Daily Bible Verse

May 31, 2008

No Fish for You!

Hello from Surf City! I didn't fish today. Migraine. I heard from fishing bud Ben, he and his family caught some black drum at the old Burned Bridge. You locals know where that is. I heard today that there were a couple of nice 3 lbs. plus flounder caught in Banks Channel early this morning. Both were caught on live shrimp. Don't know how the NCFPS fishing tournament went today. I will post a report when I get it. Headache is a bit better right now. Hopefully I will be back out soon.


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

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May 30, 2008

Dolphin Carolina Beach


Hello from Surf City! I fished the 30 mile range today on the LUCKY STRIKE had multiple hook

ups on dolphin. Really nice day out calm winds and sun shine had a great bunch of young men to fish with.

LOOKOUT CHARTERS



Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

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Mullet, Spots, and Blues

Hello from Surf City! Donna and I went to the surf today and were joined by friend Ben from Alamance County, NC. I didn't catch much, only a sea mullet, and a spot. Ben caught a couple of nice bluefish, and a couple of big sea mullets. And Donna, my sweet wife, out fished us again, landing 12 nice sea mullets. They were GOOD! We went to Batt's Grill and had them fry our fish for us. It's a pretty good deal, for only about five bucks, they well fry my dressed fish, and furnish two sides and tea. Donna had shrimp, which as usual were falling off the plate. I can't get sleepy tonight, so I probably won't get up early to fish in the morning. But hopefully, I can get out before it gets too late in the day. Shrimp was the bait for today. I found sand fleas, but the fish didn't want them today. I am hearing that blues and spanish are still biting from the piers, and now it seems the bite is on in the surf. I haven't heard from fishin' bud Jim lately, so I haven't heard anything about fishing on the inside. I am hearing that flounder are biting behind Lee Island, and behind Figure 8 Island. The surf was full of bait fish (glass minnows) today, we are seeing them more and more. In a week or so, the finger mullets should be there. The pelicans and gulls were getting their fill of bait today, and we saw something interesting that none of us have seen before. Read this carefully. A large pelican dives into the water, gets his catch and sits there on the water to swallow his prize. This sea gull landed on the pelican's back, EVERY TIME THE PELICAN WAS ON THE WATER! The situation was very humerous, and we were speculating the reason the gull was so interested in the pelican. We decided that maybe it was the gull had a mad crush on the pelican, and had love in mind. Or maybe the gull was just hungry, but we never saw the gull eating anything. Watching the pair kept us occupied until we would get a bite. Oh well, enough wondering. Writing this has put me to sleep. I hope it didn't put you to sleep as well!


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

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May 28, 2008

Topsail ends free waterway access at town marina!

Hello from Surf City! Below is an article form The Star News, Wilmington, NC.

[quote]
Topsail Beach | Town officials on Tuesday night rescinded their decision to keep the town's waterway access free and open to the public.

Parking and traffic concerns at the unmanned marina prompted the board to vote to put the town manager in charge of running the marina.

Residents had been complaining about the noise, traffic, parking, littering and boisterous activity taking place at the marina, said Mayor Howard Braxton. There also were complaints about leased boat slips being unmonitored, he said.

"There was a lot of concern by some residents about the need for some type of regulation at the marina," Braxton said. "The marina was wide open with no regulation, so our decision was based on us wanting the town to get back control over the marina."

The manager will be responsible for establishing a fee schedule for the waterway access and deciding whether to hire employees to collect the fees and help monitor traffic and parking at the site, Braxton said.

"We're putting everything in the manager's hand, and we're confident he'll do a good job," Braxton said.

The board purchased the marina in 2006 after a long legal battle with the previous owner. The commissioners decided the town needed a free place for residents to put their boats in the water.

The board has changed its mind over the past year on how to run the town's marina.

In March, the board voted to eliminate boat fees at the marina after it decided not to partner with a private business to run its public boat ramp. Previously, daily, weekly and yearly rates were set for boat ramp fees. For example, the daily rate was $10.

Last year, the town made $11,020 on boat ramp and slip rental fees after paying the salaries of two part-time employees who helped maneuver boat traffic and collect boat ramp fees from April through November.

Before deciding to get rid of the fees, the board tossed around the idea of leasing the marina's building to private individuals who might have been interested in renting part of the building for a small business and running the town's marina.

Town manager Steve Foster said he will develop an organization plan on how to run the marina by the end of the week.

