Topsail – March 22, 2018
Chris, of East Coast Sports, reports that red drum are biting as strong as ever inshore, especially around oyster beds, and Gulp shrimp have been doing an excellent job of attracting them. Anglers may also come across some black drum while fishing inshore creeks.
Halo shrimp under popping corks are doing well for speckled trout. Pink color schemes have been especially successful, so keep that in mind no matter what lure you choose.
Surf anglers are finding a decent black and puppy drum bite when fishing near area inlets, though not a lot of any other species are being landed.
Offshore, a few wahoo and blackfin have been reported, and bottom fishing has been decent for sea bass, which are mostly being pulled in with squid.
As the water warms, expect to see some false albacore and sea mullet begin to move through the area. Water temperature will also be the key to a great bluefish bite off the beach.
Mike, of Native Son, reports that the name of the game this year is cold fronts and their timing. The water temperature has been rising and then falling again, which makes fishing hard, especially for trout. As the water begins to warm up again, the bite should start to get better.
Fresh trout will also start to push in as the bait begins to show up in the coming weeks. On days when you can find the fish, lighter soft plastics will keep you out of the “snot” grass and will produce bites when fished slow. MirrOlure MR17s work great as well. If the current is a little stronger, fish an MR18 for the faster sink rate.
While the trout have been sparse, red drum are biting strong. Visibility is amazing this time of year, so cruising the creeks with a trolling motor can help find the schools. If the fish are spooking easily, use cut bait or crabs to get their attention.
Bonito are just around the corner. Usually at the end of March and beginning of April they’ll begin to appear just off the beach.
Chadwick, of South End Anglers, reports that reds are being caught around docks, near oyster beds, and in inland creeks. Both live and cut baits are working (if you’re using shrimp, get the freshest possible), as well as Fathom inshore jigs, which may also net a trout or two. MirrOlures and Z-Man Trout Tricks are producing on the specks, too.
Black drum can be found in marinas and canals, as well as around submerged rocks and oyster beds.
Nearshore anglers are finding plenty of sea bass on the bottom using metal jigs and squid baits on chicken rigs.
Wes and Caleb Brown, from Mt. Airy, NC, with a pair of upper-slot red drum caught while fishing with Capt. Chadwick Crawford of South End Anglers.
Ray, of Spring Tide Guide Service, reports that the speckled trout bite has been on fire both in the New River and around Topsail. Plenty of citation specks are being caught, with 20-30 fish days being more common than you would think. The best place to find the trout is in deeper creeks, as it increases the chance you’ll find fish that didn’t get caught in the freeze.
For lures, Saltwater Assassins have been working, especially in the pink and yellow “Butt Naked” color. X-Rap 8s and 10s have also been working, as have gold spoons.
Days of 20-30 fish have also been possible when targeting red drum, which are hanging around in similar areas. If you can get out of the wind, expect to find plenty of reds around area inlets. Cut shrimp has been producing, which may pick up a black drum or two as well. Sticking the cut shrimp on Blue Water Candy jig heads has proven successful.
Marc, of Bad Habit Sportfishing, reports that fishing has been difficult due to the strong winds that have been blowing through the area. If you can make it out to the Gulf Stream, though, expect to find a decent wahoo bite, with fish anywhere from 20-60 lbs. attacking trolled ballyhoo with lures in front. Anything metallic and shiny will work, though Yo-Zuri Magnum divers and Marauder lures are getting the most fish. Blackfins are biting smaller ballyhoo.
On the bottom, sea bass have been consistent between 50-70’ out to the break. You can catch them on cut squid, though jigs like the Stingsilver will provide a more sporting experience. Cut squid and sardines will attract plenty of snapper.
Triggerfish and grunts can be found in the 70-120’ range. Grouper are biting, which is a good sign that the upcoming season will start strong.
Come the first of April, things are really going to start looking great all around. Spanish and bonito will start trickling closer to shore, while mahi and sailfish are going to be the big hitters a little farther out.
Jim, of Plan 9 Charters, reports that when a trip can be made outside, you’ll find sheepshead and tautog on the nearshore reefs. Fiddler crabs are pulling in the most fish. On the bottom, you can also find quality sea bass in 75’+ of water. They’re falling for both jigs and cut bait.
Jeff Grainger with a couple of 3 lb. whiting that fell for live shrimp off the Jolly Roger Pier at 4:00 a.m. on the incoming tide.
Justin, of Seaview Fishing Pier, reports that nothing more than dogfish and stingrays are being pulled in.
Vinita, of Surf City Pier, reports that stingrays and a handful of blowfish are being caught. The pier has only been open since March 16, so there hasn’t been much time for the action to really start happening.
Warmer waters, though, should bring in Virginia mullet soon, and the first angler to pull in a mullet will win a season pass to the pier.
Brandy, of Jolly Roger Pier, reports that skates and a few dogfish have been caught over the past few weeks. When the water temperature rises a few more degrees, expect to see mullet and bluefish start to move in.
