Capt. Brant's Fishing Report
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2012 Reports
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After my last glowing report, Jeff and I decided to take the "Tale Chaser" out for a piece of the action. We knew we were in trouble when every fisherman at the boat ramp said they hoped we had better luck than they did. Jeff and Brian haven't pulled for any live shrimp lately, and it appeared that someone or something had raided Jeff's bait pen, so we used mullett minows, mud minnows and Gulp. We hit every productive place we could think of and came up with only one Red. He was undersized, but he did save us from being skunked!! Hopefully our luck will turn around in early '08. Happy new year!!
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"Good News" | Stori Teller-24' | 12/30/07
Good news for the inshore anglers. Today started of with a phone call asking the legal size of red fish. Turns out that a Mr. Beckham, (sorry, I forgot your first name..age does that) landed at least one red in the Intracoastal Waterway. He said he was using Berkley Gulp. Later another customer reported slaying the Trout at Tar landing in the Shallotte River. He said he had some weighing 4 pounds and limited out, again using Gulp. Finally, Captain Roger reported Trout being limited out around the Tar Landing area by an angler using mud minnows. Good news for after Christmas. Reports from offshore anglers are that Wahoo, sailfish, grouper and even flounder are being landed. I had one unconfirmed report of a bluefin hookup. Stay tuned to see if we hear any further. On a year end note, I'm nearing completion of my first year with the OIFC family. Thanks to all the customers who put up with me during my learning curve. Thanks also goes out to those who have provided information for the fishing report. Folks from all over the U.S. tell me that they check the report daily and really enjoy reading it. Our Captains Club sale seems to have been a great success. Be sure to shop with us during '08 so you can take advantage of this great sale. The OIFC sends out a form to all those who are in the Captains Club and purchase fuel from us, that allows you to take the road tax off your income tax....yet another benifit. If you aren't a member, let us know, it doesn't cost you a thing. The OIFC has some exciting things planned for '08, including our online store, schools and tournaments. Come join us in '08. Happy New Year!!!!!!!
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"Back in business" | World Cat- 33' | 12/27/07
You gotta love it when a plan comes together. Last night, the crew of the Fish-A-Holic spent several hours rigging up, trailering their 27 Contender up from Murrell's Inlet, and generally getting psyched up to do battle with a big bluefin. They said they were going to get one this morning, so it was no suprise to me when Larry Eisenberger, Matt Eisenberger, and Matt Venuto showed up around 12:30 today asking me to come down and tag their fish. The tuna went 69 inches, and as I'm writing this they're down there getting it ready to go on the grill for a New Years Party. A Blue Water Candy JAG 3 Head (Pink Tips) and ballyhoo was the undoing of this fish. Congratulations to them on their hard work--it certainly paid off in the form of some sore muscles, smiles, and a fridge full of tuna. I spoke with Capt. Kyle Hughes earlier, and he confirmed that there were other tunas biting as well. He and his father were fishing Robbie Robert's Contender "King Hunter" and were hooked up when someone got a little too close and cut them off. Worst possible scenario there, but I'm confident they'll get another bite. Capt. Roger is on the It Works, and Capt. Brant is on the World Cat, so chances are good we'll see some more blood on the docks by the end of the day. In other news, Dr. Kendall Suh went offshore to the Blackjack Hole and ended up with a 68.3 pound wahoo and a double-header of sails. Did I mention he was solo!!! And that it's December!!! Not too shabby for Christmas vacation.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Merry Christmas!" | World Cat- 33' | 12/25/07
Hope everyone has a merry and relaxing Christmas. We'll be closed today but will be there at 9:00 tomorrow. The bluefins will probably take today off as well but should get back to snapping within the next 48 hours or so. We'll see everyone soon.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Today's Report" | World Cat- 33' | 12/21/07
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all you fishermen and women out there. And since this is the season of giving, I?d thought I?d offer up a great fishing report. Inshore the Speckled Trout fishing is picking back up again as the water and weather have gotten back together and began to cool back down. All the hot weather we had last week threw the Trout for a loop, but the cold weather has got them snappin?. Of course, my area of expertise is the deep-sea and for me, that?s where the reel appeal is. The Giant Bluefin Tuna have made several showings to our area, however, as is their nature, they are unpredictable. You just never know when the best day and best bite will be. The only thing you can do is give it a try. Here at the Ocean Isle Fishing Center we?ve weighed in five Bluefin up to 300 pounds so far this year. We haven?t seen any real monsters yet, but they have started catching some upwards of 600 pounds out of Morehead City this week, and this year is similar to last, that means those fish will be in our waters very soon. The hottest area has been in the vicinity of the Frying Pan shoals, particularly between the Knuckle buoy and the Horseshoe bottom. One thing that is consistent with Bluefin Tuna is that the colder the weather, the better the fishing. So bundle up and get out there. One tip I can suggest to help you endure Bluefin Tuna fishing is to have an alternative plan. The facts are that fishing for Giant Bluefin is much like sitting in a deer stand and committing to only shooting a buck of at least 8 points. If you?re a hunter, think how much time it takes to see that one right deer and how much time is spent in total boredom. Unfortunately when you fish for Bluefin, there just aren?t any other species to ?coincidentally? bite and keep you occupied while you wait for the big one. It is boring fishing and that is just the cold hard fact. However, when you get the bite, it will turn into the most exciting fishing adventure of a lifetime and that is what keeps me and all those who have caught Giant Bluefin Tuna before coming back for more. Typically the Bluefin bite in the morning between 7 and 11am. You can get a good idea as to how the day will go by 9am. If there have been bites and you are seeing bait, chances are it is worth sticking out and waiting for your turn. If no one has had a bite and particularly if you are not seeing signs of bait, then chances are you may be barking up an empty tree. As such, this past Thursday I decided to change my approach at Bluefin fishing. I had been 100% hero or zero fishing Bluefin all week, and unfortunately despite others hooking up, I had not gotten the big bite. I loaded up my Bluefin gear but also loaded on my Gulf Stream trolling rods and some extra bait. The plan was to fish until 10 or 11am and then decide whether to stick it out for Bluefin or retreat another 25 miles offshore the Gulf Stream to troll for Wahoo. It happened on Thursday that the Bluefin decided they?d take the day off and by 10am no one had any bites and there was no indication it was going to change. I had my fishing friend Ricky Danford on board and we reeled?em in and headed only another hour offshore before we were trolling the 100/400 area. It is a fact that the Winter is the best time catch big Wahoo off our coast, and if you can hit it right, you can see lots of action from them as well. We put in and trolled about 30 minutes before our first bite. A couple of Blackfin tuna pulled on our two short baits and missed the hooks. We trolled another hundred hards and the long rigger went down and reel smoked off several hundred yards of line. Ricky began doing battle and about 10 minutes into the fight the other long rigger that I left out went down and screamed. This second fish was no doubt huge as it just wouldn?t stop. Meanwhile, Ricky?s fish was closer and we worked to keep the second fish hooked and boat Ricky?s as well. The second fish made another huge surge and in the midst of its third big run the hook simply pulled- darnit. We refocused on Rickys fished and boated his Wahoo which went 56 pounds, not too shabby, but of course, the big one got away. We reset and hadn?t gone another ΒΌ mile when the short line was hit and missed and then the short rigger behind it was nailed and the reel screamed again. This time the line again went limp, but all we got back was a frayed up, broken line. This happens occasionally when you are fishing around a lot of Wahoo as undoubtedly another Wahoo struck the lure as the hooked Wahoo swam away with it trailing behind him. We reset again and it was all over. We trolled another two hours and never had another bite. The Wahoo bite right at the turn of the tide and it was as hot as it gets from fish that were definitely oversized. However, as is often the case in fishing, it was feast and then famine. None the less, we boated one good Wahoo and hot shots at others, which made for a nice afternoon. And so the moral of the story is that it is well worth while to give Bluefin Tuna fishing a shot, but in doing so, you are putting yourself close to other action. Whether it is Wahoo on the break, jumbo Sea Bass holding in 80-90 feet of water, Grouper and Snapper in 100-150 feet of water or Kings around the Frying Pan Tower, there is lots of fishing action available offshore. I hope you all have a happy holiday and great New Year. Stay tuned for more. I fully expect the Bluefin fishing to improve over the next couple of weeks.
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"Wahoos, too..." | World Cat- 33' | 12/20/07
Brant and Ricky Danford gave the tunas another shot this morning, but for whatever reason, they didn't cooperate at the Horseshoe. Soooo, they headed off to the 100/400 to make a reel scream. And they certainly did that, getting six wahoo bites on the changing tide. Only one of those fish made it into the box, but the fish weighed almost 56 pounds! Brant said they had one on that would have eaten it as well. Would have been nice to grab that one as well, but that's how it goes. If you're coming down for Christmas, it looks like the weather will be decent the day after to head out to the break.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Why re-tell a good story...here's the original" | World Cat- 33' | 12/19/07
Capt Ed is a graduate of Capt. Brant's fishing school and sent this to me today. It's tough to edit perfection... Citation Cobia aboard the LieAbility December 18, 2007 started out cold and windy with most boats staying on the hill. Captain Ed Shaw was thinking I'm 63 years old and may not have many fishing opportunities left; maybe I better give it a try today. After waiting on the sun to come up and warm the air a little; I took the 24 McKee "LieAbility" out for some bottom fishing about 0900. Around 1200 the wind had stopped and it was like a beautiful spring day. Fishing about 30 miles out in 106 feet of water, the Grouper were cooperating and with four in the ice box, I was thinking about calling it a day around 1400. Then the rod bent double, the drag started slipping and I thought the mother of all groupers was on the other end. All I could think about was, just how good did I retie (used Ng knot) that hook after the shark bit it off ? After about 30 minutes of backbreaking cranking the big head of a Cobia came into view, and then disappeared just as quick. By now I was thinking that I really wished I had someone on the boat with me to lend a hand. The fish would get close enough to almost gaff and then he was gone again. Everyone who has ever tried to gaff a fish while holding a rod in the other hand knows it is easier said than done. We almost wore out the deck plate with me walking from one side of the boat to the other trying to keep up with his antics. Finally I sank the gaff into the Cobia and managed to pull him aboard after about 45 minutes. I am not sure who was the tiredest, but neither one of us was in any shape to brag about. We both just lay there for a few minutes looking at each other; two old timers thinking neither one of us won or lost the battle this day; it was just his time. The Island Tackle store weighted him at 54 pounds with a length of 52" and a girth of 24"; a citation Cobia! The Cobia was caught while drifting a whole frozen Boston Mackerel on a Mustad 13/0 Circle hook and tied on with a 130# leader. Equipment was a Daiwa Sealine HSD reel spooled with 80# mono on a Star Aerial 6', 20-50# rod, a Capt Brant grouper setup. A good day Best Wishes, Capt. Ed.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Bluefin Update" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 12/19/07
Lots of bluefin fishing going on yesterday and today and not a lot of time for reporting. Yesterday was the first fishable day due to weather and the fish were ready for us. I was aboard the OIFC World Cat and headed out Shallotte inlet around daybreak. A spread of pristine Baitmasters Jumbo ballyhoo were deployed about 6:30am near the slu at Frying Pan shoals. Man it was cold. The water was dirty and the seas were 3 to 4 feet. About 30 minutes after getting lines in, Wally on the Fishwhistle from Southport hooks up around the horseshoe about 10 miles from where we are. We scurry around the back deck clearing lines and head for the bite. We are the second boat to the area where Wally is still doing battle when we arrive 20 minutes later. First bait out is the long line on top. Second bait out is the deep planer bait. Next bait....ooops there he is- GOT HIM ON!!! The planer bait with a crystal and pink head Jag lure from bluewater candy (http://www.oifishingcenter.com/fishingstore/product-details.cfm?ItemID=108&id=21) is destroyed and it's time to go to work. We work efficiently clearing lines and angling the fish. Within 10 minutes the estimated 75" 250lb fish is boatside. I grab the leader and uh oh "I think he just figured out what is going on". The relatively calm fish to this point goes insane. He dives hard, then surfaces, then zig zags. The handled the situation with expertise and proceeded to spit the hook-"DANG!" That's ok we're near the fish and only 2 other boats arrive. Lines back in the water. This time I get all three out and just take over the helm when WHAM! There goes the top line, an all crystal Jag head from Bluewater Candy, screaming in high gear at 30lbs of drag. We run circles first, then gain composure and begin clearing lines. Too late, the fish pulls off-"not again!" Down but not out we continue on our mission. By this time Patrick Bryant on the Twister is right next to us and has missed two fish and is hooked up to number 3. We fish the rest of the morning and believe it or not we get 2 more chances. This time we succeed but of course wouldn't you know it both fish were small. Too small to keep. So we intentionally released 2 undersized bluefins and unintentionally released 2 giants. My best guess is 10-12 boats fishing and around 15 bites. There were more undersized fish than normal but at least there was action. Wally and Patrick both got their fish and were in the mid 70 inch range. We fished in 59 to 62 degree water with moderate bait marks. We had two bites on the crystal with pink head Jag and two bites on the all crystal Jag both from Bluewater Candy. Also I believe having the absolute largest and highest quality bait possible is a huge key to getting bites. We are carrying the best bait I've seen in years right now in Baitmaster's here at the OIFC and we can ship to you an order 910-575-FISH. Conditions are improving but I wouldn't call it stellar yet. Definitely though there are fish to be caught.
