Added on Thursday, July 7, 2011  Fish Post

Topsail July 7, 2011

Chris, of East Coast Sports, reports that some dolphin are finally feeding closer to the beaches, and anglers encountered them from 8-20 miles out last week (with more fish further out). A few king mackerel are feeding in the same areas, but not big numbers.

Both the kings and dolphin will take an interest in live menhaden or dead cigar minnows on dead bait rigs.

Bottom fishermen are finding some solid action with gag grouper and big black sea bass at spots within 10 miles of the beach (and plenty more further out). Live baits, vertical jigs, cut baits, and more will attract attention from the gags, bass, and other bottom feeders.

Spanish mackerel are feeding just outside the inlets, with some boats catching limits last week. Trolling Clarkspoons or casting metal lures to feeding schools of fish is the way to connect with the spanish.

Anglers are finding action with red drum in the surf at the south end and the north end of Lea Island, where anglers can hook them on live or cut baits or gold spoons.

The red bite is also solid inshore, where topwater plugs, Gulp baits, live baits, and much more will tempt them to bite.

Surf and pier anglers weighed in some healthy citation pompano last week, mainly while baiting up with sand fleas.

Flounder are feeding around docks and other structure off the ICW, and live mud minnows and finger mullet or Gulp baits will tempt them to bite.

Sheepshead are feeding around inshore structure and the ocean pier pilings. Sand fleas, fiddler crabs, and other crustaceans will produce action with the sheeps. Some large black drum (to 18 lbs.) are feeding alongside them at the area bridges, and they will take the same baits.

Wayne, of Last Resort Charters, reports that the red drum bite is still solid around docks and in the marshes behind Figure Eight and Lea Island (with upper to over-slot fish the norm). Live menhaden have been producing most of the action with the reds.

Flounder fishing is still solid, with anglers finding the fish in the creeks and around the bridges and docks in the ICW. Live finger mullet have been superior to the menhaden for the flatfish in recent days.

Daniel, of Flat Foot Charters, reports that anglers are still catching plenty of red drum around inshore structure and marsh banks between Topsail and Figure Eight. Live finger mullet and menhaden are fooling most of the reds.

Flounder fishing continues to be solid along the ICW, mostly around structure and depth changes in 3-9’ of water. Finger mullet and menhaden are top choices for the flounder as well, and both have been abundant in local waters lately.

Good numbers of live shrimp are also in the area marshes now and can be cast-netted for bait.

A few speckled trout (most nicer fish) are being caught around inshore structure at Topsail, and live shrimp are tough to beat for them.

Spanish mackerel are feeding along the beaches, and trolling Clarkspoons in and around Rich’s Inlet has produced plenty of action with them lately.  

Tom, of Seaview Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are catching a few spot, sea mullet, and small sharks on shrimp and bloodworms.

Some bluefish are falling for Gotcha plugs worked from the pier.

Jay, of Surf City Pier, reports that a few spot and bluefish are taking an interest in baited bottom rigs.

Live baits fished near the pier are attracting attention from some flounder.

Jake, of Jolly Roger Pier, reports that live-baiters have seen and hooked a decent number of tarpon over the past week. One 19 lb. king mackerel was also landed recently.

Bottom fishermen are catching a few black drum on shrimp.

Flounder are falling for small live baits on the bottom.

Plug casters are connecting with a few bluefish on Gotchas.