Topsail September 14, 2006
Chris, at East Coast Sports, reports that the piers are starting to see some spots, but the runs aren’t consistent. The same is true for the mullets. Otherwise, pier anglers are picking up a few flounder, croakers, trout, bluefish, and spanish.
The surf fishing on the northern part of the island has been producing pompano. The southern part of the island, as well as Lee Island, has been hot for redfish.
The redfishing has also been strong on the inside. They’re all over the flats.
And the flounder have recently made a strong showing in the waterway in spite of all the fresh water.
Ricky, at Speckled Specialist Charters, reports that speckled trout are biting in good numbers in the Sneads Ferry area in both the New River and the waterway. Double digit days are common, with fish ranging up to 3 pounds. Live bait has been the trick to the good numbers—both finger mullet and shrimp.
A couple flounder (averaging 19 inches) are also around. Try using live bait this week.
Tyler, at New River Marina, reports that offshore trolling has been very slow lately. This is probably due to the dirty water. However, after the storm the grouper fishing has been excellent for blacks, reds, and gags. The action has been starting around 30 miles out.
Redfishing continues to be good in the New River and the waterway using artificials and finger mullet.
Speckled trout are still around the bridges, river, and waterway. They’re eating the shrimp washing out of the river.
Ed, at Surf City Pier, reports that the first good run of spots took place this past week. It may be another week or two before they are running consistently, however. Artificial bloodworms have been the best bait so far, but shrimp are working too.
Also eating the shrimp are croakers, spadefish (up to 4 lbs.), trout, and whiting.
A few flounder (up to 3 lbs.) have been caught on Carolina-rigged finger mullet.
Spanish mackerel are hitting diamond jigs/gold hook rigs, though the largest are coming on small live baits on slide rigs.
A 25 lb. king was caught this week.
The water temperature is 80 degrees.
Willy, at Sea View Pier, reports that the spots are hitting artificial bloodworms on the bottom.
Shrimp on the bottom has been producing hand-sized pompano.
Black drum (averaging 5 lbs.) and a few red drum have been biting a variety of baits, including shrimp, sand fleas, and cut baits.
Legal flounder are around, but they have been mostly feeding only at first light.
Bluefish are abundant and biting cut bait and Gotcha plugs.
And diamond jigs/gold hook rigs are accounting for good numbers of spanish mackerel.
