Fishing Reports
2010
 Contact us

Captain Mike Jackson
LiveLine Charters
910-686-7271

Fishing Report Deep Jigging 7-24-2010

We finally got a short weather window after 15 days of hard SW winds. Ray, Paul, Ben, Sherman and George made the drive down from NY. The ride out started with stiff SW winds but once we were out 40 miles it let off. We did have to take a detour around a Navy ship exercise but finally started in 140 feet and 1st jig in the water and Paul was on Ray dropped next and a double header. The current was tough 4 plus knots due to the moon and SW winds for ever. George caught his 1st African on the next drift. Then someone turned the switch off and we worked a few more spots with slow results. Went to 240 feet and it was on finally. The guys did a great job with 4 to 5 anglers hooked up. We had a lot of large Almacos and AJs. Ben had the largest for the trip 49 inches x 32 inch girth (around 75 lbs). The guys wanted to see if we could target grouper later in the day so we moved inshore a little but the winds and current made the drifts tough for grouper. This was some of the guys 1st jigging trip to NC and I think they are hooked. The weatherman put a end to Sunday's trip with 20 plus SW winds again !

       

       

       

Fishing Report Gulf Stream 7-8-2010

Had a Gulf Stream trip with Dale Holbrook and friends. The weather in the AM was OK just a mixed swell off shore. Started in 130 feet and had a couple Mahi bites quickly but couldn't keep the hook in them. Once we got to the drop we found a rip with a temp break than ran off shore and it didn't take long before we started catching small Mahi on spinning gear. After a dozen fish and a few minutes to clean the boat we started trolling off shore on the rip and a large Mahi 25 lbs ate the short bait. Continued off shore and then all lines went off from the clips but didn't get hooked up then when I tried to reset the long rigger it went off in my hand and a White Marlin started heading for the horizon. It took all but 100 yards of line off the reel before we got the boat turned. The angler did a great job getting it to with in 75 yards of the boat and the hook pulled. The wind started picking up from the NE so we trolled in from the break. Stopped and the tower and tried for a few minutes but no luck. Sorry I didn't get many good pictures.

   

Fishing Report Gulf Stream/Jigging 7-5-2010

Had a offshore combo trip with return clients from SC. Ran 35 knots in a flat ocean all the way to the break. Started in 120 feet and had a small Mahi right away but very slow trolling after the initial fish. Trolled all the way to the deep drop and decided to jig. We had some AJ and Almaco action but we wanted other species. Finally at a 200 foot ledge the long rigger went off and 350 yards melted off the reel. Another big Wahoo but about 1/2 way back to the boat a couple head shakes and the hook came loose. Started moving around at some 140 ledges jigging and got good action in the afternoon. We had 12 different species Scamp, Yellowedge, Strawberry Grouper, African Pompano, large Sea Bass, AJs and a species of jack that we have not caught Yellow Travally. Worked hard all day and ended with plenty of fish for the clients but the ocean was off until late in the afternoon.

       

   

Fishing Report Gulf Stream 6-19-2010

Had a fun day trip with my son Dave, Rob and his 2 sons Will and Sam. Started in the morning trying to get a few Cobia but no takers. Spent a lot of time dodging thunder storms. Decides to head off shore and troll. The 1st strike was a monster Wahoo that hit just before a storm to add more excitement to the battle. The team landed the fish and the boys were very excited. Ran to the south to get away from a very nasty storm and tried jigging in 140 feet. David had a school of Mahi follow his bait to the boat so the guys started bailing Mahi. The high light was Sam landing 3 Mahis on the smallest rod I have ever seen. Ended the day with some bottom action and I was able to actually catch a monster Red and David a 13 lb Scamp. A great fathers day trip that the boys will remember for a while.

