On the NC front

 light tackle puppy drum fishing is excellent. 

Got 'em of all different sizes, including the big 'uns 

Oh, sorry for that last report......that was from the Dragin Fly

May 29

Slow fishing still 5 yellow fin tuna and 2 sailfish today hoping for a better day tomorrow

 

Finally got what I came for

 From the time the day started until the end of the day we were seeing cobia. 

It's amazing what a change in wind direction, shoving in clean water and offshore grass (sargassum) and along with it a load of cobias. 

We caught 6 keepers but only kept a couple, sending the others along their way with a sore lip. 

Had a lot more shots. 

cobia pick

 has been slow for me, just seeing a few fish each day, but some are not making it any further

oh, the cobias

 we are picking at them, but nothing crazy.  seeing 8 or 10 each day, catching 1 or 2

some good sight casting big drum in rough water if that is your thing

This is the report from Hatteras

last drum dates available

 plenty of openings beginning Sept. 24 or before August 20 

Now taking reservations for corporate groups 2022

Finally ran accross a couple pairs

 and prevented the northern migration of half of them, a 53 and 47.  

So zero to 100 pounds of cobia in about an hour. 

Hopefully the fishing will get better and we can release those big cows and kill some of the smaller bucks which are better tasting anyway.  Sperm is cheap. 

Water finally hit 67 degrees.  I think this is going to fire up all along the NC coast all at the same time. 

been here a week and have not seen a cobia.........yet

 That's the report. 

Roanoke Refiring

 This cold snap has done my liver no favors, sitting at Hatteras watching the wind blow and the clouds take over.  Water temp dropped into the 50's which is not good for cobia fishing, but things should change quickly now the sun has returned. 

On the Roanoke, the cold snap has extended that season.  Capt Justin is heading that direction and has advised me that he is open Saturday afternoon and Sunday in case there is anyone who wants to take another whack at the stripers. 

Roanoke pics from my last afternoon.

 We fished about 5 hours.  After about 4 hours of catching dinks, I found my cajones and went up the river for an epic final 30 minutes. 

Roanoke and Reds

A lot of really nice fish on the Roanoke this year, recently they have gotten skinnier but that has made the ones there very hungry, especially on top water with multiple explosions per cast.   Really spectacular fishing if you are not afraid to tear up something getting to where they live. 

I finished up the season Thursday, Friday and Saturday with top water and fly action that could not have been better.   Some pics to follow. 

On Sunday I swapped gear and boats, putting in the Parker in Oriental with Hatteras Island punched in the GPS.   The Pamlico Sound did not disapoint reminding me what a 20 knot wind looks like at about Brant Island Shoal.   I donned the full body condom, put on my mask and snorkel.   At about Royal Shoal, Gypsy, our 4 month old yellow lab puppy looked up at me wondering why se signed up for that crap. 

Passing Ocracoke I spied breakers on shoals which broke down the waves and  shettlered sloughs.    I climbed up in the tower and picked my way around the duck blinds, pound net stakes and accross Hatteras Inlet to my home for the next three weeks, Oden's Dock.    

I should get caught up on the computer work this week as I am here to cobia fish and not play with puppy drum and trout.   I'll leave that to the locals who know what they are doing. 

Regarding the puppy drum and trout fishing, it appears to be epic from New Bern to Hatterass and all points in between.  As good as anyone has seen it.   This excellent fishing, espeically the pups, shoudl remain consistent through the summer and into the fall. 

Even some big drum are being caught within striking distance of Oriental.   The best of the big drum fishing season, August and September is pretty much booked so if you have not yet made your reservation, we are now taking reservations for next year, 2022. 

Matt Deaton getting well into the double digits with the pups in just a couple hours.   Everyone called uncle and came in early.