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Just talked with Captain Brant who reported the following.  The pogies are off Holden Beach. The Kings are still bitting at the 65 Foot Hole, but the bite was not as good today, probably due to the SW wind. Also he didn't see any dolphin.  The live cigar minnows are there for jigging.  Brant says the fish are still there and since the wind is shifting possibly the bite will pick up.

I Was also told of a tarpon being caught by  theLittle River Jetties and dolphin being caught at the Sherman last week.

There, that should get your attention.  There will be a FREE fish fry next Tuesday, July 7, to benefit the Jim Caudle Reef and the army reseves, who have donated much of the reef material.  The event will be at Harborgate Marina beginning at 11:00 a.m., so come one, come all!  Mama Jeans will be cooking, so you know it will be good food!

Capt Chris Dew and 1st Mate Aaron had a short charter to the 65 Foot Hole today.  I only spoke to the group shortly and learned they were from Ashville, N.C.

Captain Chris said though we've had great fortune at the 65 Ft. Hole, it's been an all or none situation.  I would expect that a lot of you visiting this weekend are like me and plan on going to the 65 Ft Hole to fish.  Stay tuned and in touch with us at the OIFC for the latest updates on where the hot spot is and whether the Hole is still the place to go.

When I visited the Fishing Center it was a hub of activity.  There is so much to do at the OIFC....not only the charters,  but jet skis, kayak rentals, boat rentals, dolphin tours, parasailing, banana boat rides, the store and the Giggling Mackerel.  There are loads of activities for everyone.  We hope to see you over the 4th.

I have 2 openings for the bottom fishing school on Saturday- call (910) 575-3474 and ask to be transferred to charter fishing reservations-- I'll be able to help from there.  Weather looks good.  Learn techniques to anchor, make rigs, hook and catch Grouper and where to find them. 

Capt. Brant

Holden Beach is where the Pogies are! Yesterday they were between the pier and the water tower and today they were around the Lockwood Folly Inlet.  Ain't it great to have them back and in such numbers?!!!!  The 65 Foot Hole is where the Kings, Dolphin and Spanish have been since Sunday.  So right now, that's where the fish are (at).

Today, all the OIFC Charters scored big at the 65 Ft. Hole.  I was at the OIFC when Captain Roger and Captain Zach came in with Chris, Lauren and Megan Roper from Hillsville, Va. and took these pictures.  Megan (in the cowboy hat) caught the biggest fish, a Mahi.   She also wanted me to point out that her hat stayed on her head all day.

This week has seen beautiful Carolina blue skies, hot temperatures, but enough breeze to keep it comfortable and great seas.  The fish and the bait are definitely here, what a great time to be in and to fish South Brunswick County, N.C.

Just received an email from Captain Jeff Williamson (Get Busy Charters).  Jeff is a charter captain and guide for the OIFC.  He had taken Carter Watkins on a guide trip and Carter caught his first King.  Congratulations Carter!

The OIFC offers a Guide Service where one of our charter captains accompanies you on your boat and works with you on all aspects of fishing and boating.  This is a great deal and is well worth looking into.

At 7:15 am Captain Roger reported bait between the Holden Beach Pier and the water tower.  He advised the seas were excellent.  The temp has dropped, but no rain is on the radar.

The bite this week has been at Christina's and the 65 Foot Hole.  Roger is headed to the Shark Hole.  He has a full day charter so hopefully I'll have an update later in the day.

Hope everyone is enjoying and taking part in the best King/Dolphin fishing I can remember in many years. Pogy schools are up and down the beach, and it's a simple equation; if you have the bait you'll have the predator fish. Which brings up a thought: As you probably know, we've lost our Brunswick County State Representative Bonner Stiller who has resigned. He was a strong advocate of fishery conservation matters and was critical in the success of getting a pogy netting ban in our Brunswick County waters. We've got lots of pogies, while in the northern part of the State, wars are erupting between the commercial netters and fishing folks, where the pogys are being completely wiped out by the netters.

It is imperative we be diligent with our elected folks so they understand the importance of the great work they did passing the pogy netting ban in Brunswick County. The person we need to communicate with is RC Soles, who is on the Senate side, is a Democrat in a Democrate controlled Legislature, and honestly, if he hadn't joined in support of the pogy bill, it would not have passed. Mr.Soles stepped forward at a critical time, and as you know the bill passed almost unamiously.

So...we need to let Mr. Soles know how much his support of the pogy bill is appreciated, and how important it has proven to be to our fisheries, with all the positive economic benefits that follow the food chain. He can be contacted via email at RC.Soles@ncleg.net. Thanks.

After locating Pogies off Holden Beach, the Carolina Cat and her charter of the Budds family of Cary, N.C., Daddy,  Bernie, sons, Josh, Cameron and Jordan continued getting bait, by jigging Greenies.  They then went to the Raritan and the Horseshoe, where they caught Kings and Dolphin.  The charter finished the day out bottom fishing, boating Sea Bass and a buffet of other bottom fish.

Mr. Budds is a contractor who is home on a break from Iraq and decided to spend some quality time with his sons by taking them fishing. 

 The rest of the week looks beautiful.  Our charter book is filling quickly, so you may consider booking a charter soon, or if you've got your own boat come and partake in the fun!