Tyra M. Vaughn: 343-2070

tyra.vaughn@starnewsonline.com
[end quote]

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

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Carolina Beach Fishing


Hello from Surf City! Good morning! I have been fishing almost everyday if I am not inshore fishing, I am offshore fishing on the LUCKY STRIKE this past weekend the weather was not very favorable,but we had cleints from up North that had only one day to get in a offshore fishing trip. I worked my way out to a 100' of water straight off Carolina Beach,found some nice black groupers, beeliners,gray snappers,black seabass.
Capt.Mike Dennis

LOOKOUT CHARTERS
Cape Fear Guide



Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

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May 27, 2008

Fish On!

Hello from Surf City! Fish On! Thats what we are hearing on all the piers on Topsail Island. Kings, spanish, and big chopper blues are being caught everywhere! So many spanish were caught at Surf City Pier today that anglers were giving them away! The pier house almost sold out of gotcha plugs. Flounder, Spots, Black Drum, Jack Crevalles, Pompano, some Mullets and Pinfish are also biting everywhere. Seaview Fishing Pier anglers caught three cobia right in the surf! Gas up the fishing buggy, buy that train or buss ticket, stick up your thumb on I-40 East and catch a ride to the beach! Just get here! The bite is on! Go to Surf City Pier website and check out the pictures!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

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May 26, 2008

Memorial Day: God Bless our TROOPS!


Hello from Surf City! Let me take just a moment to thank our troops, and their loved ones. A tour or duty can be traumatic not only to the troops, but also to the family left behind. As we Pray for, and support our fighting men and women, let us not forget to Pray for the families as well.

Fishing is picking up along Topsail Island's 26 miles of beaches. All the piers are producing king mackerel, spanish mackerel, big blues, black drum, red drum, flounder, sea mullet, spot, pompano, and of course sharks.
Anglers in the surf are also starting catch a good number of fish. Sea mullet, spot, croaker, flounder, black drum, red drum, and the occasional sea trout are being pulled in by anglers in the surf. Another thing about surf fishing, is the availability of bait. You can find sand fleas right there where you are fishing. You could also catch finger mullet (red drum, flounder, and sharks love these little swimmers). To an angler looking for a fish dinner, the two to three pound sharks we catch, can be a real nuisance. But for anglers looking for a good fight, these sharks, or dogfish as they are sometimes called, can be a real winner! These fish fight to the finish, and don't quit. The bait that works best for me, is cut mullet, or cut fresh catch. Just remember, If you catch some game fish, it will be illegal to cut these fish up on the beach, as a "full carcass" must be available for the game warden to inspect. What I use if possible is jumping mullet, aka striped mullet. Keep in mind that most piers don't allow anglers to specifically target sharks, so be mindful of pier rules.

As the fishing picks up on the coast, droves of anglers hit the area fishing piers for a fun day of fishing. As the crowds on the pier increase in size, fishing can be turned into a stressful day, instead of a relaxing vacation. Pier anglers should adhere to a few rules to make sure your day is relaxing and fun. Probably the most important rule is the most easy rule to follow. Each angler should always throw our their line and bait in the direction of the pier planks, even if the pier has a section that runs at an angle, instead of horizontal to the shoreline. Another stressing situation would be when an angler catches a fish, someone will run up to where they are fishing and cast out to the same place, hoping to catch a fish also. I have even seen someone move into the exact space the fish was caught while the catching angler moves over to unhook the fish and drop it into the cooler. This can start arguments that can quickly ruin your vacation. Never run on the pier. This accounts for many injuries on piers, and not only puts yourself in danger, but also the other folks that are fishing from the pier. Anglers, always check behind you, before your start your cast. I have seen ears, arms, and even noses hooked by a careless angler that doesn't check behind before they cast.
Following these simple rules can insure that you have a restful, and non stressing day on the pier. Just remember the "Golden Rule." "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you."



Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

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Fishin Topsail's Seafood Recipes

May 24, 2008

Cape Fear River - Flounder


Hello from Surf City! Capt.Mike Dennis found the fish this afternoon a 8lb.+ flounder, a 6 1/2 lb. flounder & a red fish ! complete report to come tomorrow.

Mike Dennis






Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

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Fishin Topsail's Seafood Recipes

Kings

Hello from Surf City! Seaview pier is reporting kings caught on the end of the pier, both Thursday and Friday. It's a little early, I think. Looks like it may be another good year. All you pier jockys get your gear ready. It's time!



Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

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Fishin Topsail's Seafood Recipes

May 21, 2008

North Carolina Fishing Pier Society Fishing Tournament at Surf City Pier

Hello from Surf City! Thanks to our friends from the North Carolina Fishing Pier Society for sponsoring this tournament. It will be loads of fun, and you may win a prize. Makek plans to be there.

