[LongRanger]

I just returned from the Outer Banks of NC. I stayed and fished in Buxton, NC on the island. I ended my 4 day trip with Flounder and Pompano. Rather than drown bait at the point I fished structure and brought back dinner each night. The weather was great, the fishing was fun, and the beach was relaxing. I fished from sunrise until 10am each morning. When I returned to the cottage my second breakfast was ready and waiting. Of course I had to sit on the beach and hold hands in the afternoon to keep my fishing pass active but what the heck. I ran into two spear anglers (divers). They said that the water in front of me was loaded with fish including Stripers, Sheepshead, Pompano, Black Drum, and 7-9 pound Grey Trout. Some people landed black drum up to 30” and nice size sheepshead. All species were feeding on sand fleas so I purchased a sand flea rack and started catching fish. I jigged for Pompano using a 7 footer with 6 pound test, #4 gold hooks, red bead, and a 1oz inline sinker to avoid tangles with rocks and grass. They were swimming within 100 feet of the beach between two grass beds about 200 feet wide. One diver speared a 28” flounder and a really big Pompano.

 

[reddog1]

LR,
THis may be a stupid question but were you fishing the open ocean or the bay side? Sounds like a great trip. Wouldn't mind heading down there myself. Can you give me some more info on where you stayed. Thanks

RD

 

[LongRanger]

Hi Reddog1,

I've never been asked a stupid question in my life. I fished the ocean side. I stayed the the Outer Banks Motel and fished along that beach. The water is loaded with fish. A father and son team that I met spent 3 days releasing Black Drum, Sheepshead and Pompano. I saw the fish being returned to the water. They would have filled my cooler. I skunked on cut bait that is why I switched. I also had hits on Ghost crabs. I got to the water just before sunrise with my sand flea scoop. I whacked the crabs on the head with the scoop and fished the parts. I missed the hook up but I know that the fish liked the bait. There were hundreds of people at the point and I only heard about 3 Cobia caught. There may have been more landed, but I chose to fish where I could be sure to get my fish on. From 4am - 9am on the Oregon Inlet bridge catwalk is also okay. You can catch Grey Trout to 9 pounds and Stripers using live spots for bait. After sunrise they are catching small Croakers and 6-12" spots for the most part. If I had more time I would have tried trophy fishing at the point or on the beach at Oregon Inlet. I hope that this helps.

 

[reddog1]

I appreciate the info, might just have to check it out.

Thanks again

 

[wizardude]

Great Report, and I like your style ....

I've been fishing the OBX for, let's see, about 36 years

Have yet to fish the "Point". I drive there and watch/BS with the guys sometimes, but it's a little too intense for my tastes. Usually do the same thing you did (at any motel) when I first arrive, just fish at the motel. It's simple, the bait are at your feet, and more often than not you bring fish back to clean. I like driving the beach, as does my girlfriend (who doesn't fish), so we just ride, find a secluded spot (here's where the people with dirty minds are starting to smile ) that looks fishy, relax and fish. Usually come back with all the fish we need. And, yes, most people cast out "way" too far.... Sounds like you had what I would call, a fantastic trip.


Question about the divers...... were they doing a beach entry or doing this from a boat??? I always take my snorkling gear, but have yet to take the full scuba set-up because the visability is usually not condusive to a lot of diving. Maybe I should re-think this a little for my trips down ........

 

[LongRanger]

Hi Wizardude,

We are on the same page. Most people that fish the point come home empty. I'll still fish the point but only after I catch a few for dinner. You don't need a tank, just take your snorkel gear. They entered from the beach early and late while the beach was empty. A few people landed Blues and Spanish at the point.