Topsail October 23, 2008
Capt. Tommy Lewis with an over-the-slot red drum caught and released at John's Creek using live bait.
Chris, of East Coast Sports, reports that anglers are beginning to see decent action with the spot, and last weekend’s northeast winds should get the bite cranked up even further. Bloodworms and artificial bloodworms on bottom rigs will prove nearly irresistible to the spot.
Surf fishermen are catching good numbers of whiting and black drum on shrimp along with the spot. Red drum are also joining the surf catch along Topsail, and they are plentiful around the north end of Lea Island.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish are feeding just offshore, and anglers are hooking them while casting lures from the piers and trolling Clarkspoons from boats.
Some large spanish and gray trout are feeding at nearshore structure, and they are vulnerable to diamond jigs and other metal lures.
Anglers are catching king mackerel from the piers all the way out to offshore spots, with an especially solid bite around the E Buoy lately. Live baits like menhaden and bluefish are top choices for the kings.
Inshore, anglers are catching good numbers of speckled trout and flounder in the sound, the creeks, and the marshes. Gulp baits are fooling both.
Brandon White (age 10) and his father Don, of Surf City, with Brandon's first king weighing in at 17.5 lbs. and caught using live bait on a king rig.
Eric, of New River Marina, reports that spot are making a strong showing in the ICW, with a few whiting mixed in. Natural and artificial bloodworms are fooling the spot.
Flounder are still feeding off the ICW and New River, with good action around the 172 Bridge. Carolina-rigged live baits are the top flounder producers.
Red drum are feeding in the marshes, creeks, and along the shorelines of the ICW and river. Gulp baits, topwater plugs, spinnerbaits, and live baits will all get attention from the reds.
Gray trout are feeding at ledges and rocks just off the beaches in 20-40′ of water. Vertically worked diamond jigs and Stingsilvers are producing action with the grays.
Spanish mackerel are chasing bait in the same areas, and trolled Clarkspoons are fooling them.
Kings are feeding all along the beaches, with most successful anglers slow-trolling live baits to get in on the action.
The grouper bite is still steady, and the best action is around bottom structure 15-30 miles off the beaches. Anglers are catching gags at the nearshore end of that range, and red grouper further offshore. Live baits, cigar minnows, spanish sardines, and other baits will tempt bites from the groupers.
Brothers Randy and Daniel McKinley, of Hilltop Grocery in Hampstead, with a pair of 28 lb. fireback groupers caught on live baits 60 miles off Topsail aboard the "Lena Mac."
Vinita, of Surf City Pier, reports that the spot runs have been hit and miss over the past week, with some days producing excellent action. Natural and artificial bloodworms are the top spot baits.
The spanish mackerel bite is still strong, and anglers are primarily hooking the fish on diamond jigs and gold hook rigs.
Live baiters landed double digit numbers of king mackerel last week (the largest 39 lbs.), with one angler taking home a three fish limit.
Jonathan, of Jolly Roger Pier, reports that bottom fishermen are landing good numbers of spot on bloodworms and fresh shrimp. Some big whiting are biting at night as well.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish are falling for Gotcha plugs.
Several king mackerel were decked last week on live baits.
Earl, of Seaview Pier, reports that the pier has seen some good spot runs for anglers bottom fishing with bloodworms. Black drum are falling for shrimp on bottom rigs.
Plug casters are hooking up with bluefish and spanish mackerel on Gotcha plugs.
Several kings (including one weighing 42 lbs.) were landed last week as well.
