tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194905852024-03-05T03:23:35.217-05:00Topsail Angler BlogInformation about fishing in the Topsail and Hampstead area of North Carolina's coast including regularly updated fishing reports and other local information. This blog is part of the Topsail Angler web site, <a href="http://www.topsailangler.com/index.php"> click here</a> to visit the Topsail Angler Main PageMikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-89331279652927641652008-03-10T05:32:00.002-04:002010-04-28T05:38:18.814-04:00We MovedWe moved to <a href="http://www.topsailangler.com/">www.topsailangler.com</a>, come visit us there for regular Topsail Island fishing reports, a fishing wiki, forums and more!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-35443311340284409452008-02-27T10:00:00.002-05:002008-02-27T10:03:37.471-05:00Tackle UP & get ready to fish!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/gear2-750353.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/gear2-750349.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Even though it has been a relatively mild winter in eastern NC, fishing activity for most folks slows down the first few months of the year.<span style=""> </span>When I’m not spending my free time in the winter fishing, I use the time to get ready for the next fishing season.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">If I can’t fish, at least I can get ready to catch a few once the fish begin to bite.<span style=""> </span>A little time spent now preparing for the season will help me get off to a great start this spring and fish right on through the fall with fewer missed opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Like many anglers, I enjoy making my own rigs and this time of year is a good time to stock up on them.<span style=""> </span>I make my own flounder, grouper, and king mackerel rigs.<span style=""> </span>It saves a little money but the “reel” pleasure is a certain satisfaction I get when catching fish on something I handcrafted.<span style=""> </span>It also keeps me connected to fishing activities when cold or stormy weather forces me indoors.<span style=""> </span>The materials are simple and are available at most well equipped tackle shops.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Maintenance of my gear is very important too.<span style=""> </span>I check my lures to make sure they are still serviceable.<span style=""> </span>Looking for cracks or deep dings in the lure body or connecting materials and then replacing or repairing those lures as needed.<span style=""> </span>That will prevent them from breaking when fighting that next smoker fish.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Some of them may need to have the hooks changed if corrosion or rust has appeared.<span style=""> </span>Even if the hook looks fine, it probably could benefit from sharpening.<span style=""> </span>I’ll have a better chance at catching fish with very sharp hooks.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Also it’s important to check leaders made from monofilament or fluorocarbon material to make sure there are no nicks or cuts and that the knots are still tight.<span style=""> </span>I always replace the line if questionable rather than chance losing a prized catch.<span style=""> </span>I also replace any wire leaders that are bent, crimped or with loose crimps.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Now is also a good time to get organized well.<span style=""> </span>Cleaning out my tackle boxes and tackle bags will help free up some space and make it easier to find items.<span style=""> </span>It also shows me where I need to restock.<span style=""> </span>Now I’m getting closer to being prepared for the busiest fishing times.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It is also the time to clean and lube those reels.<span style=""> </span>I check the guides on my rods to make sure the wraps haven’t begun to fray.<span style=""> </span>Also checking for nicks on the inside of the guides, these can cause the fishing line to break and let the BIG one get away.<span style=""> </span>I replace my monofilament line each fishing season.<span style=""> </span>Even if it looks okay to the eye if it’s been in the water last season, it is in a weaken condition.<span style=""> </span>Monofilament fishing line once wet will absorb some of the water then dry out causing the line to lose strength over a period of time.<span style=""> </span>Catching fish also stretches the line and weakens it.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I also go through all my other gear like gaffs, landing nets, cast nets, etc to make sure they are in good shape and ready for another season.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Alright, time to make a trip or two to the tackle shop an now I’m ready for another season of fishing!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Tight lines to all!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-86355882822800388282008-01-26T16:12:00.000-05:002008-01-26T16:16:33.797-05:00Wintery Day at Sea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/BSB_26JAN08-732672.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/BSB_26JAN08-732667.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Last night as I prepared to go fishing today my wife asks "have you seen the forecast for tomorrow". I answer yes, to which she says "you must be crazy".<br /><br />Cabin fever will do that to a man, make him crazy I mean. I've been cooped up indoors too long with the bad weather. Dave B. agreed to join me for the day. He too is hard core about fishing and needed to get out and smell the salt!<br /><br />We left this morning with temperature hovering at 36 and the skies threatening rain. The wind was fairly light but the weatherman promised that would change as the sun rose further in the sky and it did.<br /><br />We anchored up about 8 miles off shore and started catching fish right away. First just some small Black Sea Bass, then some bigger ones. Pretty soon we were stacking up 15 inch plus black bass in the cooler.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/Creature-743777.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/Creature-743774.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Then I had a tug on my line that I knew was no Sea Bass. Several minutes latter this creature comes up to show its slimy self. Looks kind of pre-historic or something. We punched his round trip ticket and off he went.<br /><br />Now the sharks show up. We noticed the creature had shark escorts when we brought him boat side and they decided to stay. So Dave says, rig me up the "big gun" as he prepares some bait. I get out the Penn 6/0 which is mounted on a broom stick pole and tie it off with a double swivel and a pair of 9/0 heavy duty hooks. Dave baits up, drops down and Wham - hooked up. Small dogfish shark, ugh. He baits up again and drops down. He keeps feeling something "big" knock his bait but can't get it hooked up.<br /><br />Finally he checks his bait and he has two LARGE black bass on, one has been partially shredded by a shark. "OK - I'm gonna get 'em this time" he says. Baits up, drops down and pretty soon I hear a big grunt and then "gottcha!" coming from him. Tugging and pulling up comes not one but 2 large dogfish sharks. Hmmm.