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Random Quote: It is a theoretical impossibility to catch fish without beer.
Just like everyone else, this warm weather has me thinking about every possible fishing day I can squeeze in this year. I'm hoping you all can give me some much needed information on fishing out of Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
The family (wife and two young daughters) and I, along with my wife's parents and brother, will be heading there the third week in July for the family vacation. We have been two times prior and both times, I have longed to have my boat with me. I'm trying to make that decision for the third time now. My wife has even asked me to take the boat. But that is such a long drive from Baltimore.
The majority of the time I would be fishing by myself unless my father in law, who is very boating and saltwater fishing "unaware" decides to go with me. For that reason I don't want to go after anything too substantial. A 300 lb. blue for myself and another very unexperienced angler would be a recipe for disaster.
I would imagine the same tools and techniques used here in the Chesapeake Bay could be employed to troll/chum up rock/stripers or blues fairly close to the beach. You know, trolling spoons, bucktails, umbrellas, tandem rigs, etc. Am I correct?
Would it be foolish to consider chasing dolphin in a 20'CC w/ a new, single 150 from that area. If not, I need to start gathering the necessary tackle for that.
I have some 114Hs and a TLD25 on 38-80 stand up rods, 320 GTIs on Senator rods and some Penn SS spinning reels on Ugly Stick rods so I think I'm equipped to handle most of what I could get into within reason. I'm not going to trow to a 50 lb. dolphin w/ a 4500 SS.....
What do you all suggest?
Or if anyone of you fishes that area regularly and have an open spot for a few days, I'll gladly pay my way and do my share of the work. I just don't think I could go a week without fishing.....
Brian:
Instead of going through the hassles and added expense of pulling your own boat, why don't you charter an experienced captain for a day or two instead? I strongly recommend Brant McMullen, who has a multi-boat operation right there in Ocean Isle. Check his website at www.captainbrant.com for boats and reports. I know that learning to fish a new area is exciting but with only a couple days you're probably better off going at least once with someone to show you the ropes. Then if you want to try it yourself next time, you know what to expect. Plus, I'm sure a charter would be more fun for your non-fishing in-laws as well. Good luck, tell 'em Sammy sent ya.
(And no, I don't get a discount for referrals) Good luck either way!
Sam is right. It would be more effient to charter than to drag a boat from MD and Capt Brant is a great chioce. If you were going fish for more than a few days and bring your boat, that area is great fishing destination. At that time of year the dolphin have moved somewhat inshore and there are lots of "creek" fish. The kings are on the beach and the spanish will be in teh the Cape fear river channel (with kings). There is a offshore area about maybe 25 miles called the steeples (Maybe) where you should be able to pick up mahi. The jungle will also be holding fish.
The inshore fishing will be for redfish and flounder. www.captbrant.com Brant also keeps a good updated log of the activity in teh area.
If you do decide to bring your boat, there are a myriad of species you can target.
You can expect to find flounder inshore in the creeks. Live mullet or mud minnows are typically used, though one of the most recognized flounder anglers, Jimmy Price, uses his own artificial baits to fish the Cape Fear area. Spanish mackerel and bluefish will be on the beaches, and can easily be caught using light tackle by trolling Clarkspoons or casting with Gotcha plugs (or any other flashy lure you choose). Offshore (5-25 miles), kings will be present in good numbers, with most people targeting them with live bait tactics. At that time of year dolphin do move closer to shore, and are caught frequently while trolling for kings in areas like the Jungle. The gulfstream (which includes the steeples is out of your range; 50+ miles) slows during this time of year, but a charter should be able to put you on plenty of dolphin.
Pick up a local chart at Island Tackle; they actually have a spreadsheet with many local common spots that is helpful. (Brant’s new place will be open then too and will probably have the same thing.)
Most of the good fishing can be reached in your boat, and if you decide to bring it down, it will also offer you the opportunity to take the family for boat rides down the ICW. Navigation is not difficult, but if you want to send me an email before you go down, and I happen to be fishing at the same time, I’d be more than happy to let you follow me out to a common fishing spot.
forget the 300lb blue option.. best spots for kings will range from the capefear river channel, shark hole, jungle and little river inlet.
running out of the cape fear river area, most weedlines from 5-25 will hold smaller dolphin as most of the larger ones peak in late may/june.
Either way bring the boat as its a great area to explore. The offshore run to the steeples is over 70. Typically the offshore bite has slowed as water temps are too hot(65 miles plus).
Brant has his new place opening soon. You could charter from him or check out the guys down in Little River, Calabash, or drive up to Carolina Beach.
I fish out of cape fear. You should be able to get into small Mahi, Kings and inshore Spanish and blues. If you need any help with GPS numbers let me know, I can e-mail some favorite spots. If you want to charter call Get Fresh Charters out of Blue Water Point Marina in Oak Island, QB is a great guy and is always catching fish if they are there. I you need to follow some one let me know when you are going to be down, and I might be able to help you out.
Brian
I fish out of the SouthPort, Holden Beach and Ocean Isle area. With that 20 ft boat you'll be able to get to plenty of good spots within 20nm. I would suggest 15 mile rock, Sharkhole, 18 mile rock, Angel Rock, 65ft hole North, 390/390, Jungle, Jimmy's Hump (9 Fathom Rock 1 & 2). That should keep you busy. Mostly kings that time of year but Dolphin have been coming in there pretty well the past 2 or 3 years. All those GPS coordinates are readily available on Maps Unique or SeaLake maps.
Thanks to all who have responded by posting and via email! I think I'm definitely going to be bringing the boat down. I've copied each of your responses to a reference document so I don't have to seach for this post each time I need to see your recommendations. I will be in touch with those of you who have offered further information and assistance.
GW send me an email, I will be there for that entire week also. I will be just above you at Holden Beach. I have been fishing that area for over 20 yrs and should be able to help you. As the guys did mention though, If you are only going to be able to fish a couple of days, The charter is the way to go.
I will have my boat and be running offshore each day that week; as along as mother nature will permit.
If you want to do some float fishing for kings and bottom fishing for flounder try McClammery's reef or Yupon reef of Southport. Both are within 3-4 miles of beach and great flounder fishing out there at that time of the year. There is also a lot of kings caught there. You would also be near the shipping channel of the Cape Fear river another great fishing hole.
MY FAMILY HAS A HOUSE AT OIB AND I WILL BE THERE THE SAME WEEK AS YOU. I HAVE A 15' BOSTON WHALER CC AND LOVE THE SPANISH ON THE BEACH. GOOD FLOUNDER BOTH INSHORE AND OFFSHORE.WHEN THE WATER IS GOOD I CAN EVEN GET OUT TO SOME GOOD KING FISH. BRING YOUR BOAT YOU WON'T REGRET IT!
SHOOT ME AN E-MAIL IF YOU LIKE I LIKE TO FISH WITH OTHER BOATS. IT MAY BE A WHALER BUT IT'S STILL 15'!
MATT
Fishing Ocean Isle Beach, NC? 
