Topsail August 12, 2004
Chris, at East Coast Sports, reports that in the surf, New River Inlet to Surf City had a few sea mullets in the sloughs and reds at the inlet. From Surf City to Topsail Beach there was no report. From Topsail Beach to New Topsail Inlet, as well as Lee Island, there were lots of reds and big ladyfish reported. The pier fishing has been scattered. Surf City Pier reported some blues, mullet, flounder, and spots. Jolly Roger Pier reported some catches of black drum from 6 to 11 lbs. There were also some scattered catches of mullet, spots, and bigger pompano. Reisley Pier had some small sea mullet, reds, and a few specks.
In the waterway/inlet, specks are starting to show up in New River Inlet. There are tons of mullet moving in and out of the inlet, so fish the inlets.
Weather conditions kept most boats from fishing offshore, so there are no reports from either the 0-20 mile range or farther out.
Frank, at Seaview Pier, reports that a 26 lb. king mackerel was landed this week. It was followed by a 42 lb. king on Sunday which could have topped 50 lbs. The king weighed 42 lbs. even after losing the last 18″ of the fish to an estimated 9′ hammerhead shark. Action has also been hot on the rest of the pier, with flounder biting live baits. Other bottom fishermen are reeling in pompano, sea mullet, spots, and bluefish. Spanish are coming and going and there is plenty of bait around the pier including menhaden, mullet, and glass minnows.
Eric, at New River Marina, reports that black drum and sheepshead are hitting crabs around the New River Bridge. Red drum fishing is still good in the surf, and some bigger fish are now upriver. A few speckled trout are still being caught in the river, as well some flounder scattered all over the area. In the ocean, the spanish mackerel are still chewing on the beach, and some gray trout have also been reported this week.
