October 4th, 2010

 

Well, its been a week of excitement followed by a week of disappointment. First the excitement. Late last week, several boats and crews headed offshore to the usual gulf stream spots and were rewarded with outstanding catches of Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna and a few Dolphin fish. Crews were using ballyhoo rigged on Ilander lure heads and Blue Water Candy lure heads. There were even crews that pulled Black Bart lures at high speed enjoyed success. The word of the day was, bigger lures equaled bigger fish. Continuing with the excitement came the news that there had been a few King Mackerel caught in the Yaupon Reef area and even 1 twenty pound fish caught at the Oak Island Pier. While this was going on, Myself and Chris Eckert managed a nice catch of 4-5 lb Spanish Mackerel on skirted and naked King rigs at the 90's. When we got back to the dock, we were greeted by a crew that had fished right beside us. They had one bite but what a bite it was. They pulled a 36lb King Mackerel from their fishbox and what a fish it was. There have been keeper sized Gag Grouper caught in 70-100 feet of water and lots of smaller Gags being caught inshore of the 70 ft mark which tells us, they are on the move inshore. This was the exciting part of the week. We all felt that the fall fishing was getting ready to explode on the Brunswick County Beaches. Then all of this came crashing down. An unnamed monsoon dumped 24 inches of fresh water on our area in just over 2 days. I fished today and can tell you, the water is NOT great. We did manage a few small Black Sea Bass and Sharks. What I can tell you is, the fishing is getting ready to be great. While this rain muddied the water terribly, it also knocked the unseasonably warm water down to where it should be. This week is forecasted to be cool and fall like which means, the water should stay in the mid 70's. We are experiencing a Northeast wind that should help push the muddy fresh water offshore and disapate it quickly. There is still bait of all types on the beach, it is just scattered right now. Folks, its getting ready to be game on. Come on down and get ready. Capt. Brant has just released some of his coveted tournament secrets to me in the form of his King Rigs. We have duplicated them and assembled Pro Pack's of 10 rigs that we are selling in the shop at a very reasonable price. We are going into fall full bore and anticipate a great beach bite very soon. We will keep you posted and please call the shop with any questions.

Capt. Steele

 

INSHORE FISHING REPORT by Capt. Jacob Frick - OIFC tackle manager and inshore guide

Despite a tough week full of rain and windy conditions the inshore fishing around Ocean Isle continues to remain strong. Fishing in between rain storms this past week many redfish and flounder are still being caught. Topwater plugs and popping corks creating lots of noise will draw a reaction strike from trout and redfish in this stained water. Live shrimp and gulp baits that are heavily scented will aslo be easier for fish to locate in this off colored water. Rootbeer and new penny gulp shrimp on the bottom or under a popping cork will be your two best colors. (All Gulp! bait on sale @ Ocean Isle Fishing Center 30% off) The best news of all is that are water temperature has dropped to the mid 70's which is perfect. Once all the fish get adjusted to the rapidly changing conditions the bite should get HOT!! October is here and big fish will be caught this month in our area. Best times to fish this month will be around the new moon Oct. 7th and full moon Oct. 23rd. There should be some changes on the rodeo board this month. You need to enter this month if you haven't already! Check out updated reports at www.oifc.com.

 

Grouper Fishing

Sunday, October 10th- class 7am to 9am, fishing from 9am to 4pm

4 person max- $350 per person

 

Live Bait King Mackerel slow trolling and kite fishing

Thursday, October 14th- class 7am to 9am, fishing from 9am to 4pm

4 person max- $350 per person

 

** Call (910) 575-3474 to make a reservation for these class dates **

 

 

Fall is in the air. Area waters are in a recovery mode after the big rains and winds we had this past week. Water temperatures are dropping and the water is now clearing. This means great fishing to come. Not sure whether it will be tomorrow, this weekend or next week, but it is close. Stay tuned to the OIFC website at www.OIFC.com for updates on catches and water conditions, thank you- Capt. Brant

 

Ocean Isle Fishing Center