APRIL
CRYSTAL COAST INSHORE FISHING REPORT
April is the month that kicks off the fishing season. April is the month where cold nights give way to warm evenings and North winds switch to the South. As we get into the month of April, the water temps begin to rise out of the high 40’s and low 50’s to the high 50’s and low 60’s. The extreme spring low tides start to rise.
The fish of the month will be Speckled Trout. April is one of the best months of the year to land that trophy speck. The best areas to catch these fish will be in the extreme backwaters of the tidal rivers and creeks throughout the Crystal Coast. You will find these fish in the Neuse, New, and White Oak Rivers. Along with the rivers, specks can be found in the creeks off of Highway 24 like Broad, Gales, and Queens Creek. For the fish in the rivers and creeks, I start out by using a soft plastic bait and jig head combo. The jig head I typically use is a 1/8 oz. unpainted jig head by Strike King. As for the soft plastic bait, it is really hard not to go with Berkley Gulp. The jerk shad, pogy, swimming mullet, or shrimp will all work. The colors I use are the pearl, smelt, or smoke. Other good soft plastics to use are the Strike King Glass minnow or Zulu jerk bait. I typically use a slow retrieve with short snaps of the rod tip. Along with soft plastics, I use the Mirrodine by MirrOlure. This bait closely resembles a small pogey, which can be found this time of year in the backwaters. The Catch 2000, Strike King Wild Shiners, and any other suspending hard bait will work on spring time trophy Speckled Trout.
Another type of fish that you will be able to find in Bogue Sound and the marshes behind Emerald Isle, Bear, and Browns Island is the Schoolie Speckled Trout. I typically look for submerged oyster beds with drop-offs. I slowly work some of the many creeks winding through the marshes. All of these creeks will have deep holes in the bends. I quietly drift into the bends making long casts with gulps and MirrOlures. You can usually expect trout ranging from 1-4 lbs. A bonus fish you can expect to catch while fishing the tidal rivers and creeks are Striped Bass. Most of these fish will be on the smaller side ranging from 1-5 lbs. Striper will strike any of the baits you will be using for the Speckled Trout.
Speckled Trout are not the only fish getting active due to the warming water temps. Red drum will start to filter in from the inlets and inhabit their spring and early summer haunts. Unlike the winter months, you will find Redfish a little more scattered this time of year. Although it will not be uncommon to find a school of 50 or more fish, most schools will be around a dozen. You can start looking for these Reds in the marshes and flats behind Emerald Isle, Bear, and Browns Island. These fish will be a lot more aggressive than they were a month ago. I still use the soft plastic and jig head combo but my favorite bait for Redfish is the Redfish Magic by Strike King. This spinner bait is similar to the Beetle Spin. It allows you to cover a lot of water, which is the way to find these spring redfish. By the end of April, you can expect these fish to start exploding on topwater baits. My go to topwater bait is the TopDawg in the 808 color by MirrOlure.
Flounder will also start to show up in the month of April. You can pick up the occasional flounder while fishing for specks and reds. By the end of the month, you will start to catch a good number of fish on the near shore artificial reefs and live bottoms. You can usually pick these fish off by using 1.5 to 2.5 oz. buck tail jigs tipped will squid strips, soft plastics, and live mud minnows. Along with the flounder, you will catch the occasional keeper Sea Bass. April anglers can also expect to have some awesome catches of Bluefish as they come in on the southerly winds. The size range of these fish are typically 0-2 lbs. but they will attack your bait. These fish can be caught on just about anything such as Sting Silvers, Maria jigs, Gotcha plugs, etc.
All baits mentioned can be found at The Reel Outdoors located on Emerald Isle. You can find an online link to the Reel Outdoors by visiting Hall’em In Charters on the web at www.hallemincharters.com and clicking on supporters!
Captain Robert Hall
Hall’em In Charters, Inc.