Today I didn't make it out but I believe the bite was similar but more boats had to share them. I know of at least 3 fish taken and I've heard of many more shorts released. I also understand the bite in Morehead was very good today, which means we should continue to see more tuna in our waters every day. The weather is perfect so come on down and get in on this unique fishery. If you need supplies or direction we have both here at the OIFC.
- Capt. Barrett McMullan
"Bluefin bite continues" | World Cat- 33' | 12/19/07
The bluefin bite continued today. Wade Long out of Little River got this 77 incher on the Longshot, with a crew of Billy Long and Scott McClary. They also released a short fish. It looks as if last weekend's cold front pushed these fish right into out backyard. With the weather having stabilized, it looks as if they'll hang around for some time. Come on down, now is the time!!!
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Bluefin biteis on!" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 12/18/07
Just as I forecasted the Bluefin bite turned on today in our waters. Don't have the details yet but there were several fish caught. Standby.
- OIFC Staff- Don Coley
"Bluefin Tuna bite scheduled this week" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 12/16/07
We're all getting impatient in our southern NC waters, waiting for the Bluefin bite to kick into high gear. A study of the dynamics reveals interesting facts and points to a big change. Here's what [I think] is happening:
The fish have stayed up in the Morehead waters due to the abundance of menhaden up there. The menhaden are staying there because the water is so warm. I have heard the pogies are thick in the rivers up north. The tuna caught up there are fat with pogies. Down here, the few fish that have been caught are eating needle fish and crabs, definitely not their favorite menu item. So....with the cold air blast we're getting today, the water will cool, thus pushing the pogies out the rivers and then south toward us. The weather will be a factor in causing this along with the normal southwest migration of the pogies this time of year.
The front is blasting through, and will lay out late Monday with perfect conditions beginning Tuesday. Thus, all the science and clouded crystal balling points to the fish showing up along Frying Pan Shoals and other area hotspots later this week. Once the bite starts, it should continue later this year due to everything running a couple weeks late thus giving us good action on into February. Come on down and help us catchem! Our boats will be on the water starting Tuesday, so stand by for reports.
- Rube McMullan
"They're Baaack!" | Stori Teller-24' | 12/14/07
The inshore fish are back! Jeff and Capt. Chris took Jeff's Scout 240 Bayboat out this morning and caught/released 11 red drum, several large black drum, one trout, and an assortment of other inshore fish. They reported that at times they had double hook ups. Some of their good fortune was around the docks near the Sunset Bridge. Brian Aycock ventured out on his own and landed several trout. Brian said the water temprature in most areas was in the mid to low 60's. He located a spot where the water was @59 and started getting one bite after another. All the guys were using live shrimp, which are as hard to come by as....well, live shrimp. Thanks to all who have told me they appreciate the inshore reports. I'll keep the comming.
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"Trout Vacation" | Stori Teller-24' | 12/12/07
The weather turned beautiful so the trout decided to take a couple of days off. Things slowed down here, probably due to the warmer than usual weather. Bryan and Jeff went out yesterday and for the first time in a while got skunked. I knew it was slow when Austin Aycock and Tripp Hooks reported a slow day. Jeff, a good friend and offshore angler, Dan Ratley and I went out today and managed to land a few sheephead using live shrimp. We encountered a few folks with nice sized red drum however. One of them was a young lady, Nicky Kelly, who was fishing with her uncle and dad. They were successful using live mullet. The weather is supposed to cool down, so maybe the trout will get back to work and give us more action to report. Finally, Captain Chris was stocking the OIFC with a lot of trout tackle today and at the time of this report the Fishing Center had live shrimp in stock.
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"And in the meantime..." | World Cat- 33' | 12/12/07
It's hard not to enjoy 80 degree weather in December in North Carolina. Unless, of course, you are the 52 pound wahoo that Jeff Martini and Ace Parker nailed this Sunday on the "Dirty Martini." Toss in some gargantuan trout, tons of king macs at the Frying Pan Tower and a bluefin tuna or two... What month is it again? I'm confused...
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"The weather is here; wish you were beautiful" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 12/09/07
For all you folks back inland; you need to reconsider your geographic location. It is absolutely magnificant here at the beach. Flat calm, temp in low 70's. The weather's perfect, the oysters are salty, the fish are biting from inshore to the gulf stream; pal, it don't get no better than this.
The truth is the weather may be a little too nice as the hot trout bite seemed to cool off a little last couple of days, but good action still available on live shrimp or gulps. Gulf stream saw a few wahoo, but action was scatterred and not as good as recent[Black Dog had one close to 50 today, and another boat had one in mid 60's]. The sea bass bite is hot with the large winter bass we look forward to now showing up. The big news is the beginning of the giant bluefin tuna season which got kicked off yesterday with a good 80 incher caught by John Dosher. He caught his fish at the Fairway buoy along Frying Pan Shoals[right beside me and Brant]. Also congrats to Capt Hook who caught a 86 incher at Morehead yesterday. Today a short was caught also at the Fairway.
With stable weather all week, should be a great week of beach and fishing. Come on down!
- Rube McMullan
"Trout Action Continues" | Stori Teller-24' | 12/08/07
I received an email from Brian Aycock saying the Trout action was still hot today. He sent along these pictures. Brian reported he caught a 5.8#, 4.8# and a 3.9#'er. Also as of today, the OIFC has live shrimp. Congratulations to Bryan. Also, no need to try to figure out where he landed these monsters by looking at the pictures. He's been known to change locations before taking them. I'm hep to his tricks!!
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"First bluefin killed today" | World Cat- 33' | 12/08/07
Ok folks. It's officially happening. After a week of bad weather and some close calls, the first local bluefin of 2007-2008 was brought to the dock at the Ocean Isle Fishing Center late this morning. The crew of the Little John drew first blood of the year with their 80 inch fish. Capt. John Dosher would like to thank his crew of Mike Linkous and Brian Rowley (the angler who caught his first ever bluefin, standing up with a 50W reel) for an excellent job on a tough fish, that first tried to run under Capt. Brant and Rube on the It Works and then tried to run into the props. They all had their game faces on and managed to get a gaff in the fish. They are also the proud recipients of a $500 gift certificate to the Ocean Isle Fishing Center for being the first of the year. Congratulations to them--surely there will be more to follow. Come on down and get after 'em folks!!! Sure enough, they're here!!!
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"NOW OPEN!!" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 12/07/07
The official OIFC Webstore is NOW OPEN click the following link http://www.oifishingcenter.com/fishingstore/. We invite everyone to take a tour around the newly built site and ask you to bare with us as we are continually tweaking and adding products. Thank you.
- Capt. Barrett McMullan
"Opening On Panama Trip" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 12/06/07
The Traveling Fisherman trip to Panama is fastly approaching. We have 2 slots remaining for this adventure so act quick if you'd like to join us for a fishing excursion of a lifetime. Could be a great Christmas present for a lucky fisherman! Email captbarrett@oifishingcenter.com for more information.
- Capt. Barrett McMullan
"Bluefin Update!" | World Cat- 33' | 12/05/07
OK- final word for today- confirmed 16 on the dock with possibily of a few more. At least 30 fish hooked up this AM, but some were short and some broke off. The scene was described as chaotic as bite went off and boats all hooked up at same time. Not sure of exact location. Sounds like fun. I'm going to wait for them down here-- this weekend looks great.
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"Bluefin Update!" | World Cat- 33' | 12/05/07
Just got word that the bite went off today at Morehead. 5 on the dock this AM, but "supposedly" at least 20 on boats and more hooked up. I'll get the final word this PM and report. Plenty of rumors going, so this is not 100% confirmed other than the fish on the dock. Stand by. Don't have word on local hookups yet, really not much effort as everyone seems to be waiting on a pioneer to pave the way. This weekend looks absolutely beautiful and will be the perfect opportunity to get out and find them. If they are up there, they are here too!
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"Where's my cork at?!?" | World Cat- 33' | 12/04/07
I had the opportunity to fish inshore today with locally renowned trout enemy Jeff Beck. We left the dock around 9:30 at dead low tide so we could fish the rise, promptly decided we didn't have enough clothes on, ran back for more layers, and gave it another try. When the water began to run, the specks turned into absolute kamikazes. In about a two hour stretch we caught between 25 and 30 of an excellent class of fish. A good many were over 3 pounds, but we were too busy re-baiting and releasing to weigh the fish and get the exact numbers. Two of the fish were kept for the frying pan but the rest were released. We ran out of live shrimp as the bite was slowing, but managed to get bites on Berkley Gulp! shrimp as well. We kept a few trout in the livewell for pictures on the way home, at a spot where we could get the lighting right in the background. All in all, an outstanding day on the water, in December, in Ocean Isle Beach.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"NEW BAIT SHIPMENT HERE" | World Cat- 33' | 12/04/07
We just got in our new shipment of Bait Masters ballyhoo- We've got a ton of everything, but pertinent to now, we have some awesome horse and jumbo baits-- these are THE best baits you can pull, I guarantee- no brining, just rig and pull to something bites them, they will not wash out! You can come by or we can ship- (910) 575-3474
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"The Future Is Now!!" | Black Pearl- 31' | 12/02/07
I received these pictures today along with a report that Brian Aycock,his son Austin Aycock, Tripp Hooks and his dad, David Hooks put the hammer to the trout and sheepshead at undisclosed locations on the Intracoastal Waterway and Little River. (Who's boat is that on the lift, a clue perhaps?) Local anglers say that Austin and Tripp are the future superstars on the fishing scene. I've fished alongside these young men both offshore and inshore and I say that the future is now. Their dads are excellent fishermen in their own right and they are doing a great job coaching Tripp and Austin. The rest of the dads out there would be well served to get their sons and daughters started!!!
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"Ready to break loose" | World Cat- 33' | 12/02/07
Nasty seas kept all but the hardiest anglers on shore around here, but our counterparts up on the Crystal Coast killed a confirmed four bluefin today, a 96", 92", and two in the mid-seventies. This to go with three confirmed fish from yesterday. One thing suprising about this class of fish so far--they have averaged over 300 pounds, which is unusual for the early "spotter" fish that show up before the main schools arrive. With a better forecast for the middle and later part of the week, it's a good bet that the first giant tunas will show up on the OIFC docks by next weekend, keeping them right on schedule with last year. Scale your drags and wet-pack your braid, it's time to do it to it!
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"It's Bluefin Time!" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 12/01/07
Thanks to everyone that attended our Bluefin Blitz seminar at OIFC. A great turn out and hopefully everyone left with good info. For us, nothing left on the calender but to GO FISHING! Heard today a couple fish hooked in our waters and 3 were caught at Morehead. We'll have boats on the water tomorrow so stand by. The Ocean Isle Fishing Center is offering a $500 OIFC gift certificate bounty for the first Giant Bluefin Tuna[73 inches+] brought to our dock this season. TrueWorld Fisheries is setting up brining tanks here at OIFC and will handle everything to get your fish to the market. So lets get it on and see who will be the hero who brings the first one to OIFC. Tomorrow looks like good weather day.
