Topsail September 28, 2006
Chris, at East Coast Sports, reports that the spots have hit the piers, but the bite is inconsistent. They are being caught in small runs at all three piers on the island. There have also been a few red and black drum caught, as well as some flounder, trout, and blues.
In the surf, redfish and pompano are the main action. They are both up and down the entire island.. Surf anglers are also picking up some spots and mullets.
Inside, the action is a mix of redfish and flounder. The action on both species has been steadily improving recently.
The nearshore waters have seen some kings caught. However, none of the kings have been very big, and the numbers haven’t been impressive either.
No reports from offshore.
Eric, at New River Marina, reports that fall fishing is officially starting. The two signs are that the water temperatures have fallen below 80 degrees and the spots are showing up in the channels near Sneads Ferry.
The New River is holding redfish and a few speckled trout. The waterway has also been good for reds, trout, and flounder.
Plenty of shrimp and mullet are along the grass lines for live bait, or the best artificials have been Gulp shrimp, topwaters, and spinner baits.
Along the beach there have been good catches of spanish mackerel and the occasional king mackerel.
Ricky, at Speckled Specialist Charters, reports the speckled trout have been chewing well with the weather and water temperatures cooling. Live shrimp in creeks near the inlets and bridges have been working the best. Double digit days are now common.
Redfish are hitting topwaters in the river, both in-the-slot and undersized reds.
Flounder are hitting live baits near the inlets and in the waterway.
Deedee, at Surf City Pier, reports a good spot bite on both shrimp and artificial bloodworms. A 6.75 lb. sheepshead was also caught on a spot rig and bloodworm this week.
Some 3-5 lb. flounder are biting live mud minnows and finger mullet, but the bite is not very consistent.
A few big red drum (over-the-slot limit) have been caught and released on finger mullet.
Small bluefish are providing some action for plug casters.
Bill, at Sea View Pier, reports that the spot bite is getting better. Shrimp and bloodworms are drawing bites from the spots (and some whiting). Pompano and black drum (up to 5 lbs.) are also falling for the bloodworms.
Gotcha plugs are producing bluefish.
No kings have been caught recently.