<br /><br />The rain is falling now and the wind is howling in my ears (literally). So we do inventory: Raining, cold, dogfish everywhere, cooler of nice black sea bass = time to go home.<br /><br />We only fished a couple of hours but it cured the cabin fever and felt good to taste the salty water on my mustache again.<br /><br />Man I love this place!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-1914529267901051292008-01-16T08:03:00.000-05:002008-01-16T08:09:43.086-05:00UpdateI've been lax in posting lately, I haven't had much time to fish and when I did have time the weather didn't co-operate.<br /><br />A quick reminder to self and all of you, check your fishing license for its expiration date before you go fishing next time. In NC it expires one year from the date you purchase it.<br /><br />I have reports from friends that Striper and Speckled Trout fishing has been hot in the Cape Fear and Brunswick river. Some really nice Specks in the 3-5 pound class are being caught on live shrimp and gulp. The Stripers are falling for swim shads, eels and bucktails.<br /><br />Hopefully we'll have some decent marine weather next week and I can get out and try for some ocean flounder & maybe grouper!<br /><br />Till then, tight lines to all!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-44451705659561206202007-12-23T14:20:00.001-05:002008-01-16T08:03:24.896-05:00Fishing Trip - Dec 19, 2007<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/DSC00921-720683.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/DSC00921-720679.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I had the pleasure of fishing with a buddy of mine from Raleigh this past week. Randy owns and operates the web site, NCAngler.com He pulled his 21' Triumph and brought along a friend of his, Richard.<br /><br />We headed out about 7:30 on Wed. morning. It was an absolutely calm and virtually windless day. There wasn't even 6" swells and not a ripple on the water. We headed out of Topsail Inlet aiming for a set of ledges about 13 miles offshore. We fished there for a few hours. It was slow catching but we managed a few black bass.<br /><br />We headed about another 9 miles out to another series of ledges. As soon as we arrived I knew it was going to be a good stop, the fish finder shown lots of fish through out the water column. We even saw some bait fish breaking the surface of the water.<br /><br />We dropped our lines down and immediately began catching fish. We caught some very large black bass, a couple of gag grouper, a few pinkies, grunts and tow dogfish (which went back). Then after about two hours and a fish box almost full, the bite just stopped. We fished for an hour or so longer then about 3:30 headed for a reef on the way back where I have good luck catching flounder this time of year. We only had 30 minutes to fish wanting to hit the inlet by sunset. We did manage to catch 2, on was a little short but the other was a nice 3 pounder.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/DSC00907-720649.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/DSC00907-720645.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Once again, I fished exclusively with the Shimnao Butterfly system, the other two guys used traditional bottom gear with dead bait. I added a new species to my lengthy list of species caught on the butterfly jigs, a nice size Octopus!<br /><br />Great day of catching, friendship and boating!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-87692192917157613742007-12-18T19:53:00.000-05:002007-12-18T19:54:26.663-05:00<p class="MsoNormal">It’s almost officially winter time.<span style=""> </span>Does that mean the fishing has stopped?<span style=""> </span>Nope, not in these parts anyway.<span style=""> </span>There is still plenty of fish to be caught along our coast.<span style=""> </span>Granted, the bite is slower and you have to work a little harder.<span style=""> </span>However for an avid angler, there are fish to be caught.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Speckled trout and red drum are here all year round as are a few flounder.<span style=""> </span>The big drum head out into the deeper waters of the ocean but the juveniles stay here.<span style=""> </span>They gather in schools when the weather gets cool and can be found in the creeks.<span style=""> </span>Look for them on the sand flats or shallow oyster rocks on a sunny day.<span style=""> </span>Often they will tear up any bait or lure you send their way as the pickings are sparse in the winter.<span style=""> </span>However a slow retrieve works best.<span style=""> </span>Winter often also means clear water, so concentrate on presentation and stealth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Much of the above goes for specks too.<span style=""> </span>However, they tend to school up in the deep pools and channels.<span style=""> </span>Mud holds warmth longer than sand.<span style=""> </span>So at the beginning of the cold weather, mud bottoms are a good place to look for trout and for an occasional flounder.<span style=""> </span>Yes I said flounder.<span style=""> </span>While most of the flounder head into the ocean when water cools and the large schools of bait depart, some stay through the winter.<span style=""> </span>Again, remember to slow down your retrieve.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The black sea bass have moved into our near shore waters and will remain there through the winter.<span style=""> </span>My favorite way to target them is with 2 ounce diamond jigs on light tackle.<span style=""> </span>Just drop the jig straight down to the bottom and then vertically jig it up and down till you feel a bite.<span style=""> </span>That makes for some fun fishing and some fresh fish on a nice winter day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Grouper fishing are also good in the winter but you will have to travel out about 20 - 40 miles.<span style=""> </span>And of course if you have the right boat or go on a charter the <st1:place>Gulf Stream</st1:place> fishing is good all winter.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another option is the Cape Fear River & North East Cape Fear River near <st1:city><st1:place>Wilmington</st1:place></st1:City> for striped bass.<span style=""> </span>This fishery has rebounded nicely in the last few years.<span style=""> </span>The stripers in the river don’t get to be as big as those in the ocean but still it’s not uncommon to catch an occasional 20 pound with many in the 5- 8 pound <span style=""> </span>range.<span style=""> </span>Try around hard structure on a falling tide.<span style=""> </span>Just be prepared to loose some tackle as there is plenty of hard structure underwater to cut off your line.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Catching report<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The speckled trout bite is slow but they are still biting, look for the fish in deeper holes and channels now. The drum are schooling in the creeks.<span style=""> </span>A few flounder are being caught but most are undersize.<span style=""> </span>Black Sea Bass are in the 3 mile range with grouper and snapper further out.