Added on Thursday, May 21, 2009  Fish Post

Topsail Island May 21, 2009

Doug, of East Coast Sports, reports that anglers are catching big numbers of bluefish (with many 5-8 lbs.) from the surf, piers, and on boats. Surf and pier anglers are hooking the big blues on king rigs, cut baits, and Gotcha plugs, and boats are getting into the action while trolling spoons and diving plugs.

Pier and surf anglers are catching some fat whiting at night as well, with shrimp and cut bait both producing results.

Spanish mackerel are still feeding just offshore, and trollers are catching them on Clarkspoons and Yo-Zuri Deep Divers on calmer days.

Bottom fishermen weren’t able to make it too far offshore last week due to the wind, but fishing inside of 10-12 miles produced action with some smaller grouper, pinkies, grunts, and other fish. The larger grouper are still holding 25-30 miles and further offshore.

Inshore, anglers are catching some flounder, red drum, and plenty of bluefish near the south end of the island. Live mud minnows have been the most consistent baits.

Sheepshead (with some big 5-8 lb. fish) are beginning to show up around the bridges, the ocean piers, and other hard structure in the area. Fiddler crabs are excellent baits for these crustacean lovers.

Speckled trout are feeding in the area creeks with a few coming from around the swing bridge. Live shrimp are top trout producers, but difficult to find, and anglers are getting good numbers of fish on Gulp shrimp.

 

Eric, of New River Marina, reports that the weather’s kept a lot of anglers at home recently, but the Gulf Stream bite has been excellent when boats can make the long run. Gaffer dolphin have been making up the majority of the catches, and boats are hooking them while trolling skirted ballyhoo at a variety of spots along the break. Some wahoo and blackfin tuna are mixed in with the dolphin.

The last reports had a solid grouper bite taking place 20 miles and further offshore, where anglers were hooking up while dropping cigar minnows, sardines, cut baits, and live baits to ledges, live bottoms, and other structure.

Some cobia have been showing up while anglers are grouper fishing. They’re catching them in the inlets to the north, so they’re likely moving in toward the beaches.

A few schoolie king mackerel have been caught at Diver’s Rock recently, but there’s not much word on where the larger fish and main body of kings are right now.

Bluefish and spanish mackerel are still feeding in the inlet and along the beachfront, and a few fish are inshore in the ICW. Trolled Clarkspoons and Yo-Zuri Deep Divers will get their attention, and anglers can also cast metal jigs to breaking schools and jumping fish.

Inshore, the speckled trout bite has been good in the New River and ICW nearby. Anglers are starting to find some live shrimp. Shrimp are the best baits, but some trout are also falling for Gulp and Halo shrimp imitations.

Red drum are feeding in the creeks and bays throughout the area. Spinnerbaits have been tempting them to strike. A few flounder are mixed in with the reds.

Bottom fishermen are picking up some black drum around the 172 Bridge, and shrimp are the preferred baits.

 

Ricky, of Speckled Specialist Charters, reports that anglers are finding excellent speckled trout fishing in the New River both upriver around Jacksonville and down around Sneads Ferry. Live shrimp are top trout baits, but they’re just beginning to show up, and anglers have had solid catches (many double-digit days) while tossing Storm and Billy Bay shrimp imitations. The warming waters have also turned on the topwater bite.

Red drum are feeding in the same areas as many of the trout, and they have been assaulting topwater plugs recently as well.

 

Mike, of Corona Daze Charters, reports that anglers have been catching some fat over-slot red drum on deeper channel edges between Wrightsville and Topsail. Live baits, particularly small croakers, are producing the best action with the bigger reds.

Smaller puppy drum are schooled up beneath some area docks, and Gulp shrimp will attract their attention. The reds should turn on and chase topwater plugs soon.

It’s been too rough to get out over the past week, but the king mackerel were feeding heavily in the 10-23 mile range last week. They should still be there when the weather calms down.

 

Steve, of Surf City Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are catching a mixed bag of a few whiting, small spot, black drum, and flounder. Shrimp are producing results on the bottom feeders.

Casters are hooking up with bluefish and spanish mackerel on Gotcha plugs and diamond jigs.

 

Robbie, of Jolly Roger Pier, reports that pluggers are getting bites from spanish mackerel and bluefish on Gotchas.

Some chopper blues are falling for live baits on the king rigs and cut baits in the surf.

Anglers baiting bottom rigs with fresh shrimp are catching some whiting and red and black drum.

 

Kevin, of Seaview Pier, reports that anglers are hooking up with a few spanish mackerel and bluefish on Gotcha plugs and diamond jigs.

Chopper blues are taking an interest in live baits on king rigs.

Bottom fishermen have had action lately with whiting and black drum on shrimp.