SE NC Report: strong redfish bite and speckled trout

[jeffreyweeks]

The weather has taken a turn towards winter and good cold weather fishing is already upon us. The standout bite remains redfish inshore while the speckled trout have also begun to stir.

By far the most reliable fishing right now is on redfish. Schools of nice redfish in the 22-28 inch range are cruising the backwaters. Anglers are catching them on live shrimp (when they can get it) as well as Berkley Gulp shrimp fished on ¼ ounce jig heads. Some guides even have their clients fly fishing for the redfish and bringing them in on minnow patterns.



The speckled trout have come alive from the Sunset Beach Bridge down into Littler River. At the jetties some really nice 6 and 7 lb gator trout have been landed on live shrimp. Anglers are also slow trolling soft plastics and catching specks along the edges and drop-offs.

Surf fishing has slowed with a few sea mullet (whiting) still being caught and a few flounder left in the surf. The Spanish and most of the blues have departed. There are black drum around the bridges, docks and oyster beds inshore though, and they can be caught on fresh cut shrimp.

Signs are pointing to a great winter for anglers fishing for redfish and speckled trout.

For more fishing articles and tips see my blog A Dash of Salty and my website Surf and Salt.