[quote from email from Al at NCFPS.com]
Hey everyone some of the people at NC Angler, Surf City Pier and
NCFPS are teaming up for a meet and greet at the Surf City Pier on
May 31st. Here are the details:

2008 Bucket Brigade Open

11am-4pm at Surf City Pier on May 31st

Open to all

Required – Pier Fee

Optional - $1.00 donation to the North Carolina Public Access
Foundation

Prizes

One category will be fish caught with a Gotcha plug the reason is Sea
Striker donated shirts and hats at last year's tour that I want to
give out in the spirit that they donated them.

A second category will be fish caught any other way. If there is more
than one prize in the category whoever has the biggest fish gets the
choice and then so on and so on.

Sharks, Skates, Rays and 4" Croakers are not allowed - I hate 4"
Croakers.

Trophies for the 3 biggest fish caught will be Buckets that are
autographed by all participants

Garbage Fish Prize for the first one to bring up 3 from the list
below:

Skate
Stingray
Oyster Toad
Lizardfish
Dogfish
Sea Robin
Blowtoad

In addition there will be an under 16 prize awarded to the biggest
fish caught by someone that is under that age.

Other prizes if available may be awarded by drawing or some other
format.

If we get a Grand Prize it will be for the biggest fish overall but
you can only win one prize so if it is in another category the peeps
in the group move up.

If no one objects I will act as judge and recorder unless my wife
makes it and then she can do the recording I will not be in the event
but unless all of you keep me busy measuring fish I might catch one
that will give me bragging rights. Which is more worthwhile then
actually winning. [end quote]


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna


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Fishin Topsail's Seafood Recipes

More on Youpon Pier


Yaupon Fishing Pier

Yaupon Pier closed and boarded up.

Yaupon Pier For Sale




Hello from Surf City! I received an update from Al at North Carolina Pier Fishing. As you may know, Al is working to increase public knowledge about our disappearing fishing piers in North Carolina. The town of Oak Island has been interested in purchasing the pier to keep it from being torn down and replaced with condos, but has had trouble finding funding for the purchase. The state has now stepped in and promised a grant to Oak Island to help with the purchase. Read the whole story on Al's site. Click on the link below.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NorthCarolinaPierFishing/message/1262



Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna


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Ready for a great day fishing on the water? Check out our Charter Boat page.
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Fishin Topsail's Seafood Recipes

May 19, 2008

Cape Fear-Guide Flounder Fishing


I fished this afternoon for flounder,managed to catch some live menhaden,and caught some flounder till the Bluefish moved in and stopped the flounder bite. Cape Fear Guide -Capt.Mike Dennis

Hello from Surf City!



Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna


Outdoorsman Fishing Patches - Catch and Release



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May 18, 2008

Spanish, Blues, Sharks, Fishing Report by Capt. Brent and Current Adventure Charters

Hello from Surf City!

On Saturday, May 17, I had the pleasure of having Gregg Boots and his family aboard for a day of fishing. Dispite slow conditions due to a passing weather front, we managed to have a good day of fishing.

We started off the morning trolling along the beach for Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, while waiting for the ocean to lay down so that we could venture a little further offshore to target some King Mackerel. It didn't take long for us to find a school of fish and get the rods to bending. We put out a spread of clark spoons, maria jigs and the old faithful Spanish straws. Two lines were fished on the top of the water column and two were fished down with the help of a #1 planner. All lines produced fish, but the deeper lines seemed to be most productive.

Around 10:00, the ocean starting to calm down and we eased our way out to the Dallas Rock area. Once on scene, we pulled in the hardware and started to slow troll dead cigar minows. It didn't take long for a strike and Greg's son Alex was soon doing battle with 3-1/2' Atlantic Sharpnose shark. This was Alex's first time saltwater fishing and the expressions on his face were priceless when he realized that he was hooked up with a shark!! Seeing the look on his face reminded me of why i enjoy this job so much.

We ended up the day trolling back close to the beach catching more Spanish and Bluefish. A great time was had by all and I am looking forward to having the Boots family on board again in the future.

Capt. Brent

Our thanks to Capt. Brent for this post. Give Capt. Brent a call, and book your trip before all the good days are gone. Here is the website. Current Adventure Charters



Outdoorsman Fishing Patches - Catch and Release



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May 14, 2008

BIG BLUES IN THE SURF!

