New Bern Fishing Report

April 4, 2017

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Around the haystacks we are seeing Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Drum (Drum, Red) taking MR 17s, Mud Minnows and plastics such as Zmans. At the Atlantic Beach Bridge there are all the Gray Trout (Weakfish) you can ask for and they are almost 3 pounds. Catch them on Sting Silvers, live bait, Mud Minnows or plastics. Railroad tracks are producing the same fish, especially around the high rise. The are some Drum (Drum, Black) mixed in as well. In the intracoastal the Eastman and Bell Creek are holding Speckled Trout and Drum. It’s a good idea to throw MR 17s and Yo Zuri 3D Minnows in Black/Green here. The MR 17s in Electric Chicken or Mardi Gras are best. In the back creek we are seeing tons of Trout however they prefer Mud Minnows as well as some artificial setups. Towards Gales Creek and Schoolhouse Creek, things are a bit slower however there are some Sea Trout to be caught on mud minnows with a cork. Topwaters and MR 17 will also produce. South River has been hot, Southwest Creek, Eastman Creek and Big Creek are all great areas to fish using the same setups. AR 315, 320, 330 will be holding Flounder (Flounder, Southern) that are taking Bucktails with 4 inch Gulp Shrimp. Mud Minnows will also be a great attractant. At the Rock Jetty around Cape Lookout there has been nice Bluefish up to 12 pounds. They can be caught using plugs and Spoons. Anglers are using Sting Slivers or metal jigs. Around Shark Island anglers are catching slot and bigger sized Drum. Some Drum are up to 50 pounds. Zman baits and bigger jigheads will work well. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – From the 330 and on there has been Black Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black), Squid will work well to hook them. Anglers on the East side of the Cape are jigging for Flounder (Flounder, Southern) with Bucktails. Black Sea Bass are here as well along with some Grouper (Grouper, Gag). You usually catch the Grouper on cigar Minnows. Outside anglers are weighing in good Wahoo while fishing the rise, Swansboro Hole to Big Rock. Medium Ballyhoo or artificials in purple/black or red/black will be best during the day.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

March 29, 2017

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – There are still some Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Drum (Drum, Red) hanging around this week. Most of them have been caught in the middle marsh and throughout the creeks and rivers. Fish the high, falling tide for the best bite. Artificials are working best as the bait is difficult to find. As the water is still chilly, work your presentation slow and suspended off the bottom. Saltwater Bait and Tackle is ready for the season! Stop in and check out the great products in store! Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Nearshore there is a nice run of Bluefish making an appearance. False Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny) and big Reds (Drum, Red) are swimming the shoals around the Cape. The past few days anglers are targeting Wahoo, Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin), a few Yellowfin (Tuna, Yellowfin) and a few Dolphin. Pulling skirted Ballyhoo has worked well however Wahoo are preferring dark colors on a planer. They are all swimming the stream.

BAIT REPORT – There hasn’t been a lot of baitfish however there is an abundance of small Shrimp being sighted in the creeks.


Saltwater Bait and Tackle
252-222-0670
www.saltwaterbaitandtackle.com

March 23, 2017

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Trout and Redfish are the ticket this week. Redfish (Drum, Red) are swimming around Shark Island. Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are in the back of the creeks. Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Southern) are in the turn basin. Puffers (Puffer, Smooth) and Bluefish are mixed in along the beaches. Bluefish are thick around the rock jetty at Cape Lookout, you can catch them out there all day long. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – The Wahoo and Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin) have been great offshore, just South of Big Rock. A few Yellowfin (Tuna, Yellowfin) are being caught as well which is producing a nice mixed bag of fish. Anglers are trolling Ballyhoo for the best bite.

BAIT REPORT – The recent cold temperatures have backed the bait off. There were some reports from around the shoals at Shark Island but they may be scattered now.


Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

March 14, 2017

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – So far this week the unfavorable weather has kept a lot of anglers off the water both offshore and inshore. We are eagerly awaiting more ideal fishing conditions so the bite will fire back up and anglers can safely hit the water. We expect to find Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) leaving the creeks taking popping corks with artificial Shrimp, MirrOlures or Vudu Shrimp. Drum (Drum, Red) were also starting to become plentiful before the recent front. They were in shallower creeks around structure. Bass (Bass, Striped) and Flounder (Flounder, Winter) may also be hooked in rivers taking Shad. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!






Freeman’s Discount Bait & Tackle
252-726-2607

March 6, 2017

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Well, the early Spring patterns have arrived and April fishing is already in place. Normally at this time of year we are lucky to find anything worthwhile on the surf however the Bluefish are already biting around Fort Macon State Park. Kastmasters and Jig Fish Lures are deadly setups to hook them. Cut Mullet and small Shrimp on Bluefish rigs are also a go-to this week. Mixed in the surf has been Puffers (Puffer, Smooth), Drum (Drum, Black) and Dog Sharks (Dogfish, Spiny). They are running the beaches but are a bit more scattered. Bait Shrimp, Mullet and Squid will hook them on the bottom. Everything is becoming far more active inshore this week. Redfish (Drum, Red) have been caught around Shark Island, backwater creeks and East Beach. They are schooled up in great numbers so as long as you can find a nice day with some good weather it shouldn’t’ be too difficult to find them, and when you do, they will be hungry! Trout (Seatrout, Spotted & Seatrout, Silver) are also showing up this week. The Specks are doing particularly well with all the warm weather. Anglers have been fishing the Haystacks, creeks in Bogue Sound as well as Adam’s Creek for a good bite. They are even as far as the Oriental area rivers. Most are already keeper sizes with very few having to be released. In terms of artificials, the MR 17, Yo-Zuri 3DS Jerkbaits, Zman Plastics and Gulp baits are key to hooking them. Of course, live Mud Minnows are almost always a killer setup. The Gray Trout have been caught more towards Beaufort Inlet towards the Turning Basin. If you are fishing the Beaufort High Rise Bridge or Railroad Tracks they seem to be swimming lower so bait Shrimp along the bottom has proved to be best in this area. There are quite a bit of Hogfish and Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Southern) mixed in. The Sea Mullet are actually providing a consistent bite already, especially towards the 18 and 19 Buoy and Beaufort Inlet. When you can get on a school of fish hook them with Sam’s Gitters rigs tipped with bait Shrimp or Fishbites. Gray Trout are loving this setup as well. Although the warmer weather has us getting used to an early bite, we are still surprised to see Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny & Bonito, Atlantic) being hooked already. Anglers are finding them between AR315 and the beach, schooled up in good numbers. The birds are a dead giveaway for their location so when you find them, hook them using Sea Striker Jig Fish Lures. Jigging the reefs with Sting Silvers is working well along with casting right into the schools. Towards AR330 Anglers are also finding keeper Sea bass (Sea Bass, Black) taking live Mud Minnows, Squid or Spro 2 oz bucktails tipped with 4 inch Gulp Shrimp. The farther out you go, the better the bite and size. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – It’s still been a bit tough to get offshore these days. The weather has been a bit hit or miss however there are a few nicer days to get out on the water. When anglers make it outside the Wahoo bite has been consistent, especially around Big Rock towards Swansboro Hole. These are typical hot areas for Wahoo in the Spring. Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin) are also being taken this week. Dolphin are a bit more scattered however the bite will only improve from here. If you can get your hands on some Ballyhoo, this will be the best bait to use. On the bottom, the Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black) bite is fantastic. Keeper Bass can be caught around 8 miles however the bigger fish are farther out from 25-35. Similar to nearshore, they are preferring live Mud Minnows, Squid or Spro 2 oz bucktails tipped with 4 inch Gulp Shrimp.

BAIT REPORT – If you are a live baiter you’re in luck this week. Shad (American & Hickory) are hot around the Pitch Kettle on Neuse River.


Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

March 1, 2017

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Southern) have shown up in the turning basin and inlet this week. Anglers are fishing using Speck Rigs with Shrimp. They are the main focus this week. The Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are biting well for anglers with boats that can get into the marshes and creeks. With the premature warm water they are firing up. Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are picking up. Puffers (Puffer, Smooth) and Black Drum (Drum, Black) have turned up off the beach. The pier is still closed so anglers are focusing on the surf bite. There are a handful of Spiny Dogfish are mixed in. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Bottom fishing is great on the offshore reefs. Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black), Triggers (Triggerfish, Gray) and Vermillion Snapper (Snapper, Vermillion) are biting in 50 – 60 feet of water and out. Farther out the Wahoo, Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin) and Sails (Billfish – Sailfish) are biting around the stream and Big Rock area.

BAIT REPORT – Bait are in the creeks and river. They haven’t made it into the basin or inlet yet. The numbers are good so it should be a good year for Mullet.


Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

February 21, 2017

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – A few Trout (Seatrout, Spotted), Black Drum (Drum, Black) and Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Southern) are here and there. Black Drum are around the Beaufort high rise bridge, port, trough and towards Neuse River. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black) are swimming from 8 miles offshore and out. There are plenty of Sea Bass along with Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) on the bottom farther out. Tuna (tuna, Bluefin) are being caught to the North and to the South of us.

BAIT REPORT – Bait is scarce at this time of year.


Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

February 14, 2017

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) along with Drum (Drum, Red & Drum, Black) are still turning up on Mud Minnows around the Haystacks. Surprisingly, a Flounder (Flounder, Southern) was caught, however it was very small. High tide is your best bet to head out and catch fish this week. Spiny Dogfish (Dogfish, Spiny), Black Drum and Puffers (Puffer, Smooth) have been caught around the upper beach areas. Bait Shrimp is your best bet to hook them. The turning basin, walls and under the bridges have been quiet. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Wahoo and Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin) continue to be caught around Big Rock. There hasn’t been any word on Bluefin (Tuna, Bluefin) this week.

BAIT REPORT – Bait is fairly scarce. There is some up in the back creek in the Intracoastal Waterway. The Mullet is there but scattered.


Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

February 8, 2017

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – With the cool water temperatures the Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Black Drum (Drum, Red) are quite lethargic and difficult to find. Your best bet is to head to places such as the marshes and haystacks to fish in shallow water on a warmer days. They will feed a bit better in these areas. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – This time of year is a bit slow for anglers. Anglers fishing offshore can hook up on a few Wahoo and Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin). Conditions during this time of year can make getting to the stream tough, but there’s plenty of




Saltwater Bait and Tackle
252-222-0670
www.saltwaterbaitandtackle.com

January 31, 2017

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Not a lot has changed from last week with the recent wind. Once things calm down we expect to see Black Drum (Drum, Black), Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Stripers (Bass, Striped). Stripers will likely be inside the Neuse River. Once things settle down we expect to see the bite return. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – At this time of year it’s sometimes anyone’s guess what anglers might hook when they head offshore. Tuna (Tuna, Bluefin) are hit or miss depending on whether or not anglers can actually get on the water. We hope to see them pick back up with more favorable conditions.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

January 24,2017

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – A few Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are hanging around with a handful of Black Drum (Drum, Black). They are around the Turn Basin, the Trout are in the Creeks. Stripers (Bass, Striped) are picking up in and around the Neuse River. Black Drum are being caught around Fort Macon. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Bluefin Tuna (Tuna, Bluefin) and bottom fish can be caught offshore this week.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

January 18, 2017

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – There has been a few Specks (Seatrout, Spotted) caught this week. They are beginning to pick up a bit despite the recent cold front that affected many fish. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – The Tuna (Tuna, Bluefin) are beginning to slow down a bit. They are still out there for determined anglers. The late January and early February bite should pick up.




Saltwater Bait and Tackle
252 222 0670
www.saltwaterbaitandtackle.com

January 11, 2017

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Hey anglers! In order to bring you valuable, up to date content such as regulations, GPS Hotspots, and BRAND NEW features the Pro Angler App Pro Reports will be returning the week of January 16, 2017. Please feel free to take a look at last week’s reports for an idea of what’s biting or give your favorite local bait shop a shout! The Pro Angler App looks forward to bringing you lots of exciting changes as we kick off 2017!






Pro Angler Team

January 3, 2017

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – We continue to see Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Drum (Drum, Black) caught into this week. Trout are still small but there are still some nice sizes brought in up to 4 lbs. Creeks and Rock Jetties at Radio Island and the banks are your best places to search. Puppy Drum (Drum, Red) are here and there. They are right at keeper sizes and smaller. Mud Minnows and MirrOlure 17MR are the most productive setups. Moving tide is the key to hooking them. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – If you can get out to the wrecks you can expect to see Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black) and bottom fish. Bluefin (Tuna, Bluefin) have been caught the past few days as well. They are producing a decent bite while trolling Ballyhoo. The birds will give the bait away and there should be some Tuna underneath.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

December 27, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Once the temperature cools down the bite will also slow down. We still expect to see a few Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) being caught along with a fair Drum (Drum, Red) bite. What is left will be mostly schoolies. The Flounder (Flounder, Southern) bite is beginning to taper off as they move out to the reefs. Very few are being hooked from the surf.

OFFSHORE – If the weather allows anglers to hit the offshore we are seeing some decent Wahoo turn up fairly consistently. Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin) are also mixed in around the stream. There are a few reports of Bluefin (Tuna, Bluefin) as well which will be opening in January. Head to Big Rock and just South of the area for the best fish.




