Fishing News And Chat

The reports keep coming in and the fishing is getting better by the day! Billfish are taking lures and baits from Hatteras to Oregon Inlet and boats are returning with boxes full of nice Mahi. Deep-Droppers are still catching a variety of fish, including possible world records.

Capt Jim Brincefield on the “Jil Carrie” set out for some dropping and put one of his clients on a very nice fish. Mr. William Davis of Maryland reeled in the new pending IGFA World Record Blackbelly Rose Fish that hit the scales at 4 pounds 3 oz, beating the current record of 3 lbs 11 oz. The deep-drop scene is still holding some nice Tilefish, Sea Bass, occasional Grouper, and large Bluefish. Triangle Wrecks are also home to Sea Bass and Togs.

VBSF Charter Sponsor “Mega Bite” headed out for a renewed fishery this week. Capt. Keith headed out for a little sharking. The morning was slow, but then came the controlled chaos we’re all familiar with offshore. One of his clients hooked into a 50-60 pound Thresher Shark that sped past the back of the boat doing about 30 in a 5 mph zone. Capt. Keith commented that it “took off faster than a King Mackerel”. “Mega Bite” will be running more sharking trips this summer. It’s a fishery that can provide some fantastic action and hard pulling fun.

Mahi and Billfish have taken over the “Tuna Capital of the East Coast”. Boats are seeing lots of Blue Marlin, some ranging from 375-600 pounds. Several Sails have also been released this week. Big gaffers are topping the meat fish category. Mahi from large bailers to gaffers are hitting the docks. Most of the gaffers are ranging from 15-30 pounds, but several have tipped the scales over 40 pounds. Yellowfin are still very scattered, but can be found. Fish are ranging between 30-50 pounds. Their big cousins, the Big Eye, are becoming more frequent. Several Big Eyes were caught this week and scaled between 104-179 pounds. Along with these Tuna come the sharks. A couple of Mako were landed, so be prepared with some wire leaders.

There are lots of Blue Marlin being released out of OI, but Hatteras is this week’s champ. Last Saturday, the fleet out of Hatteras reported releases of 21 Blues. The rest of the week has been very productive as well. Sails are taking baits and the first White Marlin of the season have arrived. Hatteras is one of the best locations on the east coast to catch a Grand Slam, 3 different species of Billfish on the same day. Yellowfin are still scarce down there, but the other meat fish are giving anglers what they want. Mahi, some topping 40 pounds, are filling the fish boxes. Big Wahoo seem to be landed everyday. Stephen Drummond of Midlothian, VA boxed a Hoo that weighed 45 pounds. Edward Brown of Newport News caught one that weighed 42. Blackfin, and big ones at that, are being taken on the jig or off the kite. For those trollers out there, run smaller baits or lures like tuna feathers, shooters, or Mini Bars. Carol Kleemeier of Va Beach landed a 22 pounder and John Newton of Newport News scored with a 33 pounder. These are the Yellowfin’s smaller cousin, but are terrific table fare. VBSF Charter Sponsor Capt Steve Richardson is still pounding out the fish out of Hatteras on “Canyon Express”. They are steadily landing Wahoo, Mahi and Tuna on their trips.

Don’t forget to send your reports and pics to vbsfoffshorerundown@hotmail.com and we’ll include them in the weekly report. Until next week, get out there and

Catch ‘em Up!!