Outer Banks North Carolina Fishing Reports
|
Hard day of fishing
|
Out with Ed & Gene from Indiana looking for some big Stripers but didnt have much luck.We tried the shoals for a while with no luck, so off down the beach we went looking for some schools. Found the bait, but no fish,so back to the shoal we went. Between the tide screaming out and a good size swell, it was hard to get to the fish safely. We did try the bridge for a while, but had no success. Back to the shoal again and found the fish in about 2 ft of water. Too shallow for me, so we headed in. These guys were two tuff birds to take shoal fish for the best part of the day.
Thanks, Ray
 |
|
|
|
Outer Banks Inshore
|
 |
|
|
|
July 19, 2005 - Outer Banks Fishing Report
|
Went out for an evening trip with Mark,his son,and buddy from Mass. and had a great trip.After catching some bait, these guys were catching the heck out of Stripers.It was the best bit I had seen in a while.They had six keeper Stripers,and I lost count on how many we tossed back.Also one huge Bluefish.It was the biggest I'd seen all year. Thanks, Ray
 |
|
|
|
The boys from the north catch a few Stripers
|
The fishing lately has either been very good or very bad. I not sure if it is due to all the wind and rain we have had or the change in the water temp, but it definitely keeps you on your toes. Some days we catch our limit, while other days we struggle just to catch fish.
This past week I took several regular charters for some hard luck fishing. Bill and his brother Bob from West ( By God ) Virginia are great trout fisherman, but somebody forgot to tell the fish. They did catch numerous trout, but not many keepers. Most were gray’s, but they did mange a few speckles. Also that week, I took Drew, Gary, Ronnie, and Kenny from Indiana, in search of the elusive Rockfish. The first morning, we fished the inlet with not even one bit. We did have a hit a the Manteo bridge, but lost it at the boat. The biggest problem was the tide was not moving that morning. If you ever fish for Stripers at the bridges, you will soon find out that no tide means no bit. We switched our time for the next day to the afternoon and the tide was perfect, but someone had beat me to my spot. After trying a few other places with no success, I saw the other boat leave, so I moved in for the kill. The only problem was the other boat had stayed in that one spot so long running his motor, the fish disappeared for awhile. About the time I was getting anxious to catch something, Drew got this big grin and pulled one in. The guys ended up catching six or so fish and ended the dry spell.
I think most of the big Spot have headed south, along with the big Croakers. There are still some Flounder and Puppy Drum around and plenty of Bluefish. If the wind would ever stop blowing, I’m sure the Kings are 8-10 miles off the beach. Before this blow, the offshore guys had some great catches of Tuna and a few Dolphin mixed in. As the water temperature drops, the big Stripers should be showing up soon, but not soon enough for this angler. There is nothing like catch a 20-30lb Rockfish on light tackle. Come try it and see what you’ve been missing.
Tight lines, Capt. Ray  |
|
|
|
Rockfish season around the corner
|
I'm booking Rockfish trips for Nov. thur Feb., so call me soon. The good dates are going quick. We are catching the 10-15lbers now and they are just going to get bigger. Just remember we had some days in Nov. & Dec. that we boated over a 100 fish on a full day trip.
 |
|
|
|
Sat. at Oregon Inlet
|
Headed out this afternoon with Billy Arms from Blackstone, Va. in search of Stripers. We stop at a few holes to catch some bait and I think we caught one of everything in the sound. Pinfish,Pigfish,Croaker,Spot,Bluefish,
Blowfish,Black Drum,Gray Trout,Sea Bass, and yes Stripers.We did have 4 keeper Trout and several throw-backs.
The Spot were nice ones and 2 at a time. We did keep 4 Stripers that we in the 10-15lb class and left them still biting.The water temp is dropping,so the Rochfish bite is just going to get better.