Saltwater Bait and Tackle
252 222 0670
www.saltwaterbaitandtackle.com

December 19, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Things are slowing down now that the water is cooling down and the rain has been more frequent. Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Drum (Drum, Red) have continued to turn up. They are smaller now as the bigger sizes are moving out. Flounder (Flounder, Winter) are still being caught into this week. Most of them are being caught just off the beach on the artificial reefs. There is also some Flounder to be caught in the surf.

OFFSHORE – When anglers are able to get out the Wahoo have been fantastic. Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin) have also been caught. Anglers are heading out to the stream to hook them. Most of the fish have been hooked just south of Big Rock. Bluefin (Tuna, Bluefin) are around as well. Anglers are eagerly awaiting January to begin to harvest them.




Saltwater Bait and Tackle
252 222 0670
www.saltwaterbaitandtackle.com

December 15, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Specks (Seatrout, Spotted) are the main game in town with the water as cool as it is. Some Gray Trout (Weakfish) have shown up as well. Search the jetties, marshes and Cape Lookout. Bigger Trout are in the creeks. Schoolhouse Creek is doing well. You’ll have to put some time in to find keepers. Artificials such as Zman, Trout Tricks and Halo Shrimp are doing well to hook them. Drum (Drum, Black) can be caught off the surf. Some can be sight fished outside Cape Lookout. Flounder [Flounder, Southern & Flounder, Summer (Fluke)] are swimming the artificial reefs. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Some anglers are catch and release fishing Bluefin (Tuna, Bluefin) out off Cape Lookout. Troll Sea Witches with Ballyhoo. You can catch Wahoo the same way. The Sea Buoy to the Troller to the Barge Wreck is a great place to look for fish as bait and birds are working the water. Blackfin and Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny) are caught in the mix. Wahoo and Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin) can be caught towards the gulf stream if you can make it out.




Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

December 7, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – The Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Drum (Drum, Red) are still hitting well into this week. DOA Shrimp with a pinch weight has been doing well to hook them. Search 3-6 ft of water around the marsh lands to find them in the deeper holes. We expect the Stripers (Bass, Striped) to arrive soon. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Big Drum (Drum, Red) have been caught lately. Trout (Seatrout, Spotted), Black Drum (Drum, Black) and a lot of Skates (Skate, Winter) have been taken as well. Fresh cut Mullet and Shrimp are doing best. The night bite has been more productive for Drum. Sharks are always swimming. The high seas are keeping anglers inside this week.

BAIT REPORT – There’s some Menhaden in the water but Mullet are very scattered.


EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

December 1, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – The Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Drum (Drum, Red) are on fire this week. They are doing well chasing the Spearing. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Offshore is a bit slow as the fishing is difficult and the boats heading out are few and far between. There are still a few Wahoo and Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin) biting on the troll. There is surprisingly a good number of Sailfish (Billfish – Sailfish) being caught as well. They are fishing to the South around the rise and Swansboro Hole. Plenty of Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) are on the bottom which is typical of the time of year. Search roughly 50 ft of water and deeper. Closer inshore there are still False Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny) inshore. Bluefin (Tuna, Bluefin) are biting as well even though you can’t keep them.

BAIT REPORT – There aren’t much Shad along the beach but there are plenty of inshore Glass Minnows (Spearing).


Saltwater Bait and Tackle
252 222 0670
www.saltwaterbaitandtackle.com

November 23, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – The fishing is pretty good into this week. The Specks (Seatrout, Spotted) are biting in all the typical areas. The Haystacks North of the Morehead City Bridge as well as the rock jetties around Radio Island. They are also biting off the surf today. Trout over 21 inches are taking MirrOlures. The Cape Lookout Rock Jetty is limiting out on Grays (Seatrout, Silver) and Specks. Shrimp are working well to hook them too. The Jetty behind Shackleford is holding both Drum (Drum, Red) and Specks. Spot are coming off the bottom. Sea Mullet have picked up. Croaker (Croaker, Atlantic) and Hogfish are still biting. Black and Red Drum have been great all over. AR 315 in the morning has been great for Trout and Flounder (Flounder, Southern), Red Drum and Black Drum (Drum, Black). The other artificial reefs are also holding some decent fishing. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – The King (Mackerel, King) bite is on the East side. The water is a bit cold for them.

BAIT REPORT – Croaker are swimming this week.


Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

November 16, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – If you are an inshore fisherperson, this is the time to go. The local water temps are in the upper 50’s and declining slowly enough that the migratory patterns at this time of year are progressing normally. That means you’ll find lots of Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted), Redfish (Drum, Red), Flounder (Flounder, Southern), Black Drum (Drum, Black), Bluefish, False Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny), and Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Southern) in the locations that are well known and easily accessible by either boat or shore. The most popular and productive shoreline fishery is the beach on Radio Island towards the rock jetty at the end. You’ll find Specks and False Albacore biting on moving tides (in or out doesn’t seem to matter much). The Trout will bite on a soft plastic grub or Gulp shrimp on a jighead and the albies will hit a metal jig like a Stingsilver as they chase bait on the surface up and down the channel. More Specks can be found in the marshes like Haystacks, Middle and North River. They’ll be mixed in with Redfish and some nice keeper Flounder. In addition to soft plastics and Gulp, don’t overlook and popping cork and plastic shrimp. This rig is very effective at this time of year. In the turning basin and around the port wall there are Sea Mullet and some Gray Trout (Seatrout, Silver) in the channel. The easiest way to catch them is a three quarter inch piece of Fishbites bloodworm on each hook of a speck rig bounced along the bottom. Keep an eye on the birds. When you see them start to bunch together and dive into the water, there are Bluefish feeding. They’ll bite (and tear up!) just about anything. Any small metal lures like Sea Striker’s Jigfish or Casting Jig will last longer especially if you tie on a 6 inch bite leader of 40 or 50 lb mono. It is nice to see good numbers of trout back in the White Oak River and the marshes around Swansboro too. Don’t overlook the boat docks along the Intracoastal. The ones that have 3-5′ of water at low tide at their tips will hold Redfish, Black Drum, and Trout. Not every dock holds fish but once you find them there is usually a bunch of them. This is where a jighead and Gulp really works. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!






EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

November 9, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Inshore King Mackerel (Mackerel, King) fishing is just about as good as it gets, North West Places and East Side of Cape Lookout area is ON. Anglers have been reporting all the fish you want to catch at the NWP, most of the fish have been between 20 to 30lbs and larger fish coming from the East Side. It was so good over last weekend that anglers were only able to fish two rods because the hookups were coming so fast. What we’re seeing with the extended weather forecast, the bite shouldn’t stop anytime soon. Live Bait and Cigar Minnows rigged on Dead Bait Rigs have been working the best. Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny) fishing also has been crazy over the last week. Most of the fish have been hanging along the beach toward the Cape Lookout area. The largest groups of fish have been schooling up behind the shrimp boats that’s been working along the coast. A few days this week, it’s been every cast and really it didn’t matter what you were casting to them. The only bad thing about fishing behind the Shrimp boats is losing fish to the Sharks that are also feeding behind the working boats, so just keep that in mind. Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) fishing is still great, we haven’t seen fishing like this in the last few years. Last year, it was all no keeper fish now anglers have been coming by the shop with limits of 3 to 4lb fish and it’s not been very hard to do. The crazy thing about the bite. The water really hasn’t got cold yet when usually our Trout fishing is at its best. So as far as having a long season looks like we could see good fishing for quite awhile. Radio Island, Shackleford Banks, Haystacks, Core Creek, North River, Harker’s Island, Bogue Sound and Cape Lookout Rock Jetty all have been holding fish. Really, what we’ve been telling customers anywhere you’ve caught trout in the past there’s a good chance fish is in those areas to catch. As far as lures Z-Man, Gulp, Curly Tails, DOA, Vudu Shrimp, Betts Shrimp, Mirrolures, Rapala, Popping Corks really everything we have in the shop we’ve stocked for Trout has been working this year so far. We’ve seen this week where Live Shrimp has played a key role into catching fish when the bite shuts down, fishing under a Slip Float Rig or Popping Cork has been working the best with the Live Bait. We do have plenty of Live Shrimp in the tanks along with Mud Minnows ready for action. The bottom fishing for Spot, Sea Mullets (Kingfish, Southern) and Gray Trout (Seatrout, Silver) in the Turning Basin area has been pretty good this week. Last few days, we started seeing some good numbers of Spot move in. We’ve been waiting on them for over two weeks now. Nice sized Sea Mullets also are being caught along with all the Gray Trout you want to catch. Spec-Rigs tipped with Bait Shrimp and Fishbites have been working the best for the Gray Trout and Sea Mullets. For the Spots, Live Bloodworms, Fresh Shrimp and Fishbites fished on bottom rigs will get you into the action. There’s been some good action on the Red Drum (Drum, Red) up along Shark Island off the point of Cape Lookout. Pretty good schools of fish have been in the area over the last week. Most of these fish have been upper slot to over slot fish, Berkley Gulp is hard to beat when targeting these ocean fish. In the backwaters there’s been plenty of small Red Drum to catch but what we’re seeing the larger fish have made the push toward the ocean. Flounder is apparently on the move to the ocean because we’ve weighed some very nice fish in the 3 to 6lb range from AR315 this week. Jigging a Spro Bucktail tipped with 4 inch White or Glow Gulp is the ticket when targeting Flounder (Flounder, Southern) on the reefs. There’s still Flounder hanging around the Port Wall to be caught, so take advantage of this beautiful fall weather and target the Flatties. They are beginning to pick up. From the surf we can report Black Drum (Drum, Black), Red Drum, Sea Mullets, Bluefish, Spots plus a few Flounder from the beach and piers. Not a lot of any just a mixed bag of fish. For the bottom action most anglers are using Fresh Shrimp, Bloodworms and Mullet which we have in-stock at the shop. Still not heard of any solid report of Speckled Trout yet, water’s just not quite cold enough. But when it drops we should see all the fish we’re catching on the inside move right out along the beaches. At times the piers and surf anglers are seeing some action from the Albacore when they come in close enough to get lures to them. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Wahoo fishing still remains good. We weighed some of the largest fish we’ve seen all year. Last weekend, a 94 lb fish along with an 80lb Hoo (Wahoo) came to the scales. Most of the action has been from the Rock down toward the Swansboro Hole. This month is usually the month when the really big fish push in and that’s what we’re starting to see. We weighed a 60lb fish just the other day that was caught at the North West Places, that’s getting pretty close in for a big Hoo like that. Anglers also are catching a few Dolphin, Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin & Tuna, Blackfin) mixed in. The bottom fishing has been great this week, Capt. Chris had one of the best days he’s had all year at the bottom fishing ground this week. Nice Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black), Snappers (Snapper, Gray) and Groupers (Grouper, Gag) filled the coolers, they were actually turning back fish. Most of the best action seems to be East of the Cape in the 20 to 30 mile range but some action is closer in than that.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

