Island Fishing: Settled Into Summer
Looking out my living room window, I am greeted by a rare sight … sunshine!! The last couple of weeks have left us drenched and ready for some blue sky. Over 20 inches of rain fell on Hatteras Island last month, so locals and vacationers alike are anxious for a change. A temporary shellfish closure has been in effect due to the runoff, which has greatly impacted my clamming business. Fortunately, the closure has been lifted, and it’s back to business as usual.
August usually brings a lot of hot, calm weather. Beachgoers enjoy ocean and soundside activities such as fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, shell hunting, and sunbathing. Highway 12 is busy with traffic – not only cars and trucks but also joggers and cyclists. No need in being in a big hurry!
I’ve had some of my best offshore catches in August, and I’ve had some hot, slow days. You never know what August is gonna throw at you. Generally, the wahoo fishing picks up as well as the sailfishing. Dolphin fishing can be great in August, but it’s dependent on the conditions in the Gulf Stream. When the current isn’t running too hard, the bottom fishing is usually great as well.
The inshore guides have been doing great on red drum. Slot size fish as well as bigger ones are abundant. Speckled trout have been kind of scattered, but should be getting thicker any time. Bluefish and Spanish mackerel have occupied the guys trolling near shore, and I have been hearing of a pretty good sign of kings already this summer. Flounder gigging at night can be very productive if the conditions are right, and several of our local inshore guides can get you out and on some fish if you want to give it a try.
Surf fishermen have been catching a little bit of everything. Puppy drum, sea mullet, spot, pompano and bluefish can be found just about anywhere up and down our beach, if you’re lucky.
The shrimp boat has been coming in every couple of days with fresh brown shrimp from the Pamlico Sound. I just bagged up a hundred pounds and stocked my freezer, so I’m set for the winter! Commercial bottom fishing boats are bringing in grouper and tilefish, providing local restaurants with the best table fare you can eat.
Kids will be headed back to school before you know it, so you still have time to squeeze in a Hatteras Island vacation. There is lots and lots to do on Hatteras Island, so get on down here for some fun in the sun!