<span style=""> </span>If you want to head out of the Topsail area, the Stripers are biting in the <st1:place><st1:placetype>Cape</st1:PlaceType> <st1:placename>Fear</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> and some nice Blue Fin Tuna are being caught out of <st1:place><st1:placename>Morehead</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placetype>City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-29065216231566314582007-12-08T18:50:00.000-05:002007-12-08T18:58:51.844-05:00Fishing trip 12-08-07Left the dock about 8:15 this morning and headed out to a spot about 13 miles out of the inlet. The seas were flat and the wind was calm - awesome weather, and on a Saturday to boot.<br /><br />Today I decided to exclusively use Shimano Butterfly jigs on a Shimano Trevala rod with the Avet reel. Man those jigs are awesome. I boated a 9 pound grouper, two 18 inch flounders and a hand full of nice sized black sea bass and one white grunt (go figure). Threw back quite a few smaller ones including some smallish but legal BSB.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/PICT1490-736299.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/PICT1490-736294.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Nice day & now some good eating!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/PICT1497-736330.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/PICT1497-736325.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-89230440889907857782007-12-06T13:30:00.001-05:002007-12-06T13:30:59.176-05:00Catching report 12-06-07<p class="MsoNormal">It’s wacky weather time.<span style=""> </span>More often than not it seems each year we get some wacky weather this time of year.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes it comes in the form of temperatures that are out of the norm, like an 80 day in February or like this past week when the temperature vacillate between hot and cold.<span style=""> </span>Sunday and Monday we had highs in the 60’s with an overnight in the high 50’s.<span style=""> </span>Monday night thermometer plummeted from 62 in the daytime to 32 that night.<span style=""> </span>A 40 degree shift!<span style=""> </span>Brrrrr.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It pays to wear layered clothing, that way you can add or take off layers depending on the weather at hand.<span style=""> </span>I also try to keep something water/wind resistant on top.<span style=""> </span>That helps to keeps me warm and dry.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The fishing has been decent in spite of the wacky weather.<span style=""> </span>From what I’m hearing and seeing we aren’t having a spectacular speck season this year in this area.<span style=""> </span>Some are being caught but not as consistently or in the huge numbers we have seen the past two years.<span style=""> </span>But that could still change as the water temperatures are still above average for this time of year.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The flounder bite has been got.<span style=""> </span>A lot of little fish are being caught with some nice keepers mixed in.<span style=""> </span>One just has to be patient and persistent.<span style=""> </span>Natural bait, Gulp! shrimp, mirro-lures, X-Raps and <st1:place><st1:placename>Billy</st1:PlaceName> <st1:placename>Bay</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> shrimp are all working well for the trout and an occasional drum.<span style=""> </span>Finger mullet (yes, there are still some here) and Gulp! are working well for the flatfish.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>In the surf some very nice speckled trout are being caught.<span style=""> </span>The north end of the island has seen the best action.<span style=""> </span>The schools of drum are still making occasional visits to the inlets along the shoals.<span style=""> </span>Plenty of grey trout are being caught on the ledges and rocky bottom areas in the 1-3 mile range.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Further out the black sea bass bite is going strong with some decent size fish being picked out of a ton of smaller ones.<span style=""> </span>The grouper are still fairly close.<span style=""> </span>Several of the big charter boats out of Morehead have been catching blue fin tuna if you want to give that a shot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With the slower fishing season, I’ll be going to an every other week format through March.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I hope you catch ‘em up!</p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-58164257960093137942007-11-21T16:38:00.000-05:002007-11-27T21:00:45.609-05:00Catching report 11/21/07The weather has been awesome the past few days. cool nights, warm days, very little wind. The catching has been decent. A few specks are being caught in the sound, mainly near the inlets. They have been on fire up in the New River though. Try around the creek mouths. With so little rain this year the water is crystal clear earlier than normal. Also the salinity levels are high so they are way up the river this year (folks been catching them as far north as in Jacksonville between the bridges).<br /><br />On the south end of the island, the flounder bite has been steady. A lot of undersize fish with an occasional keeper. The red drum bite is HOT on the south shoals of Rich's inlet. Lots of quality over the slot fish have been caught this week.<br /><br />The kings have been biting in the 12 -15 mile range but will probably be heading further out after this next cold snap. Grouper bite has been hot and cold but they are still in 60' of water in some areas.<br /><br />Hope you have a great THANKSGIVING!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-9106969086054380072007-11-12T20:43:00.000-05:002007-11-12T20:44:18.724-05:00Catching reports<p class="MsoNormal">Someone recently asked me “where do you get the information for the catching report?”<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I smiled broadly. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Most weeks I fish several times myself, so some of the information comes from my own experiences.<span style=""> </span>Many of my friends fish and share their experiences with me. Obviously I check with the three piers on the island.<span style=""> </span>But a good deal of information comes from charter boat captains.<span style=""> </span>I have a number of them that I talk to on a regular basis.<span style=""> </span>From all of that I boil it down to a few paragraphs of what I hope will be useful to our readers. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">That same person asked me why I called it a “catching report” instead of the usual “fishing report”.<span style=""> </span>Again, I smiled broadly.<span style=""> </span>Then answered, “Folks want to know what is being caught, not sought.”<span style=""> </span>She stopped “fishing” for information at that point. <smile></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Speaking of charter captains, we are blessed with some good ones in our area.<span style=""> </span>They range from inshore specialist to saltwater fly experts and of course offshore big game guides.<span style=""> </span>I have personally been out with a number of them.