November 2, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – We’ve been seeing some of the best Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) fishing that we’ve seen in a few years. Last year, was way off with the cold winter before but this year so far is making up for it. Anglers are reporting plenty of keeper fish and just this week we’ve weighed quite a few over the 5lb range with the largest being right at 8lbs. Usually, we don’t see our big fish until the water really cools down so, who knows how good the fishing might get. Anglers are having no problem catching all the 2lb to 3lb fish they want, limits of nice keeper size fish haven’t been an issue so far this fall. Hot spots have been all the Rock Jetties, Cape Lookout, Shackleford Banks, Fort Macon and Radio Island all are holding good numbers of fish. Also, the Haystacks, Core Creek, Bogue Sound, North River and Middle Marsh areas are holding good numbers of fish. I haven’t seen all that many in the Surf Zone quite yet but it’s still a bit early for that area to turn on. We have been telling anglers at the shop if you’ve caught Trout in an area in the past there’s a very good chance you’ll find fish there now. As far as, what’s been working the best – lots of baits are getting the job done. Z-Man Trout Tricks, Paddle Tails and Jerkshads have been working well, along with Berkley Gulp Shrimp, Mullets and Jerkshads. Artificial Shrimp like DOA, Halo Shrimp Z-Man and Storm all have been producing. As far as hard baits Mirrolures seem to be working the best. Live Shrimp under the cork has been a sure bet to catching fish, at the Cape Lookout Jetty from what we’ve seen Live Shrimp seems to be working the best. We have a good supply on hand for the weekend, along with Live Mud Minnows which a trout will eat too. Red Drum (Drum, Red) action has been mixed in with all the Speckled Trout, just this week there’s been some schools of fish up around the Shark Island area that we used to see. I talked to one customer that caught all he wanted to catch there the other day. The Reds were biting so good anglers were catching them on a bare Jig Head. Tim, from the shop caught a few at the Cape Lookout Jetty this week while trout fishing. Also, we’re still seeing good action in the Marsh areas like Haystacks and Core Creek. Flounder (Flounder, Southern) fishing has been good this week, in the last few days we’ve weighed 3 fish over the 6lb mark. Most of the action has been coming from the Port Wall and Coast Guard Station. I’ve been getting a lot of calls about if the season is closed, the answer is it’s OPEN and nothing has changed with the limits so you can keep them as of now. I’ve not heard that much from the AR Reefs because most have been fishing on the inside but I’m sure there’s fish there to catch but it’s hard to beat that Port Wall area this time of the year. The phone’s been ringing about if the Spots have shown up yet, yesterday I got the best report we’ve had all Fall. I talked to one angler that caught over 100 fishing in the Turning Basin area. From what I could tell, they are hanging more in front of the Port, not back toward the Inlet area. It’s hard for a Spot to turn down Live Bloodworms, Fresh Shrimp or Fish bites. I’m in high hopes from what we’ve seen over the last few days this is the start of the run and we’ll get a good week or so of fishing for them before they move out. Got a good report from our friend Sam yesterday that makes the famous Sam’s Gitter Spec Rigs. He was telling me around the coast guard station area he caught 20 very nice Mullets (Kingfish, Southern), just in a short time of fishing. Of course Sam Gitters tipped with bait shrimp was the ticket. The anglers fishing for the mullets have been seeing all the Gray Trout (Seatrout, Silver) you’d want to catch. Fishing a Spec-Rig on the bottom with bait shrimp or jigging a Stingsilver you should have no problem finding plenty of action. Some have reported back catching two 3lb Gray Trout at a time. I think it’s safe to say the Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) have moved on but there’s plenty of Bluefish and Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny) still in the area to catch. This week with the good weather anglers have been having a ball up around Cape Lookout area on the Albacore. Nothing better than a 15lb Albacore on light tackle, it’s for sure some drag screaming action. King Mackerel (Mackerel, King) fishing has picked back up since the storm. Over the last few days the bite has been getting back like what we’re used to seeing in late October. I know of a few boats that really caught them good yesterday not too far off the beach. I’ve not been hearing any for sure location since the last King event of the year is coming up this weekend, so everyone is staying tight lipped. We weighed a 60 lber yesterday but promised not to post until the event is over on Saturday because they got a lot of money on the line. Hopefully, we’ll see the North West Places fire off like we have in the past few years, with loads of fish being caught. From the piers and surf we are still seeing good numbers of Bluefish off the piers, along with some Albacore, still a stray Spanish now and then but most of them have moved south for the year. We have been waiting on the Speckled Trout bite to fire off on the piers and beach but it just hasn’t done so yet. The water’s still too warm to really push the fish to the ocean. But with all the Speckled Trout we’re seeing in the backwaters when it happens we should see some really good action along the Surf Zone. As far as the bottom feeders we’re seeing a mix bag of Spot, Sea Mullet, Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Hogfish and Puffers (Puffer, Smooth). Also, we’re seeing some really nice Red Drum being caught along the beach up to 40 inch range. Most of the Drum bite has been on Fresh Mullet and we have it in-stock and will have plenty until the Surf Fishing slows down. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Not a lot has changed into this week. Chasing Tales has reported that the bite from the weekend has carried into this week and is not too shabby so far! The Bluewater fishing still remains pretty good, just not many boats heading out. There were some nice catches this week of Wahoo, few Yellowfin Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin) and seeing some Dolphin moving back south for the winter. Most of the action has been out around the Big Rock area and down toward the Swansboro Hole area. Looks like the weather is going to be nice on Saturday so it should be some good fishing going on. Bottom fishing still remains the same with good fishing on the Grouper (Grouper, Gag), Snapper (Snapper, Gray) and Black Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black).

BAIT REPORT – The phone’s been ringing about if the Spots have shown up yet, yesterday I got the best report we’ve had all Fall. I talked to one angler that caught over 100 fishing in the Turning Basin area. From what I could tell, they are hanging more in front of the Port, not back toward the Inlet area. It’s hard for a Spot to turn down Live Bloodworms, Fresh Shrimp or Fish bites. I’m in high hopes from what we’ve seen over the last few days this is the start of the run and we’ll get a good week or so of fishing for them before they move out.


Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

October 26, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – The Drum (Drum, Red) has been hitting well along with the Specks (Seatrout, Spotted) this week. Harkers Island Bridge and Radio Island have been great areas to search using Mullet and soft plastics. Artificials that mimic a Mullet will work well. The incoming tide has been more productive. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny), Bluefish and Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) are swimming near shore this week. They are within 10 miles. Epoxy jigs have been great to hook them along with trolling spoons in the early morning. Search under the birds to find them.

BAIT REPORT – Menhaden are swimming with a few Mud Minnows and Shrimp. Search the inlets and creeks to find them.


Chadwick Brothers Bait & Tackle
252-838-1336
www.downeastkayaks.com

October 19, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Fishing has been good despite the water. The Specks and Puppy Drum are doing well. The masses are at Radio Island Rock Jetty fishing live Shrimp or soft baits. Spot have just started to take off. We are seeing decent numbers and okay sizes at the drawbridge, Radio Island Pier and the turning basin. Pier fishing has been great for Specks (Seatrout, Spotted), Drum (Drum, Red), Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Spot and Flounder to 7 lbs. Flounder are also on the docks in Beaufort. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Nearshore bottom fishing for Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) and Grouper (Grouper, Gag) is hot, especially in the morning. Offshore the Yellowfin (Tuna, Yellowfin) and Mahi (Dolphin) bite is great. Wahoo and Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin) have also been caught.




Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

October 12, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – The area is a bit mixed up from the recent storm. The inshore waters are still a bit dirty into this week. There are some anglers catching Trout (Seatrout, Spotted). Areas with moving, cleaner water are where you’ll find them. Artificials such as MirrOlures and Gulp are catching them. A few anglers have headed to the nearshore for Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) and Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny). It will take a week or so for conditions to flush out. The bite should pick back up in time for the fall season. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!



BAIT REPORT – Menhaden are swimming the beaches.


Down East Kayaks / Chadwick Brothers Bait & Tackle
252-838-1336
www.downeastkayaks.com

October 5, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – We are seeing 3 lb Bluefish turn up this week. Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Southern) have also been caught along with Flounder (Flounder, Southern) and Black Drum (Drum, Black). There are no signs of Red Drum (Drum, Red) so far. The water temperature is still a bit warmer than usual. Pompano (Pompano, Florida) and Jacks (Jack, Crevalle) are swimming the surf. Nearshore we are seeing decent Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny) and a strong Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) bite. The King (Mackerel, King) bite is really good just outside the inlet. As of right now, the fishing is great. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – The bite has been strong for Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin) and Sailfish (Billfish – Sailfish). We’ll just have to what happens with this storm.




Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

September 28, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – The inshore is holding Redfish (Drum, Red) and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) that are hitting Topwaters. Live Mud Minnows and Shrimp are productive. Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are on the Fort Wall along with some Puppy Drum as well. Old Drum are moving out and can be caught off the beach. Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) and Blues (Bluefish) are running inside the inlet just up along the beaches. Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny) are mixed in. Small Spoons, Gotcha Plugs or trolling Clarkspoons are most productive. Diamond Jigs will also work. Spanish, Blues and Albies are in the nearshore as well. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Kings (Mackerel, King) are starting to show up. The Wahoo bite has been really good. Blackfin and Yellowfin (Tuna, Blackfin & Tuna, Yellowfin) are just arriving. The bottom fishing is good for Triggers (Triggerfish, Gray), Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black) and American Reds (Snapper, Red). You can’t keep the Reds but there has been a lot caught along with Grouper (Grouper, Gag).




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

September 21, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Flounder (Flounder, Southern) and Red Drum (Drum, Red) are biting well despite the weather. Search the bridge, Brown’s Island and by Cape Lookout. They are also towards Morehead. The best bite is during the incoming tide. There hasn’t been too much on Spot however they should be on their way. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – There has been Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny) and Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) under birds and bait balls in the early morning this week. The weather has made getting offshore tough. We hope to see typical Fall fishing soon.




Down East Kayaks
252-838-1336
www.downeastkayaks.com www.chadwickbrosmarine.com

September 14, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are hitting more and more in the area lately as the water begins to cool down. Anglers can work the beach to find them. Mud Minnows are working well to hook them. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!






Pumpkin Center Bait and Tackle
910-238-4572

September 6, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Now that the weather has calmed down a bit we are beginning to see the bite pick back up. Drum (Drum, Red) are biting in the river. There are some Flounder (Flounder, Southern) mixed in this week. The port wall is a great area to search for them. Generally live Minnows work well for the Flounder. The Drum will take baits under popping corks and if you are using live bait you’ve got a better chance. Finger Mullet or Shrimp are usually great choices. The sizes are varied so far however we hope to see bigger Drum as we move into the fall. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – We hadn’t heard from anyone headed offshore as the water has just calmed back down.




EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725

August 31, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Flounder, Sheepshead, Drum (Drum, Black) and Redfish (Drum, Red) are biting this week. Flounder are scattered so far due to the warm water. The North River Marshes, Browns Island and the jetty to the Cape are all producing. Everything is a bit slow with the high temperatures. Bluefish and Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) are biting off the beach this week in between 15-35 ft. Anglers are throwing spoons to hook them. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!






Chadwick Brothers Bait & Tackle
252-838-1336
www.downeastkayaks.com www.chadwickbrosmarine.com

August 24, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – There’s lots of surface activity around the inlets now. Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish), small Kings (Mackerel, King), and Bluefish are chasing small bait fish on moving tides consistently. Trolling or casting, the key thing is to match the size of the bait being chased. Too big a lure means fewer bites. A very effective method to catch them is to live-line or troll very, very slowly a finger Mullet or small Menhaden. Inshore, now is the time to fish a popping cork-and-plastic Shrimp or throw a topwater bait such as a Top Dog Jr., Skitterwalk, or Zara Spook Jr. for Redfish (Drum, Red) and Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted). The topwater bite is an early one and will slow down as the morning progresses. Live Shrimp on a circle hook and carolina rig worked around boat docks and oyster rock is hammering the Puppy Drum, Specks, Flounder (Flounder, Southern), Black Drum (Drum, Black), and Sheepshead right now. The best place to find them is around any dock with about 4 feet of water at the end. The best time seems to be the last hour of outgoing tide and the first couple of hours of incoming. The old Drum fishery is now underway on the Neuse. However you fish them, with a big popping cork or with dead bait and an Owen Lupton rig (legally required if you’re fishing with bait), look for schools of baitfish over shoals in about 12 ft of water. Bear in mind that these are spawning fish and our future redfish fishery is wholly dependent on this activity. Take care to fight the fish quickly, handle it as gently and as little as possible, and release it immediately. We’ve seen what over-zealous sport fishing has done to cobia regulations. Nuff said. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – The nearly continuous southwest wind and hot weather have subsided this week. The fishing is starting to show some of the fall patterns. Offshore, it has been sloppy but trollers are catching Mahi (Dolphin), Wahoo, and Blackfin Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin) along the western edge of the gulfstream. Billfishing has been inconsistent. In a little closer, King Mackerel (Mackerel, King) is the hot bite. Slow trolling live Menhaden or any other small fish (6-10 inches) over live bottoms or wrecks should draw lots of strikes. In addition, there’s Amberjacks (Jack, Amberjack Greater), Sharks (Shark, Blacktip & Shark, Bull), and Barracuda (Barracuda, Great) to keep things interesting. The same wrecks and bottom structure are holding a variety of bottom fish – Beeliners (Snapper, Vermillion), Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray), Porgies (Scup), Grunts (Grunt, White), and Black Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black) that will greedily consume any dead bait you can get down to them on a bottom rig with enough weight to hold bottom. Four to eight ounces should do it. For a better quality catch of the same species, try dropping a jig – either a metal one or a big bucktail tipped with a Gulp shrimp – and bounce it down there. The best part of this technique is you never know what will bite and it could be really big!




EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

August 17, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Anglers are catching Puppy Drum (Drum, Red) and Flounder (Flounder, Southern) inshore this week. There are some great fish in the sound. Cape Lookout has been holding fish as well. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – Wahoo are swimming offshore this week. There are some scattered Mahi (Dolphin) as well.

BAIT REPORT – Bait are scattered this week and has not been easy to find.


EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

August 9, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – The fishing has been a bit tough this week. Anglers are heading to the creek for Drum (Drum, Red). Use live bait to search for Flounder (Flounder, Southern) under the bridges. The port wall has also been effective. The reef has been fairly slow. Undersized Flounder are coming off the surf and turning basin. Fishing the docks in the ICW and Taylor’s Creek is a good bet. Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) have thinned out however some outings are producing decent numbers trolling the beaches towards the inlet. Clark spoons are always a good idea to pull. Sheepshead are slow this week but Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Southern) are turning up on the surf and while bottom fishing from the boat. Bluefish are sporadic but there’s tons of small Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black) and Gray Trout (Weakfish) that are being caught. Specks (Seatrout, Spotted) are right under the Atlantic Beach Bridge. Fish the pilings and lights using live Finger Mullet or DOA jerkshads. Some are keepers. Tourists are going after Sharks (Shark, Blacktip & Shark, Spinner & Shark, Atlantic Sharpnose). They are always fun. It’s been too rough to head offshore. Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!



BAIT REPORT – Pinfish are out of hand with this heat.


Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

August 3, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Flounder (Flounder, Southern) is doing well this week along with Red Drum (Drum, Red). The big bull Reds are showing up as well around the beach and towards Pamlico Sound, Cedar Island and South River. Oriental is also holding good sizes. Sheepshead are consistently strong this week. Down East Kayaks has all the bait you’ll need to keep the fish on your line! Pro Angler App Users – Tap a fish listed below the report for more angling tips and tricks!

