Lower Neuse, Pamlico offer variety of fish

Anglers can have fun with three main species of sportfish in the Pamlico Sound now that summer has arrived in the Carolinas.

“The (speckled) trout and puppy (red) drum fishing can be very good, and there’s also a good flounder bite,” said guide Gary Dubiel of Oriental. “Trout will be caught mostly the first half of the day and during evening, and there’s very little variation of depth (to find the two species).”

Dubiel (Spec Fever Guide Service, 252-249-1520, 252-514-3484) fishes creeks and at creek mouths on the main part of the lower Neuse. Favorite places include near Adams Creek, the South River, Dawson’s and Smith creeks and at Turnagain Bay.

“You’ll find trout from 3- to 5-feet deep at the shoreline and outside of sand bars,” he said. “The reds will be along the marsh shorelines in 2 to 3 feet of water.

“The puppy drum bite lasts a little longer portion of each day (than specks). Usually the (speck) bite slows down a little after lunch to 4 p.m. (for specks he uses spin tackle to cast artificial lures such as soft plastics and soft plastics underneath popping corks), but you can catch puppies with cut and live bait all day long.”

Dubiel favors shrimp-imitator soft-plastic lures for specks and reds.

“You can also find some awful big trout with hard baits such as MirrOlures and the new 5-inch floater-diver,” he said. “The Yo-Zuri lures from 3- to 5-inches that imitate mullets also are good hard baits.”

Dubiel, who also guides fly anglers, said flounder mix with red fish in the same shallow marsh areas and along the Neuse shoreline that features rocks, docks and jetties.

“Live baits such as finger mullet and menhaden will work well,” he said.

June also is the start of tarpon fishing, although tarpons can be hit or miss. When the big schools arrive, action can be spectacular. Dubiel said he also keeps light rods ready with spoons in case a school of Spanish mackerel or  bluefish surfaces within casting range while looking for tarpon.

“If you can hit a calm day, you can look for ‘Vs’ in the water that may indicate a school of old red drum,” he said. “A lot of guys throw big bucktails at them.

“But you have to be careful to cut your motor when you’re headed toward a school (of drum) so you can glide within casting range without making noise. They’ll scoot off if they hear a big engine or even a trolling motor.”