Weekly Column - August 7th

A few months back I wrote about the importance of water access to our local economy. In order to accomplish the task of keeping our inlets and waterways open to commercial fisherman, boaters and recreational users, we need our local, state and federal representatives to band together.

I’m happy to report an instance of just that type of effort being successful. Topsail Creek channel, which leads from the IntraCoastal Waterway to the New Topsail Inlet channel, had become so full of sand that the Coast Guard could not maintain the buoys marking what was left of the channel -- not to mention the many boats that had grounded there and had to be towed off the sand bar.

The town of Topsail Beach’s government swung into action to fund a private dredge to clean out the channel as a temporary fix. Our local General Assembly representatives also pressed the Army Corps of Engineers, the body responsible for maintaining these channels, to fully dredge the channel. They were successful in their efforts. The channel was completely dredged and the Coast Guard had the channel buoys back in by the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Way to Go!

Of course that is a "drop in the bucket" in the overall scheme of dredging projects, but it was badly needed and was very helpful. Right now Congress has funding in the 2007 federal budget for the Corps to dredge New Topsail Inlet. Let’s hope it stays in there through all the revisions, negotiations and amendments.

No, let’s do more than hope. Write your Congressional representatives, and let them know how important it is our community and our economy.

Another area of public access we need to keep an eye on is the existence of our public fishing piers. They are dwindling in numbers as beach development increases. We are fortunate to still have three on our island. Many other state beaches aren’t so fortunate. But in at least one case, the state and local governments have stepped in to save a pier and keep it open to the public.

It’s not that I advocate big government, not at all. But some things can best be accomplished with the involvement of our government. Public access to our natural resources is one of those, I believe. Let’s make sure our voice is heard!

Catching Report

Vinita at Surf City Pier reported a 17-pound king mackerel caught this past week with another one lost while being gaffed. The bite has been a bit slow, but there have been some nice flounder caught along with some Spanish mackerel and blues in the mornings before the heat of the day sets in. Jolly Roger Pier has seen similar action and reported a 63-pound Tarpon caught! Seaview Pier fishermen have reeled in several nice king mackerel this past week. They also report the Spanish bite has picked up in the mornings and some nice black drum are being caught at night.

Inshore, the flounder bite has been good; look for them in the deeper channels and holes as they seek cooler water. Puppy drum and speckled trout are still being caught but in fewer numbers. Tarpon and kings are just off the beaches right now -- try trolling just outside the inlets. The artificial and natural reefs near shore are producing some nice flounder off of live bait. Offshore, the king and mahi bites remain good in the 10 to 20 mile range.

Tight lines to all!