Topsail October 14, 2004
Doug, at East Coast Sports, reports that the piers have seen strong fishing action. The spot run is just beginning, as evident from the few yellow bellies mixed in without any of the heavy yellow bellies. There have also been a few blues caught, but nothing great. All of the piers, however, recorded multiple king catches, some in the double digits. Surf City Pier had a 49 lb. king caught one day, only to have Seaview Pier record a 50 lb. king the next day.
In the surf, large pompano has been the strongest bite, with several citation-sized fish weighed in and one pompano weighing 4 pounds. Surf anglers are also catching sea mullet, and you can find red drum at either inlet. Inshore, the flounder bite has been strong. There is also a good red drum bite in the backwaters.
Offshore, the main action is king fishing, with many kings caught over the past week. Two areas that have constantly produced are the Sea Vista Rocks and AR-355. The juveniles have disappeared, so expect to find most kings to weigh in the high teens to the low 20s.
Frank, at Seaview Pier, reports that the spots are running and the pier is busy. Angler Doc Proctor landed a smoker of a king. It weighed in at 50.5 lbs. Flounder, red drum, pompano, spanish, and bluefish are also being put on the deck.
Capt. Ricky Kellum, of Speckled Specialists Charters, reports very good gray trout trips with fish running up to 20 inches so far. Flounder are being caught around bridges, and the spanish are still doing fairly well also. The speckled trout bite is getting better, and it should continue to improve as it cools down.
Eric, at New River Marina, reports speckled trout from 2 to 3 lbs. moving out of the river. Flounder, spots, and gray trout are the area’s main catch, while big red drum are hanging out just outside the inlets. Big sheepshead are coming off the bridge, with many fish running 10 to 15 lbs.
