Warmer Hatteras Water Brings With It Red Drum Bite

By Staff | TH Spangler | Connie Barbour

Strong harsh winds have made it nearly impossible for Virginia anglers to do much fishing lately. Everyone is still waiting for calmer, warmer days and a speckled trout, red drum bite. Water temperatures remain a bit on the chilly side.

Tautog action should still be good on the ocean wrecks and at the CBBT when weather permits. There have been a few reports of flounder being landed near inlets in deeper water.

Last week Outer Banks surf anglers enjoyed an outstanding run of big red drum at the Point in Hatteras, and to the south to Ocracoke inlet. Water temps finally hit the 60 degree mark there. Anglers are also finding puppy drum, sea mullet, blow toads and even a few croaker.

The Outer Banks offshore fleet fishing of out of Oregon and Hatteras Inlets are catching lots of yellowfin tuna. Their catches have also included blackfin tuna, king mackerel, wahoo and even a blue marlin or two.

Water Temps 

Cape Charles: 49.1 F
Cape Henry: 50.0 F
Kiptopeke: 49.4 F
Duck NC Pier: 54.1 F
Oregon Inlet Surf: 52.1 F
OI offshore Buoy @ 60 feet: 51.5 F
Hatteras Surf: 60.0F
Diamond Shoals Tower: 64.4 F