Mid Summer Inshore and Nearshore Update

Hey everyone, it's been a little while since I last did a fishing report.  I promise I'm not getting lazy, just really busy.  Heck, it's even been a few months since I dropped a podcast episode.  I have been truly blessed in the fact that all the hard work I've put into the guide service over the last 11 years is really starting to pay off.  A huge thank you to everyone who continues to support me and allow me to live the dream.

So far this summer, we've ranged from floating in inches of water surrounded by Spartina Grass, to floating in 100ft of water over WWII Ship Wrecks.  

We've had more than one Spanish Mackerel trip turn into an offshore trip when the weather cooperated.  We've seen everything from Cobia to Jacks to Baraccuda to big Sharks, along with Sea Turtles, Flying Fish, Manta Rays and Spotted Dolphin.

We've also done a bit of exploring new inshore waters looking for fishing opportunities that may not be available in my backyared this time of year.

We've even done a little Sharkin'.  I might be known for Redfish and Albies, but those are definitely not the only opportunities we have available.

Fun size pullage.

My buddy Perry likes summer breezes and long walks on flooded Spartina flats.

Even the little ones put up a fight.

Love it when they're hangry!

Fly Grave Yard.

Topwater eats are a summer time favorite.

We've hit a few really good nearshore Spanish bites this summer.

Consistent good times on bent 6wts.

Bending 8wt Waterman's and putting the new Hatch Iconics to work.

Baby Sha...  Ah never mind.

Doot, doot, da doot, da doot...

We rarely see the big Crevalles here in NC, but sometimes we find huge schools of the juvies and they sure are a riot.  They blitz and fight with just as much aggression as their adult versions.

Plenty of Spanish action on metal this summer.

Flounder on fly are always a nice surprise when targeting Redfish on the flats.  They rarely turn down a fly stripped within sight.

The Crystal Coast has so much to offer, from sea turtles, to marine mammals, to shelling, to wild horses, to beautiful landscapes.  People might come for the fish, but there is so much more to the overall experience.

Special delivery for Mr. Redfish.

Plenty of fun size Amberjack being caught on artificials this summer.

Found a few nice trout on fly and topwater spin recently.

I love watching my anglers catch fish, but I really appreciate it any time I get to catch one anymore.  

Reef Donkeys!

Top secret fly right there folks.  (Black Clouser)  Not really, it honestly is all about the presentation.  Find a happy fish, manage to keep it happy as you approach, and properly present a fly that looks somewhat like food and you are good as gold.

I love seeing a fly rod properly loaded with energy sending a fly to a hungry target.

Spanish are such a great fish on fly.  They'll keep you plenty busy.

One of my favorite sights in the marsh.  Seeing this will never ever get old.  And if you were wondering, capturing an image like this is not easy.  There's a whole bunch of "a second too soon" and "a second too late" images that get deleted just to get a few good ones.

I love fish portraits, every species has their own unique features, from their eyes to their mouths to their fins.  They all have something cool to appreciate about them.

The Zen sport of fly fishing for tailing Redfish.

Happy Angler equals Happy Guide.

Nope, still not tired of catching these guys!

Tools of the trade.

Black and Purple for the win.  I love watching them eat a fly right in front of the skiff.

Worth the run offshore for.  I'm doing more and more of this and I really enjoy it.  I have a lot to learn about wreck fishing, but I'm really loving it so far.

Redfish on fly are far from easy here in NC, they are earned, and something to be truly appreciated.

Seeing spots.

If it ain't Chartreuse, well you know the rest...

Later Gator!

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My July pretty much completely booked up.  I still have a decent amount of days open in August and plenty in September.  October and November are nearly completely booked up, so get in touch with me soon if you want to fish for Albies this fall.  Thanks so much for the support!