- Rube McMullan
"Bluefin Blitz Saturday" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 11/30/07
Looks like the weather man has done another 180 on us and delivered up perfect weather for Saturdays Bluefin Blitz here at the Ocean Isle Fishing Center. It had looked like Saturday was going to be a good day to be on the water, but now, a northeast wind 15-20kts doesn't sound very friendly. So.......the weather is perfect to spend a day at the OIFC, free how to seminars from Captain's Brant/Barrett/Roger, line spooling, demo's, special guest from Tag a Giant and Coast Guard, all to fully inform and prepare you on everything Bluefin. Festivities start at 10:00 for all day series topped off by oyster roast. Sharkys has offered up extra parking in their lot if needed, and will be open for lunch during the lunch break from the seminars.
Yesterday had opportunity to ride around offshore and observe conditions. Lots of activity around Shark Hole, gannets, birds, spotted porposies, big pods of bait; it looked pretty fishy. We trolled around a little while and conclusion is everything is here except the Bluefin which should show up very soon. Think season will be a little late as have all species this year. Did finish off the day catching a sea bass dinner of the winter big boys which are now moving into our waters.
Join us tomorrow at the OIFC and help us kick off the Bluefin season.
- Rube McMullan
"Kidnapped" | Stori Teller-24' | 11/29/07
This morning I was blindfolded and taken to an undisclosed fishing hole somewhere on the ICW and made to fish. Jeff and I caught several black drum, trout, a red, and even a couple of blue fish in a short time. Later I was released, unharmed, after I promised not to divulge the locations. Jeff then joined up with his partner in crime, Bryan. They too got into the trout on the Intracoastal, then relocated to the Jetties. There they said they were catching black drum on almost every cast along with trout once again. One of the keys to our success was shrimp!! This appears to be the bait of choice although I've gotten reports of mud minnows working well. Anywhere along the Intracoastal, the creeks and the Jetties are producing trout. If I can catch them anyone can, so come and join in on the fun. Also, don't forget the action at the OIFC Saturday. I'll be at the OIFC Friday helping get ready for the Bluefin Blitz. Don't forget to use your Captain's points and save on some great Christmas presents. We just put out some new OIFC pullovers that look great, Calcutta T's, a good looking picture of the Frying Pan Tower I took while fishing on the "It Works" and all kinds of unique wall art.
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"Ice Fishin'?" | Stori Teller-24' | 11/28/07
First, I must apologize for misspelling Brian Aycock's name in my last report, my spellin' just ain't too good and his wife is a teacher! That said, the guys set out this morning with the temp at 42 degrees and slayed the trout, flounder and black drum again, just missing a Carolina Slam two days in a row. It may be chilly, but the inshore fishing is hot. The pictures will give some idea of the trout action. Jeff slipped up and gave me an "on the scene" picture. Those anglers familiar with the area will definately recognize the location. Told you I'd find out where they were!! Brunswick County is a great place to be this time of year. Come down, enjoy Brant's Bluefin Blitz and take in some inshore action!!
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"It's tuna time" | World Cat- 33' | 11/28/07
The weather offshore has been nothing short of miserable for the last few days in Ocean Isle Beach. That being said, a break is about to come. I spooled about three miles of braid and topshots today at the Ocean Isle Fishing Center, and there will be activity tomorrow as the first effort to target these giants in earnest will be underway. If the conditions are like what I saw the last time I was out there, with gannets diving everywhere, a bite shouldn't be hard to find. Let's get it on!
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Carolina Slam!" | Stori Teller-24' | 11/27/07
Jeff and Bryan Aycock went inshore fishing today and scored a Carolina Slam. For those who may not know, that's trout flounder and drum. Where did they fish and what did they use, you might ask. I asked and would still like to know. They used my boat and still won't tell me anything because they're afraid I'd post it on the Fishing Report. Stay tuned..because when I find out I'll tell you. On the serious side they did catch a lot of trout, a flounder, red and black drum. This shows the trout are hot, the drum are on and the flounder are still around.
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"OIFC 2008 Schedule of Events" | World Cat- 33' | 11/27/07
I've had a few people asking about schedule for 2008 OIFC events- FYI OIFC 2008 Schedule of Events: March 15, 2008- Spring Kickoff - line spooling at $.01/yd - seminars - used tackle sales (bring your own) April 13, 20, 27/May 4, 2008- Capt. Brant?s Gulf Stream fishing school May 2-3, 2008- Spring Inshore Classic - Flounder, Trout & Drum May 9-17, 2008- Far Out Shoot Out- Tuna, Dolphin & Wahoo Rodeo - Registration & Capt Meeting Friday, May 9th - Fishing days Saturday, May 10 ? Saturday, May 17 (fish 2 out of 8 possible days) June 20-22, 2008- Jolly Mon King Classic - Registration & Capt Meeting Friday, June 20th - Fish EITHER Saturday, June 21 or Sunday, June 22 July 11, 18, 25, 2008- Capt. Brant?s Live Bait King Mackerel school October 24-26, 2008- Fall Brawl King Classic - Registration & Capt Meeting Friday, October 24th - Fish EITHER Saturday, October 25th or Sunday,
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"Good to be home" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 11/25/07
After a 2 week tour around the southeast that included fishing, family, friends and feasting, it sure felt good to get home pet the dog and catch up on what's been going on at the OIFC. In addition to the fishing news around the docks, the big news is it looks like the OIFC webstore- www.oifc.net is finally about to open. We have brainstormed about this webstore idea for several years and thanks to our new web guru Anita the vision is close to becoming a reality. We are excited to implement this "tentacle" of the business as we hope to offer more and better information and gear to OIFC friends through the web. On the fishing scene around here it sounds like the trout and redfish are jumping in the boat, the kings are doing their normal late fall deal offshore and the giant bluefin tuna are on the brink of making their annual assault on our waters. I've had solid reports of bluefin sightings and hookups from the canyons off Virginia all the way south to the Jungle right offshore of Ocean Isle. The reports are becoming more and more frequent as the water cools and the fish move south. There is no need to wait any longer for tunas to arrive. They are here and the next decent weather day should offer an opportunity for fishermen to tangle with a giant.
As for my excursion around the southeast the past couple weeks I'd describe my fishing experiences and resulting demeanor like a trim tab. We were up then down then up again and back down. With expectations that could only be matched in size with our excitement we attacked the SKA National Championship in Biloxi. Fishing aboard a borrowed 36' Yellowfin we were spoiled with a first class ride that kept any destination within 200 miles of checkout a possible destination. We fished hard for 1 1/2 days in the supposed fertile waters of the Gulf and had yet to catch a king mackerel over 15pounds. However in the last hour of prefishing before the tournament we came across a group of oil rigs loaded with bait and kingfish. The first bait in the water affirmed our hopes. We had found the fish. We caught a few fish in the low thirties to confirm we had located our tournament destination and then decided to throw out one hawg gagger bait, a 3lb blue runner to determine if a larger bait would produce a bigger fish. It didn't take long. A couple minutes after deployment the hugh runner was donkey punched by a stud mackerel pushing the 50lb mark. We were confident and ready for the tourney but like so often is the case a weather change the day before the tournament sent the fish into a tale spin and our school of ravenous monster kingfish had disappeared. We never recovered from our failed gameplan and ended the tournament where we began our week, chasing our tails looking for the magical Gulf kingfish bite. Fortunately for my girlfriend Stephanie and I we didn't immediately have to make the agonizing drive back to NC playing Monday morning quarterback on what "we should've done". Instead we had made arrangements to head to Venice, LA and give the sight fishing for redfish a try with world renowned redfish tournament angler Mike Frenette. I've watched the redfish tour on tv for years and have always been interested but never had the equipment or understanding on how to target these fish. Folks, let me tell you right now. There is nothing like it. I've heard of people getting "buck fever" when they sight a deer down in their scope but I experienced something very different with the same effect "redfish fever". It was truly incredible to work along the banks of the delta in less than 2 feet of water and spot redfish from 4 to 20 lbs push water, tail, or crash bait pods. Next came stalking the fish and finally presenting an artificial lure in a spot that wouldn't spook the fish but close enough to get its attention. Truly an awesome fishing experience. We saw more than 50 fish and caught about 15. After having success sight fishing for redfish in Louisiana I can't wait to give the techniques a try in my homewaters. I have a feeling places like the Shallotte River, behind Sunset Beach, and around Bald Head Island have the potential to be great sight fishing grounds. And that's the state of the union. It's good to be home and it's time to go fishing. Don't forget about the bluefin blitz this coming Saturday!
- Capt. Barrett McMullan
"Final countdown to Bluefin Blitz" | World Cat- 33' | 11/24/07
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Guys, the 2007 Bluefin Blitz is only one week away! Discounts on all bluefin gear (plus save up to 50% with our ongoing Captain's Club Sale) plus seminars with Capt. Brant, Barrett, and Roger, and a USCG officer on hand to answer your questions about safety gear requirements. We have a fresh shipment of premium Bait Masters ballyhoo coming shortly after that, so it's a great time to get your name on the list for the best bait out there. Come one, come all. Even the food is free!!!
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Mixed bag" | World Cat- 33' | 11/21/07
Capt. Roger is up in West Virginia right now, probably about to get up early to go buck hunting. In the meantime, I just recieved some pictures of his trip from a few days ago with Kirk Strause, Amber Strause, and Paul Cooper from Sanford. It seems like these guys caught a couple of everything, including some nice gags. This is what fall is all about, just before bluefin fishing breaks loose. You can catch it all in the fall!
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Bluefin Tuna nd Trout" | World Cat- 33' | 11/21/07
Trout and Drum bite have been hot in the ICW- looks like inshore tourney this weekend should be a blast. We are planning on getting live shrimp on Friday- hope you'll come out and fish in Capt. Stans inshore tourney-- sign up on Friday at 6pm- Next weekend's Bluefin Blitz is shaping up- so far there have been 8 BFT's landed out of Morehead and several have been hooked, but not landed from our area. So, they are real, they are back and its time to get ready. Schedule for the Dec 1st OIFC Bluefin Blitz: 10AM- Capt. Brant on tackle options and setup 11AM- Tag A Giant program on their research and understanding of BFT migration and status 12:30PM- Break for fresh steamed Oysters or lunch at Sharkeys. 2PM- USCG commercial vessel safety inspector Barry Everhart on requirements to land and sell BFT 3PM- BFT broker Donald Deihl of True World fish sales on how to handle and prep your fish for sale 4PM- Capt. Brant on setting your spread, hooking, fighting and landing a BFT. THIS IS FREE- come on out- EVERYTHING IN THE OIFC THAT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH BLUEFIN WILL BE AT LEAST 10% OFF! LINE SPOOLING SET UP AND READY TO GO!
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"upcoming tourney" | Stori Teller-24' | 11/20/07
Folks fall inshore fishing is in full swing just in time for the upcoming fall inshore classic at the Ocean Isle Fishing Center Nov. 23rd and 24th.The trout bite has been absolutely incredible almost anywhere you want to cast a berkely gulp.Everyone that has been fishing in the last few days(including myself)have found good numbers of trout with many being citation size fish.And with our warmer than usual temperatures the flounder bite has been consistent with fish being caught at the usual trout holes on the same gulps that we are using to target the trout. The tournament will be held on friday and saturday with the captains meeting being held friday night at 6o'clock sharp.We will also be providing Capt. Stan's famous bar-b-que dinner for all participants friday night.And fishing on saturday from 7 till 4 and the awards will be presented at 5. We are going to award prizes for the top 5 places for combined weight of 3 trout.their will be calcuttas for the largest trout and the largestflounder but the flounder will not play a role as a primary prize.We also will have prizes for the top lady and junior anglers. So come on out have some fun and win some money!
