Holden Beach, NC Drum

[PurpleGold]

The drum are thick inshore right now. I have been going in the afternoons after work and have been wearing them out. Mullet are plentiful, for the time being anyway. I've gotten lucky and picked up a few flounder here and there but mostly drum. Caugt 9 last friday in less than 2 hrs. Went back yesterday and cought 4 or 5 but got wrapped on the pilings by two bigger fish than what I've been catching. I will be back for another shot at those two. I made the switch to 100% circles now and still have a lot to learn on these hooks, my hookup ratio is probably somewhere around 30%

[ice cream man]

I have found that circle hooks work better if you try not to set the hook. Let the Drum run, he will set it himself - just reel. I also like a very short leader only about 3" - better for casting & Drum are not leader shy. Hope this helps.........ICM

[gottaflylee]

If you want to set the hook, try a "wide gap shiner hook" Works a lot like a circle hook but you can set the hook with the rod. I love them and rarely do you gut hook a fish!

[PurpleGold]

Thanks for the help guys.

ICM, eventually I got the hang of not setting the hook. It took a while though because every instinct in your body is telling you to set the hook. Takes a little getting used to.

Gottafly, thanks for the suggestion. I will give those hooks a try later in the week when I am able to make it out again.