OFFSHORE – There are some Kings (Mackerel, King) being caught farther out this week. They are between 5-10 miles. There are some Dolphin mixed in. Slow trolling Menhaden has worked well to hook them.

BAIT REPORT – There are good amounts of finger Mullet and Menhaden in the creeks this week. Shrimp can be cast netted as well.


Down East Kayaks
252-838-1336
www.downeastkayaks.com

July 27, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Closer to the beach in the 15-20 mile out range, there are lots of Kings (Mackerel, King). The east side of the Cape Lookout shoals gets a little less pressure and the fishing is a bit more productive. The bait can be found around the live bottoms like the 30-Minute and 1700 Rocks and where you find bait, you’ve found the Kings. In addition, the wrecks such as the Portland, Russian tanker, and Caribe Sea hold good numbers of large Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) and Amberjacks (Jack, Amberjack Greater) as well as Flounder (Flounder, Southern). Get a white, 2-3 ounce bucktail tipped with a 4 inch Gulp shrimp and drift slowly near the wrecks and you’ll be amazed at what you can catch. Inshore, the key is moving water. In Beaufort Inlet, there are lots and lots of Bluefish active on every incoming tide and further inshore the Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Redfish (Drum, Red) will be in a feeding mood as long as there’s tide moving. They key to finding them is locating structure (boat docks, oyster rocks, seawalls, pilings) where there is about 2-4′ of water and a good current. Live bait (Shrimp or Finger Mullet preferred) and a short carolina rig is a good combination. This is great time to be fishing a plastic shrimp-and-popping cork on a 24 inch leader. There have been reports of some big old Drum being caught on the lower Neuse. That’s the next big bite to occur locally. Stay tuned.

OFFSHORE – We’re in the middle of a typical summer fishing pattern currently. There’s good action just about everywhere you look. The water temps are in the mid 80’s offshore and the ocean is still grassline and debris free. That means trolling the temperature breaks and deep structure for Mahi (Dolphin), Wahoo, and Billfish (Billfish – Marlin, Blue). There are a lot of Sailfish (Billfish – Sailfish) out there now. Closer in, the live bottoms, ledges, and humps have lots of bottomfish on them in the 90′-120′ depths. Bottom fishing with live or dead bait will catch lots of Snappers (Snapper, Gray), Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray), Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black), Grunts (Grunt, White), Sharks (Shark, Bull), and Porgies but if you try vertical or butterfly jigging you’ll pick up Grouper (Grouper, Gag), Amberjack (Jack, Amberjack Greater), and King Mackerel (Mackerel, King) in addition to bigger bottom fish.




EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

July 20, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Sheepshead are holding up around the railroad trestle. Anglers are catching nice Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) on live bait over artificial reefs this week. Finger Mullet or small Menhaden are working. Farther out and on the same reefs the Aj (Jack, Amberjack Greater) and Cuda (Barracuda, Great) bite is great. Nice size Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are caught while bucktailing here as well. Specks (Seatrout, Spotted) are great in the marshes and they have some nice size to them as well. Popping corks and topwaters like a skitterwalk in the early morning or late evening has been successful.

OFFSHORE – A good Wahoo and Sailfish bite has come in from offshore so far. Assorted Summer bottom fish including Spot, Croaker, Stingray, Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Southern), Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Sharks (Shark, Blacktip & Shark, Bull), Skates (Skate, Winter), Hogfish, Pinfish and Sand Perch (Surfperch, Sand) have also shown up on the nearshore wrecks. Pieces of cut Shrimp on a double bottom rig is doing well to hook them.




Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

July 15, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – While the 4th has come and gone, the heat and humidity will be here for a while. It is great for a day at the beach, but not so good for fishing. Candidly, it has been just an average, if that, fishing season so far. Inshore, the Redfish (Drum, Red), Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are still widely scattered in their usual places, the creeks, boat docks, marshes, Intercoastal, and channels but they are mostly undersized fish. The water temps and salinity levels are rising, so some of the Florida species have arrived here. Ladyfish and Jack, Crevalle are great sport fish, tremendous fighters but definitely not edible. Around the inlets, you’ll find schools of small Bluefish mixed with Spanish Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish) and an occasional King Mackerel (Mackerel, King). If you see them chasing schools of baitfish on the surface, try casting a small metal jig like a Stingsilver, or Sea Striker’s diamond jig or Jigfish. Size matters here so make sure the lure is as close to the size of the bait they’re eating. Usually, anything over a half ounce and 3 inch long is too big. Color is not important as long as it’s chrome or silver.

OFFSHORE – The best action remains nearshore on the reefs, ledges, and live bottoms in 60-90 ft of water. Bottom fishing with live or dead bait on a 2-hook bottom rig will get a bite on almost every drop once you’re on the structure. There’s a great variety of good-eating fish like Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray), Grouper (Grouper, Gag), Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black), Porgies, Grunts (Grunt, White), and Snappers (Snapper, Gray), plus enough Sharks (Shark, Bull) to make pests out of themselves. The seasons, size limits, and bag limits are sort of complicated so be sure to have a current copy of the NC Fisheries regulations with you for reference. Instead of bait fishing, try jigging with 2-3 ounce bucktails tipped with Gulp shrimp or bouncing a 2-4 ounce metal jig on the bottom. You’ll find yourself catching better-sized fish along with a few surprise species.

BAIT REPORT – This time of year, live bait really works well and there’s lots of that around to net. Small Menhaden (peanut bunker), Finger Mullet, and Shrimp are in shallow water along the creeks just about everywhere. Use a shorter version of a carolina rig with about 12-15 inches of 20-30 lb mono leader.


EJW Outdoors
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

July 6, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – In the Sound we are seeing a good Bluefish bite this week. Anglers are trolling for Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) on the inside and outside the Ocracoke Inlet. A few Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and some small Stripers (Bass, Striped) have been brought in from the Sound side. Grey Trout (Seatrout, Silver) are coming out of the channels in the inlet. They are easily stocking up on some great sizes. Anglers are switching from Cobia to Drum. The night trips for Drum have been productive while the Cobia seem to have moved out. The surf is slow but there are Bluefish that can be caught on artificial lures such as Surf Dart Minnows. There have been no reports of Drum (Drum, Red) yet. Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are popping up in the surf and the sound. A few Pompano (Pompano, Florida) can still be found but they are scattered. Drum (Drum, Black), Trout and Bluefish are the main targets this week.

OFFSHORE – Anglers are fishing the wrecks for Tilefish (Tilefish, Blueline) and Ajs (Jack, Amberjack Greater) this week. Mahi (Dolphin) have been good with a couple Gaffers having come in.




Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

June 28, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) and Bluefish are near the beaches. There are Flounder (Flounder, Southern) on the nearshore AR’s (285, 315, 320, and 330), but conditions make it impossible to set up a good drift over them. Likewise for bottom fishing. Precise anchoring over a good area is difficult and very rough if the anchor holds. Getting out of the wind means fishing inshore but if can find calmer water, the wind has stirred up the bottom so much most of the nearby creeks and marshes are too muddy or too filled with debris to fish effectively. Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Redfish (Drum, Red) are around but the current conditions call for either scented or live baits. Gulp on a jighead is a great choice. Be sure your jig is heavy enough that the wind doesn’t blow a big bow in your line. Suspend it about 24-30 inch below a popping cork (concave head) and you’ve got two attractors, smell and sound.

OFFSHORE – The big story this week is wind. Lots of it. It started blowing during the latter days of the Big Rock Tournament and is not forecasted to let up through the balance of this week. The boats that are either big enough or anglers tough enough to get out (better to err on the side of safety and respect for ocean) will find pretty good fishing for the usual summertime species Mahi (Dolphin), Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin), and Wahoo offshore.

BAIT REPORT – Good live baits at this time of year are finger mullet and small menhaden, frequently called peanut bunker fished on a carolina rig. Let the rig drift with the current or cast-and-retrieve it as you would a lure. The nearby water with your best chance of finding some out of the wind creeks are the New River downstream from Jacksonville and the Neuse downstream from New Bern on the Oriental side all the way to Lower Broad Creek


EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725

June 21, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) fishing remains good along the beaches – it’s been rough in the ocean for our charters this week so, our Captains have been fishing inside the Hook at Cape Lookout and inside the Beaufort Inlet behind Shackleford Banks. Action wasn’t as steady as we’ve been seeing in the ocean but anglers are having no problem catching enough for dinner. Trolling Clarkspoons on planers have been working the best with the rougher water conditions. Looks like some north winds are coming in for the weekend which will make the beaches flat but it depends on how hard the winds blow if you’ll be able to make it out the inlet. I guess, we’ll just have to wait and see how bad it gets. If it’s blowing over 20 knots the inlets can get pretty bad on the incoming tide so, just keep that in mind this weekend. One thing I can report, we’ve been weighing some nice Sheepshead over the last few days. It seems like we’re a few weeks behind schedule, as this time last year the bite was great. I did talk to some anglers this week that are starting to see better numbers of fish and bigger fish. So, the bite will get better and better with the water warming up even more. The High Rise Bridges, Port Wall and Docks along the waterway will all be good places to look for some action. Live Sea Urchins and Live Fiddler Crabs will be the go to bait and we have both in-stock ready to temp the convicts. Shark fishing has been crazy this week! The key to it has been find the shrimp boats working just off the beach and you’ll find all the action you can stand. I talked with one of our shrimpers and he said the other day a soda can blew out of his boat, he was going to scoop it up with a net and before he could a huge 150lb shark came out of the water and ate it. Just keep in mind the shrimpers are working so, give the boats room plus respect then you should have no issues except drags screaming. Cobia fishing is still really good but the select 3 days of being allowed to keep fish with the new rules that the DMF put on us has really made it hard to fish for them. It seems like the days you can keep the fish it’s too windy to fish for them and the days you can’t keep one it’s nice. Just yesterday, I was talking with a customer that was telling me last Friday he was seeing fish all over the place but again Friday isn’t a keep day so he didn’t even try to catch one. Flounder (Flounder, Southern) fishing has gotten better on the inside waters this week. A few customers caught keeper fish by drifting the waterway, fishing around the bridges and port area with Live Minnows and Gulp baits. The AR reefs still have good numbers of fish around them, it’s getting a little harder to catch them as the fish have started to spread out more, just a month ago they were all stacked up making them easy prey when you found them. Spro 2oz and Sea Striker 2oz Bucktails tipped with the famous 4inch Berkley Gulp White Shrimp has been the best along with Live Minnows. We’ve been seeing some good backwater fishing this week, Red Drum and few Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted). The Trout haven’t been in huge numbers but we have weighed two fish just this week over 5lbs, which is great for this time of the year. There’s been a few starting to show up at night under the lights at the AB Bridge also caught on Live Shrimp. The other fish being caught in the marsh and grass areas have been coming off Top-water lures. As for the Red Drum (Drum, Red), I got a couple of good reports from the Core Creek Marsh area with some anglers saying they have been seeing more fish now than all season. Anglers having the best luck on the Reds, have been using Live Minnows, Live Shrimp or Cut Bait fished on popping corks and off the bottom around oyster bars and grass banks. From the piers and surf anglers are catching a mixed bagged of fish off the bottom, we’ve gotten into our summertime pattern now. Spots, Sea Mullets (Kingfish, Southern), Hogfish, Bluefish, Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Drum (Drum, Black), Skates (Skate, Winter) and Sharks are all possible when fishing off the bottom. Bait Shrimp, Squid, Mullet are all good choices when trying for the bottom feeders. Surf anglers are starting to catch some Flounder in the Surf Zone but not that many keepers yet, Live Mud Minnows fished on a Carolina Rig will get you the best results. Spanish and Bluefish action has been good off the piers early and late in the day, a Red/White and White/White Got-Cha Plug will get you some action when the fish come through feeding.

OFFSHORE – Not many boats have been Dolphin fishing this week, since the majority have been chasing that Million Dollar Blue Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, Blue). The Billfish bite hasn’t been red hot but there’s been I think 6 or so Blue Marlin brought to the scales in the past few days with the largest topping the 600 lb mark. With the weather going down the tubes, going into the last two days of fishing I’d say that it’s going to be very hard to beat. As for the meat fish anglers, they are seeing some action between the 14 Buoy out to the Big Rock. This past weekend a few good reports were coming in that fish were caught as close in as the North West Places. The Dolphin are getting into their summertime pattern as they are spreading out and coming close to the beach making them harder to target. But it’s not bad being able to go just a few miles out either and get some good dinner.




EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725

June 14, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Big Rock week is here and it appears the big game crowd will have a good week weather-wise and hopefully some king-sized Blue Marlin (Billfish – Marlin, Blue) to show to the crowds. The early indications are a good bite offshore with Billfish (Billfish – Marlin, White & Billfish – Sailfish) and pelagics such as Tuna (Tuna, Yellowfin), Mahi (Dolphin), and Wahoo all being caught along the gulf stream currents. Closer in, the bottom fishing and jigging is really going good. Amberjacks (Jack, Amberjack Greater), Cobia, Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray), Black Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black), Snappers (Snapper, Gray), Grouper (Grouper, Gag), and Porgies can be taken in outstanding numbers all along the 90′ break that runs virtually along our entire coastline from Hatteras to Wilmington. That 90′ bottom is actually the ancient shoreline of the ocean millions of years ago. It is composed of limestone formations which are full of humps, dropoffs, ledges, living coral, and all sorts of fish. Once you get to 90′ stay at that depth and cruise it looking for bottom irregularities. Find them and you’ve found fish. It’s pretty easy. A secondary ancient shoreline is at 60′. Along it, you’ll find similar structure along with some of our artificial reefs. This fishery is a good place to drop a 2-ounce bucktail tipped with a 4 inch Gulp Shrimp to the bottom for Flounder (Flounder, Southern) as well as the other bottomfish mentioned earlier. The nicer, stable weather has brought better King Mackerel (Mackerel, King) fishing, too. Slow trolling Menhaden or virtually any other 5-8 inch baitfish will draw strikes from the Kings, Amberjacks, and Sharks. That 60′ depth is a good place to start, along with traditional areas like Big 10/Little 10 and Northwest Places. Along the beach, light tackle trolling with get you plenty of Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish). Just pull a small (size 00) Clarkspoon on 20-30′ of 30 lb mono leader behind a small trolling sinker or number 1 planer at about 6-8 mph and you should be able to catch a bunch of fish. Inshore, Big Rock week has always been the time when the Flounders show up in good numbers inshore. Drifting bait on the bottom (mud Minnows, finger Mullet, or peanut Bunker) using a carolina rig is the old standby technique.






EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725

June 7, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Nearshore, the Cobia are still here in good numbers and can be found cruising the beaches looking for bait balls all the way from the Cape to Bogue inlet. If you prefer fishing with bait (live or dead), try the mouths of both Barden and Beaufort on a moving tide. The most plentiful fish right now are Spanish Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish) and Bluefish and a fun way to catch them is trolling with light tackle. Use a 1-3 ounce trolling sinker, about 30′ of mono leader and a small (00 size) Clarkspoon and troll at about 6-8 mph in 20-40′ of water right off the beach. They aren’t schooling on the surface consistently yet. Lastly, the Flounder (Flounder, Southern) are settled in on the nearby AR’s 315, 320, and 330. A 2-ounce bucktail with a 4 inch Gulp shrimp attached drifted slowly on the bottom should get you some wonderful fillets. Remember that Flounder do not like high relief – the structure that sticks out way above the bottom – so keep clear of the sunken ships and bridge rubble and look for the reef balls and concrete waffles

OFFSHORE – Although Bonnie had very little impact locally, she did manage to scatter the fish. They’re still around the usual places, just not schooled up and feeding as much. That’s just a temporary situation fortunately. Offshore, the Mahi (Dolphin) bite remains the most consistent along with Blackfin Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin). The ocean has been remarkably clean this year with weedlines and floating debris very scarce. A good bet is bottom fishing or jigging the live bottom that is found consistently along the 90′ depth line. Your locator will show you some ledges and live bottom as you travel along at that depth. Amberjack (Jack, Amberjack Greater), Grouper (Grouper, Gag), Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray), Snappers (Snapper, Gray), Porgies, and Grunts (Grunt, White) will gobble up any sort of bait that gets down to them. The biggest fish will be caught on jigs, however.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

June 1, 2016

New Bern

INSHORE – Cobia are still coming to the scales this week, we haven’t seen the huge numbers we saw week before last but there’s still some fish to be caught. I did get word that there was a good number of fish seen this week off Wrightsville Beach just south of us so, we might just see another wave of fish come through. I remember last year, we saw the same thing before the fish moved out of the area. Of what, we’ve been weighing at the shop this week most of the fish have been caught around Beaufort Inlet and some even in the sounds. Both bottom fishing and sight fishing are producing results. I’m expecting to see Cobia caught for the next two weeks, before they really start to thin out. We are still putting up Fresh Caught Menhaden daily so, we always have the freshest available plus we still have some Live Eels left. Flounder (Flounder, Southern) fishing has been very good this week, one of our charter boats went out the other day to the reefs and came back to the docks with 13 nice fish. Also, other anglers are reporting good catches from the artificial reefs: 315, 320, 330 & 285 reefs are all holding fish. Spro 2oz Bucktails in White or Glow along with the Sea Striker Bucktails 2oz in White tipped with Berkley Gulp are hard to beat when fishing the reefs. Live Minnows fished on a Carolina Rig is the second choice of bait to put some Flounder in the cooler. There’s been a few caught around the Port area this week along with some in the inlet. Drifting with Live Minnows and Berkley Gulp will be a good choice to fish with in the inside waters. I know some giggers have been having good luck at night on the flats so that tells me there’s fish holding in the deeper areas during the day for anglers to target. Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) fishing has been great this week, good numbers of fish hanging around Cape Lookout and over on the East side of the Shoals. One of our Charter boats caught good numbers just this week casting Diamond Jigs and Glass Minnow Jigs. Also, trolling Clarkspoons along the beaches from Beaufort Inlet down the beach to the Double Tree Resort has been producing good numbers too. Clarkspoons trolled on #1 Planers have been getting the job done. Over the next few weeks, we’ll see some of the best Spanish fishing we’ll see all season, except late fall when they bunch back up. Good thing about the fishing now is the water hasn’t got real hot so the fish are feeding most of the day; not just early mornings and late evenings like we’ll see later on into the summer. There’s plenty of Bluefish in the mix also, good thing to keep in mind if you’re just catching Bluefish you might want to try speeding up your troll. But Bluefish is a very reliable fish to catch on most days if the action is slow on other types of fish. I’ve been getting some calls about Sheepshead fishing, not seeing all that much action yet. I feel like it’s due to the cooler water temps we’ve had so far but that could change very quickly. I remember back last year June was the best month we saw as far as big fish in numbers and that’s just right around the corner. We do have Live Fiddler Crabs In-Stock ready for anyone that wants to try his or her luck. Gray Trout (Weakfish, Sea Mullets (Kingfish, Southern), Hogfish, Croakers (Croaker, Atlantic), Bluefish will all be on the menu for bottom fishing around the Turning Basin area. Fishing with Bottom Rigs or Spec Rigs tipped with Bait Shrimp or Fish-bites usually will find you plenty of action. I can report some Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Reds (Drum, Red) being caught in Core Creek up to the Neuse River area. It’s been kind of slow but seems in just the last week anglers are seeing some better action. Anglers are already reporting good numbers of keeper trout in the rivers so, that could mean big things this fall. I had a customer show me a picture of a 28″ Speckled Trout caught just the other day in Bogue Sound while bottom fishing with bait shrimp, go figure. For the Red Drum best places to look will be up on the flats in the shallow water areas, the bait is around and they will be in feeding mode if you can locate them. Piers / Surf Bluefish are going crazy!! The last few days off the pier, anglers plugging Got-Cha Plugs have been having some great action. Also, Spanish are in the mix for anglers to have fun with. Most of the plugging action has been coming from the end of the pier. In the Surf all along the beaches, anglers are catching a mix of Drum (Drum, Black), really nice Pompano (Pompano, Florida), Bluefish, Sea Mullets (Kingfish, Southern), Puffers (Puffer, Smooth), Croakers, a few Flounder and Sharks. Bait Shrimp, Bloodworms and Squid on bottom rigs or Bluefish Rigs with Finger Mullet or Mullet will get you some action. As for the bottom fishing, we had the kids of the CTO Crystal Coast at the shop this past Sunday for some “Surf Fishing” lessons. Once, we made it to Fort Macon it’s wasn’t long before the kids were pulling in Sea Mullets, Pin Fish, Sharks, Puffer Fish and Croakers. Bait Shrimp fished on bottom rigs gave us plenty of action in a short amount of time fishing. They had a blast and a great afternoon of FUN.

OFFSHORE – The Bluewater action is still on fire. What we’ve seen this week, the Dolphin bite has picked back up. Last week, it was slower but it seems another wave of fish moved in and anglers have been taking full advantage of the good fish. Last Sunday, I know some boats brought 400lbs of fish back to the docks. Fishing has been good out around the Big Rock but some boats have had good luck between the 14 Buoy out to the 90ft Drop. Also, we’re seeing some Wahoo in the mix, not as good as it was but still boats are bringing them back to the docks along with a few Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin). Boats will be switching their focus off the meat fish in the coming weeks as the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is right around the corner to be held at the Morehead City Waterfront June 10th – 18th. It’s always an exciting time in town when this event is going on. Lots of money on the line for the anglers, most years the purse is over a million.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

May 24, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Pier fishing has been good. There are lots of Specks (Seatrout, Spotted) being caught along with a few Bluefish. They are becoming thinner. Really nice Drum (Drum, Black) are coming up, some puppies. Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Southern) are here and there, a couple at a time. Croakers, Hogfish, Pinfish, Skates (Skate, Winter), Rays and Sharks. Anglers are mainly focusing on the Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) up and down the beaches and in the shipping channel. From the surf we are seeing slow Bluefish, occasional Black Drum and some Pinfish. Gray Trout (Weakfish) are swimming inshore, especially under the Atlantic Beach Bridge. Cobia have also been a hot target for anglers. Most anglers are sight casting although some are bottom fishing with shad. Bucktails are best for sight casting with a curly tail grub. Not many Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) have shown up yet. The recent water temperature drop has slowed the King (Mackerel, King) bite.

OFFSHORE – When anglers can get out we are seeing great numbers of gaffer Dolphin, Wahoo and a few Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin) hooked up. Sailfish (Billfish – Sailfish) and a few Blues (Billfish – Marlin, Blue) have also been caught this week.




Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

May 18, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Flounder (Flounder, Southern) have finally started to be caught at the AR’s. Again, a 2-ounce bucktail and 4 inch Gulp shrimp (white is the color of choice for both) drifted slowly along the bottom is the best method. There are more and more reports of Spanish Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish). They’ll be at the shoals around Cape Lookout and along the beaches from Shackleford to Bogue Inlet. It seems like the bonito have moved over to the east side, and as the water temps climb, they’ll continue their northern movement. For now, look for them around the AR-285. Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Redfish (Drum, Red) are starting to feed actively in the marshes, creeks, and sloughs off the Intercoastal. That means topwater lures (Skitterwalks, Spook Jr’s., and Top Dog Jr’s.) and popping corks with plastic shrimp (DOA, Storm, Vudu, or Betts) work real good. Keep your leader about 24-30 inches long and for best results, use 20 lb fluorocarbon. There are reports of Cobia sightings and this coming weekend should see some brought to the scales for citations.

OFFSHORE – Our warm-water pelagics are back in good numbers offshore. Wahoo, Mahi (Dolphin), and Blackfin Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin) are around their usual areas from the Big Rock down towards the Swansboro hole. Trolled Ballyhoo gets their attention. Just remember that Wahoo like a fast-moving bait and trolling from 15-18 mph is sometimes needed to draw strikes. The nearshore ledges, live bottoms, and wrecks have good numbers of Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray), Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black), Snappers (Snapper, Gray), and Porgies to keep bottom fishermen real busy. For better quality fish plus a chance to hook an Amberjack (Jack, Amberjack Greater), King (Mackerel, King), or Blackfin, try bouncing a Roscoe Jr. or a 2-3 ounce bucktail tipped with a 4 inch Gulp squid right on the bottom. If the current isn’t pushing too hard, all you’ll need to jig effectively are lures in the 2-4 ounce range.




EJW Outdoors
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

May 12, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Oceanana Pier is still seeing some good Sea Mullet action, the best bite has been after the sun goes down into the night. Bottom Rigs tipped Bait Shrimp and Fishbites are working the best. Also, you’re going to catch Hogfish, Croakers, Puffer Fish and Black Drum (Drum, Black) while fishing on the bottom at the piers or along the beach. On top of that, there’s plenty of Bluefish to catch plugging Got-Cha Plugs off the piers. Also, anglers are starting to catch a few Spanish in the mix. Anglers are reporting there’s some Sheepshead showing up around the piers but bait has been hard to find to catch them with. We do have some Fiddler Crabs in-stock if you want to try your luck. I’ve not heard much on the Flounder yet just a few small ones being caught. Should start to see more and more as the water keeps warming up.