- Capt. Stan Gurganus
"First bluefin hooked today" | World Cat- 33' | 11/20/07
Just got off the phone with Capt. Roger, who confirmed that a Little River charter boat hooked a bluefin tuna today near Lighthouse Rocks. Looks like these fish are just about on schedule to show up and assault the bait here on the NC/SC border. I put a bunch of bluefin rigs together today so don't be shy. Also, the OIFC/Blue Water Candy custom JAG 3 head is in stock. Sure to be a bluefin killer all season. Catch 'em up!
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"" | It Works- 27' | 11/18/07
I skipped going deer hunting with Jeff so I could stay home and help "the wife" get ready for Thanksgiving. In performing the mans' duties of gathering food, I made the ultimate sacrifice and again went fishing with Captain Lyndon on the It Works. We were not sure we'd get to go because the offshore winds were gusting around 17 knots. But after some serious discussions, we headed for the high seas. However, as Lyndon would say,"it was a little bumpy". We began the day trolling for bluefin, Lyndon had seen some yesterday. My goal was to be the first member of the OIFC to catch one this year so I could brag about it. But it just wasn't to be. So we continued with plan B..bottom fishing. We jigged some pin fish and pig fish, then proceeded to areas such as the Atlantic Ledge. By days end we had four good looking Gag Grouper, three Amberjacks and several sea bass. The action was not as fast and furious as the Kings were earlier this week, but it was a totally different type of fishing and target. The Kings are still hot! All in all we had a great trip. The Lord settled the seas, they were flat when we headed home, and the quality of fish was excellent. Please join us this holiday. You can fish while your significant other shops our Captains Club sale at the OIFC!!
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"Nice speck Larry!" | World Cat- 33' | 11/18/07
Captain Rickey and Captain Stan have been doing an excellent job of keeping everyone current with the inshore bite, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to show how right they are. Larry Spainhour sent me a picture of this great speck that he caught yesterday. You can bet he'll be fishing Capt. Stan's tournament this weekend. The trout fishing is only going to get better, and there are quite a few red drum around too.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"King Mania, Giant Bluefin Tuna Siting" | It Works- 27' | 11/17/07
Had Tom Rybski and crew from Westerville, Ohio on board today for the hot king makerel bite. We fished the same area that I have been fishing all week, and it produced outstanding king fishing once again. In the first hour, we had our 12 fish limit, with all fish being 8-12 lbs. We decided to try to grouper fish, but ended being ate alive by sharks, so we ended up going back to king fishing for the last part of the trip. We released 13 more kings. On the way back in, as we were just west of the 7 mile, I was watching a flock of gannets diving on bait, when all of a sudden a bluefin jumped 5 ft. out of the water!!!! That's right, a GIANT BLUEFIN TUNA!!!!! Capt. Lee on the Cyclone, out of Calabash, reported hooking one Tuesday, and also saw a few busting the water this morning. My adrenaline is running in high gear, so I'm going to have to dust off the heavy tackle and give them a shot tommorrow morning before running offshore and trying to find a grouper. Give me a shout on channel 11 if you are out, and I will let you know what's happening. The weather is beatiful, the fish are chewing the props off the boat, so come on down and go fishing with us. Capt. Lyndon
- Capt. Lyndon Carter
"trout show" | Stori Teller-24' | 11/17/07
With colder water temps and a little fresh water coming down the local rivers the speckled trout have made their showing finally.They have been biting berkely gulps on 1/4 ounce jigheads.The top technique has been to troll these jigs very slowly in the channels and deeper holes.They have also been biting live shrimp under corks around the inlets and rocky or shelly bottoms.The live shrimp have been a litttle tough to get but if you can get in the back of a creek you can catch them in the areas where a feeder creek comes into the main creek on low tide.and don't forget about the upcoming inshore tournament november 23 and 24.
- Capt. Stan Gurganus
"Wahoo!!!" | It Works- 27' | 11/16/07
I got a call from Captain Ed Shaw today who wanted me to share an article he had in the Star News newspaper's Cape Fear Outdoors Section , with our readers. It goes as follows, "Capt. Ed Shaw and John Respess took this 62 pound citation wahoo fishing at the Steeples on the 'Lieability' out of Carolina Beach. The rig Shaw made was a small Green skirt on a number 80 mono leader, rigged with a Baitmaster ballyhoo and a 7.0 hook. They were fishing Shimano TDL 25 reels with number 50 mono topshot and 65 pound braid under the mono. Shaw said it was "just like Captain Brant at Ocean Isle (Fishing Center) taught me. A couple of points I personnaly would like to make. 1- WHAT A 'HOO!!!, 2-I also attended Brant's school and highly recommend it no matter your level of fishing knowledge. 3-This is evidence that the wahoo are here. And 4-This is an excellent time of year for fishing which is overlooked by most folks. As you have read in my posts, the Kings are around in the 60-80 foot depth range, the Wahoo are here, and the blue fin are around the corner. On in inshore front, the Red Drum, Black Drum, Trout and Flounder are ready for the catch. There is something for everyone. The weather is great, Ocean Isle, Little River and other communities have Christmas parades, floatillas and other holiday events planned, Captain Stan has his Trout/Flounder Tournament for Thanksgiving at the OIFC. The OIFC has the Captains Points sale underway. This is an excellent time to enjoy our cool weather, and combine fishing with great family times. Come join us!!
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"SKA Nationals Update" | World Cat- 33' | 11/16/07
Just talked with Barrett--our boys got a small fish today, but looking at the leaderboard, this tournament is wide open. The leaderboard is all over the place in the Open Class. In the 23 and under division, NC's own Onslow Bay/Blue Water Candy is on top with a whopper 52 pounder. Jodie Gay, who makes the skirts we know and love said the monster fish ate a ribbonfish basically out of his hand, just as he was about to call it a day. Everyone I talked to said that Mother Nature was the major competitor today, but that the seas are suppossed to improve through the night and into tomorrow. On the home front, we're getting more and more reports of bluefin tuna in the area, mostly out of the Little River fleet. Shane Brafford caught last year's first tuna up in Morehead on November 18. So the time is here! Sharpen your hooks, put some fresh top-shots on your biggest reels, and grab some Blue Water Candy Jag heads and let's go do it. The kings continue to chew down here as well. Jim Bowen on the Stick Slinger smashed them at the Horseshoe earlier this week while Capt. Lyndon, Capt. Rickey, and Capt. Charles McClure continued their dead bait assault. Good luck tomorrow to Team OIFC, Onslow Bay/BWC, and the rest of our crews down there.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"One more set" | World Cat- 33' | 11/15/07
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Couldn't resist it. Here's four more videos. I hate I have to leave.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"More footage of the bite" | World Cat- 33' | 11/15/07
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While the action was hot and heavy, Barrett was feeding a 3 pound blue runner back into the spread. An estimated 35 pounder skied when the bait was no more than twelve feet from the boat and bounced off one of the motors. Wasn't quite quick enough to get that on film, but we got some other good stuff.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"What a day" | World Cat- 33' | 11/15/07
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I'm sitting here in the lobby of the Isle of Capri Casino just having finished my morning cup of coffee with SKA legend Jeff Reid. There are sponsor's hats and shirts everywhere, Yamaha, Contender, Yo-Zuri, you name it. Jack Holmes just walked by. And everyone is talking about the same thing. Yesterday, wherever you were in the Gulf of Mexico, lots of fish (and some big fish) were caught. I got in on the action, and all I can say is "Wow!" We ran through the thickest fog I have ever seen to the West Delta and started rig hopping. However, it wasn't until we ran a ways to the east that we really got into the main body of the fish. Doubles, triples, and even quads happened after that. I won't say any more, because I have proof. If you do nothing else with your day, watch the third video in this sequence. Sadly, I have to fly home tonight. I do that knowing I got to do something special down here. Not only that, but I'm excited--I really like the chances for team OIFC over the weekend. Good luck to them and the rest of our people down here.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Big Kings & Big Times" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 11/14/07
Finally found the fish today after a lot of searching. I'm sure correspondent Chris will fill in the details but in the meantime check out the picture of this stud that team OIFC caught and released this afternoon.
- Capt. Barrett McMullan
"" | It Works- 27' | 11/14/07
I finally stopped being sore and once aagain was able to go out with Captain Lyndon on the "It Works". This time we were joined by Charles McClure. When we headed out the seas were choppy, but the weather was beautiful. We headed to a new location that Lyndon and I stumbled upon Monday which was very productive. Generally speaking it is located in about 80 feet of water with a water temp. of about 68 degrees. I can't give the location for a couple of reasons, first, I don't know it, and second Lyndon and Roger would beat me with a treble hook if I told it. Lyndon and Roger have named it "The Rickey", I'll forever be remembered. We were joined by Captain Roger (World Cat 33) and Captain David Hooks (The Black Pearl). Just like Monday, we marked bait and immediately started firing off with double, triple, and yes, believe it or not quadruple hookups!! Roger and his charter hooked up on a huge Cobia and the fight was on and on for them. Captain Hooks worked with us, left and immediately returned. He also began hooking up. If anyone is looking for a fishing partner, they may want to ask Captain Charles McClure, I'm almost certain he has a horseshoe in this back pocket! The day sped by, the seas calmed down and we fished on the rest of the day. Not only was the King fishing great, but the way the OIFC Captains work to- gether, have a great time and look out for each other makes fishing out of the OIFC a blast!! The fishing season here is FAR from over. The bite should be hot through mid December, when the blue fin season kicks off. Don't sit at home waiting for spring. The fishing is great and the weather is just as fine. Call the Fishing Center and book a trip with Lyndon or Roger, you will not be sorry. I'll be in the store at the Fishing Center Friday, give me a call for weather and fishing up dates. Remember the Captains Club sale begins the 15th, this is a wonderful opportunity to knock out your Christmas shopping with some cool nautical gifts. Jeff and I are going deer hunting later this weekend but hopefully will be back on the inshore scene early next week and we'll be providing you with the latest updates. Hook em up folks!!
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"Kingfish Mania Part 2" | It Works- 27' | 11/13/07
Today, I headed back out to the same new bottom that we found yesterday. Guess what, the kings were thick again. Solid action all day. This time of year, unlike summer and earlier in the fall, king mackerel tend to "camp out" in an area for extended periods of time, as long as the bait stays in the area, and the water temperature stays above 68 degrees, or 65-66 if the bait is exceptionally thick. Live cigar minnows or sardines are your best bet for larger fish, but dead cigar minnows, # 3 1/2 drone spoons fished behind planers, or swimming plugs, such as Yozuri Crystal Minnows or Manns Stretch 25's will catch you all the 6-12 pounders that you can stand. Right now, my best action has been in 80 feet of water, but there may still be some fish in 65-70 ft. it the water is above 68 degrees. The fish are chewing the bottom out of the boat, the weather is great, the only thing missing is you!! Come on down and go catching with us..
- Capt. Lyndon Carter
"A kingfishing odyssey continues" | World Cat- 33' | 11/13/07
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Day 3 of the Ocean Isle Fishing Center road trip 2007 was a slick calm one in the Gulf of Mexico. We ran towards the east to see how well the nearshore oil and gas rigs were producing. A lot of rig hopping produced several king mackerel, but most importantly, a ton of gorilla sized blue runners. These big, frisky hardtails are the perfect bait for Gulf kings. It is simply amazing how these oil rigs hold fish, from the bottom to the surface. Our "bycatch" consisted of red snapper and juvenile grouper. Wow. Think of fishing the Frying Pan Tower, except, now there is a tower every three or so miles. I'll get back on here tomorrow--it looks like we are going to run West through the Mississippi Delta to see how the bite is down there.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"I am Tired!!!" | It Works- 27' | 11/12/07
Captain Lyndon asked me to fish with him today. Luckily I've got a doctor's appointment Tuesday. I NEED IT. The Kings were on today!! In all my years fishing, I've never fought so many quality fish in such a short time!! More than once we had double and triple hook ups. At times we had four and five on at a time. Captain Hooks, Capt. Strickland, Trip Hooks and Austin Aycock were fishing within sight of us and they were doing the same. Captains Hooks and Strickland won't be as sore as me because they had Trip and Austin doing their heavy work. The ocean was completely flat. God gave us a beautiful day, and the fish were biting. I book trips at the OIFC, and folks, I'm telling you first hand that this time of year fishing out of South Brunswick County is great. The trip I was privledged to go on today (one of the reasons I work at the OIFC), was the greatest fishing expenience I've ever had, short of takiing my son fishing for the first time. This is a full day's charter, and is well worth the money! As Lyndon wrote, the Yee Haw Fish Call was definately the ticket. This is a trip worth taking. Check out your Thanksgiving schedule and come book a trip with Captain Lyndon or one of our other fine Captains. It's well worth your money. Now I've got to get some rest as I told Lyndon I go back out Wednesday. Working at the OIFC is a tough job, but somebody's got to do it.
