Fishing Reports
2008
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Fishing Report 7-16-2008
 

Had a live bait trip with a great group of young men and Dad in town on vacation. As usual the weatherman was wrong and we had a NE wind 10 to 15 mph most of the day. Started by jigging up live bait still no pogies around Wrightsville Beach and headed off shore. Started around 14 miles and trolled for a while. We had a couple of strikes and landed a nice AJ on 20 lb tackle. It took a lot of effort with the wind and waves to get the AJ landed but a good job by a youth angler. The kings did not want to cooperate due to the east wind and by the radio everyone had the same problem. Switched tactics and started fishing with the large rods with live bait for the AJs on the wrecks. We caught fish for 5 straight hours and everyone had a blast. The 2 largest were 50 inch length x 28 inch girth and the youngest angler (11 years old) caught the largest of the day 52 inch length x 32 inch girth a 60 lber. Late in the day the wind slowed and we moved in around 10 miles and fianlly had a double header of kings.

 

  

Fishing Report 7-12-2008


Had a return group of guys from the area for a full day live bait trip. Found plenty of herring and pin fish but no pogies around Wrightsville. Headed off shore with a 10 to 15 mph NE breeze and large swells from the storm. Started around 10 miles and picked up a small king but didn't mark any bait so we moved out to the 23 mile area. The water looked god with plenty of flying fish but still no bait holding on the ledges. Trolled for a while then we picked up a nice Mahi and while bring in another bait a large school of small peanut Mahi came to the boat. I quickly set up the spinning rods with cut squid and the fun began. We caught 50 plus peanuts and released more. Moved to another ledge are and picked up a couple more kings. Decided to move back inshore because the waves were building. Found a good king bite with nice fish around 4:00. We had double headers of teenagers and 5 or 6 more strikes. Ended up with 6 nice kings and plenty of Mahi. Sorry no pictures I forgot.

Fishing Report "Bottom Fishing" 7-05-2008


Had Chris Lee from "FishingBusters Bait & Tackle" come down from NY with a group of guys on Saturday. We left early but a stiff SW winds did not make the ride as nice as we had hoped. The fishing turned out pretty good with a lot of variety in species. Started around 26 miles looking for Gags and we had a few good chances but a couple broke us off in the ledge. We did land a nice 15 lber. Moved out to around 30 miles and found a couple of good Reds. Then one of the guys brought up a 7 lb spiny lobster. We spent the day moving around various ledges and picked at the grouper all day. Towards the end of the day we got on a small ledge and for 30 minutes we had a great Red grouper bite 2 and 3 on at a time. All were very large fish 15 to 20 lb class. The largest was 22 lbs. We also had a large trumpet fish, Octopus and 4 moray eels. We headed back in around 5:30 and the wind inshore was like when we left in the morning. The final count was 2 Gags, 15 Reds, 1 Spiny Lobster, 4 morays, 1 trumpet fish, 1 octopus and various grunts, pinkys and sea bass.

   

   

Fishing Report 7-03-2008


Took a family in from Texas visiting for the holiday weekend on a live bait trip. The nice thing for a change I caught a few nice pogies for live bait. Headed out 20 miles in 2 to 3 foot seas and decide to start the day with a AJ work out. It took a little while to get them interested because the ocean was flat and a lot of bait around. Hooked a lot of fish but broke off more than we landed. The lady angler did a great job on a nice 25 lb Cobia. We also had a very large AJ eaten by a 200 lb shark next to the boat which was exciting. We dropped what was left over the side and watched the shark finish it off. The ocean went flat and the AJ fishing slowed down so we move off to some ledges and tried slow trolling. The kings were not in the mood to eat. We moved in shore around 10 miles and found a few kings but still relatively slow. Looks like the hard SW wind moved the bait schools around but things should settle down the next couple of days with light winds.