<span style=""> </span>Even though I grew up here fishing in these waters, I learn something every time I go out with one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I get quite a few messages via email and private messaging from out of town folks that will be visiting Topsail.<span style=""> </span>They usually want to know what will be biting during the time they will be down.<span style=""> </span>Most of them also want to know where and how to fish in the local waters.<span style=""> </span>I help as much as I can but usually the best advice I give is to hire a guide for a half or full day trip.<span style=""> </span>There is no better way to learn the local waters in a short time frame. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In fact, that is good advice for locals too.<span style=""> </span>Have been meaning to learn a new style of fishing, maybe fly fishing or butterfly jigging?<span style=""> </span>Perhaps you fish mainly inshore but have been itching to try some big game offshore fishing.<span style=""> </span>Hire a guide and get a personalized lesson, plus you get to catch fish while learning!<span style=""> </span>Speaking of learning, another good way to learn is to attend one of the many fishing schools in the off season. But I’ll save that for a future column.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Catching report<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The piers are reporting some nice catches of mullet and loads of blues.<span style=""> </span>The bite has been strong around dusk.<span style=""> </span>Some flounder and black drum are still being caught.<span style=""> </span>Reds and specks are being caught in the surf.<span style=""> </span>The false albacore have been very active from just off the beach to about 1 mile out, just look for the birds.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The kings have moved off shore just a bit but can be found from eight miles on out to about 20.<span style=""> </span>Grouper are being taken in about 60 – 90 feet of water with plenty of black bass and nice size white grunts being caught too.<span style=""> </span>Offshore a few tuna have been reported caught.<span style=""> </span>The Wahoo are still biting too.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tight lines to all!</p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-6682127939262765832007-10-30T14:12:00.000-04:002007-10-30T14:13:16.741-04:00Catching report<p class="MsoNormal">The wind has been blowing fairly steady and the swells have been rolling in, h<span style=""></span>owever the fall bite is in full swing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:city><st1:place>Wayne</st1:place></st1:City> at Seaview pier reports the Spot bite has been good as well as seeing some nice black drum and a few sea mullets come over the rail.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At Surf City Pier Vinita reports that while the king bite has slowed down the spot bite is stronger than ever.<span style=""> </span>She hasn’t seen any of the yellow bellied spots but anglers are catching them “two at a time” on both sides of the pier!<span style=""> </span>She says they are seeing some nice schools of Spanish but they are a little fickled when it comes to the bite.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The king bite has been hot says Robin at Jolly Roger pier.<span style=""> </span>He also reports a “wide open” spot bite and feels this is one of the best fall fishing seasons he has seen in a long time.<span style=""> </span>Nice size black drum in the 4 to 5 pound range are being caught as well as some flounder.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the sound and waterway some nice drum are being caught near the inlet and along docks behind the island.<span style=""> </span>The speckled sea trout bite is picking up with the <st1:place>New River</st1:place> area producing the best results right now.<span style=""> </span>Again some flounder are being caught but many of them are undersize.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tight Lines to all!</p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-58342943454193534642007-10-27T10:09:00.000-04:002007-10-27T13:18:46.232-04:00SpotsSpots, Spots. I’m seeing spots!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/brenda-spots-721104.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/brenda-spots-721097.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>‘Bout now you can hear those words from folks up and down Topsail Island. They are of course referring to the fish by that name. This tasty pan sized fish is a favorite with locals and visitors alike, many claiming they would just as soon eat a spot as a steak.<br /><br />A friend of mine that works at Surf City pier says this time of year, 9 out of 10 phone calls are folks wanting to know if the spots are biting.<br /><br />The fish get their name from the distinctive black spot just behind their gill. The fish looks similar to a croaker but have little barbell-like bumps under their chins, are smoother and wider, and have forked tails. Like a croaker, when caught the spot will make a croaking sound but usually softer and less frequently.<br /><br />An occasional spot will be caught about anytime in the summer and fall. However this month is prime time for the little fish. They are caught from ocean piers, the surf and on the sound side from boats and the shore.<br /><br />They often travel in large schools. At times you can fill a cooler full of the tasty fish in a short period. Other times, the bite can be, well, spotty.<br /><br />Blood worms and shrimp pieces are two of the best natural baits. “Fish Bites” is a favorite artificial used to catch this fish. In either case, use a two hook bottom rig with a pyramid sinker is most often used. When the bite is hot, anglers will pull the fish up two at a time!<br /><br />Catching spots, a time honored tradition in these parts!<br /><br />Latest report from the piers are they are catching them 2 at a time and some of the yellow bellied ones have finally arrived. While the rain hasn't dimmed the bite from the piers (spots love "dirty" water), they still aren't many in the waterway.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-1912038601626963572007-10-22T17:10:00.000-04:002007-10-24T20:26:10.560-04:00Hot King Mackerel biteThis past Saturday le left at 8:30 which is later than usual as the wind was suppose to (and did) lay down as the sun rose higher in the sky. We found some beautiful menhaden at one of our usual spots and headed out of the inlet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/Kings-10Oct07-004-789281.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/Kings-10Oct07-004-789278.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Because the SW wind had been blowing most of the week and now it was from the west, we felt Surf City ledges was the best spot to start. We put out four lines and began to troll. We were fishing with friends in three other boats. There were probably 3 or 4 others in the vicinity too.<br /><br />Of our four boats, 3 of us landed fish. We boated 2 kings, a 19 pounder and one that went almost 24 pounds. Our friends on the "Island Time" landed 4 and was spooled by a fifth that they lost. Johnny and his gang caught at two nice kings and 2 HUGE Red drum - we estimated them at over 40 pounds each. They hit menhaden on the king rigs.