Topsail September 27, 2012
Brian Hogge, of Richmond, VA, with an over-slot red drum that bit a topwater plug in the New River near Sneads Ferry while he was fishing with Capt. Allen Jernigan of Breadman Ventures.
Chris, of East Coast Sports, reports that the red drum bite is going strong in New Topsail Inlet, and anglers are hooking the fish from boats and the surf (including a 42” citation released by a surf caster last week). Cut baits and finger mullet are fooling most of the reds.
There are also big numbers of smaller puppy drum feeding in the breakers near the south end and falling for bottom rigs baited with shrimp and bloodworms. Sea mullet, black drum, and some pompano are falling for the same baits up and down the island’s beachfront.
The piers have seen the first few spot runs of the fall, and the tasty panfish should only be getting more numerous as the fall wears on. Shrimp and bloodworms are taking most of the spot.
Spanish mackerel are chasing bait along the beachfront, and anglers are hooking them from the piers on Gotcha plugs and diamond jigs and while trolling Clarkspoons from boats. Some false albacore have been feeding in the same areas and falling for the same lures.
The flounder bite remains good around inshore structure like docks and drop-offs, and both live baits and Gulps will tempt bites from the flatfish.
The flatfish bite has also been solid around the nearshore reefs and rocks.
Some king mackerel are starting to make an appearance nearshore, and boaters reported a good catch around 5 miles out last week. Live baits and dead cigar minnows will both tempt bites from the kings.
Boats running further offshore are reporting some solid red grouper fishing around structure in 100’+ of water, where live, dead, and cut baits along with vertical jigs will produce results.
The wahoo bite remains excellent at local Gulf Stream hotspots like the Same Ol’ Hole. Ballyhoo and skirted trolling lures are producing results on the ‘hoos.
Daniel, of Flat Foot Fishing Charters, reports that anglers are still connecting with plenty of red drum in the marshes and creeks between Surf City and Figure Eight. Live baits are producing much of the action, but anglers are also catching plenty of fish on Gulp baits under popping corks.
Flounder are still feeding around inshore structure and taking a shine to live finger mullet, peanut menhaden, and Gulp baits.
The speckled trout bite gets better by the week around structure adjacent to deeper water and current. Topwater plugs and live shrimp are both producing results on the specks.
Derek King, of Sanford, NC, with his first sheepshead, a citation 8.5 lb. fish that bit a live fiddler crab at the 172 Bridge.
Allen, of Breadman Ventures, reports that anglers are still catching solid numbers of slot red drum in the marshes and bays off the New River and ICW near Sneads Ferry. Many of the upper and over-slot fish have moved out the surf zone, where they’re feeding on the inlet shoals and along the beachfront. Topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live baits are all solid choices for the reds when anglers locate the fish.
The speckled trout bite is turning on for the fall, and the fish are feeding in the creeks and around structure in the New River and ICW. Live shrimp are tough to beat for the specks, but anglers can also hook up on soft plastics, topwaters, and a variety of other offerings.
Flounder fishing remains strong inshore around drop-offs, structure, and in the marshes. Live baits and scented soft plastics are the way to go for the flatfish.
Richard, of Seaview Pier, reports that anglers are starting to see some decent numbers of spot coming over the rails. Some pompano, black drum, and sublegal red drum are mixed in, and all are falling for shrimp and bloodworms on bottom rigs.
Flounder and a few over-slot red drum are falling for small live baits under the pier.
Plug casters are hooking some spanish mackerel, bluefish, and a few false albacore on Gotchas and diamond jigs.
Bob, of Surf City Pier, reports that anglers are hooking some spot, sea mullet, black drum, pompano, and other bottom feeders on rigs baited with shrimp and bloodworms.
Spanish mackerel and bluefish are taking an interest in diamond jigs and Gotcha plugs.
Live-baiters hooked several king mackerel from the end of the pier last week.
Cindy, of Jolly Roger Pier, reports that anglers are hooking plenty of spanish mackerel and bluefish while working Gotcha plugs from the planks.
Some large pompano are falling for shrimp and sand fleas on bottom rigs.