 

  

Tournament Report "Jolly-Mon" Ocean Isle


We fished the 1st tournament of the year for us on Sunday. Started the morning looking for bait and it was not pleasant. We started at 4:30 and finally settled for very small pogies around 0800. Headed out to the Shark Hole off South port. There were only a couple of boats and we immediately had action but everything was 10 lbs or less. Decide to anchor up and try chumming since the baits were a little small. We did watch a nice fish get boated (found out later it was the tournament winner 39 lbs). We had plenty of action but nothing of ant size. Late in the day we moved in off light house rocks and the long line started taking drag off slowly. I thought it was most likely a Cobia but when it started tail walking David had his 2nd Sailfish. We brought him along side the boat and released the fish. A nice 60 lb Sail in 40 feet of water. Not what we wanted for the 1st tournament of the year.

   

Fishing Report 6-21-2008


Took a group of guys out in town for the weekend. As usual the weather man was not helpful we had a 3 to 4 foot SW swell and wind. Headed out 10 miles and caught a couple of sharks before the down riggers started screaming off line. The angler did a great job with the fish but a shark eventually cut off the fishes tail. Then we saw a 12 foot Manta Ray that followed the boat for a while. Things slowed down so we tried to move off shore for AJs. The problem was that so did a thunder storm. We hooked but lost 2 AJs before the perfect storm was upon us and then we had to ride it out. Not much fun but made it back in safe and called it a day.
 

Fishing Report 6-19-2008
 

Had a great group in town for a family reunion from all over. The weatherman was very kind with a calm ocean so we headed out 20 miles. Started off with a good work out and we caught AJs (20 to 30 fish lost count) with live bait and poppers. Everyone had a great time and while were caught the AJs we caught 2 nice Cobia (20 and 25 lbs). After everyone had a break we started slow trolling and quickly a line started screaming 300 yards off the spool in a short period. After a short battle we out a nice 26 lb king in the box. We had multiple kings strikes during the next few hours and ended the day with plenty of fish for everyone. Headed back to the inlet at 40 mph in flat seas. A great day to be on the water and the fish cooperated most of the day.

   

 

 

 

 

Fishing Report 06-16-2008


Took a father and son in law out for a father's day fishing trip (1 day late). We started around 10 miles and the bait had all moved from the previous day most likely from the storms/front that came through. All the areas we caught fish at 24 hours earlier were dead. Moved out around 20 miles and started the morning work out with the AJs. To say they were hungry would be a understatement. When I shut off the engines and looked over there were 12 to 15 fish under the boat waiting to be feed. It took us a couple of fish to get the system down and keep them from breaking us off. We caught and released 15 to 20 fish before we had enough. In the process we boated the 1st 2 Cobia of the season for Live Line and they were boat nice 20 to 25 lb fish. We also hooked a couple of large Cudas for some light line acrobatics. Ended the day slow trolling and picked up a couple of Mahi and kings.

 

 

 

Fishing Report 6-15-2008 3/4 Day Live Bait Fishing

Took a local father a son out with a couple of friends and went in search of kings. Headed out 10 miles and it didn't take long to here the 1st reel screaming with a king. We stayed busy all day with multiple hook ups and we had a Mahi on that threw the hooks. There was bait everywhere in the area and a lot of life. Most of the fish were around 10 lbs but then the reel went off and dumped 300 yards and nice 20 lb fish. The thunder storms put a end to the day a little early but we had 10 fish in the box and lost a few more. We all put on the rain jackets and drove through 5 miles of heavy rain all the way to the dock.

 

Fishing Report Gulf Stream 6-14-2008

Took a group of local return clients to the stream on Saturday and what a flat ride out. The problem is that the ocean was too flat and the fish didn't seem to want to cooperate. We picked up few Mahi inshore of the break and then I hit all the areas that were productive last Sunday with no success. Moved to the north but got hammered by the Barracuda. Finally got a nice Bull and then we had a Wahoo strike no doubt. After 300 yards melted off the reel the line broke (bummer). Things slowed in the middle of the day to the plan was to troll out to do some jigging. I put out a large set up for Marlin just in case. After 30 minutes the long rigger clip released and when I looked back there was a 10 foot splash. I grab the rod and he missed the bait and turned around and ate it again. I set the hook and watched a 500 lb plus Blue Marlin start walking across the water. The line melted off the reel and we swung the boat around to chase her but after 8 or 10 jumps the line parted and we all were in awe. This was like bringing a gun to a knife fight with 50 lb tackle but none of us will forget the event. We also has another strike that was a Sail or White which we saw on top but could keep the hook set. Ended the day with a lot of Mahi mostly small fish but a great day. (sorry once again no time for pictures)

