Topsail May 25, 2006
Chris, at East Coast Sports, reports that surf fishermen from New River Inlet to Topsail Beach are picking up some pompano, including some citation-sized ones. The surf on the southern end of the island has had more action with reds.
Inshore, there have been some specks around the drawbridge and a few blues, but the main action continues to be the redfishing.
Just off the beach, spanish are at AR-360 and Divers Rock, but you need to be there early. And the cobia should be arriving anytime, as they usually arrive with the spanish
Offshore, there has been good catches of yellowfins at the Big Rock, with some wahoo also reported.
Ricky Kellum, at Speckled Specialist Charters, reports the speckled trout bite is still pretty good in the river. The largest fish of late are running up to 5 pounds.
There are a few flounder in the river, but the bigger fish should be targeted on the nearshore wrecks as the ocean calms down.
Redfish are around the stumps and fallen timber in the river, all the way from the inlet up to Jacksonville.
Jimmy, of Bad Attitude Charters, reports that there are plenty of kings in the 20-25 mile range. Most of them are only running 8-10 lbs. Try heading for any kind of live bottom.
The gag groupers are as close as 14 miles out, but the bite is a little scattered in this area. For a more consistent bite, plan to head out 20-25 miles.
Spanish are just off the beach, and the sizes have been large this year. Many fish are in the 3-4 lb. range.
Some cigar minnows have been jigged up as close as 10-12 miles, but at 25-30 miles off the bait is much more plentifull.
Willie, at Sea View Pier, reports the spanish have shown up in good size and numbers for the pluggers. Bluefish are also biting Gotcha plugs on the end.
Bottom fishermen using shrimp are catching pompano, sea mullets, and bluefish; however, there are no signs of cobia or king mackerel yet.
Ed, at Surf City Pier reports tons of blues being caught, with most weighing around 1-1.5 lbs. Spanish are being brought in on Gotcha plugs and diamond jigs. Several are weighing in the 4 lb. range. The blues and spanish are being caught in the mornings.
In the latter part of the day, mullet and barely legal-size speckled trout are being caught.
And the first pompano and first sheepshead of the season were recently brought in.
Eric, at New River Marina, reports everything is biting when you can get out of the wind. The river has been good for redfish and speckled trout, while the bridge is holding black drum, spots, and croakers.
Flounder are in the river and waterway eating live baits.
Bluefish and spanish mackerel are just outside the inlet hitting plugs and trolled Clark spoons.
King mackerel action begins at 15+ miles. And grouper and snapper are biting in the 30 mile range.