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"Kings ON FIRE!!!!!!!!!" | It Works- 27' | 11/12/07
Today, OIFC staffer Ricky Beck and myself took advantage of the beautiful weather and headed offshore in search of whatever we could get to bite. After stopping in at the 90/90 to jig pinfish for grouper bait, we punched in the Gary Ennis to try for grouper. Well, we never quite made it there. About 9 miles short, we came across some previously unknown to us bottom structure in 80 ft. water.Cigar minnows to see if there were any kings around while we explored the area. The second bait in the water, a naked cigar minnow with a Yee Haw fish call got nailed, then the other bait got hit as well. Double Hook Up!! Ricky fought the first one, I put the second one in a rod holder and flipped out a third bait, imediate hook up. Triple header, two people on board!!! We were able to keep this action up all day, which is the perfect opportunity to test your equipment. Out of approximately 75 hookups, 2/3 were on a naked cigar minnow with the Yee Haw fish call. I'll be back on the water tommorow, so stay tuned. The weather looks great all week, the late fall fishing is world class, so come on down and book a trip and see what catching, not fishing is all about.
- Capt. Lyndon Carter
"Let's get this show on the road" | World Cat- 33' | 11/12/07
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Well, Barrett, myself, and the boat arrived in Biloxi, MS about three hours ago. We left the OIFC yesterday at 10 a.m., took a two hour nap at some point this morning, and now we're here. Brant and Amy should be here in a bit, followed by Rube. It's all coming together on the Gulf, hopefully setting up for a big team OIFC victory. I took some video of the drive, so I thought I'd share. Seen a few familiar faces as well. I think we're going to pre-fish tomorrow, so I'll try to get some pics and video as well to keep everyone up to date on what's going on down here.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Biloxi bound" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 11/11/07
OIFC team of Brant, Barrett, Rube and Amy are heading down to Biloxi, MS to compete in SKA National Championship. We are looking forward to the great atmosphere and hopefully great fishing. The area has always produced awesome king fishing and it will likely take a 2 fish aggregate of 100 pounds to win. You can get results at www.fishska.com- stay tuned and wish us luck! Fishing at OIB is still very good. The kings are biting like crazy at the Atlantic Ledge and Horseshoe. Also, the inshore fishing for Trout and Drum is VERY good. The wahoo bite and Grouper bite are also good. It may be a bit chilly, but it is good fishing. Weather looks great early week- skip on work and come on down.
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"Bottomfish at the tower" | World Cat- 33' | 11/09/07
I just got these pictures from Philip Brock on the "Judy Bee," who mugged the fish while dropping live bait he jigged up at the tower. He said he was west of the tower, but not exactly so far. So it's safe to say that there are fish out there, and that they're moving closer. Catch 'em up.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Capt. Club Sale starts Thursday- Nov 15th !" | World Cat- 33' | 11/08/07
The Capt. Club sale starts on Thursday, Nov. 15th. If you are a member and have made purchases at the OIFC in 2007, then you have points- and that means BIG SAVINGS. You may recall when you joined our Captain?s Club there are a variety of benefits we offer including: Benefit #1 We will take 10% of all of your purchases during the year and allow you to use that amount to get 50% off on clothing and gifts. ( Example: You spent $1000 during 2007 at the OIFC and thus are credited $100. You can now buy $200 worth of clothing and gifts and you will only have to pay $100 as your Captain?s Club credit you earned will cover the other $100 ). Simply visit the OIFC between November 15th and December 31st and we will have your credit ready for you to go shopping. Benefit #2 The state of North Carolina charges a road tax of $.30 per gallon. Since you have purchased the fuel for use in a boat and not on the road, you should not have to pay the road tax. The state does not allow the road tax to be discounted on the front end of the purchase, thus you must fill out a State of NC form # 1201GS and include your fuel receipts in order to receive a refund for the road tax you have been charged. As a member of the OIFC Capt. Club, all of your fuel purchases are recorded and at the end of the year, you will be supplied with a report of all your fuel purchases from the OIFC. Since the OIFC only sells fuel to boats, there is no disputing or hassles from the state that may argue the road tax refund is not due. Just think, $.30 per gallon you are going to get back by simply purchasing your fuel at the OIFC and being a member of the Capt. Club. There is no hassle of keeping up with various receipts and no hassle from the state as to whether your receipts are valid or not. So next time you step up to the pump, don?t fret the high prices, instead, know that you are actually paying the pump price less $.30/gallon, and that isn?t so bad! Benefit #3 On behalf of the Ocean Isle Fishing Center Captain?s Club, we are taking a leadership role in addressing various fishery related political issues. This year our efforts were instrumental in finally getting a ban on all commercial Menhaden netting off Brunswick County beaches. Other projects in the works involve waterway trawling and gill netting. Benefit #4 You are on our mail list and will receive promotional flyers as well as the upcoming OIFC custom catalog. Also- we have several in store promotions taking place that offer great deals on fishing equipment. Right now we are offering big discounts on gear for the upcoming Bluefin Tuna season- See the photo below for a copy of print ad for Bluefin discounts. Also, our web store will officially open on Nov. 21st. We are bringing the service and many unique products of the OIFC direct to you on your computer at any time. We have all of our products you may have all ready seen plus many new additions, including lots of custom rigged tackle. Check us out at www.oifc.net -- As for fishing news- it has been pretty quiet for the past couple of weeks. We finally got some cool weather and it has pushed the kings offshore into the 20-35 mile range. Hot spots have included the Horse Shoe and Frying Pan tower. Also, the Grouper have been biting pretty good in 65-90 feet of water and the wahoo are on the edge of the break- hungry and BIG! The wind has been blowing alot over the past couple of weeks and thus we haven't done much fishing, but we will be fishing when it breaks, so stay tuned. This next week my family and I will be travelling to Biloxi, MS to fish in the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) national championship. We qualified second in our division and are excited about visting this very entertaining venue- for the casinos and for the incredible fishing. Stay tuned for a report- you can watch www.fishska.com for tourney updates if you are interested.
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"1 More for Panama?" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 11/07/07
It's officially cold here on the Carolina coast which makes thinking about our excursion to the lower latitudes a lot easier. In just a few short months the Ocean Isle Fishing Center's Traveling Fisherman program will be heading south to fish the fertile waters of the Hannibal Banks off the coast of Panama in Central America. We'll be chasing a variety of billfish, hugh yellowfin tuna, groupers, snappers, roosterfish and much more. We have a great team on this inaugural mission that are sure to bring back fish stories and experiences that will last a lifetime. Currently we have 14 Traveling Fishermen on board. There is 1 slot still left open for somebody who wants to join this exotic fishing adventure. If you want to fill this position I encourage you to act quickly as this is the final spot available for the OIFC group's trip. Contact me immediately if you have interest- captbarrett@oifishingcenter.com The trip is scheduled for Feb. 8th, 2008 - Feb. 15th, 2008. On the team so far:
Robby Dial
Larry Terrell
Yorke Pharr
Tommy Lytton
Todd Schadd
Robert Hughes
Todd Helf
Brian Richard
Richard McCrae
Richard's brother
Forest Taylor
Rube McMullan
Brant McMullan
Barrett McMullan
- Capt. Barrett McMullan
"Fall fishing continues" | World Cat- 33' | 11/05/07
Check out this stud king mackerel, caught by Pete Fickling on Jack Joyce's Fishin' Mission. They hooked this estimated 40 pounder at the 390/390 on a dead cigar minnow. Wow! Congrats to the guys for releasing the fish in good shape--treble hooks removed. Remember, you can still get a citation for releasing the big ones, so don't be shy about returning these breeder size fish to fight (and spawn) again. Some studies have suggested that a 40 pound mackerel is 25-30 years old... At any rate, these fish have moved off the beach but not that far. If they are being caught at the 90s, imagine what the Jungle will be like in a few days. Catch 'em up...
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Instant Replay" | Stori Teller-24' | 11/04/07
Today we took a relative, Jimmy Lively, out on his first saltwater fishing trip in years. Figuring that you never leave fish to hunt for fish, we headed directly back to the ICW docks. We almost couldn't find a "fishin' hole" due to the number of boats fishing the docks. Kind of reminded me of the song "Redneck Yatch Club". I would like to think that many of them had read my yesterday's posting. As soon as we found a spot we worked our way in as quietly as possible. Once again we were armed with Berkley Gulp natural shrimp on 1/8 oz jigs. We let things settle down and began seeing tailing redfish. This is a beautiful and exciting sight to all inshore anglers. After casting just off the grass and down current near the pier pillions, Jeff hooked a red. Upon boating him, we measured him and found him barely legal, so we released him to grow. The next catch was mine!! After a valiant struggle I landed a trophy lizard fish, which we also released. During the remaining time we caught and released two flounder. Judging by the sounds of nearby fisherman, I assume that they too were hitting pay dirt. It is my intention to give accurate fishing reports and am truely happy to see fellow anglers in areas I mention. Readers may also notice that we practice catch and release on many of our trips. We do this because we feel that our flounder and red drum fisheries are in trouble and are doing what we can to ensure these fish for future anglers. I hope that my readers also take care to protect this resource. We'll be out again Monday attempting to hook em up. If we have any success I'll report back. The weather is great so come to Brunswick County and join us. Also check with the staff at the OIFC for tackle and good info.
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"Fish Story" | Stori Teller-24' | 11/03/07
Captain Chris let me off work from the OIFC at about 1 p.m. today. Jeff was waiting at the dock with the "Tail Chaser" and we went directly to the docks just north of the Fishing Center canal on the Intracoastal. Armed with Berkley Gulp natural shrimp on 1/8 oz. jig heads we went after red fish. Jeff was casting by the dock up current from our position and on about his third cast he got drilled by an awsome red. We were using light gear so the fight was intense. Finally after what seemed to be about five minutes the fish was boated, pictured and released. Just afterwards I got hit hard by a red. We fought and he headed to a dock where sadly I got cut off. I handed my rod off to Jeff and as soon as I took his I was hit by a freight train. I battled a red for several minutes. He was pealing line off my reel like it was nothing. I tightened the drag three times as he was working his way to the dock. We finally got him to the side of the boat, and he broke off. We estimated him at about thirty inches. My next cast brought up a decent sized flounder and I released him also. The tide went slack and the bite stopped. We are still pumped over this action and expect to be back on the water at the same time Sunday. Hopefully I'll have some more action to report. Remember, the docks on the intracoastal, on a rising tide, using Gulp, natural shrimp on a 1/8 oz. jig head was the winning combination for today!! Good luck to all who can get out and fish, and remember to hook em up!!!!!!! We're off now to check the spot bite at the Ocean Isle Pier.
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"trout show" | Stori Teller-24' | 11/03/07
Sorry you haven't heard from me in a while but I am still alive, kickin',and fishin'.The fishing inshore has been pretty productive lately with lots of reds showing around structure and ledges in the waterway.They have been biting anything from berkley gulps to mullet minnows.The finger mullet schools have thinned some but you can still find them on low tide.On the trout scene they are out in full force biting well on live shrimp fished underneath a slip cork.The key to catching them has been getting the shrimp down to one to two feet off of the bottom.The shrimp are abundant in creek mouths on low tide and are easy to catch with a small cast net.And don't forget the upcoming Thanksgiving inshore tournament the fishing is heading toward greatness.