<br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/Kings-10Oct07-002-789298.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/Kings-10Oct07-002-789294.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As noted above he kings are still on the beach which is later than usual. The water temp. was 76 degrees! However with the cooler weather coming in this week, I'd look for them to move to the mouth of the inlet later this week then start their move to deeper water by next week-end or so.<br /><br />Tight lines!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-22372780824638780442007-10-19T21:00:00.000-04:002007-10-19T21:13:48.315-04:00Blue Water Candy Lures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/BWC4NCA-789685.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/BWC4NCA-789683.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>Blue Water Candy lures are made right here in Hampstead, NC. They have been my favorite for kings, dolphins and offshore trolling for a number of years. They are quality made products that work well! They just plain raise & catch fish! In the last year or so they have really expanded the line. In addition to their staple products like skirted rigs, dolphin chains, sea witches and daisy chains, they now have dredges, umbrella rigs, Jags, Chuggers and even bottom rigs for grouper and sea bass.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/IMG_9704-761058.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/IMG_9704-761054.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/IMG_9747-761085.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/IMG_9747-761078.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/IMG_9765-791882.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/IMG_9765-791877.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/IMG_9748-791907.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/IMG_9748-791902.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They are now available online at NC Angler's <a href="https://www.ncangler.com/store/cart.php">eStore</a>. Tell 'em Topsail Angler sent ya!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-32099666505585522412007-10-16T08:13:00.000-04:002007-10-16T08:14:21.363-04:00A fish tale & a catching report<p class="MsoNormal">Warning:<span style=""> </span>this column contains a fish story, while it’s a clean story, if you are sensitive to the truth being stretched, twisted, altered, or obliterated, you may want to avoid politics and stick to reading stories from fisherman.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On fishing trip last year off shore I had the opportunity to catch a fish, twice.<span style=""> </span>The same fish twice that is. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The seas were calm with a gentle breeze and a few clouds in the sky.<span style=""> </span>The kind of day that is very enjoyable just to be out in the ocean.<span style=""> </span>You know what I mean, peaceful, serene, and relaxing.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We decided to head out about 20 miles to some ledges and try our luck bottom fishing.<span style=""> </span>I made up some of my super, duper grouper rigs the night before.<span style=""> </span>Much like the ones you can buy in tackle shops but with a unique bead pattern.<span style=""> </span>I alternate red, green and silver beads above the hook but below the lead weight and swivel.<span style=""> </span>A tradition I started one day years ago while goofing around on a slow fishing day.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I had a few assorted colored beads in my tackle box.<span style=""> </span>Having nothing better to do, I decided to string a bunch of them onto my bottom rig.<span style=""> </span>I figured at least it would give the fish something to stare at.<span style=""> </span>No sooner than I dropped it down, I had a bite.<span style=""> </span>The tugging and pulling indicated it was a grouper.<span style=""> </span>Sure enough up came about a 12 pound grouper!<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I put the rig down again and after a short wait, I hooked and landed another grouper about the same size.<span style=""> </span>The third attempt resulted in a broken line, loosing my fancy bead work.<span style=""> </span>I had no more beads and no more grouper rigs so I headed home.<span style=""> </span>But a tradition was born.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ever since then, I make my rigs using the same pattern of beads.<span style=""> </span>Not that fisherman are superstitious or anything.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On this most recent trip, I anchored over one of my favorite ledges hoping to find some nice grouper.<span style=""> </span>I lowered a big fat cigar minnow down to the bottom one of my super, duper rigs.<span style=""> </span>It no sooner landed than I felt a slight tug on the line.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One thing you learn early on about grouper fishing is that you need to pull the fish off the bottom as quickly as possible.<span style=""> </span>The whole battle is usually decided in the first 10 feet.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When a grouper grabs a bite to eat, they immediately turn to their hole or rocky ledge to digest the meal.<span style=""> </span>Once in a hole it is very tough to get a grouper out of it.<span style=""> </span>I liken it to trying to pull up a freight train that is wedged in a cliff.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On this occasion because he bite it so quick, I wasn’t prepared.<span style=""> </span>When I felt the soft bite I was slow to set the hook and begin the retrieve.<span style=""> </span>Just slow enough that the grouper made it to the safety of his hole.<span style=""> </span>I pulled and pulled.<span style=""> </span>He wasn’t budging an inch.<span style=""> </span>Finally he broke the line off.<span style=""> </span>When I pulled it up, the tell-tale signs of the line rubbing on a rock was evident.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I tied on a rig and lowered another cigar minnow. <span style=""> </span>This time, knowing the exact depth, I stopped 10 feet short of the bottom.<span style=""> </span>My hope was to lure a grouper away from the ledge and the safety of his hole.<span style=""> </span>Nothing after 5 minutes, so I lowered it 5 more feet.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bam, fish ON! </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I quickly set the hook and turned the reel handle as fast as I could.<span style=""> </span>It felt like a ton of bricks on the other end but I was making some progress.<span style=""> </span>Finally I get the fish to the surface, a nice 15 pound grouper.<span style=""> </span>As I’m removing my hook, I notice another rig hanging from his mouth. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was another of my super, duper grouper rigs with the unique bead pattern.<span style=""> </span>I had caught this fish not once but twice on this day!