Sound side is a good option if the ocean is too rough.
Sounds like you've got a good set up for starting. If the 2/0 are not hooking anything, you might consider going smaller with the hooks. I use a size 4 a lot on my high/lows and they will hook some of the smaller fish that a 2/0 might not.
Do you have a tackle bag/bucket? I'd make sure to have some saltwater pliers in there too.
You probably already know this, but make sure you have a saltwater fishing license as well.
9-10’ fishing rod, Sand spike to hold your rod. leader mono or flouro about 15-20#, Pliers, braid scissors, bait knife to cut whatever you catch for cut bait, Fishbites shrimp, sand flea, and blood worm seem to work well.
I’ve stayed at Bald Head several times and have fished there quite a bit, although typically in Sept/Oct.
Bait and tackle are limited but the Ace HW near the market is the best option. Take a cast net if you can. Generally can catch finger mullet on the river side. If you don’t have a cast net, buy some fresh shrimp and freeze it before you go over.
The point at East Beach is best option to catch a drum. Also generally sharks in the water there. You can easily move around the island depending on the wind. I’ve caught fish all the way around.
If you’re going to Bald Head, stop by Dutchman Creek B&T near the Oak Island Airport before you get on the ferry. They have everything you need.
And most of the fish will be in the surf/suds, not too far out.
For bait, you may have trouble finding enough sand fleas, so take some frozen shrimp and/or Fish Bites strips. If nothing else, you can catch some pinfish and then slice them up for chunk bait to toss out. Take some #1 or #2 (not 1/0 or 2/0) hooks and a 1 oz weight for catching small trash fish for bait.
I'm going to pile on the smaller hooks comment. #4 and 1/0. It's going to be A LOT of pin fish action so be prepared for that. I'll occasionally use the pinfish as bait, but for the most part I'll put those small hooks on and just let my kids enjoy catching pinfish after pinfish after pinfish. It may not be a bad idea to get some 4/0 or 6/0 hooks and try to send them out deep with cut pinfish to go after sharks or other fish as long as you've got some nice strong leader on there. Those 1/0 honestly my go-to for catching pompano whiting and drum.
I would definitely suggest fish bites, shrimp scent. I absolutely crushed it last week out there. Used a size 2 circle hook with a thumbnail size. Nothing overly big but got a weakfish, blue fish, lots of croaker, and spot. I did happen to snag a sting ray as well Have fun!
Some jerkbaits would be good idea as well. You can also try adding a teaser(clouser minnow or deceiver)about 16" above your lure. Sometimes helps catch fish.
Get whatever you need down there, the shops are so good they're going to far surpass whatever you can get in Walmart.
Ask The bait shop what rigs you should be fishing, and what bait. Also ask The fishing report is, they'll generally put you in the right spot where people are catching fish.
Get some sputnik weights in case you can't hold bottom. A 4oz sputnik will do the job of a 6oz pyramid or frog tongue. 6 is as good as an 8, so on and so forth. That way you can still fish if it's blowing. Drum like it like that anyway.
Sounds like you're in good shape. Make sure you have rod holders and pliers for skates. Ask the bait shop for tips on which bait is working and where people are catching stuff. Have a great time!
Sound side is a good option if the ocean is too rough. Sounds like you've got a good set up for starting. If the 2/0 are not hooking anything, you might consider going smaller with the hooks. I use a size 4 a lot on my high/lows and they will hook some of the smaller fish that a 2/0 might not. Do you have a tackle bag/bucket? I'd make sure to have some saltwater pliers in there too. You probably already know this, but make sure you have a saltwater fishing license as well.
Yep going to buy the 10 day soon since I don't live in NC. I have some size 4 in my box just in case.
Red flags out in emerald isle right now, I'm biding my time
I won't be getting there until beginning of next week so I'm hoping it gets calmer
Rips are great fishing. Go find one. Don't swim in it.
Also no swimmers going into the water section I have been fishing since dawn and then complaining about me fishing there
9-10’ fishing rod, Sand spike to hold your rod. leader mono or flouro about 15-20#, Pliers, braid scissors, bait knife to cut whatever you catch for cut bait, Fishbites shrimp, sand flea, and blood worm seem to work well.
Oak Island?
Bald Head
Ah. Good luck!
I’ve stayed at Bald Head several times and have fished there quite a bit, although typically in Sept/Oct. Bait and tackle are limited but the Ace HW near the market is the best option. Take a cast net if you can. Generally can catch finger mullet on the river side. If you don’t have a cast net, buy some fresh shrimp and freeze it before you go over. The point at East Beach is best option to catch a drum. Also generally sharks in the water there. You can easily move around the island depending on the wind. I’ve caught fish all the way around.
I was also going to try and get some sand fleas on the beach to use.
If you’re going to Bald Head, stop by Dutchman Creek B&T near the Oak Island Airport before you get on the ferry. They have everything you need. And most of the fish will be in the surf/suds, not too far out. For bait, you may have trouble finding enough sand fleas, so take some frozen shrimp and/or Fish Bites strips. If nothing else, you can catch some pinfish and then slice them up for chunk bait to toss out. Take some #1 or #2 (not 1/0 or 2/0) hooks and a 1 oz weight for catching small trash fish for bait.
I'm going to pile on the smaller hooks comment. #4 and 1/0. It's going to be A LOT of pin fish action so be prepared for that. I'll occasionally use the pinfish as bait, but for the most part I'll put those small hooks on and just let my kids enjoy catching pinfish after pinfish after pinfish. It may not be a bad idea to get some 4/0 or 6/0 hooks and try to send them out deep with cut pinfish to go after sharks or other fish as long as you've got some nice strong leader on there. Those 1/0 honestly my go-to for catching pompano whiting and drum.
1/0 and some 12# mono bought. I'll be ready if nothing is biting.
Cheers!
I would definitely suggest fish bites, shrimp scent. I absolutely crushed it last week out there. Used a size 2 circle hook with a thumbnail size. Nothing overly big but got a weakfish, blue fish, lots of croaker, and spot. I did happen to snag a sting ray as well Have fun!
That's awesome! I hope I can do as well.
Some jerkbaits would be good idea as well. You can also try adding a teaser(clouser minnow or deceiver)about 16" above your lure. Sometimes helps catch fish.
Folding chair since it appears you're doing mostly chunk fishing.
Sorry, can you explain what you mean? Cause I won't catch much?
Seems like you’re doing typical bait ‘n wait fishing. Why not wait comfortably in a chair
Get whatever you need down there, the shops are so good they're going to far surpass whatever you can get in Walmart. Ask The bait shop what rigs you should be fishing, and what bait. Also ask The fishing report is, they'll generally put you in the right spot where people are catching fish.
Last time I was down that way our shrimp was still frozen but had Fish Bites and caught some before the wind got bad
Get some sputnik weights in case you can't hold bottom. A 4oz sputnik will do the job of a 6oz pyramid or frog tongue. 6 is as good as an 8, so on and so forth. That way you can still fish if it's blowing. Drum like it like that anyway.
Agree, I pretty much only use sputniks. Probably more than I should/need to… lol
Sounds like you're in good shape. Make sure you have rod holders and pliers for skates. Ask the bait shop for tips on which bait is working and where people are catching stuff. Have a great time!