Thanks, Ray
|
|
|
|
The first week of Nov. looking good.
|
Well a few bigger Stripers are starting to show up.The biggest one this week was 15 lbs, but lots of schoolies in the 8-12lb. range. Also the big pound plus Spot are still here. The water temp needs to drop about 10 degrees to get the big Stripers in the inlet. We just need a few good cold fronts to blow thru.
Here's John Bryant & Greg Davis with an early morning Striper.
Tight lines, Capt. Ray  |
|
|
|
The fish are here.
|
The fishing scene on the Outer Banks has exploded as of last week. The fish are here and so is the bait. There is so much bait that my screen on my bottom machine was covered form top to bottom in30ft.of water. It makes you wonder why a Striper would want to bite a lure. It didn’t take long yesterday to get our limit and be back a the dock before lunch. Most fish are from the 20-30lb range. A few bigger ones have been boated, but the big boys are not all here yet. The weather has been pretty good, but I’m sure there are some bad days ahead. There has also been a few Bluefin tuna swimming with the Stripers, but we haven’t heard of anyone catching one of the big fish. No Blues to speak of, but a few have been caught. Just keep say to yourself, “It’s only going to get better” Here are buddies Mike and Dave from Sunday morning with some fresh meat.
Tight line, Ray
 |
|
|
|
Getting Slack
|
Sorry I havent posted any reports lately, but between fishing two tournaments and regular charters, plus the not so great fishing, I just couldn't get modivated. But as of Sunday, thing are looking somewhat better.
I was told by some fellow captains that some Stripers showed up Sat. afternoon and Sunday. I should have know that was going to happen,since I am having curtains put on my boat. It never fails,when I can't fish, they start biting. By this weekend, I'll be chasing them down and showing some pictures.
Tight lines, Ray
 |
|
|
|
Catching Stripers right & left.
|
Striper fishing over the past few weeks has been good to great. Most days its no problem to catch a limit, but there has been a few that it took most of the day to do it. The biggest problem this year is the fish are 30-40 miles from the inlet, so it make s it hard to find fish on a half day trip. Next year, I will be running full day Striper trips only, unless they move closer to the inlet. Most fish have been in the 20-30 pound range with a few in the 30-40's. all fish this week were caught casting lures, which is more fun than trolling. I’m hoping that some bigger fish will show up in the next 2-3 weeks. This week, I”ve taking the guys from In-Fisherman magazine out for some Striper action. Tuesday, we caught all our fish casting and jigging different lures. Wednesday, we had a blow day and Thursday we were back at it. We started out casting and were doing well, but they wanted to do a trolling segment, so out came the gear. I trolled four lines, two with single lures and one with a spreader, the other with a double bucktail. The first pass thru the school, we caught six fish on four poles. No bad except for the chinese fire drill of three people and four poles with fish. After that fiasco, the trolling gear was stowed away and back to casting we went. The fishing action was pretty non-stop all day. They got plenty of shots catching Stripers. Thanks to Doug Stange, Dr.Ed, and Dave the cameraman for two great days of fishing and Dave for his some-what funny jokes. Its just fun fishing with light tackle out of a small boat rather than trolling heavy tackle with big rods. There are plenty of small inshore charter captains that love to fish that way, including me. Who knows, maybe they’ll make me famous. HA-HA-ha, I doubt it. I still have a few openings left, so give me a call.
Tight lines, Ray
 |
|
|
|
It doesn't get any better..
|
The fishing this week has been outstanding, except for the long boat rides to them. The Stripers have been hanging out north of the inlet for some unknown reason, but plenty of them. We have had a few that looked like sound fish, but most are in the 20-30lb. range, with a few over that mark. Most fish were caught in less than 30ft. using Bucktails and Storm 6” swimming shads casting or jigging. Several days the water was boiling around us up Rockfish chasing bait. It just doesn’t get any better. I’ll have some more pictures posted by Sunday.
