I hope this is the correct forum to post this question, but I am wondering when the Amberjack fishing is good at the south tower? Or maybe a better question is what can I expect to catch in the bay around the last week of April through the end of May. My wife will be out of town for a month, so I'll have unlimited kitchen passes during this timeframe -- I want to maximize my fun! Thanks in advance for any information.

Bay, April til may, alot of Tog, Flounder, Striped bass and Drum. You will see alot more chatter once the winds lay down.

Thanks! Looking forward to getting out there!

Click to view attachmentYOU MAY BE ABLE TO GET ON SOME SPADES IN MAY AROUND CLT. MAY IS ALSO TROPHEY SEASON FOR STRIPERS ALSO.
MAY 15 I THINK

By the way, will I have any luck using heavy saltwater jigs at the South Tower for Amberjack? I have a lot of different jigs like the diamond shaped mirror type (various weights) as well as the ones that look like a baitfish. I have used these extensively in Okinawa to catch big Mahi and Tuna.

Thanks for your input.

By the way, will I have any luck using heavy saltwater jigs at the South Tower for Amberjack? I have a lot of different jigs like the diamond shaped mirror type (various weights) as well as the ones that look like a baitfish. I have used these extensively in Okinawa to catch big Mahi and Tuna.

Thanks for your input.

The butterfly jigs work good on them. down off hatteras they are right common as bycatch while trying for tuna but once the water moves back in you go out of OI and get them on any of the towers or arttifcial reefs that are usualy less crowded with boats

Thanks...looking forward to getting out there and trying my luck in about 6 weeks!

Throw a hook into a live bait, drop it down and hold on.....................................................................

bc

I assume you are using live-rigs? What weight do you recommend I use there? I am assuming 6-12 ounce?

Brother had a blue fish on a circle with 80# leader and 8oz. The weight was just touching the water as we were possitioning the boat and a beast slammed the blue, just about took the rod out of his hand. Drag was a little tight for 5' of line, it all happened pretty fast taken a liitle drag and he broke the leader. Can't wait!!!

Free line or on a bobber works good and if you want to get technical a kite well work for a awsome topwater bite

I find using live spot or croaker 1 to 1.5 lb work as good as anything. Drifting past the south tower or backing in and drinfting away let the live bait run free down to the depth you are marking the fish, which is a guestimate at best! They will let you know when they have the bait. Watch for stragglers while fighting as they will hit a live bait cast out behind the fish on. Good luck.

I am looking forward to it! I just saw that 126 lb beast that was caught in NC! I guess the angler is waiting confirmation on a new state record. Does anyone know if he caught that AJ recently?

u would be better off drum fishing in may, u will have better luck and its a lot closer. we caught some jacks around the s tower 6.16.07, but only a few because the water was too cold - 63 degrees. there were plenty there but they were not active. we had live baits, jigs, etc. this year is colder than last as well, which does not bode well. july 4th is pretty much the standard kickoff of jack season there - all u want when it is warm.

Any updates? We are wanting to head out to the Lighthouse on 9 May for Amberjack or Cobia....anyone think we'll have any luck with either?

You might not have much luck but as was said before you might be better going after the bull reds on the eastern shore. Or trophy striper season will be open after May 1st nothing like live baiting big stripers along the bridge. Check the regs and make sure you have the right size limits for striper and red drum before you head out. good luck.

Voodoo

Got it...I'll have to be patient and wait for late June-July timeframe!

Thx!

Is this what you're after? Bloody AJ kick'n some @!!!

If you can find one of these in the background you should be in luck. Most wrecks should hold a few. Did find that on flat calm days they don't bite as well as the rough days when anything in the water gets crushed.

Heck yeah...that's what I'm talking about...nice pics!