Speckled trout have been biting well when you get a chance to get out on the water and not freeze. Live shrimp has been the most sought out bait, but live shrimp sources are coming to an end with the freezing temps. Live mud minnows have also worked well when fished on the bottom. 17MR MirrOdine in the 18 and 51 have been hot colors. TT 808, 809, EC, and 704 MirrOlures have been producing some trout out in the surf. Bald Head Marina has also had some action while fishing the bottom with live mud minnows and Gulp baits.
Stripers have been off and on up the river. Falling tide with Gulp Jerkshads, Rebel Brokin Back Minnows, and Rattletraps have been excellent baits to use while pitching against the bank. Yozuri Deep Divers and Stretch 20’s have been some good baits to troll.
Red drum are still around, but getting scarce in the creeks and flats. There has been more fish out in the surf on Masonboro Island and Lee Island. Mirrolures or Gulp baits will find and catch em. Thats all I have for this week.
Capt. Lewis Emery