Jigging Report 6-13-2008

Had a 3/4 day live bait trip with a group of guys in town for a bachelor party. The winds were a little NE but we headed out 20 miles for the morning work out. We caught AJs 2 at a time until everyone said uncle. They are very hungry but all were the same 20 lb class fish. Then we hooked something much bigger. It turned into a 300 lb shark. Then as we were fighting a AK another sharks decide to eat breakfast. Moved off shore and did some trolling with a lot of action with small kings and Mahi. The final count was 6 kings 2 Mahi 15 plus AJs and a lot more strikes but didn't stay connected. A very busy and eventful day for all.

   

 

 

 Jigging Trip June 08 2008

Took a group of Air Force personnel to the stream on Sunday and the weatherman was actual nice for a change. Headed out at 35 mph in 2 ft seas and stopped in around 130 feet of water. Started putting out lines and by the time I got the 3rd line in the water we had a Mahi jumping behind the boat. He spit the hook but there were many more to come. Continued working the area and had a double header next 1 Mahi and 1 King. We stayed busy all day in different areas. At one time all the baits we hit and we got a triple header in the boat. Then we had some trailers come to the boat and caught 2 nice fish on spinning tackle. This was a blast with a lot of jumps close to the boat. Later in the afternoon the short daisy chain was crushed by a large Bull 25 plus lbs. We had 3 others on but the jumped the hooks. At the end of the day we had 18 Mahi, 1 king, cudas and a Bonita. We had around 10 jump and throw the hooks but a great sight. Sorry due to the busy action I didn’t take the time to get many pictures.

                                                                  Jigging Trip 13 June 2008

                                 Deep Jigging and Bottom Fishing 6-07-2008g and Bottom Fishing 6-07-2008

Took a group out from NY/NJ on Saturday and the weatherman was partially correct. The 2 foot seas expected were slightly larger and the wind blew in the morning but the fishing was great. Headed out for Snowy Grouper 1st and set up a drift. No fish on the 1st drift but then a couple of double headers and all were nice fish. Then on the next drift we thought we had the bottom but it started moving and when it came up we had a 34 lb Snowy. The best Snowy so far this year on the boat. Everyone caught their limit and headed inshore and played with the AJs for a while. Had a couple of very large Mahi cruise by the boat but couldn’t get them to eat. The guys wanted to bottom fish for grouper so we moved inshore and had a great time. The action was fast and we caught many species Scamps, Reds, Hog Snapper (12 lbs) Queen Triggers and a Mahi. At the end of the day we had our limit and headed home.

       

   

Captain Mike Jackson
LiveLine Charters
910-686-7271

Deep Jigging Trip 5-31-2008

Took a group of 5 guys from various places including guys from the Angler Pro-shop. All were experienced angler and wanted to try deep water jigging. We left at 4:30 to get a early start and the ride out was a little bumpy and wet thanks to the large east swell. The slow ride out was worth the time. The 1st drift resulted in multiple hook ups and it stayed that was all day. To be honest I have not idea how many fish we caught and released but we have up to 5 anglers hooked up at once. The only time we didn't have fish on was when the guys were taking a break. We also had 4 Mahi on the top water and boated 3 one very large bull actually came to the boat and ate a jig only a few feet away but I stuck him with the gaff a little green and he bent it around the boat but in the fish box he went. We also had a nice Sailfish follow a top water to the boat but didn't get him hooked up. The SW winds picked up late in the afternoon and we headed home a little tired and wet. A outstanding day of jigging.

 

 

     

Gulf Stream/Jigging Trip 5-26-2008

Headed out Monday with a great group for SC and NC to do a combo trip at the gulf stream and some jigging. The ride out was a little bumpy due to the east swell and went through a few storms/clouds. Started trolling and we had a knock down quickly which was a small Blackfin tuna. Most of the boats in the area were talking about the slow troll bite so we headed out and started jigging for Snowy grouper. Everyone caught their limit after a few drifts. The largest was around 25 lbs and great fish. Went back to the drop and started trolling and caught a Mahi quickly and then it slowed down again. Did some jigging and different ledges but very slow bite. Started trolling in 130 feet of water when the short diving plug started screaming and we had our Wahoo. The trolling was slow but did manage a tuna/mahi/wahoo. Cleared the inlet as the sun was setting to end a great day on the water.

