Like the weather, fishing was off to a rather cool start, but things are surely nice and hot now. The good old days of summer time fishing are upon us.

Everyone’s talking cobia and the biggest news has been Mark Hansen of Wake Forest landing a 68-pounder in the surf earlier this month. There were several stories surrounding the event, but the story I got was the angler saw a local charter captain circling in close to the beach, so he waded out to a sand bar to cast in the direction of Rick Caton (or was it Russell Williams?) and reeled in the cobia right out from under him. 

The catch of cobia from the surf was an isolated incident, but surf fishermen are still landing big drum on Ocracoke beaches in various areas. Alan from Tradewinds compares fishing mantras to real estate concepts. So, I’m actively pursuing the perfect LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. I’ve landed some bluefish. Anglers are also pulling in sea mullet, flounder, puppy drum, pompano, black drum and some puffers along the beaches, according to the Tradewinds report.   Bound to cast past the second set of breakers, I have been targeting big fish with fish finder rigs, custom teasers and hand-tied bottom rigs. Bait has been shrimp or cut mullet. This week, I realized it’s wise to lay down my long Hatteras Jack custom rod and fish like a girl - casting in close to target sea mullet, black drum and flounder. This dawned on me when I waded to knee deep water and stepped on a flounder last week. My line was a good 25 yards further out and I was catching doughnuts (zeros). Time for a new strategy.   Sand fleas are plentiful on the beaches, which explains why these species of fish are in so close - they’re feeding on the stirred-up little snacks. So, bait a bottom rig with some sand fleas and stay relatively close. I say forget the rake and dig up fleas with your bare hands. It’s a wonderful all-natural exfoliation for your fingers!!   The surf cobia catch was a one-time event earlier this month, but not for boaters. Local fishers have been getting out recreationally and landing awesome numbers of cobia in our inshore waters. Actually, it’s been on fire. The entire inshore charters fleet has cashed in on the cobia and Mike from Anchorage Marina reports that weighing in fish over 50 pounds is a routine occurrence. Granted, some charter captains have caught more than others (we can‘t all be cobia killers). But factoring in the whole season, I am happy to report no one has gotten skunked, either. 

Several citations have been also awarded for gaffer dolphin, big wahoo and billfish releases down at the Anchorage. Mike reported recent citations included a 57 pound wahoo and a 55-pound dolphin. Release flags have been flying consistently at the docks, signifying the release of blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish. In addition, blackfin and yellowfin have been landed by the offshore fleet.

Nearshore waters have produced triggers, black sea bass, vermilliion snapper, amberjack and occasional grouper, according to the Anchorage report.

Blues and Spanish have been plentiful for boaters along the beaches. In recent days, I have waved at several commercial crews as I sat on the beach and watched them pull their gill nets for the fresh catch.

Since I can’t cast THAT far (and I wouldn‘t dream of jamming these folks up with my dingbatter fishing while they’re trying to work), I’m relying on the commercial boys (and girls!) to bring blues and Spanish to Ocracoke Fish House. Here, you’ll find these and other fish filleted and ready to go. Flounder, black drum and red drum from the waters of the Pamlico are also available right now. Oh, and don’t forget to pick up some clams, too. The morsels are plentiful right now, and very, very tasty.

Our charter captains have been stopping to do some claming on the way back in from trips and folks have been thrilled with clams by the hundreds. Ladies – here is another chance for some island spa treatment. Clam barefooted and get a pedicure! It’s wonderful exfoliation for your feet. My Pop always said the best use for a clam rake was hurricane clean up, anyway.

Speaking of my Pop, he would be very proud of the small victory that was recently achieved for commercial fishermen and our coastal community. Thanks to everyone who spoke up to oppose game fish status for red drum, speckled trout and striped bass. Because of those who fought the good fight, the 2013 Fisheries Economic Development Act was not approved in the legislature and we still have access to these resources. For those who call this place home, it means the whole world to us. For those that visit, it means this place will remain the island you love.