Hi John - the Sea Striker # 1 size planers are very popular for Spanish and Kings. Set them to run 10-20 feet deep or whereever you find the fish. You can get them at most tackle shops up and down the coast. For Spanish, the 0 or 00 Clark spoon has been working very well this year. Kings have been hitting trolled pogies. If you catch any ladyfish, make sure you troll them for Kings - Kings slam them.
Bluefish have been close to the beach and hitting anything in the water. They school by size, so if you get in a bunch of small ones, move on and try to find a school with bigger fish. Also, Kings chase the small bluefish schools, so save a couple small Blues if you catch them and use them to troll for Kings. Some fish have been right on the beach, so if you get in close, keep an eye out! A big wave set could surprise you and break into the boat.
Check out some of the online fishing reports for the area you are going - Oregon Inlet, Crystal Coast, Bogue Inlet, Morehead/Swansboro? The next month or so should be great fishing on the NC coast - have some fun and good luck!! I'll be fishing the Cape Fear/Southport area next week - as soon as the new tank gets installed - starting that project today...
