Southport August 26, 2004
Linda, of Southport/Oak Island Sportfishing Charters, reports that last week got off to a slow start after the hurricane. Bottom fish seem to be doing better than anything on the top. Southwest of the tower was pretty good for the bottom fish, especially the grouper. A lot have been caught, but not that many at a legal size. Flounder have reappeared out around Bald Head, but that too has been spotty. Hopefully when everything clears back up, we will all be fishing hard again.
Dave, at Ocean Crest Pier, reports that speckled trout, as well as a few flounder, are hitting shrimp and mullet. Black drum and sheepshead to 5 lbs. have been the main catch, with some even larger fish lost during the fight. Sand fleas are working best. Whiting and spots to 12 oz. are eating in the surf line, and there are still a few spanish when the tide pushes in. The bait situation is still good with tons of menhaden and mullet around the pier.
Billie, at Dutchman Creek Bait and Tackle, reports that a few nice flounder came in during the week, but the flounder catches now include a lot of throwbacks. On the beach there are a few spanish mackerel and speckled trout, but the freshwater running out of the river has really messed up the fishing in the area this week.
Bobby, at Long Beach Pier, reports that the fishing has definitely been slower since the storm, but some days have been great. One group brought in 18 keeper-sized speckled trout. They weighed up to 3 lbs. The morning has seen a spot and whiting bite. A few small croakers have been landed, as well as some small gray trout.