OFFSHORE – We still aren’t seeing those perfect weather windows but we’ve been taking what we can get and boats have been heading to the Bluewater. What we’re seeing right now, it looks like we are going to see a decent day this coming Saturday to head out. Last weekend, the Dolphin showed up in great numbers with anglers bringing lots back to the docks. Along with the Dolphins, Wahoo, Sailfish (Billfish – Sailfish) and (Tuna, Blackfin & Tuna, Yellowfin) Tunas are in the mix to be caught. Most of the action we’ve been seeing has been The Big Rock south and some action just north of the Rock. As the Dolphin move in you’ll start to find them at the 14 Buoy out toward The Big Rock. Trolling Ballyhoo is working well and we have both Bionic & Baitmaster in stock ready for action plus all the other offshore supplies you’ll need. Also, we’re seeing some good action on the bottom fish. Anglers were happy this past weekend being Grouper (Grouper, Gag) Season opened back up and there was some decent action on them. Along with Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray), Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black), Snappers (Snapper, Gray) and even a few nice Cobia were caught by the bottom boats. Most of the action has been 15miles to 40miles out. The deeper ledges in the 30 mile range seems to be holding the best Grouper action.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

May 3, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Another spring week has brought better fishing but we’ve still had to deal with the wind. The first of the week a north wind allowed anglers to hit the water. This weekend’s forecast is looking better for the Offshore anglers, so that means Inshore will be good too. This weekend, the forecast is calling for winds 5 to 15 Offshore giving the big boats an opportunity to head out to the Bluewater. Update – no reported Cobia yet but any day we’re expecting one to come to the scales. We’ve been hearing of menhaden bait balls and Sea Turtles, so get ready. Stop by the shop, we have all the tackle you need. Just yesterday, a customer fished a bait ball got a hook-up thought it was a Cobia but turned out to be a large old Drum (Drum, Black). Inshore / Nearshore The Turning Basin continues to produce very nice catches of Sea Mullets (Kingfish, Southern & Kingfish, Northern) and Gray Trout (Weakfish). Spec Rigs – Sam’s Gitters or Betts tipped with Fishbites/ Bait Shrimp is getting the best bite from the Mullets. The Grays can be caught on the same or by jigging a Stingsilver off the bottom plus a few Puffers (Puffer, Smooth) and Hogfish. You won’t have any problem catching a good mess for the dinner table or your cooler. Back in the creeks, the Haystacks and around the marsh you may come up on a school of Redfish (Drum, Red). The best bait to use is Gulp on a Jighead or Popping Cork, Live Mud Minnows or Cut Mullet. Reports of a few Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are being caught along with Black Drum. The Bluefish have made a good showing this week in the Beaufort Inlet and along the beach, plus Cape Lookout still has 3 to 4 lb Bluefish and Sea Mullet in the Inlet. The AR reefs out to the Hutton Wreck all have Flounder (Flounder, Southern) on them the ticket for the anglers is a 2 oz Spro or Blue Water Candy Jigs tipped with 4 inch White or Glow Gulp Shrimp. Also, real nice Bluefish in the 3 to 4 lb range are all around the reefs with schools of Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) showing up too, you have to be ready to cast a metal lure because they aren’t staying up too long. There’s plenty of Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black) hanging on the reefs too. Piers / Surf Piers – Anglers have enjoyed plugging Got-cha Plugs for the Bluefish this week. Plenty are out there to be caught in the 3 to 4lb range. The Sea Mullet bite continues to be very good along with Black Drum, Puffers, Hogfish, Puppy Drum even a few Sheepshead, small Flounder and Pompano (Pompano, Florida) have come over the rails. Bait Shrimp, Bloodworms, Finger Mullet, Cut Mullet, Squid, Menhaden are all good choices of bait along with Fishbites. Surf – Fort Macon and along the Surf is beginning to produce good catches of Bluefish, Black Drum, small Flounder, Sharks (Shark, Bull & Shark, Blacktip), Puffers and Redfish.

OFFSHORE – This week, Monday gave the offshore boats a chance to venture out to the Bluewater. Wahoo, Gaffer Dolphin, Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin), and Yellowfin (Tuna, Yellowfin) all were caught. Yesterday, another window opened up and boats returned with good catches. The Big Rock, The Rise and The Swansboro Hole seem to be best places right now. We have a good supply of Small, Medium, Large and Horse Ballyhoo in stock plus all the offshore lures you need. As for the bottom angler, Black Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black), Snappers (Snapper, Gray) and Grouper (Grouper, Gag) all are candidates to be caught and good limits are coming in the boats. Just a reminder Grouper Season opens May 1.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

April 26, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – The weather has certainly not been conducive to going fishing in the past weeks, but there are some fish biting, they’ll be lots of activity offshore, nearshore, and inshore. Right now, inshore is where things are happening, Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) activity has increased in the creeks of the Intracoastal, the local marshes, and the New River where reports of larger Specks being caught in the feeder creeks on MR-17’s. In the same areas, you can also find some Redfish (Drum, Red). They are being caught on soft plastic or Gulp jerkbaits on very light (1/16th to 1/8th ounce) jigheads or weighted hooks rigged Texas-style. Don’t overlook topwater lures and popping corks with plastic shrimp attached using a 24 inch-30 inch leader now that water has warmed considerably and there is lots of bait around. Also in the mix are some Flounder (Flounder, Southern), although they are still mostly sub-legal sized. Because so few boats have been out in the ocean, we’re still waiting for reports of the spring runs of large Bluefish, Atlantic Bonito (Bonito, Atlantic), and big Flounder on the nearby reefs. Look for the Blues near Beaufort Inlet or around Cape Lookout. They’ll bite just about any bucktail, plug or jig put in front of them, but you’ll do best throwing a metal jig like a Stingsilver, Jigfish, or Deadly Dick. Use a heavy mono leader 40 lb or 50 lb work well – and you’ll eliminate costly bite-offs. Atlantic bonito will eat rapidly retrieved small metal lures like diamond jigs in the low light conditions of early morning. When the sun gets up, try light tackle trolling a Yo-Zuri deep diving Crystal Minnow. You’ll run into False Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny) along with them sometimes. The Albies have squiggly, worm-like marking along their backs while Bonito have horizontal lines running down their bodies. Good areas to look for them are the close in AR’s like the 315, 320, 330, 340, and 342. While you’re there, drop a 2-ounce white bucktail with a 4 inch Gulp shrimp attached to it to the bottom around the structure and see if those big Flounder have arrived. It’s time for them, too.






EJW Outdoors
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

April 20, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – There are some really nice Drum (Drum, Black) caught from the piers and surf this week. Some are even up to 65lbs. Croakers, Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Southern), Hogfish and Puffers (Puffer, Smooth) are all turning up as well. The Sea Mullet are slowing down due to the temperature drop as of late. This has affected the Drum and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) fishing in the creeks and marshes as well. Things have been slow. The Redfish (Drum, Red) are sporadic in the area. There were some caught off the pier but they are hit and miss. Towards the Cape there are some great Bluefish being caught.

OFFSHORE – Blackfin Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin) are on fire this week. Wahoo and a bit of Yellowfin (Tuna, Yellowfin) are also hitting well. The sizes are great. Bonita (Bonito, Little Tunny) have not shown up as of yet but we are probably a week out. Cobia and Spanish (Mackerel, Spanish) have not made their way into the nearshore.




Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

April 13, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – A rather chilly and blustery week but the fishing is pretty good. Inside Beaufort Inlet you’ll find Gray Trout (Weakfish), Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Southern & Kingfish, Northern), Puffers (Puffer, Smooth), and a few Bluefish when you drift the shipping channel in about 50 ft of water with spec rigs tipped with bait Shrimp or Fishbites Bloodworms. All you need is a little bit of bait, any more than a half inch piece of Shrimp or Bloodworm is a waste. For some bigger Gray Trout, try vertical jigging chrome Stingsilvers around the hi-rise bridges and the railroad trestle. The Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are showing up in most of the creeks and marshes up and down the Intercoastal. MR-17 Mirrolures, 3-4 inch plastic grubs or Gulp Shrimp on a jighead, or a DOA, Vudu, Or Betts shrimp about 30inch below a popping cork should draw strikes around the boat docks, steep banks, or oyster rock. There are more baitfish showing up daily and they attract the Trout, Flounder (Flounder, Southern), and Redfish (Drum, Red). A few small Shrimp have been netted in the creeks recently, too. Word has it that some False Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny),, Bonito (Bonito, Atlantic), and even Spanish Mackerel (Mackerel, Spanish) have been caught in the Northwest Places-to-Little 10 area as well as the live bottom area 10-12 miles southwest of Bogue Inlet. This more of a friend-of-a-friend sort of thing, not yet verified but with water temps approaching the mid-60’s, it is time for them. It is also time to start jigging Spro bucktails and 4 inch Gulp Shrimp at the AR’s (315, 320, and 330). The Flounder bite will start any time. It is also time to fish the rock jetty at the Cape for nice-sized spring Bluefish. They’ll destroy soft plastics every time, but if you use a short piece of 40# mono or fluorocarbon leader and a small metal jig, you won’t lose as many baits and they are great fighters on light tackle. Lots of new Spring inventory is showing up so stop in and stock up!






EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

April 5, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Things have been a bit slow in the area as of late due to the wind and rain. Inshore we are seeing Redfish moving into the skinny water and marshes this week. They will be best caught on the higher tide when things are flooded up. If you are fishing the channels the lower tide will be better. Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Southern & Kingfish, Northern) and a few Bluefish have shown up in the nearshore as well. Topwater has been working well for the Blues however they are not picky. Lots of new Spring inventory is showing up so stop in and stock up!






EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

March 29, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – This week, we’ve seen Bluefish along the beach, just over the last few days a good class of fish have been schooling around the Cape Lookout area. A few anglers even got into some topwater action plus others found action casting small metal lures like Jig Fish and Diamond Jigs. I’d say over the next week or so we should start to see the Blues pushing down toward the Beaufort Inlet. Sea Mullets (Kingfish, Southern) are still being caught in the Turning Basin area and back toward the Beaufort Inlet. The fish are still there but it’s just been hard to fish for them with the winds and currents. Unfortunately, both are making it hard to get the right drift to catch them but in the last few days we’ve seen some nice catches. Spec-Rigs tipped with Bait Shrimp and Fish Bites are getting the job done. Along with the mullets there’s been good numbers of Croakers in the mix and a few Hogfish starting to move in too. Gray Trout (Seatrout, Silver) fishing has been picking up over the last week. Beaufort Inlet area back toward the Turning Basin we’ve been seeing some nice fish. Last weekend, there was some even caught as far back as the AB High Rise Bridge. Spec Rigs tipped with Bait Shrimp and jigging Stingsilvers will be the ticket in catching the Grays. Black Drum (Drum, Black), Red Drum (Drum, Red) and Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are hanging in all of the creeks and the backwaters. The fish don’t seem to be everywhere but some nice catches have come by the shop. Nick, from the shop went out earlier this week and found a nice school of Redfish but had trouble getting them to eat. But, he didn’t have Live Mud Minnows on the boat, I’m sure that would have got the job done. There’s been good reports of Speckled Trout up in the Adams Creek area along with some of the creeks off Bogue Sound. The Black Drum seem to be hanging in the deeper creeks around docks, pitching Bait Shrimp under them and soaking it seems to be working the best. Piers / Surf: We’re now starting to see Sea Mullets making their way up the beaches. Both piers over the last week are reporting good catches of Mullets. Last week, the best bite seemed to be at night but this week anglers are seeing good action during the day. There’s still plenty of Pufferfish (Puffer, Smooth) being caught along the surf and off the piers. We saw some nice Black Drum caught around the Fort Macon area last weekend, along with a few off the piers. Bait Shrimp and Fish bites fished on the bottom will get you the best action. I’ve not heard of any Bluefish yet but with them showing up at Cape Lookout it won’t be long before anglers will be seeing action in the surf and on the piers.

OFFSHORE – Wind and plenty of it, over the last week the only day boats could get out to the Bluewater was Easter Sunday and the majority found some fish. Wahoo, Blackfin (Tuna, Blackfin) and a few Yellowfin (Tuna, Yellowfin) were caught. The best area seems still to be the Swansboro Hole back up toward the Big Rock. We were hoping maybe this coming up weekend boats could get out but it looks like again the winds won’t let that happen. Also, bottom fishing was pretty good Easter Sunday with plenty of Bass, Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) and Snappers (Snapper, Gray) being caught. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed once we move into April the winds will start to slack off so we can get out and take advantage of the good fishing.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3479
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

March 21, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – INSHORE – Sea Mullets (Kingfish, Southern & Kingfish, Northern) have made a showing this week, they are about 3 weeks earlier than they were last year. What we have seen so far have been pretty nice. Some of the anglers reporting back on some of the largest they have ever seen this early in the season. Most of the action has been in the Beaufort Inlet from the 21 buoy to the 18 buoy over the last few days. If the water temperatures keep rising I see the fish to keep on moving in toward the turning basin, but could stop in the next few days when the cold front hits and stay in the area they are in now for any anglers wanting to give it a shot this upcoming weekend. Sam Gitters and Betts Spec rigs tipped with bait shrimp and fishbites have been working great. Not seen any Gray Trout (Seatrout, Spotted), HogFish or Spots mixed in yet but that would not surprise me as the Mullets making an early showing. But we have seen some Puffer fish (Puffer, Smooth) around the Beaufort High rise bridge and starting to show up along the beaches in good numbers. Black Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black) fishing still remains great just off the beach, all the reefs are holding fish but what we have seen you need to get out to at least to AR330 to really start to see good numbers of keeper fish. AR285 is also holding a few keeper size bass. Squid fished on the bottom has been getting plenty of action along with Live Mud Minnows. Redfish (Drum, Red), Black Drum (Drum, Red), and Speckled Trout still holding in the creeks along Bogue Sound. Just saw a picture yesterday of a 6lb Speckled Trout that was caught in a creek not too far from the AB high rise. Bait Shrimp fished on the bottom has been working well on the Black Drum, Red Drum, Live Mud Minnows and Cut Mullet. Speckled Trout have been mostly Mirrolures and Z-Man baits fished slowly across the bottom. Piers/Surf: Good new the Oceanana Pier is now open, along with Bogue Pier opening last weekend. We have seen good numbers of Puffers being caught off bogue this week so I expected once the gates open at the Ocenana Pier we will see the same action on this end. Not see any Sea Mullet action along the beaches yet, but they are in the inlet so all we need is for the water temperatures to rise just a bit more and they will make their way into the shallower water areas allowing the piers and surf anglers to get in on the action. The Beaufort High Rise Pier also has been seeing good number of Puffers and has seen a few small Sea Mullets over the last week. Bait Shrimp has been the main choice fished on the bottom, but Squid and Mullet also would not be a bad choice to take along. The grounds out pass the 210 Rock have been producing huge Sea Bass in the 5lb range. Also good numbers of fish coming from eth 14 buoy area.