Website: www.hallemincharters.com
Email: hallemincharters@yahoo.com
(910)330-6999
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
CCFA Redfish Series
This is the ad going in Aprils issue of NC Sportsmans. Our Series will consist of 3 tournaments. Each team will receive points for their finish in each tournament. The top 5 teams at the end of 3 tournaments will fish in a Championship the day of the Mullet Festival. All the participation will help our club (CCFA). For more info you can contact me at (910)330-6999 or email: hallemincharters@yahoo.com or you can visit out club website @ www.crystalcoastfishing.netSunday, February 24, 2008
Feb 23 Mixed Bag (Tagged Red Drum)
Well the fishing has had its bright moments and slow moments lately. Today was a little slow but we had fun catching a number of species. We had a 6hr. Trip and ended up landing largemouth bass, Red Drum, Flounders, and Mudfish. The highlight of the day was a Tagged Red Drum. All fish were landed on Berkley gulp baits. If you like to book your mixed bag charter give me a call at (910)330-6999 or email: hallemincharters@yahoo.com Thanks
Monday, February 11, 2008
Feb 11, 2008 Fishing Report
Fishing has been pretty good the last couple of weeks. When we have the warmer days the fishing will pic up. We are still catching Reds in the surf zone. We are also still catching Reds in the backwaters on Swansboro, Emerald Isle, and Havelock areas. The trout bite has been pretty slow in the Swansboro are but has been steady down in the Havelock areas. Mixed in with the specks there have been some nice Striped bass and flounder. So next time you see some warm days coming on the Weather Channel give me a call. Capt. Robert Hall (910)330-6999 or email: hallemincharters@yahoo.com
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Open Dates
I still have some open dates in Feb. for full and half days. Come fish with Hall'em In Charters and get on some of the best Redfishing you will ever experience.
Half days open for Feb: 2/4, 2/5, 2/6, 2/12, 2/18, 2/19, 2/20, 2/21
Full days open for Feb: 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23.
The redfish are stacked up on the Shoals. Hall'em In also offers Striper trips to the Nuese River for full day charters. The fishing has been good so give me a call and book your fishing charter here in Swansboro NC (910)-330-6999 or email: hallemincharters@yahoo.com
Half days open for Feb: 2/4, 2/5, 2/6, 2/12, 2/18, 2/19, 2/20, 2/21
Full days open for Feb: 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23.
The redfish are stacked up on the Shoals. Hall'em In also offers Striper trips to the Nuese River for full day charters. The fishing has been good so give me a call and book your fishing charter here in Swansboro NC (910)-330-6999 or email: hallemincharters@yahoo.com
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Tip of the month (Feb)
FEBURARY INSHORE TIP
HOW TO FISH WITH
MUD MINNOWS ONE OF THE BEST WINTER LIVE BAITS
In the middle of winter live bait can be hard to come by. One of my favorite live baits to use for winter inshore species is Mud minnows. They are readily available and are so easy to keep alive. I usually load up with mud minnows in any of the many creeks along the rivers and sounds in our local area. Any creek that has a tidal flow of saltwater and narrows down to a ditch will hold plenty of minnows. I use regular minnow traps made by Frabill. You can find this type of trap at The Reel Outdoors on Emerald Isle. I will bait each trap with one can of cat food (any brand works). Once a trap is baited, I will then place the trap parallel to the creek. I usually will check the trap each morning.
Now the question I get most is what is the best way to fish these minnows. I use three different techniques for this particular bait. Each technique is good for different situations. One thing these rigs all have in common is the hook I use. Typically I like to use a light gauge circle hook in the size of the mud minnows I have on hand. I will first start with the most common rigs anglers’ fish them. That is your traditional Carolina rig (photo #1) that consists of an egg sinker, bead, swivel, and hook. This Rig is used for deeper water situations or an area with a lot of current. This is not a recommend rig to use at the Cape Lookout rock jetty or any of the Creeks in the tidal rivers, because you will constantly stay snagged. This rig used more in the inlet and marsh areas.
The second rig I would like to discuss is as simple as it gets. This rig consists of a couple of split shots, 18”-24” of fluorocarbon leader and your light gauge circle hook (photo #2). I tie my flouro leader to my main line with a Uni to Uni knot or an Albright knot. I start with one split shot then adjust to the conditions. This is my favorite way to fish mud minnows and definitely one of the best ways to fish them at the Cape Lookout jetty. This rig can easily be adjusted and has a minimal amount of terminal tackle.
The final rig I will go over can be a little more complicated but is the only way to get a bite at times. It consists of a Slip cork, bobber stopper, a couple split shots, 18”-24” of fluorocarbon leader, and your hook (photo #3). This is the typical slip cork rig used for floating shrimp. It is a deadly way to use mud minnows in tidal rivers like the Neuse and New Rivers and also the jetties. This rig is so good in those areas because it keeps the minnows out of the snags. Also you are able to keep the bait in the actual strike zone which is commonly overlooked by most anglers.
So go get a few traps and catch up some mud minnows for you next trip out on the water. It may save the day when artificial just isn’t cutting it. If you have any more questions or have a better way to use these mud minnows feel free to call (910)330-6999 or email: hallemincharters@yahoo.com
Captain Robert Hall
Hall’em In Charters, Inc.
www.hallemincharters.com
(910) 330-6999
HOW TO FISH WITH
MUD MINNOWS ONE OF THE BEST WINTER LIVE BAITS
In the middle of winter live bait can be hard to come by. One of my favorite live baits to use for winter inshore species is Mud minnows. They are readily available and are so easy to keep alive. I usually load up with mud minnows in any of the many creeks along the rivers and sounds in our local area. Any creek that has a tidal flow of saltwater and narrows down to a ditch will hold plenty of minnows. I use regular minnow traps made by Frabill. You can find this type of trap at The Reel Outdoors on Emerald Isle. I will bait each trap with one can of cat food (any brand works). Once a trap is baited, I will then place the trap parallel to the creek. I usually will check the trap each morning.