<span style=""> </span>I think that was the best tasting grouper to ever pass through my lips.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Catching report<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Inshore the speckled trout bite has been on and off but should be improving with the cooler weather. <span style=""> </span>Mirrolures are working well as are live bait under a popping float. <span style=""> </span>Flounder continue to bite striped mullet and soft artificial baits.<span style=""> </span>Grey trout are still being caught on the near shore ledges and patches of hard bottom.<span style=""> </span>Try a diamond jig worked vertically just off the bottom for good results. The spot catches have been strong at times in the surf and from the piers but be patient because the bite seems to go in streaks right now.<span style=""> </span>Not many have showed up in the waterway and sounds yet but maybe with a steady NE wind for a few days that will change</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Red drum, black drum and some trout are being caught in the surf.<span style=""> </span>The <span style=""> </span>pier reports a great fall bite.<span style=""> </span>Lots of spots are being caught when the wind is out of the northeast.<span style=""> </span>Anglers are also catching a few pompano, some flounder, and some big kings.<span style=""> </span>The <st1:state><st1:place>Virginia</st1:place></st1:State> mullet are biting in the late evening and at night.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The near shore king bite has been excellent but I expect them to start moving further out anytime now.<span style=""> </span>Many fish in the 15 – 30 pound range are being caught on live and dead bait from the beaches out to 15 miles.<span style=""> </span>The grouper have moved in closer and can be found in 65 foot of water on ledges and reefs.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Grab and pole and go fish!<span style=""> </span>Tight lines to all.</p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-53749764373331399292007-10-11T21:14:00.000-04:002007-10-11T21:16:16.218-04:00Spots, Kings, Spanish, WOWThe fishing has been pretty darn good this week. The kings are back on the beach, the spots are chewing big time and the Spanish are still biting. I also saw some nice Pompano and VA Mullet caught this week with a few flounders to round out the catches.<br /><br />Grab your rod & reel and go Catch 'em up!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-8981782733566584802007-10-10T20:04:00.000-04:002007-10-13T15:47:11.312-04:00Pier tours stop at SCP 10-10-07I had the pleasure of meeting up with Al and his lovely wife at Surf City Pier this morning on their week long NC Pier tour. Johnny (Fishin' Topsail) also was there and we fished side by side tryin to catch the largest fish on a gotcha plug. Sea Striker gave Al shirts and hats to give away at each pier for the biggest fish caught on their lure.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/gotcha-739920.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/gotcha-739917.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/gotcha-721658.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/gotcha-721655.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I caught several blue fish and then finally landed a 14" Spanish that ended up taking first place. Al also caught a nice 14" Spanish. Johnny finished in second place with a 10 inch blue fish (Al's fish doesn't count in the contest as he's the judge).<br /><br />There were lots of folks on the pier and I saw quite a few nice fish come over the rail, mainly spots, blues and some nice pompano. We also saw a nice 16 pound king caught while we were there. He wrapped around five other lines but they still managed to get him to the gaff and over the rail! Another one hooked up at the same time but pulled the hooks.<br /><br />As on most given day, you usually see something cool or different when fishing on a busy pier. Today I saw a large skate caught on a snoopy style combo. Yup - got a picture to prove it! (the gaff is in him to lift over the rail but he was caught and brought to the pier on the snoopy pole)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/skate-721628.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://blog.topsailangler.com/uploaded_images/skate-721625.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-50134477722168038582007-10-02T08:32:00.001-04:002007-10-02T08:32:38.731-04:00Freckled fish & a catching report<p class="MsoNormal">Freckled fish.<span style=""> </span>I heard that term said one day almost in a whisper by an angler answering his wife’s inquiry about what was in his cooler.<span style=""> </span>freckled fish.<span style=""> </span>That is code for Speckled Sea Trout.<span style=""> </span>Or around these parts we just say Specks.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Speck fishermen are some of the most secretive anglers I know.<span style=""> </span>Oh don’t get me wrong, they will tell you exactly how they caught the fish, what bait they used, what tackle was used, what technique was employed.<span style=""> </span>But try to learn the location of the catch and you might as well try to take a piece of meat out of a lion’s mouth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As one speck fisherman told me, “catching specks is easy, finding them is the hard part”.<span style=""> </span>He went on to say “they will eat just about any bait when they are hungry”.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The hard part is FINDING them.<span style=""> </span>You see specks move around throughout the day in rhythm with the tides, currents and especially the bait.<span style=""> </span>Getting a handle on these patterns will help you locate them next time you go out.<span style=""> </span>So location of a particular day’s catch becomes top secret information!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">Here’s a conversation you might encounter with an ole salty speck fisherman while he is on top of a school of specks:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">Visitor (V.) How's the fishing today?<br />Fisherman (F.)<span style=""> </span>Just got here myself (translation - "just" can mean anytime up to a full tide cycle).<br /><br />V. Having any luck lately?<br />F. Nary a bite (translation - he's only referring to the time since you arrived).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">V. Nice looking trout rod you have there, you have much luck with it?<br />F. That ole thing? trout you say – ah, so that's what it’s for. (translation - his most prized possession).<br /><br />V. Well have a nice day, hope you catch some specks.<br />F. Aye-up (translation - I will just as soon as you get out of my sight).</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">One thing that will help you catch specks is to take notice of the conditions when you catch fish and keep a log.<span style=""> </span>If you keep track of those patterns you can look for them in the same place when those conditions re-occur. 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. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">By the way, the specks are biting now….somewhere, I just can’t remember where.