Red drum fishing in the marshes and behind the barrier islands near Swansboro is outstanding right now, according to Capt. Robbie Hall of Hall ‘Em In Charters.
“(Fishing) has been really good in the marshes in Bogue Sound, around Bear and Brown’s inlets and behind Emerald Isle,” said Hall (910-330-6999), who fishes out of Casper’s Marina.
“We’ve been seeing schools of up to 400 and 500 fish. Most of those fish are in the 18- to 25-inch range. Better yet, sight casting is possible because the water’s so clear right now.”
Best fishing days include weather in which the air temperature reaches 50 degrees.
“If you get a couple of days that’s freezing cold and the ice starts to form in the backs of the creeks, it can be tough, but get a couple of warm days strung together, and they bite pretty readily. Right now we’ve got water temperatures in the low to mid 40s, but the air temperature, on a southwest flow off the ocean, is in the low 50s, so it’s a good time to go.”
Top fishing lures include Gulp and Strike King scented plastics minnow and shrimp imitators on 1/8-ounce jigheads.
“During a half-day or 4-hour trip, it’s not uncommon to land up to 30 reds,” Hall said. “On a full day’s trip, you can double that number most times.”
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