OFFSHORE – Action has been pretty good when the winds will allow boats to get out. Last week we saw some great catches of Wahoo from the Swansboro Hole back up toward the Rise. The largest Hoo we have seen so far topped the scales at 67lbs last week. Mixed in with the Wahoo has been good numbers of Black Fin Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin), even a few Yellow Fin (Tuna, Yellowfin). The bottom fishing has been just about as good as it gets the key to find the big numbers of fish has been pushing on offshore in the 35 to 40 mile range. So just have to keep an eye on the weather, and take advantage of the good fishing when the weather allows. We have plenty of Squid, Sardines, Mackerel, Cigar Minnows, Ballyhoo in-stock ready for action.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

March 16, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Southern & Kingfish, Northern) have finally showed up in the surf and the turning basin. A lot of them are also being caught in the mouth of the inlet. Puffer, Smooth are also being caught in the surf. Drum (Drum, Black) and Flounder (Flounder, Southern & Flounder, Winter) have also been reported on the lower tide. Anglers are using soft plastics to hook them. If you put your time in you will find them.

OFFSHORE – Sea Bass, Black have been doing really well around the tanker and inwards. The Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin & Tuna, Yellowfin) bite has slowed down and pretty much fizzled out. There are tons of False Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny) to the East and anglers are having no trouble hooking them. Wahoo can also be found in the area.




Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

March 9, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Redfish (Drum, Red) and Drum (Drum, Black) are fairly active in the creeks off the Intracoastal West of Morehead City and in the marshes behind the barrier islands from Swansboro to Snead’s Ferry. In the creeks, live Mud Minnows or fresh pieces of Shrimp on a Carolina Rig is the way to go. Sight fishing the marshes call for Gulp or soft plastics on the lightest jighead possible. The technique is to keep the lure falling slowly and keep it out of the green slime that blooms in those marshy creeks every late winter. There have been some reports of Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) activity in and around Jacksonville on the New River. Like last fall, they are mostly small but mixed with enough 14 inch fish to keep it interesting. The springtime Striper (Bass, Striped) activity on the Neuse around New Bern is underway. The fish are moving upstream in the Neuse and Trent to spawn and can be caught fishing the sharp dropoffs using 4 inch to 5 inch jerkbaits on quarter to half ounce jigheads. White and glow will get the most strikes. One more reminder, if your reels need servicing, take them in now! You’ll want them ready when the bite breaks wide open, not sitting in a shop waiting in line to cleaned and tuned.

OFFSHORE – If the more seasonal type weather sticks around through the month, we’ll have a good start to the spring fishery. It has continued to be rough offshore but if you can get to the structure about 25 to 30 miles out, the bottom fishing is still strong. The big Sea Bass Black, Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray), and Snappers (Snapper, Mutton) are holding in the 90 to 120 foot range on both sides of the Cape. Deep jigging with Roscoe Jr’s. and 2 to 3 ounce bucktails tipped with 4 inch Gulp shrimp will get the quality fish while dropping bait squid or other natural baits on bottom rigs will attract lots of bites from smaller fish as well sharks, mostly Shark, Atlantic Sharpnose. Closer to shore (10 to 20 miles out) the AR’s like the 330, 285, 320, and 315 are holding more sea bass and most of them sub-legal but enough keepers to keep things interesting. Again, Roscoes and bucktails are your best choices.




EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

March 2, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Reds (Drum, Red) are turning up in the marsh when anglers can get out despite the weather. Any time of day will work if the weather is decent. Live mud Minnows and gulp baits in new penny or white will hook them best. There are a few Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) showing up but the main catch is Reds. New Inventory is arriving everyday! Stop in to Chasin’ Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle to check it out!

OFFSHORE – Sea Bass, Black and Triggerfish, Gray have been great this week. There are also Snapper, Vermillion turning up as well. The farther you go out the more keepers you will find. Anglers are using Squid and Cigar Minnows to catch them.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

February 24, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Looks like we may be seeing winter slowly going away and fishing conditions will improve very soon. Right now, the news is pretty much the same. Redfish (Drum, Red) in the creeks and marshes off the Intracoastal west of Morehead City and Black Sea Bass (Sea Bass, Black) on nearshore reefs, wrecks and live bottoms. The better quality Bass are out further in 70′ to 90′ depths of Big 10 to Little 10 and Northwest Places while good numbers of smaller ones can be found closer to the beach at AR’s 315, 320, and 330. Live bait (Mud Minnows, fresh Shrimp) for Redfish and vertically-jigged Roscoe Jr’s. and Spro bucktail-and-Gulp shrimp for Sea Bass. Before the fishing breaks wide open, right now is the perfect time to get your reels serviced and fresh line put on them. You can do it yourself but unless you are experienced in the craft, you’ll just end up bringing a paper bag full of parts to the shop and having a professional do it anyway! If you hesitate, not only will you be waiting for the fish to bite, your reels will be waiting in line to be cleaned. For what it’s worth, here are a few considerations next time you are using the tried and true jighead and soft plastic lures: Braided line is best; superior abrasion resistance, casting distance, and sensitivity. Fluorocarbon for leader. It sinks, is tougher and has less stretch than mono. 18inch to 30inch is all you need, 15 lb and 20lb is most popular. Mono will work, however. Use a loop knot to attach the jighead to the leader. It greatly improves the action. Make sure the plastic lure hangs perfectly straight on the jig. Kinks or bends will kill the action. The bait needs to be heavy enough to bounce off the bottom, but not too heavy that it stays there. Fish, especially trout, will bite on the drop about 95 percent of the time, so be sure to retrieve your lure in a hopping action off the bottom; short, 12inch to 15 inch hops work best. Never move the bait with the reel. Use the rod to impart action and the reel to take up slack.






EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

February 16, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Once we begin to see a bit more favorable weather in this area the Reds (Drum, Red) and Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) should turn back on. The water is cold so if you can find a break in the weather they should be schooled up at this point.

OFFSHORE – When there are some breaks in the weather anglers are finding Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Gray) as well as Sea Bass, Black that are starting within 4-5 miles of the bay. The bite is consistent when anglers can get out.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

February 10, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Things have been extremely slow in this area as of late. We have seen the occasional scattered Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) and Drum (Drum, Red) bite however they are not easy to find. The conditions have been so unfavorable that most anglers have opted to stay inside this week. We hope to see conditions settle down for the weekend.

OFFSHORE – Anglers who can make it offshore this week can find a great Wahoo bite this week. The conditions have not been ideal for anglers moving to the deeper water however there is a solid bite when you can find a break in the weather. They are fair sizes. Anglers are also using electric reels in 800-1000 ft of water to hook Grouper, Snowy.The Sea Bass, Black are also hitting well and the farther you go the bigger they are. A double or triple drop rig with Squid will hook them. Beeliners (Snapper, Vermillion) have been swimming closer in on the bottom this week.




Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

February 4, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – The wind and rain have really slowed down fishing. Two places that seem to be really impacted have been the rock jetty at Cape Lookout and the creeks around Oriental. There are some Drum (Drum, Black), Redfish (Drum, Red), and a few Seatrout Spotted being caught in the creeks off the Intracoastal from Morehead City to Swansboro. This has been a live bait (Mud Minnows or Shrimp) or dead bait (Shrimp or Clams) bite using Carolina Rigs or a popping cork. The water temps have been in the 48-50 degree range, so all we need is a stretch of calm weather to get the fish active again. Since there’s not too much to report right now, it is a good time for a detailed look at some of the rigs and terms frequently used when fishing inshore and nearshore (out to 20 miles). The Carolina Rig mentioned previously is a good place to start. It is a basic, easy to assemble rig used to fish live or dead bait right on the bottom. You can carry all the stuff you need in one of those small Plano boxes, hooks, beads, swivels and egg sinkers. Let’s start with hooks. Circle hooks are perfect for this technique because there’s no need to set the hook. When you get a bite, just start reeling. It’s that simple. In fact, the best way not to catch fish is to set the hook when you feel a bite! A selection of sizes from 2 to 2/0 is all you’ll need. What to size use depends on the target species and the bait used. For the creek fishing described above, size 1 or 1/0 will work great. Next are swivels. The smaller, the better. You cannot use one too small. Although black is the preferred color, a brass swivel works just fine, too. Beads are used to protect the knot from nicks and scratches that occur from the sinker bouncing against the swivel. Use small (no bigger than 8mm) beads. Sinkers are the key component. You want to go as light as you can and still get the rig to stay on the bottom. It is ok – preferable actually – that the rig rolls around the bottom. That is why egg sinkers are used. Depth, current, drift, tide and bottom composition all factor in your choice. You’ll need to carry a selection from 1/8th up to 1 ounce for most inshore conditions. Leader choice again depends on conditions, target species, water clarity, and bottom structure are the variables. Mono will work perfectly. Fluorocarbon is the go-to option if the water is real clear or the fish are line-shy. Use 15 to 20 lb for most creeks and marshes, but where toothy fish are likely to be caught, go to 30 lb or even 40 lb. Leader length can vary, 12-18 inch for most inshore species and up to 36 inch for flounder drifting. Tying the rig couldn’t be easier: Thread the running line through the sinker first, then the bead. Tie on a swivel, tie on the leader, tie on the hook. Done. Go fishing.






EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

January 28, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

OFFSHORE – This weather has limited our fishing opportunities this week so special thanks to Steve Fifer for the insight on where to go vs. where to not even try. Read on for more! Winter weather, the lousy kind, came to visit us the past week and limited fishing opportunities a whole bunch so this week’s report will be a combination of where not to waste your time and where you might have some success. First, don’t waste your time on the New River. The recent rains have muddied the upper half of it to the point of being unfishable. It’ll take a dry week to clear. Unfortunately, don’t waste your time in the creeks on the south shore of the Neuse River. The water conditions are OK, there’s just no fish. That situation doesn’t look good for the next year or two as the stocks have to rebuild. However, if you are into freshwater fishing for crappies, bluegills, perch, pickerel, and bass, Hancock, Tucker, Slocum, and Cahoogue have excellent populations in their upper ends and they bite all winter. If weather permits and you can get out on the ocean, head to the rock jetty at the Cape and fish fresh bait shrimp on a Carolina rig with a weight heavy enough to hold bottom (about an ounce is plenty). You will find Black Drum (Drum, Black), Redfish (Drum, Red), Sheepshead, Puffers (Puffer, Smooth), and the occasional tautog throughout January and February. About the closest thing to a sure bet on a nice, calm day are the Sea Bass, Black at Northwest Places and Big 10, Little 10. Big schools of them will be found near the ledges. They’ll show up on your depth finder nicely. Drop a Roscoe Jr. or a 2 oz. bucktail with a 4 inch Gulp shrimp on it to the bottom and get ready. Sea bass are always hungry. Just keep in mind that bottom fishing with squid or other bait will catch small ones until you can’t stand it. Use lures and the quality of the catch goes up. Inshore, the colder water has the speckled trout (Seatrout, Spotted) up the creeks off the intercoastal and in the marshes around Swansboro. The first thing you need is patience (or a good guide!) and then Gulp and jighead or an MR-17. It is impossible to fish these two lures slow enough. Traditionally, everyone fishes the deepest holes in the creek. While the trout will stack up there sometimes, don’t skip over the same shallow structure you fished when it was warmer. They might still be there however just slow down a whole bunch.




EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

January 22, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Specks (Seatrout, Spotted) have been holding up in the canal so far this week. Anglers have also been bottom fishing as well for Gray Trout (Seatrout, Silver), Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Northern & Kingfish, Southern) along with Tautog. Throwing clams or Shrimp on the bottom has been the most productive method to hook them this week.

