Nearshore: The fishing has been pretty good lately. We have had a awesome Mahi bite close to the beach. We have been landing good numbers of fish in the 5-10 mile range. Most of these fish have been 5-10lbs with an occasional 12-15 lber. We have been slow trolling live baits on the surface. Along with the dolphin we have been getting consistent strikes from snake kings. Most of the kings have been in the 5-10lb range we did have one earlier this week that would go around 15lbs. I expect the size of kings to get larger as we get more into the summer. There also have been huge numbers of Amberjacks on all the ledges and wrecks. These fish are absolutely one the the strongest fish near shore. The Spanish bite has cooled down a bit but limits of fish are still pretty easy to get in the morning. We are also starting to see the bigger spanish move in on the near shore live bottoms and artificial reefs. The flounder fishing has been good in the ocean as well.
Inshore: Inshore fishing has been consistent. We have been finding schools of Reds in the bays and backwaters. Most of these fish are falling for topwaters and soft plastics. Most of these fish have been in the middle slot with a few being in the upper slot. We have also been landing good numbers of speckled trout at first light. The trout have been hammering gulp jerkshads and strike king glass minnows. Along with artificals we have been catching specks and reds on live shrimp and menhaden. We have been find good numbers of sheepshead around all the structure on the internal waters. Sand fiddlers have been the trick for the sheepshead. The flounder bite continues to be stellar this year. I have been finding good size fish around structure up and down the ICW. Most trips have been landing keepers every time. If you are in the Emerald Isle, Swansboro, Morehead City areas and want to get on some hot inshore/near shore action give Capt. Robert Hall a call at (910)330-6999 or email us at hallemincharters@yahoo.com