Now the question I get most is what is the best way to fish these minnows. I use three different techniques for this particular bait. Each technique is good for different situations. One thing these rigs all have in common is the hook I use. Typically I like to use a light gauge circle hook in the size of the mud minnows I have on hand. I will first start with the most common rigs anglers’ fish them. That is your traditional Carolina rig (photo #1) that consists of an egg sinker, bead, swivel, and hook. This Rig is used for deeper water situations or an area with a lot of current. This is not a recommend rig to use at the Cape Lookout rock jetty or any of the Creeks in the tidal rivers, because you will constantly stay snagged. This rig used more in the inlet and marsh areas.
The second rig I would like to discuss is as simple as it gets. This rig consists of a couple of split shots, 18”-24” of fluorocarbon leader and your light gauge circle hook (photo #2). I tie my flouro leader to my main line with a Uni to Uni knot or an Albright knot. I start with one split shot then adjust to the conditions. This is my favorite way to fish mud minnows and definitely one of the best ways to fish them at the Cape Lookout jetty. This rig can easily be adjusted and has a minimal amount of terminal tackle.
The final rig I will go over can be a little more complicated but is the only way to get a bite at times. It consists of a Slip cork, bobber stopper, a couple split shots, 18”-24” of fluorocarbon leader, and your hook (photo #3). This is the typical slip cork rig used for floating shrimp. It is a deadly way to use mud minnows in tidal rivers like the Neuse and New Rivers and also the jetties. This rig is so good in those areas because it keeps the minnows out of the snags. Also you are able to keep the bait in the actual strike zone which is commonly overlooked by most anglers.
So go get a few traps and catch up some mud minnows for you next trip out on the water. It may save the day when artificial just isn’t cutting it. If you have any more questions or have a better way to use these mud minnows feel free to call (910)330-6999 or email: hallemincharters@yahoo.com
Captain Robert Hall
Hall’em In Charters, Inc.
www.hallemincharters.com
(910) 330-6999
This is whats on tap for Feburary
FEBRUARY
CRYSTAL COAST INSHORE FISHING REPORT
I would first like to wish every one a Happy New Year. It is now 2008 and it looks to be another great fishing year. We are now in the middle of winter and the water temps are hovering around 45-52 degrees. Most anglers have winterized their boats and put up their gear for the winter. However, most anglers do not realize the month of February can be some of the best action for Redfish they will experience all year. There will be big schools of redfish along the surf zone and in the backwaters all winter long. When you can get the right conditions with offshore winds and minimal swell, you can fish along the beach front of Bear and Browns Islands. These fish usually range from 22”-32”. You can see the fish cruising just about on the sand. I like to use ½ oz. unpainted jig heads with a heavy gauge hook. I normally tip the jig with a 4in. Berkley Gulp shrimp. I also will use MirrOlure Catch 2000 suspending stick bait. They will eat just about anything. I like to use the bigger heavier baits because they tend to cast a lot better against the wind. You have to use extreme care when fishing like this because you have to get your boat very close to the beach and sometimes a rough wave will come out of nowhere and ruin your day. If the conditions are not right for the surf zone, there will be plenty of Reds behind Emerald Isle, Bear Island, and Browns Island. These fish tend to run a little smaller ranging from 17”-27”. I will usually find redfish milling around in the many bays around our area. I use similar size bait such as a 1/8-1/16 oz. jig head with a smaller gulp like the 3” gulp shrimp or jerk shad. I down size the MirrOlure to Catch 2000 Jr. The best way to locate these fish is to ease into a bay with your trolling motor or pole and look for fish pushing wakes and swirls.