OFFSHORE – There are plenty of Sea Bass, Black on the nearshore reefs for anglers fishing this week. They are hitting cut Squid, Shrimp or live Mud Minnows. There was a solid Tuna, Bluefin bite however they seem to have moved out for now. There are a few Tuna, Blackfin showing up with Wahoo. Anglers are having no trouble reeling in a some great sizes when the weather allows. Pink/white and blue/white have been the best colors to troll this week whether for lures or skirted Ballyhoo.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

January 15, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Now that some cooler weather arrived the fishing has a chance to return to normal winter patterns. The process is about 6 to 8 behind schedule and as late as last week, inshore water temps were in the mid 60’s. The first place to get attention with cooler temps is the rock jetty at the Cape. The Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) are still hit or miss, but there are Gray Trout (Seatrout, Silver), Redfish (Drum, Red), Bluefish, and Sheepshead that will bite a small metal jig, a soft plastic grub or jerkbait, or best of all, live Shrimp. As the water continues to cool, look for Tautog right on the bottom towards the end of the jetty. In creeks and marshes around town, you’ll find lots of spike Speckled Trout with one 14 inch keeper coming along for every 15 to 25 spikes you catch. The best Trout fishing right now has been in the creeks on the north shore of the Neuse River. Mirrolure MR 17’s and plastic shrimp under a popping cork are the preferred lures. If you just want to spend a relaxing couple of hours dangling a bottom rig, try the turning basin for the remaining Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Northern & Kingfish, Southern), an occasional Gray Trout, but mainly Hogfish, big Hogfish. Speck rigs and small pieces of bait shrimp or Fishbites Bloodworm will provide a fun time and good eats when you return home.

OFFSHORE – If you can get out a little further, say 10-20 miles, you’ll find Sea Bass, Black on the wrecks and live bottoms in that range. They will gobble up a Roscoe Jr. or a bucktail (2-3 oz.) with a 4 inch Gulp Shrimp attached to it. If you bottom fish with dead bait of any kind, you’ll catch lots of them, all too small to keep.




EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

January 6, 2016

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Things have been slow in the area however there is still a solid bite from the inshore. There are plenty of Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) however most of them are undersized at this point. Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Northern & Kingfish, Southern) are turning up along with Blowtoads (Puffer, Smooth) and Bluefish in the surf. The ocean has been pretty rough and the water is still warm. The recent winds may cool things down however they are expected to continue until the weekend at least.






Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

December 29, 2015

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – There are tons of Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) swimming in the creeks and rivers so far this week however they are all small sized. Most of the live bait has moved out at this point so anglers are throwing artificial soft baits this week. The bite is consistent and everyone is just waiting for the sizes to increase. Reds (Drum, Red) are sporadic in the creeks on soft plastics as well. They have also been turning up around the reefs in the river. We expect this bite to continue throughout the rest of the week. Once the temperature drops things should begin to heat up.






Pumpkin Center Bait and Tackle
910-238-4572

December 21, 2015

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – The Sea Mullet (Kingfish, Northern & Kingfish, Southern) bite was good last week right into the weekend, I’ve not heard much this week because not many anglers have been on the water over the last few days. But not much has changed so, I can’t imagine there isn’t still some fish around to catch. The best action was in the Inlet out the Shipping Channel and some around the Dead Tree Hole. I did hear of a few being caught up at the Cape also, they aren’t everywhere so hunt around for them but when you find them they’re bunched up and very nice size fish. Along while bottom fishing for the Mullets you’re going to catch Hogfish, Gray Trout (Seatrout, Silver) and Puffer, Smooth. Fishing with Spec-Rigs tipped with Bait Shrimp and Fishbites is working the best. Spotted Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) fishing remains the same with lots of fish around just about all you want to catch but unfortunately a little on the small side. Still fun to catch; anglers are catching limits of fish to take home you just have to pick through the smaller ones to find the keepers. Radio Island, Haystacks, Middle Marsh, Harker’s Island and Core Creek all seem to be holding fish. I’ve not heard any great reports coming from the Cape Lookout Rock Jetty this week, but anglers are reporting some nice Gray Trout hanging there on the rocks. We’ve seen some better action coming from the Neuse River area with a few creeks starting to hold keeper fish. But most of the usual hot spots this time of year have been slow. We’re going to get some more Live Shrimp in for the weekend since the weather forecast looks pretty good and going to warm right back up next week. The anglers fishing live Shrimp seem to be finding a little bit bigger class of fish. Red Drum (Drum, Red) and Black Drum (Drum, Black) action has been good if you run across them, I know of some anglers that are fishing docks with good numbers of fish on them plus some decent Red Drum action in the Core Creek area over the last week. The best action from the Drum – Live Shrimp has been the key to getting bites. I did here of a few that were caught last Sunday on Berkley Gulp bait once the fish were located. Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny) still very thick along the beaches, around the inlets and behind the shrimp trawlers. Hard to believe! They are usually long gone by the first of December. With the warmer weather and water temperatures it’s just been too perfect for them to move on. I think but not sure because we usually don’t see them here this time of the year they’ll stay around a few more weeks. Forecast is calling for warm weather right on for the next week, so with that and plenty of bait around they really have no reason to leave. So, we will take it as it’s some good action we usually don’t have right here at Christmas. I know most of you have seen the post I made on the King Mackerel yesterday, there’s some still in the area around Big 10/Little 10 but the big numbers of fish are up off Hatteras. From what I heard from last Sunday, the bite was just about as good as you could get it. Tuna, Bluefin boats still hard at it, seems that the bite has slowed down just a bit this week but fish are still coming to the docks to be sold. This cold front that’s coming in tomorrow should help the bite cause it’s been a bit unusual catching Bluefin in T-Shirts. The Sea Buoy back toward Cape Lookout still seems to be the area most boats are hooking up at. We have all the Bluefin supplies you need so stop by before heading out. Both piers are closed for the season now, so anglers will have to resort fishing off the beach. There’s been a mixed bag with Puffer Fish, Sea Mullets, Hogfish, Gray Trout and Spotted Trout. Fishbites fished on the bottom along with Bait Shrimp is the best for action. Radio Island’s still holding Spotted Trout. Again, it seems late afternoon and earlier morning is the time to catch the most fish. I’ve heard of some good Red Drum reports off Bear Island and Hammocks Beach access, big schools working off the front of those beaches and if you run across them it’s every cast until you’re tired of catching them.

OFFSHORE – Last weekend, proved to us all we need is some good windows of weather to make it out to the Bluewater and the fish are there ready to eat. Wahoo action was great along with the Tuna, Blackfin. Most of what I heard was from the Swansboro Hole back toward the Big Rock area for the Hoo’s. Some were caught closer in but the boats that really got on them were on out. Also, the bottom fishing was great as anglers were bringing in some big Grouper, Gag to be weighed. Plenty of nice Sea Bass, Black too. Snappers (Snapper, Yellowtail) and Triggerfish (Triggerfish, Ocean) were also out there. Most of the better action was around the 14 Buoy out, but I did hear of some decent reports from the Atlas Tanker, Chicken Rock, Big 10/ Little 10 and some of the closer in AR reefs. So, be on the lookout for the next good wind day – there is fish out there ready to eat.




Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle
252-240-3474
www.chasintailsoutdoors.com

December 9, 2015

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Most of the target for inshore anglers is the Speckled Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) this week. They have been turning up anywhere from 11-13 inches, just shy of keeper size. They are all in the typical Trout spots so far however we have not heard of a lot of big sizes coming in. Anglers who work hard and keep at it can catch some around 15 inches but this has not been very often. Normally they are in the creeks and rivers by now but most fishermen are having a hard time finding them. Mirrolure MR 17-808 have been the lure of choice this week for those who have hit some good sizes. Zman trout tricks are also a hot artificial in green lantern, mood ring and opening night. There have also been reports of Puffer, Smooth, Dogfish, Spiny and Hogfish swimming the inshore water. Smaller Drum (Drum, Black) have been mixed in with a few spotty big sizes. Along the shore there are some schooled up Reds (Drum, Red) that have been slot size as well. They are hitting the artificial gulp this week as anglers have been easily sight casting for them.

OFFSHORE – Tuna, Bluefin have not been as frequent as last week however they continue to be the target on everyone’s list. Anglers can find them fairly close so far at roughly 40-60 ft of water. Most of them around 73 inches however some have been reported in the low 80s as well. They have been chasing the Menhaden run swimming in the nearshore. There are also tons of False Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny) turning up however they are not quite keeper sized.

BAIT REPORT – There are Menhaden running farther out towards the offshore this week as the Tuna have been chasing them.


Freeman’s Discount Bait-Tackle
252-726-2607

December 3, 2015

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – The Spikes (Puffer, Smooth) have made their way into this area. They have been loving soft bait in silver glitter or E-Grits. Jigging Mullet has worked well too. There are still a few reports of Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) swimming with some Puppy Drum (Drum, Red) hitting soft plastics by Zman. New Penny and Pearl White have continued to be the color of choice this week, especially with the Reds.



BAIT REPORT – There have been no reports of bait running so far this week.


Pumpkin Center Bait and Tackle
910-238-4572

November 26, 2015

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – There are some great numbers of Trout (Seatrout, Spotted), Puppy Drum, and Flounder, Northern all doing well on soft plastics by Zman. Any colour has been working however gulp in New Penny or Pearl White have found the most success with Drum. Flounder have been hitting a jighead with a pork rind tip. They have been mostly found around the port wall and the rock jetty. The Trout have been coming up in bigger sizes lately as well due to the temperature drop.

OFFSHORE – The bite in this area has slowed down quite a bit from last week. There are still some reports of Tuna biting in the stream. Anglers have been pulling big Ballyhoo instead of chunking. The Tuna have not been coming up in very big sizes yet although our sources have told us that once they school up they will fatten up.

BAIT REPORT – There have been very few reports of a Menhaden and Mullet run this week. Conditions have been very spotty.


EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com

November 17, 2015

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – There has been a ton of action nearshore and in the shallow water. There is a great King (Mackerel, King) bite where most are weighing in over 30 lbs. They are being found around Big 10 / Little 10 and into the gulf stream. Most of these fish are on the West side of the cape as well. Albacore (Bonito, Little Tunny) have become spotty off the beach. Anglers looking for birds will find the fish but can still find some great spots towards the North West. Plenty of Bluefish are biting around the bridges and inlet. Seatrout, Spotted also have a solid bit now that the better sizes have moved in. Haystacks area has been producing keepers as well as the Core Creek area. The cold front that is expected to move in should improve the bite as well. Flounder, Summer (Fluke) is doing well in the Basin area weighing in between 3 and 6 lbs. Live Minnows and SPro 2 oz. bucktails tipped with 4 inch gulp Shrimp are two great setups working well for Flounder. The railways and Beauford high rise bridge are alternative spots to catch them. The beach are host to some nice sized Drum, Red and more Speckled Trout although they have begun to slow down as of late.

OFFSHORE – The Wahoo have been coming up in pretty good sizes although they have also become spotty in the last few days. Tuna, Blackfin are hitting in on the North West side. The bottom fishing has been doing well too having great results with Grouper (Grouper, Gag & Grouper, Scamp) and Sea Bass, Black. A variety of Snapper have turned up as well despite the tough weather lately.

BAIT REPORT – There are plenty of fresh Mullet still running and working well inshore.


Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle

http://chasintailsoutdoors.com

November 10, 2015

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Bridges and trestles have been housing Flounder (Flounder, Summer (Fluke) & Flounder, Southern) and Reds (Drum, Red) in pretty good quantities. The Drum are hitting are chasing after Mud Minnows as are Flounder. There has also been some reports of Trout (Seatrout, Spotted) in the same area however they seem to be hitting more on soft plastics as opposed to live bait. Gulp in new penny or pearly white color with are working very well around the bridges.

OFFSHORE – There has been a steady King (Mackerel, King) bite lately along with plenty of Tuna (Tuna, Blackfin) as well. They can be found roughly 10-15 miles out, so not very far for anglers heading out on a day trip. The weather is beginning to cool down so things are expected to change in the next few weeks.

BAIT REPORT – There are huge amounts of Menhaden around the bridges for anglers looking to catch their own. OF NOTE – Keep an eye out for upcoming Christmas Sale markdowns for your favorite angler this year.


Chadwick Brothers Bait & Tackle (down east kayaks)
252-838-1336
www.downeastkayaks.com http://www.chadwickbrosmarine.com/

November 6, 2015

New Bern Fishing Report

INSHORE – Along the beaches there have been a good number of Seatrout, Spotted, Reds (Drum, Red), Flounder, Summer and Bluefish. The sound and creeks have been host to more Trout and Puppy Drum in large quantities as well. Zman soft plastics are the best lure for both right now.

OFFSHORE – There have been a few different fish biting offshore. There have been solid numbers of Wahoo caught roughly 40 miles out in the stream using skirted Ballyhoo on a planer. Tuna, Blackfin have been taking spreader bars in the same water. Sailfish have been mixed in as well eating skirted Ballyhoo like the Wahoo. Live bait fishermen can search the wrecks for Mackerel, King as they have had some great reports lately as well.

BAIT REPORT – There are still lots of Shrimp and Finger Mullet running so anglers should have no shortage of live bait to choose from. OF NOTE – EJW Outdoors carries plenty of Fall gear for you to stock up on before you head out this month.


EJW Outdoors Inc
252-247-4725
www.ejwoutdoors.com









DISCLAIMER:
Since fishing conditions change from minute to minute we try to keep our reports as updated as possible. The United States is a large country, so we try to keep our New Bern Fishing Report updated once a week. If you would like to contribute to the New Bern Fishing Report, feel free to email your fishing tips to mike@proangler.us. We rely on even small contributions to inform us that fishing conditions have changed so we can update the New Bern Fishing Report.

The New Bern Fishing Report is brought to you by the Pro Angler team and many, many, highly skilled Captains and bait shop owners.