Thanks, Capt. Ray
|
|
|
|
Striper fishing is wide open
|
Jan. 18,2006
Striper fishing over the past few weeks has been good to great. Most days its no problem to catch a limit, but there has been a few that it took most of the day to do it. The biggest problem this year is the fish are 30-40 miles from the inlet, so it make s it hard to find fish on a half day trip. Next year, I will be running full day Striper trips only, unless they move closer to the inlet. Most fish have been in the 20-30 pound range with a few in the 30-40's. all fish this week were caught casting lures, which is more fun than trolling. I’m hoping that some bigger fish will show up in the next 2-3 weeks. This week, I’m taking the guys from In-Fisherman magizine out for three days. Who knows, maybe they’ll make me famous. HA-HA-ha, I doubt it. I still have a few openings left, so give me a call.
Tight lines, Ray
 |
|
|
|
Hard luck fishing
|
I took out Steve & Sarah Huber, Brian Riccomini, & Ted LoCassio Sunday in search of some Rock, but had a hard time finding any. Thanks to the weathermans wrong wind forecast, I went north instead of south. Plenty of Bluefish, but not many Rock. Sarah was the lucky fisherwoman to catch our one Rock, plus caught a Bluefish off of another broken line. She was very proud of that fish. He got a big hug from her.
Thanks, Ray
 |
|
|
|
Gary & Ronnie's big adventure
|
The fishing on the Outer Banks has been great the past few weeks except for the number of boats out fishing. Don't get me wrong. I think everyone should go catch some fish, but not everybody all at once. Over the holidays, every boat owner in NC & Va. was down here fishing. It was just too crazy. Anyway, the fish have been nice 30lb plus fish, more or less. We caught a few in the 40s, but no 50lb+ yet. A 62lb was caught by private boater Saturday. Sunday I had my summer crew Ronnie and Gary from Indiana. We caught fish as soon as we put out, but then the hoard of other boaters swarmed us and it was all over. Some fisherman can’t get it thru there head not to motor into a school of fish. Gary and Ronnie hustled the fish in and we were off to the dock. On the way back , the surf out to 25ft was full of big Bluefish, but the guys had a long drive home.
Thanks, Ray
 |
|
|
|
Hide & seek with Stripers
|
The Striper fishing has been like playing hide and seek. Just because you caught them good in one area yesterday, doesn't mean they be hanging around there tomorrow. Its been a quest to find the fish everyday. The days we have mark fish, doesn't mean they are going to bite. Its days like that you have to tell yourself, thats fishing. Here's a picture of Doug Haber with a few we pulled in just before dark. After no bites all day, we ran across some birds working just off the lighthouse on the way in and caught these guys feeding. Don't forget Cobia season is not too far off. Book your trip now before all the good dates are gone. Thanks, Ray
 |
|
|
|
Finally some Rockfish
|
Well I guess its better late than never, but the Stripers were on the bite today. Most boats had no problem in catching there limit of 25-40lb. fish.
All were caught casting eels. I tried a few lures, but no takers yet. We'll see what happens tomorrow.
Tight lines, Ray
 |
|
|
|
What fishing report.
|
Not much in the way of a fishing report I’m afraid. The Striped Bass, AKA Rockfish, are taking there sweet time about showing up. A hand full of fish have been caught, but nothing like it should be for this time of the year. I have fished a few tournaments in Virginia, Maryland, and even New York, with the same results. The Rockfish are just late for the party. We did mange to catch a 27 lb. fish two weeks ago in the Chesapeake Bay, to finish with the second largest fish and fourth place overall in the American Striper Association tournament. Right now, our team is in 3rd place for that division. With two more tournaments, who knows what could happen. The offshore fleet are slaying the tuna on the days they can get out. Lately, the wind has been howling. The coastal storm last week left tons of debris in the water and on the beach. House and pier pilings are floating around, just waiting to put a nice hole in your boat. We’ll be keeping a sharp eye out for them. I still have some Rockfish dates open, so send me an email if you want to go.
