Column - Sept 11, 2006

Some of the best fishing of the year for coastal North Carolina is in September, October and the early part of November. This is the time of year that the north-south migrations bring those fish south from the cooler northern waters as they head south for the winter. It’s also the time of year that many of the east-west migratory fish move into the shallow waters of our coastal sounds and creeks.

The result is spectacular catches of a variety of fish. One of the favorite fall species of many inshore anglers is the speckled sea trout or commonly just called “speck”. In fact the specks are nearby all year round. This time of year they are more active in our channels and creeks because the bait they feed on is so readily available. In fact I caught some nice 2-3 pound specks this past week-end.

This prized catch has been on a rebound in recent years but still has not reached the levels seen before the 1970’s. One thing I have noticed about speck fisherman is they are very closed lipped about where, how and if they are catching fish. In fact they can be quite elusive and might even down right tell a lie to prevent someone from fishing in “their” favorite spot.

Here’s a conversation you might encounter with an ole salty speck fisherman while he is on top of his favorite fishing spot:

(Visitor) V. How's the fishing today?
(fisherman) F. Just got here myself (translation - "just" can mean anytime up to a full tide cycle).

V. Having any luck lately?
F. Nary a bite (translation - he's only referring to the time since you arrived).

V. Nice looking trout rod you have there, you have much luck with it?
F. That ole thing? trout you say – ah, so that's what it’s for. (translation - his most prized possession).

V. Well have a nice day, hope you catch some specks.
F. Aye-up (translation - I will just as soon as you get out of my sight).

Now if this happens to you, don’t take offense. I wouldn’t try to move in on his spot either. But you might want to find a similar spot and try your luck there.

One thing that will help you catch specks is to take notice of the conditions when you catch fish and keep a log. Specks follow certain patterns and if you keep track of those patterns you can look for them in the same place when those conditions re-occur each cycle. Items you will want to keep in your log include: location, tide, current, time of day, moon phase and the type of underwater terrain where you caught the fish.

Catching report

Seaview pier reports good catches of Spanish, black drum and spots with a few reds and flounder also being taken. Spots, flounder, speckled trout and some Spanish are being caught at Surf City Pier with a few kings also being caught. Jolly Roger Pier angler’s have seen very good catches of spots as well some nice black drum and Virginia mullet.

Big red drum are being caught in the surf and shoals around the inlets with some over 40 inches in length being reported. Founder and speckled sea trout are being caught in the creeks and channels. Grunts, black sea bass and gag groupers are being caught in the offshore reefs and ledges. The kings have been elusive the past few weeks but some have been caught near shore.

Tight lines to all!