    

 

Fishing Report 5-25-2008

 
Had a full day trip with a group from NC. We started around 12 miles looking for kings but the front from Saturday has them shutdown in shore. The guys wanted to try there hand catching AJs. Headed out 20 miles and the 1st drop to my surprise we had a nice fat Gag grouper. Then we started catching AJs on live bait and the guys found out how hard they fight on 50 lb tackle. The largest fish was 49 inches and 30 inch girth around 50 lbs. Then we started with poppers on top which was something to see when they exploded on the surface. We did a little bottom fishing and caught a keeper red and broke off a couple. Could not locate any kings that wanted to eat.

   

 

Fishing Report 5-24-2008

 
Headed offshore with my son David to try a little grouper fishing in the morning before the weatherman said the wind would start blowing hard from the NE in the afternoon. Started around 30 miles and immediately started catching nice Red grouper and a few Gags but they were shorts and released. The bite was great around 10:00 and as fast as we could get a bait on the bottom we were hooked up with the light weight jigging set ups. Unfortunately the weatherman was wrong again and the wind start blowing NE 15 to 25 at around 10:30. We headed in in 4 to 6 footers but it was worth the ride. The final count was 8 keeper Reds from 10 to 12 lbs and 5 short Scamps and 2 short Gags along with other assorted species. Sorry no time for pictures.

Offshore Trip

I took a day off of sorts. Actually I went fun fishing on a buddies boat and we wanted to do some exploring and jigging/bottom fishing. This was the single best day as far a quality of grouper we have had in a while in NC. I have attached a few pictures but the high light was a 36 plus lb Gag grouper caught by Chris. in addition we had a 27 lb Red Grouper and several others over the 20 lb mark. I also caught a 10 lb Sand Tile fish on a jig. At the end of the day I tested the new torque jigging set up by catching a 10 ft Tiger shark. We had plenty of action and diversity with 8 kings, 5 Mahi, 3 Gags, lost track of the Reds and Scamps but limited out with 5 anglers.

      

Drop me a line if you want to try out the deep water jigging off NC.

Captain Mike Jackson
 LiveLine Charters
910-686-7271

Gulf Stream and Deep Jigging Trip 4-26-2008

Headed out on Sat for a Gulf Stream/ Deep Jigging trip and the weather was as advertised great. Started by trying to catch a African but did not find them so we started trolling. Worked a few areas with no action so started north and found a good temp break and rip/weed line and it didn't take long to start catch Mahi. We had as may as 4 or 5 at a time (sorry no time to take any pictures). A couple of time we had the school next to the boat and started catching them on the spinning rods. We stayed VERY busy for a couple of hours. We ended up with 19 Mahis and released a few peanuts. Started looking for a Wahoo and we eventually had a hit on the short Mai plug but pulled the hooks. Ended the day by doing 1 drop a 250 feet and had a quad hook up with large AJs. We boated and released 3 of them and the 4th pulled the hooks. The guys did a great job keeping them separated and the largest was caught by the 14 year old angler that did a great job. The fish was 57 inches and 37 inch girth (estimated over 80 lbs). We were the last to leave and had a nice ride home at 40 mph. Things are heating up at the stream so give me a call or e-mail to experience NC gulf stream fishing/deep jigging at its best.

  

  
 

Jigging/Gulf Stream Trip 4-11-2008

 
The weatherman gave us another beautiful day and I finally got a gentleman out that came all the way from Arizona to fish in NC. We headed to the stream for a combo trip since he was fishing alone we thought we would try different techniques. Stopped at a offshore ledge for jigging and 1st drift he catch a 26 lb African Pompano. The next drift he had a 13 lb Scamp grouper then multiple AJs. When the bite slowed we headed to the stream for trolling and after a short time we have a multiple hook up on Mahi. He did great we have 4 on at once and boated 3 of 4 with only 1 angler. Had a few more Mahis then the long line went off and I thought we had our Wahoo but turned out to be a large King 26 lbs. Continued trolling and finally the long line started screaming off and we had out Blackfin tuna. At the end of the day we tried some bottom fishing but it was slow but we did catch a couple of kings on the light line. I think this was the most species on game fish we had caught in one trip 7 species.

