Topsail July 13, 2006
Chris, at East Coast Sports, reports that sea mullets are the main bite in the surf. You might also find a few pompano or some reds. The reds are mostly around Lee Island, as are ladyfish at night.
Flounder are biting well in the waterway. Try targeting the docks.
Lots of big blues are just outside the inlet both early and late in the day. Some big bull sharks are around, too.
The 23 Mile Rock has been a hot spot. Kings and dolphin are being caught in numbers, and there are also sails here. Fish deep and early. Dead bait is producing more fish, specifically cigar minnows on Hank Brown rigs and blue and white skirts. If you are going to use ballyhoo, make sure you have a stinger in the butt or you will be very unhappy with a bunch of half ballyhoos.
Eric, at New River Marina, reports that the speckled trout bite has been good lately in the river. They’re running anywhere up to 5 lbs. Go with live bait.
Red drum are also in the river. They’re running up to 4 lbs., and are primarily hitting spinner baits, soft plastics, and spoons.
Black drum are hitting shrimp and clams on the bottom on a Carolina rig. They’re also in the river. Sizes range from 2-10 lbs.
Outside, dolphin and kings are the main action. Both are being caught as close as a few miles off the beach.
Ed, at Surf City Pier, reports that spots and whiting are biting shrimp on the bottom.
Speckled trout up to two pounds are biting grubs in the morning.
Alongside the pilings, anglers are catching sheepshead between 4 and 6 lbs. on sand fleas.
Plug casters are being rewarded with both spanish mackerel and bluefish.
The water at the pier is in the upper 70’s.
Bill, at Sea View Pier, reports spot, whiting, and small croaker biting on the bottom. Shrimp and artificial bloodworms are key baits.
Plug casting is producing a decent number of bluefish.
King mackerel are showing up now, with a 17 lb. king was weighed this week.