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><b style="">Catching report<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The big news this past week has been the king mackerel are back on the beach!<span style=""> </span>Vinita at Surf City Pier reported one day last week that they had caught 20, count them 20, kings before <st1:time minute="0" hour="12">noon</st1:time>.<span style=""> </span>Sea View and Jolly Roger piers also have reported excellent catches of kings.<span style=""> </span>The ends of the pier are also producing nice catches of Spanish and blues.<span style=""> </span>Spots, grey trout, <st1:state><st1:place>Va.</st1:place></st1:State> Mullet and croakers are also biting hard on this recent NE wind.<span style=""> </span>A few pompano, flounder and specks have been caught as well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Grouper are being caught in the 12 mile range with some nice size fish being bagged.<span style=""> </span>The mahi bite is tailing off but some can still be caught in deeper water.<span style=""> </span>Wahoo and tuna are being caught near the <st1:place>Gulf Stream</st1:place> although the weather lately has limited the ability of angler to get to them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tight lines and hope you catch ‘em up!</p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-88200551013401224882007-09-29T19:33:00.000-04:002007-09-29T19:39:22.775-04:00SpotsThe question I get most often this time of year from folks is "are the spots biting yet?". The answer is yes. they have been catching them on the pier, sometimes two at a time when the wind is favorable. This week they started catching them in the ICW near Topsail Creek, slow bite there but its a starts.<br /><br />On a related note, I made my annual pilgrimage to the NC Spot Festival. It's exactly one mile from my house. Traffic is usually backed up but I can walk there since they moved it from the Topsail HS grounds last year. The spots seemed a little small this year and they definitely cut back on the fries and hush puppies (at least on the 2 dinners I bought late in the day). They were good though. They are open for business tomorrow too. Just come down hwy 17, you can't miss it.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-29695881924483323132007-09-25T22:09:00.001-04:002007-09-25T22:09:43.638-04:00Fall fishing<p class="MsoNormal">Fall is in the air.<span style=""> </span>Feel it?<span style=""> </span>Cooler temperatures, first at night then the days begin to cool down too.<span style=""> </span>With those cooling temperatures come some rain and thunderstorms.<span style=""> </span>But generally the weather is mild barring a major storm.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Avid anglers around coastal fish year round but for many targeted species fall offers the best fishing of the year.<span style=""> </span>From about mid-September as the days get shorter until mid-December, the catching really picks up.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the water temperatures begin to fall up north, the fish migrate south to warmer waters.<span style=""> </span>Species like Spanish mackerel, Atlantic Pompano, blues, spots and others make a visit here on their way south.<span style=""> </span>Some of these species have been here all summer but really show up in big numbers this time of year.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some of the other species, especially bottom fish, make a move into shallower water from the deeper waters offshore.<span style=""> </span>They will stay nearer to shore until the water temperatures drop below 60 degrees.<span style=""> </span>Then they will move back out to deeper water.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>King mackerel is also a species that will come in close to shore in the fall.<span style=""> </span>They usually stay until the water drops below 66-68 degrees.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Other species seem to get bigger appetites and thus more active.<span style=""> </span>Species like speckled trout and drum which are both main stays in the repertoire of fall anglers.<span style=""> </span>Big doormat sized flounder can also be found.<span style=""> </span>A few fish from each of these species will be here all winter long but fall is the time when they are the thickest and most active.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The cooler temperatures are also a lot easier on the angler.<span style=""> </span>While there is still plenty of sunshine to enjoy it’s not as hot and muggy.<span style=""> </span>In fact the crispness of the morning air is a welcome feeling to most of us about this time of year.<span style=""> </span>Even without the great fishing, there is something special about being out on the water in the fall, it is refreshing!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Catching report<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Inshore activity is really picking up.<span style=""> </span>The spots are being caught on the piers “two at a time” and should be moving into the waterway in the next week or so, probably after this full moon.<span style=""> </span>The pompano are chewing on fresh shrimp and sand fleas when you can find them.<span style=""> </span>Some nice one to two pounders are being caught in the surf and on the pier.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Speckled trout are still in the surf and can be found near the marsh grass and in creeks and ditches near the inlets.<span style=""> </span>They are biting well on live shrimp but gulp! Artificial bait and a variety of lures are working well.<span style=""> </span>Drum are still biting in the waterway with the falling tide seeming to be the most productive.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Spanish mackerel bite has been very hot near the inlets and beaches with the best bite in the early morning and late afternoon.<span style=""> </span><st1:place>Clark</st1:place> spoons and diamond jigs are working well.<span style=""> </span>Get them now as they will be moving south soon.<span style=""> </span>Plenty of blue fish are also being caught.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-64800614021392869432007-09-18T07:18:00.001-04:002007-09-18T07:18:50.020-04:00Pompano fishing and a catching report<p>It’s one of the best tasting fish in this neck of woods, but you won’t find it at the grocery store. It’s not on the menu at any of our local restaurants. Don’t look for it at the fish markets. If you could find it, you would pay a small fortune for it. </p> <p>The fish I speak of -- <st1:state><st1:place>Florida</st1:place></st1:State> pompano. </p> <p>This prized fish is caught only on hook and line, and while they run in schools, they are not caught commercially in large numbers. An occasional pompano can be caught in the summer here any time the water temperature is above 70 degrees. However, they show up in the biggest numbers in September when the northern waters begin to cool down, and they head south to their winter home off the coast of <st1:state><st1:place>Florida</st1:place></st1:State>.