August Fishing Report
August can be a great month for Crystal Coast fishing. It can also be tough, because of the bath tub temperature water. For me, I am fishing earlier and later at times or I am hyper focused on incoming or the top of the high tide early falling cycles. Spanish and Blues will typically push up into inlets in August on the incoming tides, into pinch points or up against bars where they can easily be targeted by an angler’s choice methods. For me and my clients, it's casting 1/2-1oz jigs. Another, excellent producer of top quality Spanish is live bait. Live bait spanish rigs and 5-7-inch mullet or pogies in the 3-5-inch range fished near the A.R.s or near jetties can produce citation sized, epic eats on light tackle. In primary bluefish concentrations, large 5-7-inch topwater plugs can be rigged with inline single hooks.
Redfish are better in shrimp present areas, early morning or late afternoon. But tide can typically be key. Incoming or early fall can provide your best opportunities. If you're in the middle of the day or lower tide cycles, fish outside points, troughs or ledges with light rigged Carolina rigs or heavier 4/0 jig heads tipped with live shrimp, cut chunks of mullet, pogies, or any other seasonal baitfish. Redfish aren't picky... they live 30-50 years because they are hearty eaters. Early or late-day topwater fishing near prominent underwater grass edges can produce epic speckled trout, although don't expect double digit numbers. It's more of a quality over quantity event.
What I really start getting geared up for is the world class Trophy Redfish season. These large breeder class Redfish begin moving in the sounds and rivers for their yearly spawn in July and typically fire up with the first big moon in August. This fishery will produce frequent citation class fish from 40-52 inches. The traditional method of soaking bait or newer more contemporary styles can produce daily trophies and bucket list fish. "Corkin" an artificial under a popping cork, topwaters, 3/4oz spoons or purpose built spinner baits produce phenomenal results from August to early October yearly. Fun fact, North Carolina boasts 21 of the world's IGFA Redfish records — that's more than any other state. So get out there and get your personal best. A great way to learn this fishery is to be straight forward with a reputable fishing guide that specializes in this fishery, and go on a learning charter with them. They'll appreciate the opportunity to share this amazing world class fishery with you.
Good luck, and keep those lines tight!
Bio: Capt. Joe Tunstall helped start Carolina Traditions in 2012, but the business became more of a specialized full time guide service around 2016, specializing in world class sightfishing opportunities with light tackle and fly along the Crystal Coast. Born and raised in Carteret County, his family has been in the tidewater region since the mid 1600s, and his Great Grandfather was one of the first registered fishing and hunting guides along the Pamlico River. Capt. Joe runs most of his regular charters out of Cape Pointe Marina on Harkers Island, the shortest run to the famous waters of Cape Lookout Shoals where he began fishing its dangerous edges over 35 years ago. Feel free to reach out for a charter or local knowledge.