     

Deep Water Jigging Charter 4-10-2008

 
Finally got a day when we didn't have small craft warnings and could go fishing. We have a group of guys from NY come down specifically for the NC deep water jigging fishing and I think the trip was worth the ride to North Carolina. Started off targeting Snowy Grouper in 800 feet of water. The current was very strong so after some adjustments with the drift and much heavier jigs we limited out most fish we over 20 lbs. Headed back into the 250 to 400 dropped and start catching Amber jacks and various other species of jacks and grouper. Didn't find the 100 lb AJs but had one close to 60 lbs. Continued working other ledges with success and had a few strikes that looked like Wahoo but no hook ups. Did catch a 250 lbs shark on a jig. Final stop we caught a nice African Pompano that weighed 33 lbs, Gag grouper 18 lbs and some small Scamp grouper. Overall and very busy day and the guys enjoyed a nice ride back in on the bean bags.

       

 
 

Offshore Jigging Trip 3-13-2008

 
Took some experienced fishing friends on a exploring offshore jigging trip. The weatherman was on the money for a change and the ocean was beautiful. Started the trip by going to 800 feet and caught our limit of Snowy grouper. Move back into the drop and worked a lot of different ledges. We found a lot of AJs and Jacks but no grouper. Eventually we found a active ledge and started catching large African Pompano mixed with the AJs. We have several double and triple headers. We worked hard and had a blast and left the fish biting. The offshore jigging works well but it helps to have the specific tackle designed for this fishing.

     

       

Fishing Report 3-01-2008

 

Had 6 students on spring break that wanted to do a little bottom fishing. Unfortunately the weatherman was not very nice. As usual the 10 to 15 mph winds turned into 15 to 25 and the 2 to 4 ft seas were a little larger. We headed out around 20 miles and set the anchor to try to find some keeper Sea bass to start and wait for the wind to let up as forecasted. We caught plenty of Sea bass but hard to find keeper. We did however find plenty of sharks and a lot of baby Sand Tigers. We also had a 120 lb Sandbar shark caught on 20 lb tackle on a Sea bass rig. The guys enjoyed the day despite getting wet due to the 20 mph winds and the spray. Needless to say the wind never let up all day.

    

Fishing Report 02-03-2008

 
Decided to take a 1/2 day fishing on Sunday before the Super Bowl since the weather was unbelievable for Feb. since we only wanted to fish until noon we looked for Sea Bass. Stopped at a wreck at 12 miles and the bass were there thick but all of them were shorts 10 to 11 inches. After releasing about 60 fish moved offshore to another wreck. I did one drift and picked up a nice keeper so we dropped the anchor. The bass were so think we couldn't get the baits 30 feet down with out having on doubles the problem is that most of them we too short. After releasing countless bass I move out to some ledges and finally found some nice keepers. We kept 30 nice bass and a couple of grunts before heading in at noon. The ocean was flat calm and beautiful for Feb. It won't be long before it is time to head to the stream looking for tuna.

Superbowl Day Black Bass   
Click picture to enlarge

Fishing Report 1-05-2008

 
I took my son David and a couple of friends out on Saturday since the weather was unbelievable for Jan 5th. Started at around 32 miles ledges bottom fishing. The kings had moved from the area and the grouper fishing was slow. Moved out a few miles and started picking up some good bites. Found a area holding some good grouper and most of all beeliners. I dropped a 4 hook rig down and had one on every hook. Over all everyone had a blast caught plenty of fish 8 red grouper, lost count of beeliners/pinkys and grunts. The ocean stayed flat all day and it is hard to believe it is January and some people are dealing with 6 feet of snow. Give me a call if you want to do some bottom fishing while the weather is OK.