Hello from Surf City! Donna and I walked out to the beach today. We saw a huge blue caught on a carolina rig and cut bait. I think it was at least five pounds, maybe six. I have been hearing about the large "chopper" blues for weeks now. Mostly from the island's three piers. This one put up a good fight. I hope to get out there soon. I am recuperating from oral surgery, so I can't be out in the wind until my mouth heals. Surf City Pier is reporting lots of blues and some spanish on gotcha plugs. Check out their website for pictures. Sea View Pier reports some really big Hatteras chopper blues caught by the king anglers at the end of the pier, along with some nice spanish on gotchas. Likewise for Jolly Roger Pier in Topsail Beach. All piers are catching blues during the day, and black drum and mullets at night. Fishing is picking up. Come on down and gettum!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna


Outdoorsman Fishing Patches - Catch and Release



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85208

May 8, 2008

Surf City Pier Report

Hello from Surf City! Spanish! Blues! Sea Mullet! Take your pick. All these were biting today at Surf City Ocean Pier. Spanish and blues on gotcha plugs, Blues on gotchas and bottom rigs, and Sea mullets on shrimp. I also had a report of a couple of those spotted pinfish being caught on the pier. Shhhh! You know what I am talking about. I heard that Yogi, (I am sure all of you know Yogi!) caught a nice spotted pinfish this week, but I can't tell you where he caught it. Yogi says if he tells me where, he'll have to kill me. Don't want that! But I will tell you where I catch most of my spotted pinfish......... IN THE MOUTH!!!!

Sorry.


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna


Outdoorsman Fishing Patches - Catch and Release



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Fishin'Topsail's Seafood Recipes

May 5, 2008

SPANISH !!!!! & New Trout Rod, Thanks Bill

Hello from Surf City! Spanish mackerel was caught from Surf City Pier yesterday. There was one bite in the morning and another run late afternoon. Big Chopper blues are coming up on gotcha plugs, as well as bottom rigs. Heard of a huge blue (don't know the exact size) caught right in the suds. The sea mullet are still biting well at night, dusk, and dawn. And the surf bite is improving fast. Water temps are in the middle 60's, and should be improving quickly. Speckled trout are biting live shrimp (when you can find them) on the inside. They have moved into the IC waterway and are moving near the inlets. Red's are biting well, on grass lines and docks on the falling tide. I got a new trout rod today from Bill, (works and fishes at Surf City Pier) Bill makes some fantastic rods, (custom per your wishes) so get up with him and tell him what you want.


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna


Outdoorsman Fishing Patches - Catch and Release



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Sea Mullet and Sharks

Hello from Surf City! Caught one keeper mullet and several 2 to 3 lb dogfish sharks in the surf this evening. I was on the beach just over an hour. Still no sand fleas in my area.



Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna


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Browning Fishing Combo Caddy


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May 4, 2008

Hammerhead Shark in the Surf


Hello from Surf City! This picture is from blog reader Jim Mushett. Jim caught this small hammerhead in the surf in North Topsail Beach. He also caught sand sharks and a blacktip. The next day, Jim caught a mess of blues and whiting at the same spot in the surf. Thanks to Jim for sending the picture.



Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna


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May 3, 2008

Friday and Saturday Morning Surf Fishing

Hello from Surf City! I had a few hours free last evening so I grabbed a surf rod, threw a handfull of bait in my bucket/beachchair and headed to the beach. The weather was wonderful, with mild temps and a light breeze. I fished the last hour of the incoming tide, and the first hour of the outgoing tide. I only caught one fish, a beautiful sea mullet (whiting) that weighed probably a pound and a half. I cleaned the beast on the beach, and whin I got home, all I had to do was rinse it off while my pan was getting hot. Fried some red potatoes and sweet corn, and sliced tomatoes. MMMMM Good!

Saturday morning, well late morning, about an hour before noon, I went back out with Donna and fished a couple of hours with no luck. We saw a jelly washed onto the beach and it was still alive. First time ever for that. I picked it up and flung it as far into the sea as I could, knowing that it would probably wash back. We didn't think it would have washed up if it hadn't been ill in some way. I still am not seeing any bait fish schools in the surf. With a look back in my fishing notes, which aren't very reliable, I see that I had netted finger mullet in the surf the first week in May of last year. Another thing that is bothering me is the lack of sand fleas, (mole crabs) I don't know it they are scarce this year because of the beach renourishment that is going on or I just haven't found them yet. But all my favorite spots are barren this year. The only place I have found them, is just a bit south of Surf City Pier.

Seaview Pier reports that they have "Blues, Blues and more Blues. They are starting to get bigger and were biting off and on all day long. They are biting on Gotcha plugs and occasionally on diamond jigs. Some Sharks and Rays are also being caught. Spanish Mackerel should not be too far behind." The above quote is from SeaView Pier's website. www.seaviewfishingpier.com

Surf City Pier reports some blues during the day, along with a few sea mullets. Lots of sea mullets at night.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

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