       

        

Fishing Report Gulf Stream 6-18-2010

Had a father and son trip with Ken, Scott, Jordan, Tray and Steve all from the Va/ DC area. The weather was flat actually too flat and the temps 90 plus. Started in 130 feet and worked out but the seas temps were 88 degrees. Not much action trolling so we decided to try a little jigging. Finally Scott and Jordan got a double header of Almacos. It was just too hot jigging so we ran back inshore looking for cooler water temps. Finally, found some scatter weed in 130 feet holding fish. The 1st strike was a double headed of Wahoo and landed one of them. Continued to have action the rest of the day with Sailfish ( 2 in the baits but couldn't get hooks in them), Mahi and a Cuda. Ended the day with 20 Mahi ( a few gaffers) and a worn out crew.

   

   

Fishing Report Live Bait 6-13-2010

Had Jeff and Tate for a full day of live bait fishing. Headed off shore after a few minutes of jigging bait. Started at 20 miles. 1st drift Jeff caught his 1st ever Cobia 25 lbs. Then the next drift we had a 30 lber. The morning had plenty of action including a 15 lb Gag grouper. We had several more hits and broke them off or pulled hooks. Later in the morning some one shut off the light switch and the fish stopped eating. We worked some ledges and wrecks off shore. We did get a couple of small Mahi but not a single king strike. Had plenty of  fresh fillets for the guys to enjoy of Cobia, Grouper and Mahi.

   

Fishing Report Gulf Stream 6-12-2010

Headed out to the gulf stream with 5 local guys for some Mahi action. It didn't take long before we had the 1st gaffer of the day. Had constant action in the AM. Moved offshore to a nice weed line and temp break. It didn't take long and we had 500 4 to 6 lb Mahi following the boat and it was on. We caught 30 to 40 on spinning gear. They were so hungry the guys had a couple eat a empty hook. We decided to move on and after a few minutes of cleaning we began trolling again. Then we saw a small Mahi jumping behind the boat and they the water exploded several times as a Blue Marlin crushed the Mahi. We saw this 2 more times later in the day. Jim caught the largest Bull of the day a nice 30 lber. Also had a couple other nice Bulls. Sorry didn't have time for many pictures.

               

Fishing Report 6-5-2010

Had a full day live bait fishing with Dale, Mark, Chuck and junior angler Logan. The weather was much nicer than expected so we headed out 20 miles. 1st drift we had a nice Cobia on but it threw the hook. We had constant action in the morning with AJs, Cobia and a lot of big sharks. Chucked land 2 nice 35 lb Cobia so everyone had fresh Cobia for dinner. Logan landed his 1st AJ great job battling a tough fish all the way to the boat. The bite slowed in the afternoon so we started slow trolling. Finally got a nice king on the long line. The winds picked up in the afternoon so we finished around in the inlet with little action.

   

   

Fishing Report Gulf stream 6-4-2010

Had Brandon, David, Allen and Brian in town from Whiteville for their 1st Gulf stream trip. Started trolling in 130 feet and 1st thing in the morning we had a lot of short strikes but no hook ups. Finally, the short flat line went off and started screaming line. Then we watched a White Marlin jump across the back of the boat and through the spread and realized he was on the line. After a few tense moments of getting lines un-tangled were were clear and Brandon did a great job angling the fish. We had another fish behind the boat but could not get her to take a bait. Landed the fish after a 10 minute battle and she was 58 inches, took a few pictures and released her to fight another day. We decided to try some jigging since trolling was slow. After the guys had a couple AJs /sharks each the boys had enough back to trolling. We finally got on a nice weed line and a wide open Mahi bite for a couple hours. The final count was 13 Mahi, 2 Black fin, White Marlin and AJs. Outstanding day with a little of everything.

