Carolina Beach April 1, 2004
Steve, at Seagull Bait and Tackle, reports that there have been a few puppy drum being caught in the surf and the waterway. The bite gets better every day. A few small blues have been coming from the surf. Sharks and skates are also in the surf. Guys have been pulling in some whiting off of Kure Beach Pier. There have also been whiting caught in the mouth of the river. As for baitfish, he has been seeing some menhaden moving around. There hasn’t been much local with trout, but he has heard of some catches near Oak Island at the mouth of the river. A few small flounder have been produced by hook and liners back in the river, but not much to speak of. The water hasn’t been able to get above 55-58 degrees. Getting the water temperature up to 60 degrees should mark a definite improvement in the fishing.
Steve, at Cape Fear Marine and Tackle, reports that offshore has been off the hook whenever the wind has laid out enough for people to go. Most boats fishing off of Wrightsville/Carolina Beach have been catching 25 to 35 pound yellowfin and wahoo that have been up into the 50 pound range. Heading north to Big Rock, there have been catches of tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and billfish.
Inshore, there are a few “hammer handle” trout in various creeks around Wrightsville and in the Cape Fear River around Southport. A few giggers have been seeing a fair amount of small flounder, but very few keepers. There have also been reports of small bluefish around the Liberty Ship, and also the beginnings of a sea mullet run on the Pleasure Island piers.
Capt. Fred, of Musicman Charters, reports that the yellowfin and wahoo bite has been excellent, if the wind allows you to get out there. When you can make it, they have been biting up and down the break. The bottom fishing has also been good so far this season. He has been finding several big sea bass starting at about 10 miles off.
