The fishing in the Inlet has hit a slow streak with a big thermocline sitting on the beach. Between that and a long span of west wind, fishing from the inlet and beach areas has been dismal. On the up side, the slot Reds and Bull Reds are still chewing further up river.
Slot Reds - The slot fish are still eating pretty consistently at the Little Jetty's Park. The bite has been best during the down going tide. We've been catching them on live finger Mullet on Carolina rigs pitched near the rocks. The south side of the rocks have been the most productive.
Bull Reds - The Bulls are eating at all their usual haunts. The west bank across from the Little Jetties have been pretty good but only on the last half of the down going tide. Marker 25 is producing some massive fish on the same tide. The entire span between White Shell and Dames Point is holding plenty of hungry Bull Reds as well. Find the dredge line(40 feet) and you'll find the monster Reds. Just put in your time and don't leave home without Lady Fish. The Bulls will also take a large Mullet(live or cut) but the best bite has definitely been on cut Lady Fish. Save your money and leave the Blue Crabs at the bait shop. The Reds have been uninterested in Blue Crab for quite some time now.
Tarpon - The Tarpon bite has pretty much turned off, however, there are still a few rolling in the Inlet around the south rip. I was able to put Pilinjunky on his first last week, unfortunately, the beast broke off after an hour of back breaking effort. Poor Steve 
fortunately, the following day I had the pleasure of putting a 12 year old on one. He did well and even managed to seal the deal by landing it! It wasn't the biggest fish we've seen but a Tarpon nonetheless. The good news is the thermocline is starting to lift and I'm hoping the Pogies will start showing up on the beach again any day now. The Tarpon will be right behind them.
The Shrimp boats have been saving the day with lots of action to be had right behind them. The trawlers can't be missed as they are doing their rounds daily just north of the north jetty(the Chum Hole). Simply get within casting range and pitch a plug in either the white wash or if you strike out there, try further back above the submerged net. By far my favorite thing to do is throw a Full Breach lures, 8 inch popper. Pitch that joker in the prop wash, pop, pause, repeat and watch the madness ensue. Jacks, huge Bonitas, Sharks, you name it. They can't leave the popper alone! We wait for the shrimpers to throw out a load of bycatch and time our casts so that the lure lands about the same time that the bycatch does. The bite is next to guaranteed. Archie over at Strike Zone makes them and his lures produce. Visit www.FullBreachLures.com and check them out. He also makes a pretty sweet sinking bait that also catches fish.
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Danny Pardue