What's Biting and When

Speckled Trout

Year round with March, April, May, June being the top months -late winter to mid spring they are up in the creeks that feed the Neuse river and action can be red hot!! it's not uncommon to catch limits. Early summer though the start of fall we catch them in the sound around the islands and grass flats. Fall and the early part of winter (December) we get a good bite back in the creeks again as they prepare to winter it out.

Gray Trout     (Weakfish)

June, July, August, September -We don't get the giants that they get up north but boy do we get numbers. when these fish are in it is not uncommon to easily catch your limit for a good fish fry.

Cobia

May, June -Come May the cobia will start to invade the inlets of Beaufort and Cape Lookout and it is at this time I like to schedule full day trips and make the scenic run down the inner coastal waterway from Oriental to Shakelford banks area. Most days consist of fishing for Cobia in the early morning which can reach weights exceeding 50 lbs and then change over in the late morning to minnow drift fishing for summer flounder and then heading home mid afternoon stopping along the way to catch some trout and puppy drum. catching a Carolina Slam is not at all uncommon on these trips which consists of a legal flounder, speckled or gray trout, and puppy drum.

Tarpon

July and August -Tarpon will start showing up in the Pamlico sound and Neuse river giving us an opportunity of hooking one of the most sought after game fish in the world. Getting one to bite can be frustrating at times but on more days then not you will get the chance to see these huge fish rolling in the water, a truly unique sight that you will not long forget.

Old Red Drum

August through October - Large drum will start to filter into the sound during the later part of July and continue to move into our waters through August. Most of this fishing is done at night and you can expect to catch several fish in the 30 + LB range in an evening. These fish are fun to catch but must be released. Be aware that I stick to a strong ethical set of policies when targeting these truly spectacular fish.

Click here to see my night drum policy

Southern Flounder

April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November - My boat isn't called the Duke of Fluke for nothing, fishing for these tasty critters is one of my specialties and action is consistent through out the spring, summer, and fall. Not only will you catch fish but you will learn the techniques of bite detection and proper rigging to consistently score.

Spanish Mackerel

June, July, August, September -We consistently have good catches of Spanish and will troll aggressively when ever they make a showing which is most days during the summer.

Summer Flounder

April, May June, July, August, September -Targeting very large flounder which we call mats are a lot of fun and we like going after them. This type of fishing is usually done as a bonus when we make trips down to the Morehead City area but I would be more then happy to target them exclusively if you wish. This is a great trip if you plan on taking less experienced or younger anglers along since this type of fishing require very little casting.

Puppy and Yearling Drum

May, June, July, August, September, November -Fun Fun Fun nothing pulls on light gear like these smaller drum. catching one between the 18 and 27 slot limit to fill your one per day limit is almost guaranteed and boy do they make great chowder. Fall months are particular good for big numbers but consistent action is had through out the late spring and summer as well.

Stripers (Rock)

December, January, February - Rock will migrate up the Neuse river and stage in the New Bern area were they fatten up on eels and menhaden. Catching your limit of three fish over 18" is as close to a guarantee as it gets with some fish pusing 10 ponds or more.

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