Added on Thursday, July 9, 2009  Fish Post

Topsail July 9, 2009

Chris, of East Coast Sports, reports that the dolphin bite is still hot and not terribly far offshore. Anglers have been catching good numbers of ‘phins at spots 7-15 miles off the beaches. Live pogies or dead cigar minnows and ballyhoo will fool the dolphin. Some sailfish and king mackerel are in the same areas, and they should take an interest in the same baits.

Not many reports are coming in from further offshore, since the hot dolphin fishing has kept most boats close in.

The piers have seen a good king mackerel bite over the past week, so the kings have definitely moved inshore. Boaters can slow-troll live baits along the beaches and at nearshore structure to hook up with them.

The spanish bite hasn’t been on fire, but anglers are catching a few large ones mixed in with the kings.

Surf and pier anglers are hooking up with a typical summertime mixed bag, with a decent number of flounder included.

Red drum are still feeding in the surf near Topsail Inlet and at the north end of Lea Island. Anglers can hook them on cut baits, live baits, and gold spoons.

Inshore, anglers are catching good numbers of flounder in the sound. Carolina-rigged live baits are top choices for the flatties, but Gulp baits will also produce action.

Ladyfish are feeding around lighted structure inshore at night. They’ll take a variety of baits and lures like Rapala X-raps. The ladies also make good targets for fly rodders.

 

Eric, of New River Marina, reports that the dolphin and king bite has gotten a lot slower around Christmas and Honeymoon Rocks, but anglers willing to make the run are still finding good action around WR2 and WR4. Live pogies or dead cigar minnows and ballyhoo will all attract attention from the kings and dolphin.

Bottom fishermen are reporting good grouper action 10-30 miles off the inlets. Sardines, northern mackerel, and cut or live baits will attract attention from the groupers.

Decent numbers of cobia have been coming from around the Alphabet Buoys. Live pogies, dead cigar minnows, and artificial eels have all proven effective on the cobes lately.

Nearshore, the spanish mackerel bite is improving compared to the last few weeks, and anglers are hooking good numbers on trolled Clarkspoons and Yo-Zuri Deep Divers.

Inshore, the flounder bite is picking up as well, and anglers are finding action with the flatfish near the inlet and in the creeks off the river and waterway. Small live baits on Carolina rigs will fool the flounders, and anglers can also cast Gulp baits with success.

Black drum and sheepshead are still feeding around the 172 Bridge. Bottom rigs baited with shrimp or fiddler crabs are top choices for these striped crustacean eaters.

The speckled trout and red drum bite has gotten a bit more sporadic, but anglers in the know can still find a few fish willing to bite in the creeks and bays off the river and in the waterway.

 

Jim, of Plan 9 Charters, reports that spots in the 10-15 mile range are still producing good (sometimes great) action with king mackerel and a few dolphin. Trolling dead cigar minnows is the way to go for the kings and ‘phins (most kings are schoolies up to 15 lbs., and most dolphin are 10-15 lb. gaffers).

Lately, the bite has been better a bit away from the crowds fishing the high relief AR’s and rocks, so venturing out in search of some new spots isn’t a bad idea if the usual holes aren’t producing.

 

Vinita, of Surf City Pier, reports that live-baiters had some excellent king mackerel action last week, putting 18 kings on the deck (the largest 28 lbs.), with plenty more bites.

Plug casters are hooking up with a few bluefish and spanish mackerel on Gotchas and diamond jigs.

Spot and a few whiting are falling for shrimp on bottom rigs.

 

Jonathan, of Jolly Roger Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are catching some spot in the daytime and whiting at night. Shrimp are fooling both of the bottom feeders.

Some red and black drum are falling for bottom rigs baited with shrimp and live or cut mullet.

Some flounder are also taking an interest in the live baits.

King fishermen have had a busy week, getting bites from kings, large spanish mackerel, and barracuda, and they’re seeing a few tarpon.

 

Earl, of Seaview Pier, reports that some spot, whiting, and black drum are taking an interest in shrimp-baited bottom rigs.

Spanish mackerel and bluefish are falling for Gotcha plugs and diamond jigs.

Live-baiters caught several king mackerel last week (the largest one 24 lbs.).