[1stinkyfisher]

Went to Southport for the first time this weekend, we did manage to catch about 10 juvenile Reds....lol

I attribute our lack of success to the wind and lack of experience in the area, since this was only my second time inshore fishing (freshwater guy usually) I had a hard time getting used to the massive current in the ICW. The current was absolutely ripping. Anyways boat ran good, and wife and kid had a good time, all in all I would say it was worth it.

 

[Greenmonster]

Hard to call a 10 fish day a bad day! Glad to hear the family had a great time!

 

[19471]

10 redfish is a good day in my book, its a great day when you catch 10 and its only your second time at it.

 

[Cookieone]

What he said! What ya catch them on? Usually this time of year mud minnows is about all they have. And one armed bandits!

 

[quest4reds]

I'd have been happy with a one fish day the way my last two trips went. Mind if I ask where you put your boat in?

 

[1stinkyfisher]

The juvenile Reds were only about 5 inches long at most. I was just using a simple two hook bottom rig with some cut shrimp, since that's the easiest way for my son to have some fun. I put in at dutch man creek park.

 

[Swampin']

Sure they weren't croaker? Same family as reds and quite common in the area right now. I caught a few dozen across the river last weekend.

 

[Cookieone]

I'd try Shallotte river. Incoming tide. When the sun warms up that black mud that's where you're lil croakers are at. Them biggins are in there! All those little mouths of the creeks on ic from Holden to ocean isle are always a hit. If it's cloudy go to the inlets.
Its gettin bout resdy for the flatfish to come in. If not already. If you you get a good rain it'll wash mud minnows out of the creeks and everything will be eatin them. Good luck and remember it's beats workin!

 

[HotSoup]

Croaker....I caught so many Friday afternoon I was tired of fishing.

 

[Cookieone]

They can be some good bait! If that's what's there that's the Reds are eatin!

 

[Calabash513]

The juvenile Reds were only about 5 inches long at most. I was just using a simple two hook bottom rig with some cut shrimp, since that's the easiest way for my son to have some fun. I put in at dutch man creek park.

Probably croakers, not reds.

 

[Calabash513]

I'd try Shallotte river. Incoming tide. When the sun warms up that black mud that's where you're lil croakers are at. Them biggins are in there! All those little mouths of the creeks on ic from Holden to ocean isle are always a hit. If it's cloudy go to the inlets.
Its gettin bout resdy for the flatfish to come in. If not already. If you you get a good rain it'll wash mud minnows out of the creeks and everything will be eatin them. Good luck and remember it's beats workin!

Creek mouths along the ICW from Holden to OIB?

 

[1stinkyfisher]

I guess they were croakers lol (rookie move), thanks for clearing that up for me, appreciate all the advice as well!

 

[sundrop]

man a 4-5" croaker is Red and Trout CANDY! thrown a hook under that dorsal fin Carolina rigged or under a big bobber and hang on!

 

[Cookieone]

That's rite! Anybody started catching decent size flounder in that area yet? May is awesome for the ole flatfish!

 

[Calabash513]

That's rite! Anybody started catching decent size flounder in that area yet? May is awesome for the ole flatfish!

Gigging a few i hear.

 

[TarheelFishing88]

Nice job on the reds. I couldn't find any reds or trout around Oak Island this past Sunday. The flatfish are already there though for sure. Caught 4 in the 2 hours I fished w/ 2 keepers, and I lost a couple more. My girlfriend lost a few as well. I also caught a few croakers when I was using gulp.

 

[Cookieone]

How bout some pics of some nice fish! I have been in Georgia working and had all kinds of bad luck. A fall that led to surgery, then a wreck that took me out a week. I'm really missing some good fishing and it would make my heart smile to see tall having fun. So come on,help an old angler out!!!!

 

[Cookieone]

Nice catch Tarheel 88!

 

[ice cream man]

Crocker

Red Drum View attachment 71581