Want to fish the inlet for trout, can anyone give me advice on where to go and what to use. I will be fishing out of a 16ft john boat.

I hate to tell you but, even on this site, you're probably not going to get much help on spec fishing. I will tell you that chartreuse or electric chicken grubs have always worked well for me in Rudee Inlet. Also, a trolling motor is almost a necessity, particularly up in the Lake Wesley branch because it is such a small area. Noise is a spec wrecker. It helps to imagine schools of speckled trout being a lot like flocks of birds. They are very easily spooked by noise, movement or, believe it or not, an improper or unnatural bait presentation. Hope this helps a little. Good luck.

You can also be very successful with live minnows under a float. trout ,puppys and stripers.
Good Luck
Todd

T-18 Mirror lure trolled around the islands. 1/8 oz strike king grey glimmer pearl 5 " bodies also around the islands. Under the aquarium and across from the aquarium. 1/8 oz red head and 3" chartruesse grubs fished around and RIGHT up against the wall across from the channel going out. Spook Jr's fished up against the grass beds on a full tide at dusk or at night on either side of the islands. I have had better luck on the launch side. Try out front and go to the two coves out front at the Croatan part of Rudee. Straight out from the point that the 2 coves form is a deep hole. Fish that and the east cove with gulps or mirror lures. You can also drop mullet in that hole. All have produced for me.

Like any other fish, put in your time and you will catch them.

That is ALOT of great information! That is the type of post I have been trying to find, by searching by boat and this site. Now we just need one for Lynnhaven inlet also

thats what we need for every fishin hole or type of fish. i guess some people just like to share.

I moved here 3 years ago and plenty of people helped me with fishing for the different species here. I am just passin' it on!

I hope this helps.

If you want to truly experience Lynnhaven...... get a yak! The skinny water is whee the fun is. I have caught a $h!t load of pups and flounder this year in my yak. There is nothing better than quietly paddling up on a bunch of reds tailing in the shallows slammin bait and hooking up with light tackle. 8# or 10# test with a fish finder rig or a Johnson silver minnow (these are deadly on reds). I found a cove I really like and it has consistantly held fish. Most of them fo July and August were over slot. Also, if you want pups, go at night.

To all of the trout fisherman I pissed off with putting the info out there.... OFW!!!

What makes you think you p'd anyone off? You didn't even scratch the surface of speckin'...

Berkley Gulps "Little Menhaden" white or green. There is a whole about 200 ft South of the boats docked at South Side marina. Right in the middle of the inlet. I cast from a dock right near there and the days I can reach it I catch real well. Also in front of the house on the point which is surrounded by rocks is a real good spot.

Hope this helps. I am headed to OI for some boat maintenance and Speck fishing in the sound.

I have had a few people in the past year tell me I talk too much. And you are right, I have not even scratched the surface of the specks. I haven't gotten into the shrimp or mullet yet!

For those folks that want to try this, if you go to the beach at Rudee and the jetty is on your right, look into the surf. You will probably see a boat load of mullet. If that is the case, grab a cast net and set up some sand spikes. As the sun goes down the specks and the pups will come out to play. I absolutely KILLED them there this time last year from shore! Make sure that you don't set the hook too hard on the bites as you may bring in a set of trout lips!

I am glad no one seems to have taken offense at my info. Hardcore trout fisherman can be a very closed mouth group!

Rudee is good but you got the small boat so why not use it to its advantage and take it up to the hot ditch and have a blast!!!!! Just a sugestion though

Mike

This fishery has now made the latest SWS (Salt Water Sportsman) noting Owls Creek/Rudee as a destination for the Mid Atlantic. WTF?

the hot ditch ain't turned on yet.....

Do Not Go to the Hot Ditch. It is contaminated and there are lots of Ghosts and all sorts of bad stuff.