           

       

    

Fishing Report 5-31-2010 Deep Jigging Day #3

Headed south today into a light SW wind. Started trolling in 130 feet and didn't get the 3rd line out and Matt had his 1st Sailfish jumping and tail walking behind the boat. We knew today was going to be a typical NC day. Continued trolling and had a school of Mahi come jumping into the spread and every line had a fish. Caught a couple trailers on the spinning gear. Only trolled for about a hour and we had better results than all day yesterday. Started jigging in 280 feet and 1st drift everyone was hooked up. The fishing was finally off the charts with fish on every drop and drift. What a difference a day makes. The guys and lady fished hard all day. The sharks did find us and took a few jigs/fish. Aden fought and 300 lber to the boat. We also had a few jumbo Bonita and a Black fin and a couple Mahi on the light line. As usual I lost count of the number of fish but over 120 AJs and Almacos between 20 to 70 lbs all day long ! Everyone grabbed a bean bag for desired rest for the ride home. I was glad to finally get back to the outstanding NC fishing day we are accustomed to here.

       

     

     

 

Fishing Report 5-30-2010 Deep Jigging Day #2

Day #2 the weather was much better but still SE winds just lighter. Headed to the north and started the morning trolling looking for some Mahi action. Found a lot of scattered weed and bait but no fish. Started jigging in 140 feet but the fish just didn't want to eat. Started trolling to the deep drop and Lourdes caught her 1st Black fin tuna. Then we had a nice Mahi. Started jigging in 280 feet and finally found some fish that wanted to eat. Had steady action all afternoon. The big fish of the day was caught by Matt a nice 57 inch X 36 inch girth estimated 90 lbs. Later on Aden had a 25 lb Fire back grouper that threw the hook next to the boat and headed back to the bottom (captain's bad sorry Aden). Things started picking up all day and the winds started switching to the south.

     

     

Fishing Report 5-29-2010 Deep Jigging Day #1

I had Andrew, Matt, Aden, Jimmy and Lourdes down from NY for 3 days of NC jigging/trolling. Day #1 the weatherman was not kind with a hard SE wind. We stopped at 18 miles to see what the weather was going to do and had a nice Cobia and then a Gag on live bait. We tried top water but they would only follow the plug everything had lock jaw with the east winds. Moved out to 30 miles and tried to make it to the drop and the wind picked up so we decided to work inshore ledges. Later in the day we found a large school of bait balled up by 100 AJs and were able to start catching a few fish on top water. We worked hard all day and had some action.

     

  

Fishing Report 5-22-2010

Had a cancellation at the last minute so got a chance to take my son David and a couple others out for a day of fun fishing. Started trolling in 130 feet and got wiped out my small bait stealing Mahis. At around 200 feet we had a Marlin coming through the spread but didn't seem too aggressive and did a little window shopping and moved on. It was still exciting to see her come through the baits. After a while decided to do some jigging. We had action quickly with AJs, a couple Mahi on the light line and David caught a nice Scamp. Went back to trolling and picked at a few Mahi and moved to the north to check out other areas. Later in the day started jigging again and Jammie put a large Red in the box. The fishing was slow but a fun day and flat seas.

       

Fishing Report 5-15-2010 and 5-16-2010

Had a group of guys in town from Atlanta for a couple days of Gulf Stream fishing. The weather was beautiful and the fishing was less than expected from this time of year. We did manage a Carolina slam on Sat with 7 Mahi, 30 lb Wahoo and couple small Blackfin. We worked hard all day and tried a couple jigging drops. Sunday started off outstanding with a double header of Mahi and a Sailfish but the Sail threw the hook after a short time. Later we had a monster bull Mahi 30 plus lbs that stripped half the reel and then threw the hook. Then the fish decided not to eat for most of the day. Managed a couple Mahi and a few fish while jigging. The guys were very patient and had a good time regardless of the fishing.

   

Fishing Report Deep Jigging 5-1-2010 Day #2

Day #2 had Greg, Matt, Sami, Al and Dan. The weather was not so nice but still made it to the deep in a couple hours. We ran to the north on day #2 and started in 280 feet. The 1st drift Al caught a beautiful American Red snapper but out of season. The Almacos and small AJs were eating in the morning but seemed to shutdown mid morning. The fish would turn on for a few minutes and then nothing. We did have a drift with a couple of small Back fins and then Al hooked a very nice AJ but the sharks found us. Later in the afternoon went in a little shallower and found a good bite with 25 to 40 lb AJs. Also had a couple of 30 lb Africans, scamp grouper and kings. The fish were strange today with pockets of action and then nothing.
Just wanted to say thanks to Topper for organizing the trip. This was a lot of work getting 15 guys together for a 2 day trip.

