Ocean Isle Beach, NC 
United States
United StatesWeekend Weather Looks GREAT
Submitted by Ocean Isle Fishing Center
Submitted on 04/29/2011Fishing Spot:
This weekend's weather forecast is near picture perfect. Whether you want to chase Flounder in the creeks or Wahoo, Tuna and Grouper offshore, the weather does not look like it will be a deterrent. See you at the OIFC!
Grouper Season Opens Sunday, May 1
Grouper have had freedom to roam and eat as they choose since December 31st. I hope that freedom has been enjoyed, because come Sunday, the next meal they eat may be their last. For those of you anxiously awaiting the opening of Grouper season, look for Grouper to be scattered from 80 feet all the way offshore to the edge of the 30 fathom break. Dropping live baits in the 80-120 foot depth range will yield action, and vertical jigging in 150+ feet will yield action as well. Regulations in effect will allow you to keep up to three Grouper per person. Only one of those three can be a Gag Grouper, which must measure at least 24 inches. Reds and Scamps must measure at least 20 inches.
Vertical Jig School This Sunday, May 1
Capt. Steele's second Vertical Jigging School will take place this Sunday, May 1st. The class currently has 2 open spots remaining, at a cost of $450 per person. The class focuses on instructing all the necessary skills to be effective at vertical jigging in depths of 150+ feet of water. The first vertical jigging class was held in mid April and graduates gave the class a resounding thumbs up. The best part about this class is that its the first day of Grouper season, so unlike the last class which was forced to release several nice Grouper, this time they'll be coming home for dinner. To reserve your spot and join the class, call 910 575-3474. The weather this weekend looks awesome!
The GPS Store
Far Out Shoot Out- May 13-21
The annual Far Out Shoot Out- Tuna, Dolphin and Wahoo Rodeo will be hosted from the Ocean Isle Fishing Center, May 13-21. On-site registration, Capt. dinner and Capt. Meeting will be held at the OIFC on Friday, May 13th from 6-8pm. The tournament format allows participants to choose to compete one out of eight possible fishing days- May 14-21 (Saturday to Saturday). You have the choice to wait to enter the tournament up until the evening of Friday, May 20th. Registration is also offered on-line at www.OIFC.com . The tournament format allows for lots of flexibility and opportunity to fish on your schedule under favorable weather conditions. For complete rules, entry information and more visit the OIFC tournament page from www.OIFC.com
OIFC Summer Kickoff- Saturday, May 14
The OIFC will be hosting a day of FREE seminars, used tackle trade/swap meet, line spooling promotions at $.02/yd and overstock inventory clearance on Saturday, May 14th. The Summer Kickoff will help to get you geared up for the coming King Mackerel, Flounder, Dolphin and Spanish Mackerel season. The event is totall FREE, so come by at your own leisure.
Seminar schedule:
10am: Dead Bait King Mackerel fishing
11am: Flounder fishing
12pm: Dolphin fishing
1pm: Spanish Mackerel fishing
2pm: Cast net throwing lessons
Fishing Report
Gulf Stream- The Blackfin Tuna have been the main story thus far. Once you find the school, targeting them with small feathers, cedar plugs or small, rigged Ballyhoo will lead to multiple hookups and good eating. The Wahoo fishing has not been red hot, but remember that a Wahoo's favorite food is Blackfin Tuna, so if you are near the Blackfin, you are definitely near a Wahoo.
Offshore (60-110 foot depth range)- This range will produce Grouper and B-liners on the bottom as well as Cobia, which often migrate offshore of our area on their way northward to the Outerbanks. Kings will also begin to show in this range as the water temperatures push into the 70's.
Nearshore (beach to 60 foot depth range)- This past week the hordes of Bluefish have begun to give way to Spanish Mackerel. Look for schools of Spanish outside the inlet mouths in 15-30 feet of water. In addition, Kings will show very soon in the 50 foot range at spots such as the 390/390.
Inshore- The Flounder fishing is picking every day. Tubbs inlet is always an early season hotspot. Reports of Flounder from under docks near inlet mouths have also been coming in. There will be Flounder in the concrete and commercial canals, but early season the largest concentration seems to be near inlet mouths where the Flounder funnel in from Wintering offshore. The finger Mullet are not around much yet, but I have seen a few schools of peanut Pogys. Redfish continue to provide action near marsh outlets.
Ocean Isle Fishing Center
65 Causeway Drive-Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
(910) 575-FISH - www.oifc.com