Tight lines, Ray
Pier piling about 30 ft. long
Whats left of Jenette's pier
 |
|
|
|
Hit & miss.
|
Well the Striper fishing has been just that. They are biting one day and the next day they have lock jaw. The biggest factor at the harbor is tide. If it's not moving, chances of catching a fish are slim and none. A few bigger fish are showing up at Oregon Inlet, but they only want to eat a Croaker or Spot, which also have been hard to find somedays. Here's a happy couple out for a boat ride, cause the fish wern't biting. Beautiful day, but no bites all day. We'll keep trying.
Thanks, Ray
 |
|
|
|
Its getting that Rocking time.
|
OK its getting close to that time of year and I have received tons of emails for trips, but some folks are not sending cash,so here's the deal. Any trips that are booked for Nov. that I dont received deposits by this Saturday will lose there spots. If you can't send the cash, call with a credit card. All deposits for Dec. should be here by Nov. 15 and Jan. by Dec. 15. If you are a first time charters or been with me several times, this applies to everyone.
Its just business and I hope you understand. Thanks for making this a great year and lets put some meat on the deck.
Thanks, Ray
 |
|
|
|
Outer Banks fishing
|
Fishing the Outer Banks- Sound, inshore, and ocean.
 |
|
|
|
The summer is winding down.
|
I've had some long days this summer and I'm kind of glad its slowing down. I always look foward to the fall fishing because of the cooler weather. The fish is still good now. Bluefish & Spanish in & outside of the inlet. A few Stripers around the bridge. Kings are a few miles off the beach, also Tuna & Dolphin are still biting offshore. My evening trips are done too. Its getting dark around 8:30 now, so I did my last evening trip Friday with Terry, Elizabeth, & kids from Richmond. What a beautiful sunset for my last evening trip of the year. Thanks to everyone who has fished with me this summer. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Thanks, Ray
 |
|
|
|
Inshore & offshore
|
Every now and then on an all day charter, if the weather looks good, I'll slide offshore to see whats going on. With a small boat,you have to pick your days, because safety is my first concern. Well yesterday John Bryant and his buddy Dennis had a banner day. They caught there limit in Dolphin. We work several weed lines and would pull out 5 or so at each stop. All were caught on light tackle which added to the fun. Today the wind blew with Bryan & crew from Pa. but on a half day we did catch a few fish. The past several days fishing has be either real good or so-so, but thats fishing.
Thanks to everyone who has been out. Checkout your pictures in the gallery.
Thanks, Ray
  |
|
|
|
Big Eye Tuna
|
Went out Sunday with old friend Ray for some offshore fun. We hook this 130lb. Tuna and 90 minutes later it was in the boat. This fish did not want to be made into sushi. At one point, it almost took all the line off the reel. Maybe next time we'll catch the other ones that broke our lines.
 |
|
|
|
Better late than never.
|
I want to thank everyone who has fished with me lately. The bite has been up and down all summer. Somedays the catch was in the morning and the next day in the afternoon. Its really made for some head-scratching days. We have caught Stripers, Trout, Croakers, Spot, Flounder, Cobia, Spanish & King Mackerel, Sharks, but not everyday. Thanks to some of my returing customers like Gene & VJ and all my new ones. I had two no-shows that lost deposits and will not be fishing with me again, but one work out just fine. While waiting at the dock, three lovely ladies said they would be happy to go fishing in place of the no-show and had a great time fishing. The only bad part was the photo I took with my old camera didn't come out. But take my word, they were the best looking crew so far this year. Sorry I haven't posted pictures sooner, but its been so busy and there is only so many hours in a day to fish, rig gear, clean the boat, do honey-do's, visit with the family, yard work,yada-yada-yada. You get the picture. By the way, you can go to the photo gallery to see your picture.