     

 

Fishing Report Deep Jigging 4-30-2010 Day #1

Had a large group in town for a multiple boat 2 day jigging trip Spring Jig fest. Day #1 I had Topper from Fla, Ben from Calf, Erin from Virginia, Greg and Matt from NJ. Headed south and started in the deep. The action was great in the morning with large Almacos, AJs and then the Black fin started bust around the boat so we started catching tuna on top water. Topper went 3 for 3 quickly and also had a double header with Greg. Matt had the largest Gag so far this year mid 30 lber but 1 day early before the season opened so she was released. Later that afternoon the action picked up again and we had all 5 anglers hook up and land all 5 fish. Finally, Ben caught 2 fish on 1 jig (with 2 assist hooks) both we very large Almacos. The is a 1st for me and it shows how aggressive the fish were that afternoon. Outstanding day for Day #1.

   

         

     

Fishing Report Gulf Stream 4-23-2010

Had the 1st gulf stream trolling trip with Dale, Scott,  Steffen, Bill and Dave all local Wilmington anglers. The weather started good but became not so nice later in the day. The good news is that the warm water finally moved in over the break and the Wahoo came with it. Once we had the lines out it didn't take long to get a double header of Wahoo's, but one broke the main line. The action was great once you ran across the school of fish most of the time all lines were hit but with typical Wahoo fishing you miss a lot of bites. We did go 4 for 4 on hooked fish. The largest fish close to 50 lbs skied the bait and was 12 feet in the air. The SW winds kicked up in the early afternoon and the hard current stacked up the swells. Called it a day with plenty of fresh Wahoo steaks for the crew.

     

    

Fishing Report Deep Jigging 4-20-2010

Had Sami/Paul and the guys come down from www.saltywatertackle.com for a couple days of jigging but the weatherman cut it to 1 day so we made the best if it. Started in 140 feet and found a few AJs and a nice African. We had a temperature change from 68 to 73 degrees move through in the morning and once this went by the AJs started chewing. We had a lot of quality fish but only one large female. Evan caught the largest fish of the day which was 49 inches x 32 inch girth. Once the tide changed everything seemed to slow. Received a call from Chip who was down south on a great top water Black fin bite. So I pointed the boat south and opened up the Yamahas and ran 40 plus knots into a hot top water Black fin bite and it was on with fish chasing flying fish everywhere. In fact we had a flyer run into the side of the boat and Paul pick it up for a few pictures. We also did some jigging in between running down the tuna. The AJs were hungry but the sharks were even more hungry. We left very late with the tuna still hammering the flyers. Overall a good day with Africans, AJs, Almacos, Blackfin and the sharks.

     

     

     

Fishing Report Deep Jigging 4-10-2010

 Had a couple guys John and Ed come down from NJ for 1 day of jigging in Wilmington before heading to the outer backs for Bluefin. The weather was NW and slightly more than the forecast as usual. Started in 140 feet and found the AJs after a couple drifts but it was obvious we would have to work for the fish today. Caught a few fish in the morning but no big boys. Went to 200 feet and no life, the same area a week ago we caught everything. Moved out to the deep drop and started catching AJs and Almacos. It looks like the larger fish are breeding now because the small juveniles are in the normal spots. We did get into a good Blackfin bite and boated a couple nice fish but the sharks were hungry and took a lot of fish. Ed landed a nice 125 lb Dusky. Ended the day in 140 feet and since we didn't catch the normal quantity of AJs John made it up with quality. He landed the largest AJs of the spring so far this year 58 inches X 37 Inches estimates close to 100 lbs. The next drift we had double header of a 50 lb AJ and a 35 plus lb Jack Cravelle (the 1st we have caught). A good way to end the day. Thanks to John and Ed for fishing hard they had to work for every fish. Hopefully things will get back to normal in a couple days.
 

