Topsail July 29, 2004
Chris, of East Coast Sports, reports that the surf has had catches of mullet and reds. They also recorded a catch of a jack crevalle. New River Inlet seems to be hot on reds and a couple of big amberjacks. Inside, the waterway and inlet area has had numerous catches of large sheepshead. Also target the bridge for sheepshead, and have a straight hoe for scraping pilings for chum.
The nearshore area fishing remains the same from last week. Expect to find tons of undersized kings. You may want to try 23 Mile Rock to find bigger kings.
Frank, at Seaview Fishing Pier, reports that tarpon are again swimming amongst the baits, but the two fish that hooked up eventually threw the hooks. The same happened with a king and a jack. Small kings are mixed in with the spanish. They’re hitting the king rigs and plugs. There are plenty of glass minnows around the pier attracting both species of mackerel. The flounder are biting in the 2 to 3 lb. range, and red drum are being caught at night. Some are running over the slot size of 18 to 27 inches.
Eric, at New River Marina, reports that big red drum over 30 inches are being caught around the inlet on cut baits and shrimp. The reds prefer the incoming tide. Kings and dolphin are as close as 10 to 12 miles, and they are taking live baits. Spanish mackerel are just off the beach and are being caught trolling. The high rise bridge is producing black drum on shrimp and sheepshead on crabs. The flounder bite has been slow with only smaller fish being caught this week.
