Topsail March 2007
Chris, at East Coast Sports, reports good yellowfin tuna fishing around the Big Rock when boats can get out there. The fish have been in the 30 lb. class, and they are mostly hitting ballyhoo.
Grouper fishing has been good, with reds holding in the 35-40 mile range. Northern mackerel have been one of the most productive baits.
Anglers are finding a few red drum way back in the creeks, and they’re using Gulp baits to catch them.
Over the next couple of weeks, bonito and gray trout will show up off Topsail. Nearshore bottom structure, like Diver’s Rock, should concentrate the fish. Anglers can troll spoons to hook up with bonito, or cast lures to breaking schools. Jigging a Stingsilver or Maria spoon just off the bottom will produce bites from the gray trout.
Ricky, at Speckled Specialist Fishing Charters, reports trout fishing is off to a solid start. There are good numbers of 3-4 lb. trout holding in the deep holes of creeks off New River, and artificial shrimp in pink or pearl will get plenty of bites from them. The trout will be moving shallower, however, and biting topwater lures in the next couple weeks. These trout will be quality fish, too; late March and April give anglers shots at the largest trout of the year.
Ed, at Surf City Pier, reports that the pier is opening on March 30. There are some whiting around the pier now, and the first whiting caught after the pier opens at 6 AM on March 30 will receive a free season bottom fishing pass.
When the pier opens, expect some croaker in addition to the mullet, and possibly some bluefish.
Frank, at Seaview Pier, reports that sand sharks are the dominant catch off the pier right now. However, whiting will not be far behind the sharks, and some have been caught from the beach already. Bluefish could show up before the end of March if the water warms up into the 60’s. It is also the right time of year for the blow toads (puffers) to make a showing.
The water temperature at the pier is 54 degrees.
Eric, at New River Marina, reports a few trout and red drum biting Gulp Baits in the river. Inshore fishing will only get better as the water warms. The reds will move into the bays and begin running the banks looking for food, and the trout will settle in the deep holes in the river. Good drum lures in the river include spoons, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwaters. The trout will fall for artificial shrimp, jerkbaits, Mirrolures, and topwaters.
Giggers are already finding flounder. When the water temperature comes up a few degrees, the flounder will begin feeding.
Offshore, the sea bass are biting well on structure 5+ miles from the inlet. The grouper are 30 miles out and further.
Gulf Stream trolling has been productive lately, with boats catching blackfin and yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and some unusual early season dolphin. Most boats are pulling ballyhoo with good results.
