That’s right, the inshore and backwater fishing has really taken off the past couple of weeks. We have had some awesome weather here in Southeastern NC with cooler than normal temps for this time of year. The water is teaming with bait ( finger mullet and shrimp) and the fish have showed along with the bait. Looks like it is going to be a awesome fall fishing season and I am looking forward to cooler temps and less boat traffic on the water.
The redfish bite has really picked up on the flats, in the creeks, and around the inlets. Bull reds are also showing up on the nearshore waters and 30 inch plus reds around the inlets. We are seeing reds tailing in the shallows and busting finger mullet and shrimp in the backwaters. Topwater plugs, Gulp Baits and DOA soft plastics have been very effective. Mullet minnows on Carolina rigs and float rigs are putting good numbers of upper and over-slot fish in the boat. These shallow water fish have been a drag screaming blast on light tackle.
The speckled trout fishing has been good with some nice trout being caught in the Cape Fear area. The trout are hitting the same baits as the reds and are sometimes mixed in the same areas. We are also picking up some flounder in these areas to complete the Carolina inshore slam.
The sheephead and black drum are holding close to pilings and rockpiles. Fishing fiddler crabs on Carolina rigs will put good numbers of these tasty fish in the cooler. Fall is a great time of year to put big sheephead in the boat.
There are lots of other fish to have fun with roaming the inshore waters. Ladyfish, bluefish, jack crevalles, and tripletail to name a few. We are also seeing some sharks and tarpon on the inshore waters.
It has been a busy and good summer fishing season, but I am looking forward to what the fall fishing season will bring us. I will stay a little more consistent on my reports so I can let you know how our fishing is going here in Southeastern NC.
Thanks for reading the report and check out some the photos from my recent trips. These are just a few of the good catches we have had recently.
