Late April fishing report for the Outer Banks

Cobia, tuna, redfish highlight the OBX fishing report

As we reach the end of April, the Outer Banks fishing report is great, and getting better and better each day. This time of year, we can expects some ups and downs with the temperature, wind, and rainfall. And that can temporarily slow the bite down. But on good weather days, the fishing has been plenty hot.

And that goes for anglers fishing offshore, nearshore, and inshore.

Oceans East Bait and Tackle in Nags Head said the tuna bite has stayed consistent for offshore anglers. Mahi-mahi are also coming on strong. As the longer days of spring continue to warm the ocean, the mahi bite will improve even more.

Anglers fishing the wrecks in the Hatteras area have reported big numbers of cobia in the area. Some anglers are catching them while fishing for other species. Other anglers are turning their focus to these fish, as they have shown up in big numbers lately. Eels are great baits for cobia, and Oceans East Bait and Tackle has plenty of them in stock.

The sea mullet a/k/a whiting are still on fire in the Nags Head area. Anglers are catching them on a variety of cut baits. In the sound, redfish of all sizes are biting strong.

Sneaky Pete is on the redfish, trout bite is improving

Also in Nags Head, Sneaky Pete OBX Fishing Charters said the warm weather and calm-wind days have been better for fishing. He’s having great success with redfish — including plenty of fish in the slot. The trout bite has been up and down, depending on weather. Warm days have been great, with cooler days slowing the bite. He expects both species to get more aggressive as the weather stabilizes.

In Manteo, Pirate’s Cove Marina reports big catches of mahi, blackfin tuna and yellowfin tuna for offshore anglers. A few wahoo are also biting. Nearshore anglers are catching lots of black sea bass and black drum. Emmett Sharp caught a 47-inch black drum earlier this week. Some bluefish are also showing up for nearshore anglers. In the inlet, stripers, puppy drum, and some keeper-sized trout are keeping anglers busy.

In Frisco, the folks at Frisco Rod and Gun said some strong winds haven’t stopped anglers from catching plenty off the beaches. Lots of sea mullet are still biting, especially around Avon. Other sea mullet are also biting at Ramp 49. Some big red drum are biting at the point. Inshore boats are catching red fish in all sizes. Anglers fishing offshore out of Hatteras are catching king mackerel, mahi, tuna, and wahoo.