- Capt. Stan Gurganus
"SKA/FLW National Championships" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 10/31/07
For all the fishermen heading to Biloxi to fish the SKA and FLW championships next couple weeks, come on by and talk with us. We have fished it numerous times and know the area and techniques well. We are stocked up on "Biloxi" tackle.
Here at home, water finally cooling a little although Kings still close in. Should move to 90/90 ; Christina/ Jungle/Shark Hole areas by this weekend. weather looks much better for weekend. Come on down and enjoy natures greatest treat; fall in coastal NC.
- Rube McMullan
"How about October?" | World Cat- 33' | 10/29/07
You can't beat fall on the North Carolina coast. The kings are right on the beach, a point that was reinforced yesterday by Scott Allen and his son Austin as they took top honors in the Fall Brawl. We fished Carolina Beach Inlet on Saturday and guess what? We ran too far! Should have stayed at home on our beach but oh well. That's fishing. The weather offshore will improve in a few days and it will be time to get back after the king's cousin, the wahoo. Here are some that Capt. Roger caught last week with a crew of Bob Lodgek, Gus Lodgek, Bo Warlick, and Logan Rogers. The trip was a celebration of Gus 21st birthday and he got a present with this nice class of fish. The Brawl is over, but the Fall continues...
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Fall Brawl Final" | World Cat- 33' | 10/28/07
Team Double Down from Ocean Isle Beach wins. Scott Allen and 10 year old son Austin Allen and friend Derek McKee landed a 36.75 pound king to win 1st place. The team owns a 32 Wellcraft but since they are trying to sell the boat, opted to fish their 18 foot Nautic Star boat. All week Scott had been emailing me as to whether to fish or not. My advice- "trust me". My exact words "Even if you don't fish Saturday, you know it will be flat on Sunday on the beach and that is where the fish will be. All you have to do is drop in at Shallotte and that is where the winning fish will come." It seems I often give better to others than to myself as this was the exact case. At around 2:30 Scott, Austin and Derek boated their fish which ate a long lined Pogie behind the one and only YeeHaw Fish Call- red. The boated the fish and came straight to the scales. And that folks is what Fall tournament fishing is all about! This marks 3 diffent years the Fall Brawl has been won at Shallotte inlet. Go to the tournament page for final results.
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"what about us?" | Stori Teller-24' | 10/27/07
With all the Fall Brawl goings on, what about us inshore anglers? Here's some of the scoop. Thursday when I did my National Weather Service test run out to the Caudle Reef in my 17ft. Polar during "small craft warnings" (that was a major error on the NWS's part) Jeff and I also fished the Sunset Bridge and Tubbs during a dead low tide. I was just killing time, jigging with a mullett minnow and caught 2 13-1/2 inch flounder, which I did release. Up in Tubbs I caught a blue and a trout, so they are around. I talked with Bob Niebauer today who told me that he had caught red drum around the docks on he intracoastal on mullett minnows and "any Berkley Gulp" he put out. We have an amply supply of Gulp at the OIFC, a little plug for the store. Bob was headed to the jetties today and hopefully will give me a report. The docks we are speaking of are across from Craven St. on the intracoastal where Woody Wooten has a World Cat for sale,another cheap plug on my part. The recent rain and resulting fresh water runnoff will probably change the complexion of our inshore fishery for a while, yet the front may bring in some cooler weather and really turn the bite on. For those interested, the reports from the piers are that the spot run has begun! For you novice anglers, or those with limited time, the OIFC has our own pre-tied spot, trout and flounder rigs. Also don't forget that we charter inshore fishing trips. Check us out for supplies, charters, up-to-date weather, or help with any salt water fishing needs you might have, another cheap commercial. As always be safe and hook 'em up.
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"Fall Brawl Report" | World Cat- 33' | 10/27/07
Despite bad weather on the Capt Meeting day which is always tough and a less than great forecast, a total of 155 teams registerd for 2007 Fall Brawl. I consider that a great success and would like to thank all the participants for their committment. The actual weather, has turned out pretty good for Saturday. As I noted earlier in the week, Saturday might be the best day, despite a poor forecast. It would depend on the timing of the front. The front passed this Sat at 7AM. It was raining a monsoon at 6am and dozens of folks called and changed their fishing day to Sunday. However, the front passed shortly after and now we have light North winds. Sunday will still be a good day too as the North winds will increase, but that will still work just fine for comfortable fishing close to the beach. Stay tuned for results from today and tomorrow. Representative from World Cat are on hand if anyone is intersted in a ride on one of their boats. I think you'd be surprised.
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"Fall Brawl underway" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 10/27/07
Thanks to the 150+ boats who entered the Fall Brawl. It was a little wet at the Capt meeting, but everyone had a great time, spot racing; mullet minnow spiting, and ate well courtesy of Amy and the Causeway Gormet's shrimp and grits.
This morning the fleet was greeted to clearing skies, north winds approx 10 kts, and for all the fishermen that sat this one out, [listening to weather forecasters who get paid to forecast]....when will you guys just listen to me? As "I" forecasted a week ago, the front came on thru, the winds shifted to the north thus providing flat conditions on the beach, high pressure is building in and thus the skies are clearing, and everyone will have a great weather day on the water with similiar conditions for tomorrow. Standby as we update what goes on today.
- Rube McMullan
"Big King! Wow!" | World Cat- 33' | 10/26/07
Jody Wicker sent in these pictures yesterday of a good day fishing out of Southport with one monster in the group. He said his brother caught the big one, which weighed in at 55 pounds. And just in time for the Fall Brawl. I'm pretty certain that fish has a brother or a cousin hanging out near the beach. We may get wet, but the fish are already. Got get 'em.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Fall Brawl Registration Today" | World Cat- 33' | 10/26/07
Yes its raining, BUT, the wind is light and seas are slight. Forget this NOAA weather crap with 4+ foot seas... They are forecasting the swell and not the true wave height, which is wind driven. Further, I think the winds are going to be light South tomorrow, and I think the fish are going to bite. I know it doesn't look great, and it probably isn't going to be great, but I think the winds and seas are going to be good, at least much better than the majority of the tournaments I've fished this year. Great food, entertainment and fishing ahead. See you at the OIFC this evening.
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"Tourney conspiracy weather report" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 10/26/07
I believe there is a possibility somehow the fish and the weather folks have hooked up to put out weather forecasts to try to scare the fishermen away from the tourney so the fish can survice the onslaught from the fishermen. I drove in from Atlanta today, and coming across the bridge, you could skip a nickel all the way to Frying Pan Tower. It was flat. Meanwhile the marine forecast say 4-6 foot seas. Where do they get that stuff from? For all you Fall Brawl fishermen, here is the real forecast.
There is a front trying to come thru and I think it will make it during Saturday. That will offer southerly winds moving to southwest and eventually northwest during the day. My guess is when the wind shifts to the NW the bite will lite up. Sunday, the front has passed and we will have lite to moderate northly winds. It will be flat on the beaches due to the islands facing south, thus protected from the north wind. This will ignite a major bite at the inlets or River Channel. The water is full of bait, the spots have showed up, the water is 76 degrees! If you think you have to venture offshore, the furtherest you should go is the 90/90. This reminds me of 2005 when 19 out of the top 20 fish were caught at the Shallotte Sea Buoy.[20th was caught at the 90/90].
I'm thinking there should be a catagory for the team that can burn the least fuel.
Hope to see you at the Fall Brawl and please park at our off island parking lot and ride the free shuttle. There is no tourney parking on the island. By riding the shuttle you can win rods/reels/ect just for the shuttle riders. Brant has a great meal planned and then we will have our mud minnow spiting contest, spot races, free how to's, and whatever else our devious minds can conjure up tomorrow. Join us for the fun and comaradie.
- Rube McMullan
"Live Weather" | Stori Teller-24' | 10/25/07
Whew!!!! I read Brant's report and I don't think I can match his forcast abilities.... can you say Jim Cantore? But I do know first hand what the current weather is. All day I was checking various reports, and they just didn't match up to what I was experiencing and what I was being told by anglers who were on the water. I would NEVER recommend that you ignore small craft advisories, but at 3:45 pm I was in the ocean in my 17 ft. skiff and could have skipped a rock across the surface it was so flat. There was no breeze...the "no see'ums" were eating me up while I was fishing in the intracoastal, (another fish story for later), which is a true sign of NO breeze in Brunswick County. The 70% chance of rain was just clouds. The bottom line is the weather reports were saying one thing and I was experiencing another. So, don't let the profets of doom keep you away this weekend. I'll make it my top priority to keep up with the real time weather and the pogy reports. I'll open the Fishing Center every day through Sunday at 6 a.m., PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ME AT ANYTIME for pogy and actual weather reports, ANYTIME!!!! Come down this weekend and enjoy a great fishing tradition and some good family fun.
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"Fall Brawl forecast" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 10/25/07
OK- weather picture is clearing. The rain will be past on Friday and Saturday will be a transition day. This should be good as I think it will lead to light winds as the forecast for SW winds at 10-15 then North winds later in the day. Typically you can't get both in the same day without the winds settling. Thus, I think the plan for the tournament will be to declare Saturday as your fish day. You have until 7am on Saturday AM to change this declaration. Thus if you wake up Saturday and front hasn't passed and storms or strong SW winds persist, then you change your fish day to Sunday, which is forecast for the standard Fall 15-20 north. In my opinion both days look decent, and at worst case Sunday will provide nice Fall conditions on the beach. There are still plenty of fish on the beach as the water temperatures persist in the mid 70's. I look for Shallotte inlet to be the spot- The show is ON! See you at the Capt. meeting!
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"Fall Brawl Update" | World Cat- 33' | 10/24/07
It is blowing, raining and crappy- BUT, if its gonna be that way, better to go ahead and get it done. Looks like front will settle through on Fri/Sat- Saturday right now looks decent at 10-15, but Sunday may be the best as the winds shifts to the North at 10-15-- I'm still holding onto a decent beach bite, especially for Sunday-- Shallotte ledges is my call-- stand by
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"Red"Hot" Drum Bite" | Stori Teller-24' | 10/24/07
Short abd sweet.....the red fish bite is extremely hot along the docks on the intracoastal side of Craven St!!!
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"It's Election time!" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 10/23/07
November 6 is election day and in our world of "fish", it's important that "fishing friendly" candidates get our votes. Click on "Political" page on our web site.
- Rube McMullan
"He's in the boat!" | World Cat- 33' | 10/23/07
Got this action sequence from at trip to the Steeples last weeks on Gene Norris' Grady, the Makin' Progress. Rudy Spurlin cranks in a nice fat 'hoo, and Ray Labonte sinks the gaff. The boys (which included Johnny and Gaines, who must be just a little camera shy) caught some nice blackfins as well. Fall wahoo fishing has been excellent, and that should last into winter, as the temperature offshore get more defined. Come on, let's go do it!
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Fall Brawl weather/fishing update" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 10/22/07
Was on the water yesterday looking for Grouper. Gave me a chance to see how waters were looking. The beach bite was off yesterday but was very good at Shark Hole and 24 mile rocks. Tons of cigars in those areas. Weather for tourney? Perfect! Cold front comes thru Thursday. Begins to weaken Friday; Saturday/Sunday north/northeast winds becoming light and variable. My fishing forecast? Cold front will get spots moving our way, pogys will appear on beach, mullets will run: All out bite at River Channel/Lighthouse Rocks/Shallotte Inlet. Water temp still in mid 70's which is amazing for this time of year so with cold front coming, setting up for one more beach bite blow out.
Yesterday pogies were prevalent, but are definitely getting "smart" as they are into that late fall deal where they are moving fast. Need fast sinking net.
Come join us for the Fall Brawl; conditions setting up for one last shot of great fall King fishing within a 9 iron of the beach.
Also, please remember to ride our off island shuttle as there is no tourney parking on the island. It's free, no hassel, and riders can win rods/reels/ect just for riding the shuttle.
Also, don't forget all the fun events at the Capt meeting including a great dinner, spot racing, mud minnow spiting contest, how to's from our Captains, and who knows what else we can come up with by Friday. Standby.