   

           

Fishing Report Deep Jigging Day #2

Day #2 started in 140 feet and the large very mean AJs were hungry. We have constant action for 3 straight hours of large AJs, Sharks and Cobia. The guys did a great job of keeping the line straight with 4 and 5 anglers fighting fish at the same time. Decided to take a break and moved off shore and found more hungry AJs, Cobia and Africans. Decided to try to look in the deep for more tuna and found plenty of hungry AJs. The guys continued to battle fish until the very end. As usual I lost track of how many AJs we caught but definitely in triple digits. Also at least 12 large sharks from 100 to 350 lbs. A nice ride home and a deserved rest in the bean bags for the guys.

       

      

      

Fishing Report Deep Jigging Day #1 - 4-3-2010

The guys from bookfishingtrips.com came down again for 2 days of jigging. Peter, Andrew, Milton, Jimmy and Jason (his 1st jigging trip to NC). The weatherman was on the money with flat seas. Started in 140 feet with AJ action but the sharks were hungry. We did catch 2 nice grouper that we released unharmed waiting for the season to open. Moved out to 200 feet and started catching Cobia. We had some great fish but Peter caught the monster over 70 lbs. Also caught a few Africans. Moved out to the deep drop to try for some tuna but could find them plenty of AJs and very large sharks. Jason brought one to the boat that was over 350 lbs. Decide to move back into shallower water and found the Africans were hungry. Also picked up a small Backfin and a king. Ended the day with a double header to 32 African Pompano. We had 11 different species (5 Cobia and 4 Africans all over 30 lbs). Great day for day #1.

       

       

       

   

Deep Jigging 3-20-2010

Had another 1 day weather window and took Kevin, Bernie, Richard and Jimmy all 1st time NC jiggers came down from NJ to see what our area had to offer. Like most anglers that visit NC I don't' think they were disappointed. Started in 140 feet and after very quick lesson on jigging it was on. The guys learned quick and couldn't believe the power of the AJs. As usual none stop action every single drift. Had a small African turn into breakfast for a shark then Kevin caught the big boy 38 lb African. After a couple of hours the guys wanted to try for tuna. Moved to 200 feet and found even more Jacks then moved out to the deep and 1st drift a nice 25 lb Blackfin. Continued to catch Blackfin in the middle of double headers of 50 plus inch AJs. The big boys were there and caused a lot of pain. Richard ended the day with a 300 plus lb Dusky on the jig. A outstanding day with 5 Blackfin, 3 Africans, double digit Jacks, 300 lb shark.

       

       

       

     

Fishing Report Deep Jigging 3-8-2010 Days #2

Day #2 started with a stiff SW wind once we got offshore but still made it to the drop. The AJs were still hungry but I think the sharks were even more hungry. We had a lot of fish but a lot of tackle lost to the sharks. Caught plenty of sharks on jigs. The winds let off in the afternoon and caught another nice Cobia and also a African. The high light of the day was Ken breaking in his new Blue fin popping rod set up on a 9 foot 400 lb Hammerhead shark. After a 30 minute battle the line parted with the shark 10 feet below the boat. There are some great videos coming when Peter gets home. Just want to say thanks to Jonathan, Peter, Ken, Joey and Tetsu from www.bookfishingtrips.com for 2 days of none stop action and it is only the 1st week on March.

 

       

     


Captain Mike Jackson
LiveLine Charters
910-686-7271

Fishing Report Deep Jigging 3-7-2010 Day #1

Today was the 1st trip of the season with Jonathan and the guys from bookfishingtrips.com and what a start. Jon, Peter, Ken brought down 2 new anglers and I think they are hooked. The weather was OK with a big swell but still ran 35 mph all the way out. It didn't take long and the action started on the 1st drift until the last. I tried to keep count and gave up after the 1st hour with 25 fish released. Then we found the Cobia 7 total most were 35 lbs and the largest weighed 65 lbs at the dock. We had large sharks and found some 53 inch fat AJs. Tried to find the tuna in the deep but no takers. The guys were worn out and ready for the rest in the bean bags coming in. Stay tuned more tomorrow.

