Catching Report - 8/14/07

Surf City Ocean Pier is hosting the 3rd annual Mike Martin Fishing tournament this week-end. The competition begins at 6am on Saturday and runs till noon on Sunday. There are 10 categories of fish ranging from spots to kings. Each category cost $5 to enter or you can enter all 10 for $35.

The heaviest speckled trout pays $500.00 with each of the other categories paying $100 for first place and $50 for second place. They also have a special division for children 12 and under.

The awards ceremony is at 2PM on Sunday. They are also having a raffle and giving away door prizes throughout the week-end.

Catching report

Anglers fishing inshore have been catching some nice size flounder and red drum. The creeks and structures near the waterway have been the most productive. Live finger mullet and Gulp! Alive! Baits have been productive.

In the surf there have been some nice catches of speckled trout using live shrimp. Try them under a popping cork for added attraction. Some nice old drum are also being caught in the surf on cut mullet and live menhaden. Sand fleas are producing some nice catches of pompano.

The Spanish bite remains strong just off the beach. The kings are still biting but the bite has slowed. The best results right now are coming from live bait trolled very slow. Menhaden and cigar minnows are working well.

Some dolphin are still being caught around Cripple Rock and other ledges in that vicinity. There also has been a lot of sailfish activity with some being caught as close as 7 miles offshore. Both are falling for rigged ballyhoo.

Gag grouper are moving inshore for the summer spawn. They are being caught in areas as close as 12 miles. Live and cut baits are working well. The reds are in the 30 plus mile range. Many anglers are vertical jigging for them using butterfly jigs.

Tight Lines to all!