Topsail April 1, 2004
Chris, at East Coast Sports, reports that there have been a few (very few) specks showing up in the waterway. The False Albacore (not Bonita) have been popping up here and there just 1-2 miles offshore. Bonita have been caught at AR362 but nothing consistent. There are plenty of big black sea bass in 60 ft. of water and tons of pink snapper in 75-80 ft. of water. The offshore action has been hot for yellowfin, wahoo, and blackfin, especially at Swansboro Hole and the Steeples. Some redfish have started to show up in the surf, but they are mighty lethargic. The piers are reporting a few blowfish and a few white shad.
Jim, of Plan 9 Charters, reports fishing has been tough due to weather and the slime conditions. The inside slime this time of year has made it so you can’t really work a jig effectively right now. There have been some small sea bass coming from Dallas Rocks and Topsail Reef. There’s been birds working on bait, and he’s heard reports of false albacore in the 4-8 mile range.
Jeff, at One Stop Bait and Tackle, reports that sharks and blowfish are biting more than anything, but there are some drum to be caught. He has been spotting more than he can get to actually bite on something. As for baitfish, there have been some small minnows starting to accumulate. The mullet minnows are scarce, as are the shrimp.
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Eric, of New River Marina, reports that the giggers have been seeing some flounder, but many of them are small and the ones over-size are just over size. There have been a few trout up in New River and the creeks. The few that are willing to bite have been in the 2.5 to 3 lb. size. Offshore has been hot when the weather allows. Wahoo and tuna catches are what’s happening, and the Swansboro Hole has been hotter than most spots. There was also a sailfish caught at WR2.