Sorry for the short report but a little worn out.
Captain Mike

              

   

     

       

Fishing Report Deep Jigging 2-20-2010

Wow what a difference a week makes. Last Sat I was making snowmen in the front yard and this Sat headed off shore in flat seas a 50 degrees. Ran 37 mph all the way to the break and lines in the water at 7:15 1st drift immediate multiple hooks ups with nice AJs and by 8:15 most of the guys were too tired to drop again. For those that have caught AJs in NC I know it is hard to believe but the water is much cooler and the 50 lb fish fight like they are on steroids. These fish are fighting 10 times harder this time of year. We found a great class of fish for the spring and actually landed a fish close to 80 lbs and a lot of fish in the 40 to 60 lb range. By 8:30 we left the AJs looking for something else off shore. Worked the 200 foot area and got wiped out by large sharks again. Moved out to deep water to find Tuna and caught 3 nice Blackfin 2 fish around 30 lbs. Also caught plenty of AJs, Almacos, Banded Rudders and Bonita. This was a none stop action trip and with 5 anglers landed over 150 Jacks (this is conservative) Most drifts everyone could hook up provided you wanted to drop your jig. We didn't find the Africans but another buddy had a couple. At the end of the day we ran to a different area looking for tuna with no luck but ended the day with a double header of 250 lb sharks and the guys had enough. Sorry the captain had technical difficulty at the end of the day a deleted most of the great pictures on the camera.

          

       

          

Fishing Report Deep Jigging 1-28-2010

Finally got a 1 day window between 2 fronts coming through NC and headed off shore for some deep jigging. Flat seas heading out and stopped at 140 feet and immediately had AJs and multiple hook ups. They were not the big boys from the fall but plenty of action with fish between 25 to 50 lbs. After 10 to 15 fish decided to move out to 200 feet. 1st drift we had a quad hook up but then a school of 12 large sharks followed them to the boat and ate all of the AJs and took a few jigs. We lost a few more fish and moved away from the sharks. Trolled out to the deep drop and the 1st drift we have multiple AJs and a nice 25 lb Black fin tuna. We worked this area for the next few hours with action on every drift with AJs. Almacos, Banded Rudder fish (too many 50 to 75 of these guys), African Pompano and more Black fin. The winds picked up in the afternoon and moved back inshore for more action. Final count was 3 nice Black fin, 5 Africans and lost count on the AJs, Almacos and Rudder fish. Also a couple big sharks. Not a bad day for Jan 28th in NC.

              

    

                 

       

Fishing Report Key Biscayne Bone Fish

Had a chance to take another bone fishing trip with my favorite guide in Key Biscayne, Miami. Myself and son David meet captain Joe "Funny Bone Charters" at the ramp at 0700 with 15 to 20 mph NE winds ( I swear the wind follows me lately) it was also cloudy to add to the mix. As usual Joe came through and we were able to land 5 nice fish averaging 6 to 8 lbs. Of course David had to show me how it is done and caught a 10 1/2 lb x 28 1/2 inch stud of a bone. If you want to catch some large bones and have a great day around Miami I would highly recommend you give Joe a call at 305-798-0841 0r 305-642-6727. I have fished with him for over 18 years and he has never disappointed.

I also attached a couple of pictures of us feeding the tarpon at Robbies in the keys.

   

 

 


 follows me lately) it was also cloudy to add to the mix. As usual Joe came through and we were able to land 5 nice fish averaging 6 to 8 lbs. Of course David had to show me how it is done and caught a 10 1/2 lb x 28 1/2 inch stud of a bone. If you want to catch some large bones and have a great day around Miami I would highly recommend you give Joe a call at 305-798-0841 0r 305-642-6727. I have fished with him for over 18 years and he had never disappointed.

I also attached a couple of pictures of us feedinthe keys.