- Rube McMullan
"Fall Brawl Weather/Fishing report" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 10/20/07
It's Fall Brawl Time! And with the upcoming tourney it'
s time for my fearless, somewhat scientifically based long term weather/fishing report. Here's what I see thru my clouded crystal ball.
Weather: Perfect!
Weather pattern continues to be very stable for this time of the year. Toward the end of the week, a "cool" front will approach bringing chance of showers Thurs/Friday maybe continuing thru early Saturday. Once the weak front passes, high pressure will build back in for Saturday/Sunday bringing northwest winds. The front is not very strong so winds shouldn't be very high, however with the very warm temps we are having, the water is very warm and it is doubtful the Kings will have moved off the beach to the 90's/Christina/Shark Hole/Jungle. Most likely the beach bite will continue, and with the passing of the lite cold front Friday, they should lite up at Shallotte Inlet like they did couple years ago, or maybe the River Channel.
That's initial picture, standby as I perfect the forecast as conditions change throughout the week.
- Rube McMullan
"" | It Works- 27' | 10/18/07
I went offshore with Captain Lyndon and Lee Frick Wednesday. Honestly, it wasn't the day we'd hoped for, I guess Neptune wasn't looking out for us. However we did end up with somewhat of a seafood buffett of kings, false albacore, and amberjack. My son, on the otherhand took our 17 ft Polar and went shallow water fishing. He netted some shrimp first thing, then headeed "up the creek", literly, and proceeded to catch and release ten trout. He said he ran out live shrimp and was just as successful using Berkley Gulp shrimp under a cork. As of this report he wouldn't 'fess up to exactly where he was fishing out of fear I'd put it on the report. I'll keep trying!! He went out again today, while I was stuck in the OIFC stocking up for this weekend's sale and for the Fall Brawl next weekend, and struck it rich again. This time he was using DOA shrimp. I received two more reports today. One was an uncomfirmed report of a monster king being caught at the Youpon Reef and the other was from Lee Frick who called me on his cell phone from Tubbs Inlet to report seven flounder he had hooked up with this afternoon. That's my report for today..ya'll come on down to beautiful Brunswick county and hook 'em up with us!! I'll be in the store for the next couple of days, but will keep you updated with the latest reports from our fishing world.
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"Grouper Trip" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 10/18/07
Yesterday enjoyed a nice liesurely day with brother Barrett and fishing friends Dean Spatholt and Dennis Watson. The mission was to find Gag Grouper and also to check out Dean's new ride- a 36 Yellowfin with tripple 350hp Yamahas! The Yellowfin hull is known for its speed and good ride at high speed. You definitely have to hang on, but the boat glues itself to the water and doesn't pound at all, despite speeds in excess of 60mph. In fact once you pass 60 and get onto 70mph, your head starts to hurt a bit and I swear I lost my breath a time or two-- and we were doing this in a 3 foot side sea. The fishing was not red hot as we worked from 65-90 feet. We did manage our limit of Gag Groupers, but we had to work hard. I landed the big fish of the day and a personal best for me- a 24.5 pounder and we had 3 others at 18 pounds and then 4 others at 10-12 pounds. We used live menhaden that we caught off Holden Beach and live Cigar Minnows that we jigged offshore while fishing. All in all it was a nice, laid back day with friends. Nice to fish without pressure.
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"More GS action" | World Cat- 33' | 10/17/07
The weather blew up, so I'm sorry to report there's no tales of swordfish. But that is coming soon I hope. In the meantime, Bob Newell on the Black Dog sent me this photo from his Sunday trip to the 100/400 and the Blackjack. Robert Byrd, Wade Byrd, and Lee Forbis made up the crew and the group boated four 'hoos like this one and to dolphin as well. Again, blue/white and red/black Ilanders were the ticket.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"VICTORY" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 10/16/07
Capt. Barrett and I had an eventful weekend as we captured the crown at the annual Rumble in the Jungle kingfish tourney. We weighed a 40.43 and eaked out 1st by a mere .2 pounds. We've had victories in Morehead City at the CCSA kingfish tourney and Topsail Beach in the TOFC kingfish tourney, but this one is especially sweet as it was local. Not only that, the event was piggy backed by the SKA pro event and we got to show the pros that the local boys can hang with them. The day was fairly short and testiment that a win is a combination of right time and place with a minimum amount of skill to catch the fish. We were running north toward Barton's inlet near Morehead because we wanted to fish away from the crowd. A few miles short we came across an acre of top bait and decided it looked too good to be true. We threw out and caught a small fish to start then redeployed and shortly after bagged the 40 that won it for us. All those times you see good conditions but keep running to your spot, you just never know. Anyway, the Litle River Fishing Club hosted the event and did a great job with festivites, atmosphere and organization. This next weekend is the rescheduled Atlantic Beach tourney, so while we're riding high, we're going to try to ride the wave. Wish us luck.
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"day off" | It Works- 27' | 10/16/07
The OIFC store was extremely busy this past weekend. Don and I were earning our keep helping out the SKA Rumble in the Jungle particapants with bait, tackle and respooling reels as well as assisting our regular anglers. Also with the beautiful fall like weather we had a great deal of tourist business. Thanks to all the customers who shop with us. The OIFC store has a lot to offer. Captain Lyndon of the It Works, felt sorry for Don and me so he took us king mackeral fishing Monday. As we pulled ino the Intracoastal from the OIFC an eight point buck swam across in front of us. I didn't know if we were going hunting or fishing. Lyndon exited the Shallotte Inlet using a channel the OIFC captains use often. It is deeper than the cannel most of us use. We headed off Holden Beach and found the pogies to be thick and perfect for king fishing. The only problem was that the porpoises were chasing them and keeping them spread out. After a couple of throws with Captain Brant's custom net we had more than enough to fish with. Lyndon headed out to about 50 ft. of water, about 4 miles off the beach. Right off, the starboard line fired off and I was hooked up to a good sized king. I tried to horse him to the boat and lost him almost right along side. While working that same hole we hooked up with a couple of spanish. When things slowed we moved on, which was our routine the rest of the trip. Odly enough, we also hooked up with 2 amberjacks while using king tackle. Don fought one for about 25 minutes and finally boated him. Don and I are not spring chickens so the amberjack almost whooped ole Don. Later the seas started kicking up so we headed back to port with a fish box full of 5 spanish, 5 kings and the 2 big jacks. All in all it was a great retreat for us. The Oyster Festival is this weekend, the fish are biting and the weather is supposed to be perfect so come visit us, check out the store and maybe charter a trip. Hook 'em up!
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"I love October" | World Cat- 33' | 10/16/07
Fall is here, and just like clockwork, the fishing is excellent. Mark Miller on the Tina Louise mugged the wahoos on Saturday at the Blackjack while Capt. Brant and Capt. Barrett were busy beating the SKA pros at the Rumble in the Jungle (Little River Tourney). By the way, congratulations to Chuck Permenter, Patrick Bellamy, and the rest of the Minding My Bidness team for their victory in the Pro Division, which earned them SKA Angler of the Year honors. Back to the Gulf Stream, Mark said that blue and white Ilanders were the ticket, and that a triple-header gave them their limit at the end of the day. Wow! We're going to give the wahoos and swordfish a try tomorrow afternoon/night on Dan Ratley's "Quick Draw" so stay tuned. Don't wait to go fishing, the time is now!!!
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Steeples" | World Cat- 33' | 10/08/07
Boy do I love fall. It keeps you busy, so busy to the point that I neglected to post these photos sent by good friend Ray Labonte, who fishes out of Oak Island on the Plumb Crazy. Before last week's hard blow, Ray, son Dave, and the rest of the crew ran to the Steeples where they found good action on wahoo and one late season dolphin. Couple that with the action reported by Ray Blanchette and John Schwenker at the Same Ole and all the boats to the south and you can see how this fall is shaping up. Cool air and warm water spell wahoo.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"ATTENTION SKA PROS" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 10/08/07
If you are tuning into our site to get insight on the area's fishing in prep for the weekend's event out of Little River, we welcome you! If you need anything, charts, bait (we have awesome hand-caught Ribbonfish), tackle, bait pumps.....and of course, local knowledge, we are here to help. Also, we are taking orders for live Bluefish. If you would like to have them for the tournament, we need to hear from you ASAP so we can get to catching to insure we can fill your order. Email captbrant@oifishingcenter.com or call (910) 367-2945 and we'll get set up. To find us from Little River, take HWY 17 N into North Carolina. Take a right on Ocean Isle Beach Rd, just past mm 10 and follow that road through one light and across the Ocean Isle Beach bridge. We'll be first thing on your left when you cross the bridge- can't miss us! 15 minutes from Little River.
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"Fall Brawl Programs in the Mail THIS WEEK" | World Cat- 33' | 10/08/07
The Fall Brawl King Classic is just around the corner, so sharpen your hooks and mark off the dates on your calendar. If things continue as they are going now, fishing will be nothing short of spectacular as the beach Kingfish bite has been strong. This week the official tournament programs will go in the mail. If you typically recieve Jolly Mon or Fall Brawl programs, you should recieve yours by the end of the week. If you are not on the mail list, email captbrant@oifishingcenter.com and I'll get your Fall Brawl program right out. This year's event will continue in the tradition of great food, great entertainment and great fishing. Stay tuned to www.oifc.net for the latest on the tournament and fishing reports. Fall Brawl Schedule: Friday, October 26- 2-9pm: Registration 5pm: Seminar on kite fishing for Kings 6pm: Dinner 7pm: Capt. Meeting 8pm: Spot Races Saturday, October 27th- (optional fishing day) 7am-5pm: Fishing 2-5pm: Weigh-in Sunday, October 28th- (optional fishing day) 7am-5pm: Fishing 2-5pm: Weigh-in 8pm: Awards You can get and entry form or REGISTER ON-LINE by visiting the tournaments page at www.oifc.net
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"Fishing Report" | World Cat- 33' | 10/07/07
I know I had wanted to put together a Swordfish trip this week, but I had totally forgotten about my fishing schools. Capt. Roger will be fishing the Stream for wahoo on Monday and there's a good chance I'll be fishing the Stream on Tuesday, so if anyone wants to head offshore to join us, call us on VHF 11 around 6:30am. The king beach bite continues good. Hotspots this past weekend for Lockwood inlet, Shallotte inlet and Little River inlet. Pogies are thick on the beach, especially off of Little River. Now is the time to go fishing. Weather looks great this week. Ditch work and school and get on the water- October only comes once a year and you never know how many more you may have-- see you on the water!!!!
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"US Open report" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 10/05/07
Early word from fishermen in US Open is all out King bite right on the beach from OIB to Southport. Bait has been run almost out of the water up on the beach by ravaging kings. It is classic Carolina fall fishing at it's finest. Hopefully the warm weather will keep the fish on the beach thru the Fall Brawl Oct 27.
- Rube McMullan
"Overnight Swordfish trip in the cards" | World Cat- 33' | 10/04/07
I'd like to try a daytime wahoo trip and night time sword fish trip next Tues-Weds. Plan would be to leave the OIFC at around noon and catch the PM wahoo bite on the break. Then we'd head offshore to 800-1200 feet and set up for an all night Swordfish drift. And then we'd see how we felt in the AM as to whether to fish wahoo or just go home-- or maybe the fish box would be too full by then!! Anyway, it would be very nice from a safety standpoint and fish finding standpoint if there were other boats. If you have interest in joining this mission in your boat and tag teaming the fish, email me at captbrant@oifishingcenter.com so we can set up a game plan. Probably best if we all meet at OIFC on Tues as some time. Maybe the weather will work. Stay tuned to this page as I'll update my plans based on the weather.
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"Got Bait?" | World Cat- 33' | 10/02/07
In Captain Chris's fishing report on 9-30 he mentioned the firefighting plane touching down in front of the World Cat as they left the OIFC. Can imagine being in the center console in this picture? This sure beats throwing a cast net to get bait. Bet the forest fire smelled like a fish fry!!! Enough bad jokes, the fire fighters did a great job. We had a little rain and a serious blow, but the weather is supposed to be great very soon. We have charter dates open and the king bite is red hot near shore. If you really want to hook 'em up book with one of our expert captains and let them put you on some of these great fighting fish.
