and depth of water for your target species.
If it’s Summer Spanish Mackerel June provided us with some of the hottest shallow water action I’ve seen in years from 3-6FT. Of water. For this I use my own hand tied rig called the Mackerel Master that’s made for trolling the shallows where’s where the planers cannot be used. For those looking to try these rigs they are sold at Cape Pointe Marina on Harkers Island. When using planers I use #1 planers on Hand lines that way I cover both top and mid water. As the summer heats up both water and air temps., The Spanish and Blues will move out into 20-40ft. Of water as will the bait fish and they will be hitting really good during the early morning hours around day break and again in the late afternoon to early evening, they seem to prefer the cooler parts of the day. For those pulling rigs with spoons the colors I find best are silver/pink reflector tape and sliver/green reflector tape.
This trend is also followed by the Flounder that I fish for up in the shallows and around structure such as Rock jetties and old docks. They just don’t seem to want to feed during the heat of the day, unless you can find deep holes around 5-8ft. Deep in the shade. Most of the fishing I do during this month will be out off Cape Lookout fishing the drop offs around the Rock Jetty and on out to the shoals were it drops from about 15ft. To around 30ft. And deeper this seems to be where the biggest Spanish are lurking. Another great way to find the Spanish and big Blue Fish during summer is to look for the menhaden bait balls and the birds working them, it’s a dead giveaway that there’s fish feeding.
For those looking for Flounder the local Rock Jetties and other structure provide great cover and also will home to many of their food sources. Places like the Radio Island Jetty, Shackleford Island Jetty, Fort Macon Jetty and the Cape Lookout Jetty are great places to set up for Flounder fishing as well as just drift fishing the local channels. When fishing for Flounder although they can be caught by artificial means live bait will catch more and bigger fish. Whether rigged on a Bucktail, using a Carolina rig or a live bait head live bait usually does the trick.for those looking for the best live bait heads the Calcutta ultra jig in hot pink and the Salty Bay Baits live bait heads are the best in my opinion.
If we get lucky this summer may be like last year in that the Cobia stayed around until the fall so with that in mind I always carry at least one good sized spinning rod rigged up in case we see one , usually a Star Paraflex boat rod w/t a Star Ariel 6000 series reel and 30lb. FINS Braid. Looking for Reds?? The best place I have found to catch a few nice Reds during this time of year is going to be up in the tributaries of the Newport River and also in the Haystack/Calico Creek area, some of the better baits for this type of fishing are going to be the use of top water mirrOlures and Zara Spooks, Cajun Thunder popping corks with a short leader and soft or live bait used on a Salty Bay Baits pencil lead 1 1/16 oz head.
Fishing this area is really tricky, the use of a flat bottom or bay boat is usually required and best fished on a full high tide starting to fall just don’t over stay your welcome as you will be there for a while when the tide falls. Also the Lady fish will be cruising the local bridges and structure during the night under the lights. The best way to catch these prolific fighters is to free line a live shrimp on a 2/0 Octopus hook into the current where they are working bait, in no time you should be hooked up and the drag squealing.
If your having hook up problems switch over to a small treble hook . They can also be be caught using artificials such as the Salty Bay Glass minnow on a 1 1/16 or 1/8oz jig head and the use of small top water baits can be successful when used right. They always seem to hit best on the falling tide but at least have the tide moving as they don’t hit during slack tide. Anyone looking for some good tackle on Harkers island Cape Pointe Marina is now stocking tackle and if they don’t have it they’ll get for you or stop by Chadwick Bros. Tackle by the public boat ramp or Billy’s store on the Island one of these three should have your product.
Hope that everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend and remember to keep an eye out on the other boats, have respect for other boaters, put life jackets on your children and over all be safe.
Capt. Noah Lynk
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