</p> <p>An average pompano weighs about a pound, with some of the bigger ones reaching more than two pounds. They feast on small crabs and shrimp, and the sand flea (sand mole crab) is their favorite meal. </p> <p>They can be caught in the surf or from the pier. Anglers catch them in the shallow water right at the base of the breakers where they hang out waiting for the sand fleas to be washed out in the surf. </p> <p>To catch them, most anglers use a surf rod with a two- or three-hook bottom rig. Get a small shovel and dig up some sand fleas in the shallow water on the beach. Some folks use rat wire (hardware cloth) to sift them out, but running your hand through the loosened sand works just as well. </p> <p>I like to use a #2 or #4 khale hook to hold the sand flea and about a 3 ounce sinker to hold the bottom. Cast the rig out just past the breaking waves and hold on. Believe it or not, they put up a great fight for a small fish, especially if you hook up with two at once. </p> <p>Sometimes you can fill a small cooler on a single tide; at others you might only catch a mouthful. In either case, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this tasty fish!</p> <p><b>Catching report<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p><span style="">The bite is starting to pick up with the cooling water temps.<span style=""> </span>Should only get better over the next few weeks, Flounder fishing has been real good lately especially near the creek mouths and near the inlets on the last of the falling tide.<span style=""> </span>There have been some reports of some nice specks being caught up on the northern part of the island.<span style=""> </span>Puppy drum continue to bite in the creeks and waterway.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">In the surf some nice pompano are being caught as well as an occasional drum and a few specks.<span style=""> </span>The Grey trout are chewing on the ledges and hard bottoms just outside the inlets.<span style=""> </span>Spanish fishing should continue to be great for the next few weeks until the water cools into the low 70’s.<span style=""> </span>The piers have reported nice catches of spots and mullet especially after dark.<span style=""> </span>They also are seeing some nice Pompano caught.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">The near shore king mackerel bite recently returned to the near shore waters with several nice ones being caught on the island’s three piers as well as boats trolling in the 1-3 miles range.<span style=""> </span>The gag groupers have moved close to shore and can be found in the 12+ mile range.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="">Fall is in the air!<span style=""> </span>I hope you catch ’em up.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-59905256081259518012007-09-01T07:37:00.000-04:002007-09-01T07:39:07.390-04:00Catching report - 8/30 & 8/31Went out Thursday afternoon to fish the last hour of the falling and first hour of the rising. Went back to the spot I had been fishing the past week. Caught 5 red drum all in the 28-30 inch range. Again, couldn't get through the drum to get to the flounder. Look for the drum on the oyster rocks at low tide - they are tearing up the bait!<br /><br />Friday I went out with a couple of my buddies on their 25' Hydrasport WA. We have been laying low the past few weeks from trolling cause of the hot water but decided to "test the waters" today. We went out to the first set of boxcars and jigged up greenies, google eyes, hard tails and cigar minnows. Then we headed out to the 23 mile reef area and slow trolled live bait.<br /><br />We fished those great baits all morning - nothing but one short strike. So we decided to switch to ballyhoo and target the Mahi by fast trolling. Bingo - we had two hook ups and managed to get one of them to the boat - a 10 pounder. Slow day - still need some cooler water for the trolling bite to pick up again.Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-49836046887938138112007-08-29T21:36:00.000-04:002008-12-09T19:06:15.248-05:00DrumMonday I decided to go back to the spot where I caught the flounder last week. This time I arrived about an hour before low tide. I had caught some small menhaden where I launch the boat so I decided to use those. I rigged them on a small jighead.<br /><br />My first cast and I was hooked up. But it was obvious it was no flounder, I was loosing line quick! I didn't want to tighten the drag with the fish running so hard so I started the boat and chased him down. Landed a 28 inch drum which I released. I proceeded to catch 5 more all from 27 1/2 inch to 29 inches long.<br /><br />I couldn't get to the flounder for all the drum! Nice problem to have.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAk5q60nQIRA_NY0R8u60Fv81sMJbLoH7bo9P_TlYCoWYKwQxtN7GjxdClrVv-gsXMFu1IwUcGWLLK1jzn4em09lwbFDyTPa1QXrdchW7LXkyBLmXlPNfXRnqBCrRlmGHRC7HDA/s1600-h/drum07.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAk5q60nQIRA_NY0R8u60Fv81sMJbLoH7bo9P_TlYCoWYKwQxtN7GjxdClrVv-gsXMFu1IwUcGWLLK1jzn4em09lwbFDyTPa1QXrdchW7LXkyBLmXlPNfXRnqBCrRlmGHRC7HDA/s320/drum07.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104302660850900722" border="0" /></a>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-9994431469258597762007-08-25T17:38:00.000-04:002007-08-25T18:11:44.573-04:00Flounder timeI went out on Atlantic Lake today. It's also called Onslow Bay but as flat as it was this morning you would have thought it was a lake or something. The weather man called for 3-4 footers with 10K winds but I left the inlet at 6:30 and was met by 2 footers (and that's a stretch) that were on about 10 second intervals - in other words - very calm. It stayed that way till noon except for periods of NO wind when the ocean would shine like a mirror. After noon the wind did pick up a bit to about 10 knots but still was nice. Anyway - enough on the weather.<br /><br />I wasn't sure if I was going today until last night so I wasn't able to get a crew on short notice. So I decided to work some of the near shore ledges by myself. I caught a zillion black bass all but about 20 of them under the 12" limit. I keep the 6 biggest, all over 14". I also caught 4 keeper flounder and a few smaller ones. Of course I caught a bunch of small/medium size sharks and a truck load of ringtails, lizard fish and other nuisance creatures. Not a bad day for the middle of the "dog days of summer". Fall fishing is right around the corner!Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19490585.post-84224126966208579652007-08-23T15:33:00.000-04:002008-12-09T19:06:15.597-05:00Lunch time flounderToday I had the chance to duck out into the waterway at lunch time for a quick cruise. The result during my 30 minute lunch cruise were these 2 nice flatties - one at 16" and the other 19".<br /><br />What's for lunch? Flounder of course!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Yf4PInVe9K02AQcTfF-xtJQvfVHcWQZOL-3Rqqr6PYCtvvPlzfD_IwOLoP1Q7zqzHgtyY2U3-FI9klNQZ59z224MB8DGJIEW-wLUy9cU59NaIl1e2JHZflVoybTr8I73Ewmgig/s1600-h/IMG_1834.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Yf4PInVe9K02AQcTfF-xtJQvfVHcWQZOL-3Rqqr6PYCtvvPlzfD_IwOLoP1Q7zqzHgtyY2U3-FI9klNQZ59z224MB8DGJIEW-wLUy9cU59NaIl1e2JHZflVoybTr8I73Ewmgig/s320/IMG_1834.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101981956876885730" border="0" /></a>Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101646716936644040noreply@blogger.com0