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
"Today's Report- World Cat report" | World Cat- 33' | 10/02/07
I wanted to report on recent fishing trips aboard World Cat and how the boat has been performing. Thus far, I am very pleased. In charter fishing I look for the following qualities- fishability, smooth ride, dry ride, ample seating for at least 6, cabin and bathroom. Thus far, the World Cat 33 has provided all, and done it very well. We've fished in some pretty tough wind and seas conditions and the boat has responded beautifully. It is very dry, rides incredibly smooth and has those ammenities that suit the families that we often take fishing. Netting bait off the front has been great as there is a large front deck with easy access and with the addition of the custom live well I had World Cat add to my boat and with the standard 2 stern live wells, I can keep a ton of bait all day. So far so good with the World Cat-- Actually the area dealer, Town Creek Marina and World Cat and Yamaha are title sponsoring the Fall Brawl. They will have boats from every size class available on-site for demo rides any time on Friday, Saturday, Sunday- Oct 26-28th-- If you have interest in a demo, call Lisa with Town Creek at 252 342 4923--- Onto the fishing report: Fishing has continued good off our coast as we progress into the heart of Fall fishing. Late last week the winds and seas calmed and many fishermen headed out to test the waters. In the Gulf Stream fishermen found mainly wahoo with the occasional scattered dolphin and tuna. The fishing was good, but not as incredible as the previous week, mainly due to the full moon phase. I have found that fishing within 3 days on either side of the full moon can be pretty tough, particularly for Gulf Stream and Bottom species. There are certainly exceptions, but if you choose to fish within this time frame, try to be there early and stay late. As we are now coming off the full moon phase, I am looking forward to heading offshore to do some wahoo fishing. I haven?t been in quite a while, and my plans are to actually mix a fishing trip for wahoo and an overnight trip for swordfish into one mission. Swordfishing is a virtually unexplored fishery off our coast, although it is known without a doubt that they are present in good numbers off our coast. The only problem, is they swim some 70-100 miles offshore and thus are a bit difficult to get to. I have fished for them from Ocean Isle a couple years back and did catch one small fish in the 50 pound range that was released. I?ve gotten a few more tips from experts in Florida and hopefully if the weather cooperates, I?ll soon be reporting on great Wahoo AND Swordfish action. Stay tuned. The big news in the Fall fishing has been the king mackerel. They have been biting good along the Brunswick beaches for the past two weeks as well as at normal offshore spots such as the 390/390, Shark Hole and Jungle. However, this week we?ve had a mean northeast wind that has been blowing no less than 20 knots every day. Any other time of year but now, this wind would pretty much render any ocean fishing trip a dud. But, in Brunswick County the South facing beaches offer fishermen protection from North winds and thus the ability to catch king mackerel when they holding close to shore. And thus, that is exactly what my crew and I have been doing all week. Capt. Chris Burrows and first mate Rudy Upton of the Ocean Isle Fishing Center guided Ulf Rieber and family from the Raleigh area aboard the OIFC World Cat on Saturday, and despite 25+ knot winds, boated a 25 pound king and an awesome 44 pound king. This is the biggest king put on the Ocean Isle Fishing Center docks this year. Chris and Rudy found and caught live pogies off of Ocean Isle, then ran down to Oak Island where they caught the monster while drifting down the beach in 35 feet of water. Today (Tuesday) as I?m writing, Ocean Isle Fishing Center Captain, Lyndon Carter is reporting he has caught live pogies off the Ocean Isle pier and is drifting down Ocean Isle Beach in 35 feet of water. As of 10am when I talked to him, he had two kings in the boat and had what he thought was a good one on right now. And all this while the wind is still blowing 20+ knots from the north. This beach bite comes at a very favorable time as this weekend is the annual US Open King Mackerel Tournament. Hundreds of boats from South East will congregate on Southport for their chance to win the $50,000 first place prize. The weather forecast is calling for the North winds to subside to 10-15 knots which should send the fishing into supersonic overdrive. Stay tuned for reports from this next week?s fishing as there?s a lot going on. If you have ever had any ambition to go deep sea fishing, October is the month to come out of your shell and give it a try. See you on the water! Below pics are of trip last week with friends Ricky and Lisa Danford. We spent a 1/2 day at Yaupon fishing my absolute favorite way- anchored, chumming and flying a kite. I think we had great success relative to other action I saw, and I can't say enough about kite fishing. I think Chris reported on kite fishing kings, but you owe it to yourself to learn the deal-- it is a ton of fun and very effective. We have all the stuff you need to get into here and plenty of expertise to advise on how to get going.
- Capt. Brant McMullan
"It's US Open time!" | Carolina Contender- 36' | 10/01/07
Today is October 1, and as the wisest soothsayer that ever spoke stated..."October only comes once a year and you don't know how many more Octobers you will have." No statement could be more fiting than that one, particuliarly as relates to fishing on our Carolina coast. So for all you inlanders, you need to get here and get here fast. The beach bite is on, and whether you're fishing the US Open King tourney this week or not, October is not the month to be doing honey do's. Here's what's happening and what you can expect for the weekend. The weather? Perfect of course. The hard northeast winds of early week will be followed by lower winds toward the end of the week, but still dominate high pressure will keep the winds in the northern quadrant; which just happens to be perfect for the beach bite. It began several weeks ago with the mullet run; then the rains that got the pogys moving out of the river and back to the ocean; now the greenies are all over the beach, ribbonfish are filling up the shrimpers nets, and next the spots will show up in force. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the Kings are on the beach and every drop of water from the River Channel to the beach umbrellas is a likely spot to catch the winning fish. It should be a classic weekend of extroadinary fall fishing within a 9 iron of the land. Come on down, and check with our charter fleet as they will be on the fish all week.
- Rube McMullan
"Crews Missile report" | World Cat- 33' | 09/30/07
Just got these pics from Barry Crews and the Crews Missile fishing team, who rocked the wahoos down towards the Winyah Scarp on Friday. Ray Blanchette and John Schwenker on the Reelaxation ran into another hungry pack of 'hoos up between the Steeples and Same 'Ole hole in 260-280 feet of water. John said they went for two hours unable to get five lines out for all the bites they were having. Ray Labonte went to the Steeples on the Plumb Crazy with his son Dave and caught wahoos and a dolphin. So I guess there are fish from the beach to the break. Catch 'em up.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"More cat's meow" | World Cat- 33' | 09/30/07
Here are the Faulkners, showing off that king and working on that tarpon. Also, check out this firefighting plane--it set down right in front of us to pick up a load of water as we were leaving in the morning.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"The cat's meow continues" | World Cat- 33' | 09/30/07
More pics from Saturday
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"The cat's meow" | World Cat- 33' | 09/30/07
Team World Cat struck again on Saturday. We had heard forever that Scandinavian countries produce the finest, toughest fishermen in the world. Think about Sig on the Northwestern for all you "Deadliest Catch" fans out there. Surely Norway, home of Mustad hooks, would have some of the best in the business. The crew of Paal Kaperdal, his wife Angela Scenna, Ulf Rieber, his wife Trine, their son Tord, and daughter Vilde certainly lived up to the billing, proudly representing Norway, NC, and the Ocean Isle Fishing Center. We left the Fishing Center at first light and easily caught bait just to the west of Shallotte Inlet. With a northeast wind blowing steadily in the 20 knot range and gusting well past 25, we ran up to Yaupon Reef in the lee of the beach, where all we had to deal with was a moderate chop. We anchored and immediately deployed the kite. The kite flew well for about forty five minutes, but as the wind began to increase, it became impossible to keep baits in the water or even hold the kite with our 4/0 Senator. It was also starting to get uncomfortable, even on the hook and as close to shore as Yaupon. We changed plans and pulled anchor, moving slightly inshore and up the beach until we marked one of the many masses of bait. Our backup plan was to drift back downsea with a spread of our largest and friskiest pogies, all running naked behind the boat. We had baits in the water for maybe 45 minutes when king number one skied on our left line and ran offshore. We pulled up gear, knowing for certain that we had a decent fish on, and chased him down. Twenty minutes later a twenty five pounder was in the box. I turned the boat back upsea and ran back past where we had started. We redeployed and started our drift again. I was amazed at the bait that we marked the entire way down the beach--it was everywhere! We had just gotten past the point of our initial strike when something piled the long line. I was pretty certain that the fish's first run would destroy the reel, but somehow everything held together. The fish immediately went offshore, so we had an idea what we were dealing with. Again, we pulled up the rest of our gear and gave chase. First Mate Rudy Upton did an excellent job of helping our angler Ulf Rieber stay on the fish--he had to work around the anchor on the bow probably half a dozen times as the fish cut back and forth, doing everything it could to get free. Ulf kept constant pressure on the fish and was able to get him to the surface. When we realized the size of the fish we were dealing with, and that he was still somewhat fresh, we backed away to keep him free of the props. I repositioned the boat, and lined it up so the fish would slide alongside slowly. The fish stayed put, and Rudy hit him with a gaff shot that was nothing short of perfect. We now had the OIFC's largest king of the year, and should have been content to go home. But as we were running past the Lockwood's sea buoy, something silver and huge exploded a few yards behind a skiff. We immediately realized that the OIFC's own Zach Faulkner, fishing with his cousins David and Luke Faulkner, and father Benjy, had just hooked a giant tarpon. We kept our distance as they began battle with a most unusual fish for our area. Capt. Lyndon pulled up on the Carolina Contender and we worked together to keep the other boats in the area from getting too close to the line or the fish. Benjy did an awesome job of staying on the fish as he tried to curl around the buoy and back out to sea as David kept pressure on the fish. The odds of keeping such a fish (I would estimate him at 150 pounds) hooked are very poor, but after about 90 minutes Zach was able to touch the leader for an official release. Wow. What a day. Not to mention that Luke was able to reel in a king that weighed over 20 as well! Way to go Team Kaperdal/Scenna, TeamRieber, and Team Faulkner! I was kind of skeptical of the World Cat when it first got here, but having fished it hard this week, there are no longer any doubts in my mind. This boat is starting to re-write the OIFC record book! Can't wait to take it to the Gulf Stream to chase after wahoos.
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"Welcome to the jungle" | World Cat- 33' | 09/28/07
We've fished the Jungle and surrounding areas for the past two days, and the results have been pretty good. With the full moon, the bite has fired off pretty quickly in the morning, but you can pick at the fish for most off the day if you hang around. There is plenty of bait on the beaches, today we caught all we wanted near the watertower on OIB. We also caught a 63# cobia today that we had to chase for 3.5 miles when we hooked him on a live bait rod. Cobia aren't usually around in fall, but Capt. Roger had pair of them the other day as well. Looks like it will blow tomorrow and Sunday out of the northeast, but no worries, that just puts Yaupon and the McGlammery reef in play. Time to break out the SFE kite. Catch 'em up!
- Capt. Chris Burrows
"believe it or not" | Stori Teller-24' | 09/27/07
I couldn't believe my eyes today when a couple came in the OIFC and wanted to show Captain Brant pictures of a skate that jumped in their boat!! I'm not making this up folks. I saw the pictures. An approximately 200 lb. skate jumped into these folks walk thru windshield boat and tore it up!!! The couple was in the Shallotte Inlet Tuesday when this happened. They came to the OIFC where this crazed monster was removed by Brant and several other OIFC employees. I hope Capt. Brant ot Capt. Chris will do a more indepth write up with pictures. If not, check the Brunswick Beacon. This was a Ripley's believe it or leave it alone moment. On a very less spectular note, Jeff and I took the Hook 'em Up Scout out for a short fishing trip late this afternoon. We caught a lot of mullett minnows in the canal at the OIFC, turned starboard in the intracoastal and proceeded to catch 15-16 inch flounder. The key today was fishing around docks on a rising tide with downsized terminal tackle...Hook 'em up folks!!
- First Mate- Rickey Beck
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