Redfish are not the only inshore fish on tap for the Crystal Coast. You will still be able to find some speckled trout around the Swansboro and Emerald Isle areas. You will notice the fish to be a little smaller but with a little patience you will be able to limit out on specks. These fish in our area will usually range from 1-3lbs. I key in on specks after a few days of warmer weather. This type of weather put these fish in a mood to feed. I fish for these fish in the Hwy 24 creeks and also in the marshes behind Bear and Browns Islands. There will also be some nicer fish in Queens and Bear Creeks along with the White Oak River. I use 1/8-1/16 oz. unpainted jig heads tipped with Berkley gulp swimming mullets and jerk shads. My favorite color to use is the smelt color. If you are looking for that trophy speck, you should fish in the New or Neuse Rivers. To receive a NC citation for a speckled trout, it has to weigh 5lbs or a live release of a fish with a min. length of 24”. On an average day trip, we will land any where from 5-10 specks ranging from 1-3lbs with the chance for that 5-8 pounder. I use the same set up with gulp or the power bait shrimp. I also use a MirrOlure TTHP or 52 M in the 808 color. The Cape Lookout Jetty will probably be your best bet for a banner day on January speckled trout. If I can give any advice, it would be to get there early and have a live well full of mud minnows. I fish the mud minnows on a split shot rig or barrel weight rig. I also use light gauge circle hooks.
Along with the trout, expect to land a good number of stripers in the Neuse River. These fish are the smaller version of the ocean stripers but are just as fun on light tackle. These fish can be caught on gulps and mirrolures. On the warmer days you may be able to convince them to take a topwater plug. So get out there and take advantage of the awesome fishing available during the month of February. If you ever have any questions, feel free to give me a call at (910)330-6999 or email: hallemincharters@yaoo.com.
Captain Robert Hall
Hall’em In Charters, Inc.
http://www.hallemincharters.com/
(910)330-6999
CRYSTAL COAST INSHORE FISHING REPORT
I would first like to wish every one a Happy New Year. It is now 2008 and it looks to be another great fishing year. We are now in the middle of winter and the water temps are hovering around 45-52 degrees. Most anglers have winterized their boats and put up their gear for the winter. However, most anglers do not realize the month of February can be some of the best action for Redfish they will experience all year. There will be big schools of redfish along the surf zone and in the backwaters all winter long. When you can get the right conditions with offshore winds and minimal swell, you can fish along the beach front of Bear and Browns Islands. These fish usually range from 22”-32”. You can see the fish cruising just about on the sand. I like to use ½ oz. unpainted jig heads with a heavy gauge hook. I normally tip the jig with a 4in. Berkley Gulp shrimp. I also will use MirrOlure Catch 2000 suspending stick bait. They will eat just about anything. I like to use the bigger heavier baits because they tend to cast a lot better against the wind. You have to use extreme care when fishing like this because you have to get your boat very close to the beach and sometimes a rough wave will come out of nowhere and ruin your day. If the conditions are not right for the surf zone, there will be plenty of Reds behind Emerald Isle, Bear Island, and Browns Island. These fish tend to run a little smaller ranging from 17”-27”. I will usually find redfish milling around in the many bays around our area. I use similar size bait such as a 1/8-1/16 oz. jig head with a smaller gulp like the 3” gulp shrimp or jerk shad. I down size the MirrOlure to Catch 2000 Jr. The best way to locate these fish is to ease into a bay with your trolling motor or pole and look for fish pushing wakes and swirls.
Redfish are not the only inshore fish on tap for the Crystal Coast. You will still be able to find some speckled trout around the Swansboro and Emerald Isle areas. You will notice the fish to be a little smaller but with a little patience you will be able to limit out on specks. These fish in our area will usually range from 1-3lbs. I key in on specks after a few days of warmer weather. This type of weather put these fish in a mood to feed. I fish for these fish in the Hwy 24 creeks and also in the marshes behind Bear and Browns Islands. There will also be some nicer fish in Queens and Bear Creeks along with the White Oak River. I use 1/8-1/16 oz. unpainted jig heads tipped with Berkley gulp swimming mullets and jerk shads. My favorite color to use is the smelt color. If you are looking for that trophy speck, you should fish in the New or Neuse Rivers. To receive a NC citation for a speckled trout, it has to weigh 5lbs or a live release of a fish with a min. length of 24”. On an average day trip, we will land any where from 5-10 specks ranging from 1-3lbs with the chance for that 5-8 pounder. I use the same set up with gulp or the power bait shrimp. I also use a MirrOlure TTHP or 52 M in the 808 color. The Cape Lookout Jetty will probably be your best bet for a banner day on January speckled trout. If I can give any advice, it would be to get there early and have a live well full of mud minnows. I fish the mud minnows on a split shot rig or barrel weight rig. I also use light gauge circle hooks.
Along with the trout, expect to land a good number of stripers in the Neuse River. These fish are the smaller version of the ocean stripers but are just as fun on light tackle. These fish can be caught on gulps and mirrolures. On the warmer days you may be able to convince them to take a topwater plug. So get out there and take advantage of the awesome fishing available during the month of February. If you ever have any questions, feel free to give me a call at (910)330-6999 or email: hallemincharters@yaoo.com.
Captain Robert Hall
Hall’em In Charters, Inc.
http://www.hallemincharters.com/
(910)330-6999
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