Topsail June 29, 2006
Chris, at East Coast Sports, reports that the piers are seeing a mixed bag of bottom fish, such as spots, mullets, pompano, reds, blues, and a few flounder.
The surf from New River Inlet to Surf City has had catches of big reds (29-40”). Surf City to New Topsail Inlet has mostly been seeing a few mullets and pompano. And reds and ladyfish are around Lee Island.
Inside, the ladyfish are all over the place. One of the best places is Marker 98 on an outgoing tide at dusk. Get there and then fish through the night. There also continues to be a good redfish bite inside.
King fishing off the beach out to 20 miles is slowing down a little with the heat. Try fishing deep for some big dolphin.
Jimmy, at Bad Attitude Charters, reports the fishing has still been relatively slow since all the rain. Bait has been scattered at best, but there have been some around the E buoy.
A run of 25 miles was needed to find bottomfish this week, with the water still dirty out to 18 to 20 miles.
Kings should bite well once some cleaner water hits the 7 to 8 mile spots, and the dolphin will be right with them in the warmer water temperatures.
Ricky, at Speckled Specialist Charters, reports the redfish continue to bite most any artificial depending on conditions. The reds have been hanging out in the surf and in the river, with the fish on the beach going 28 to 32 inch.
The bluefish in the 4 to 5 pound range are hitting artificials in the inlet as well.
Flounder are biting live baits dropped down on the nearshore ledges. Those looking for a monster fish should try some shark fishing along any of the beaches with sightings of hammerheads, threshers, and blacktips.
Terry, at Surf City Pier, reports the spot bite is on and off, with most fish coming on shrimp and artificial bloodworms.
Around the pilings, sheepshead up to 5.5 pounds are biting sand fleas.
Flounder are eating live shrimp and mud minnows, and trout are being caught on live shrimp.
Bluefish are biting plugs.
The water temperature is 76 degrees.
Greg, at Sea View Pier, reports good bottom fishing, with whiting and spot eating artificial bloodworms. The trout are biting well on dead shrimp.
No one has been casting plugs.
No king mackerel were caught this week, but live baiters caught a spanish mackerel up to 6 pounds and a 12.5 pound bluefish.
Eric, at New River Marina, reports good catches of flounder inshore on live baits. The river has been good for a few speckled trout, and plenty of redfish are being caught on live bait and artificials.
Black drum and sheepshead are hitting crabs and clams at the bridges.
Spots and croakers are hitting in the channels, and a few tripletail have been sighted up river.
