Captain Rob's Fishing Report

03/13/2008

Springtime is finally approaching, and that means it’s time to thaw out the fishing gear and head to the Crystal Coast for some exciting offshore and inshore action. The spring run for yellowfin tuna begins in March as large schools of thirty to seventy-pound tunas travel the gulf-stream waters off Morehead City. Be prepared to do battle, because these fish are as well known for their fight as they are for their taste. During the heat of the season, charter skippers average 8-12 tunas a day, while the occasional wahoo, barracuda, king mackerel, and blackfin tuna help to fill the fish box.

For those who don’t like big waves and long runs, the inshore fishing this spring can provide pure light tackle excitement for anglers seeking speckled trout and redfish. As the inshore water temperatures warm up, the redfish and speckled trout will be working their way back into the sound, feeding along grass beds and steep marsh banks. Casting lures such as soft plastic grubs, suspending twitch baits, and artificial shrimp patterns can bring in the trout. In shallower bays on warm afternoons redfish will take the same offerings, along with spinner-baits and popping cork combos. Bigger redfish can often be found just off the beach in the surf in large schools on colder days, and this can be fast action with hookups on every cast!

Shore fishermen can intercept trout and redfish as they move out of the creeks and rivers throughout the sound. Those trying their luck on the beach can catch trout, redfish, bluefish, and sea mullet both in the surf and off the piers. One of the great things about early spring shore fishing is the lack of competition, and you can often have a great bite all to yourself.

Eastern North Carolina’s spring fishery is sure to produce some good catches whether you fish by foot or by boat. You just have to get out and go fishing. Captain Rob is an Affinity Partner with Grande Villas and is sure to not only give you a day filled with fun times and fish, but some great memories as well! To book a fishing charter with Captain Rob go to www.sandbarsafari.com Or call 252-725-4614.