A big thanks to everyone,
Ray
 |
|
|
|
Great near shore fishing.
|
The sound fishing has been OK somedays, but not as good as last year. The usual Croakers, Spot, Bluefish, and other bottom dwellers are still around.
The Striped Bass fishing in the inlet has been slim pickings at best. I'm not sure what happened to the big ones we were catching. The Cobia and Spanish outside the inlet have been hard to find, so Sunday we decided to try something different. We headed out about 18 miles and found some hungry Kings and some nice size Dolphin. We loaded up and were back to the dock in a few hours. It was nice to have a fish that could give you some fight. Here is my first mate Bryce, holding a nice Dolphin.
Thanks, Ray
 |
|
|
|
Southwest wind on the Outer Banks
|
If the wind would ever stop blowing from the southwest, the fishing would be so good. This direction blows all the warm water out and the cooler water in.
I did manage to get offshore with a buddy Sunday and had a banner day. We had several nice tuna, gaffer dolphin, one nice wahoo, and two Blue Marlin hits, which was very unusually. It was good eaten at this house for the fourth of July. I know most of you aren't thinking about winter yet, but I am booking fall Striper trips now. I do suggest full day trips, because of the distance we have to travel sometimes to catch these guys. So yes I will do a half day, but if the fish are not near the inlet, don't complain if you don't catch any. Last year some of the 1/2 day trips turned into 6 hour trips to catch fish with no extra charged, but with the price of fuel, I can't do that any more. I hope everyone understands. Email me if you want to go catch the big boys.
Thanks, Ray
 |
|
|
|
Its got to get better
|
Its been hard fishing the past week. The sound and inlet have been producing a few fish, but not very big. The inshore has not been much better. Small Bluefish an d a few Spanish Mackerel. The Cobia are ouy here somewhere. If its not cloudy, the wind is blowing. Its got to get better, because I think we seen the worst. We keep trying.
Thanks, Ray
  |
|
|
|
The past week of fishing
|
The fishing lately has been getting better by the day. The biggest problem is the water just won’t get warm. It goes up, then we get a few cloudy days and back down it goes or we get a hard west wind . In the sound, Spot, Croaker, Trout, and Flounder are doing fair. There are still some nice Striped Bass around the inlet bridge, if you’re on the right tide. Outside the inlet, the inshore bite has been fair to great. There are plenty of Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel around most days. The Cobia fish has not been the best so far, but I think it will inmprove in the next few weeks.
Father offshore, good bites of Sea Bass, Tilefish, and other wreck fish have been pretty fair. I do have a few openings, so drop me an email. Also the new boat is here. I have a few pictures in a couple of days.
Thanks, Ray
 |
|
|
|
The Rockfish were hungry
|
Today was the best spring/summer Striper fishing you could ever have. The fish were so hungry, we caught our limit in no time.These were all good size too.The largest was over 38" long. My good friend Mason & his girl Pam even had 2 on at a time. They'll be some good eating in the neighborhood tonight and it won't be at Applebees.
Thanks guys, Ray
 |
|
|
|
Playing catch-up
|
I know I been slack on the fishing report, but not much has been going on until the past few weeks. With the weather warming, the fish are slowing starting to bite. We have been catching a few Trout, Puppy Drum, Bluefish, and also some Stripers. Yesterday my son & I headed out for an afternoon fact finding mission. The fact is, there were too many women around the house for us. We caught a few Croakers, Trout, and some nice Stripers for dinner. The one I'm holding just tipped the scale at 20lbs. which is not bad for this time of year. When I cleaned it, it was full of Croakers. The Cobia should be showing up anytime. The water outside the inlet today was 60. Just a few more degrees and Cobia will be everywhere. Also the big Drum should be arriving around the same time. My dates are filling up quick, but I do have a few weekends open. Most all weekday trips are booked, but I also have some evening trips open. These have been a great success the past few years with some of our best catches coming just before dark. Give me a call or send an email for open dates.
Thanks, Ray
 |
|
|
|
