Topsail Island, A Short History


Local folklore claims the name, Topsail (pronounced Tops’ul), dates back to the 1700s when pirate ships roamed the coastal waters. The pirates hid their ships in the channel behind the island and waited for passing merchant ships loaded with goods. Eventually the merchants became aware of this hiding place and began to watch for the tops of the pirates' sails peeking above the oak trees on the island — hence the name Topsail Island. There are those who believe the famous pirate Blackbeard buried a treasure of gold on Topsail Island. In the mid 1900's, there was an effort to find the treasure in when a group of treasure hunters came to Topsail Island in search of Blackbeard's gold. The treasure hunters employed several locals and dug a huge hole on the island that would become known as the "Gold Hole." But in the middle of the night after a day of digging, the treasure hunters disappeared. Did they run out of money? Or did they find the treasure in the "Gold Hole" and leave the workers empty handed? No one really knows, but I prefer to believe that the treasure is still buried somewhere on this wonderful island.
There are three towns on the 26 mile long Topsail Island: North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach. There are about 3500 year round residents, but the population swells to ten times that during the summer months. The locals refer to "Topsail Time." A state of mind that can infect even the most dedicated employee, when time seems to stand still, your problems just fade away with the sounds of the splashing, churning surf. Donna and I were not born at Topsail, but we got here as quick as we could!!!! We love this island.
Johnny and Donna

Topsail Beach Fishing Reports and News

June 23, 2009

Topsail Update

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Migraines have kept me sidelined for much of the last week or so. I did get out yesterday evening for about an hour. I have never seen the Atlantic Ocean so calm. Absolutely no whitecaps, not even any waves except right on the shore. I was standing in shoulder deep water, and the waves would just barely cover my head as they rolled in. Fishing was a bust. The water was so clear I could see my feet standing in four feet of water.

Sea View Fishing Pier reports there were Trout caught with live shrimp, some Spots, Mullets, White Perch and Blues. The King fishermen lost a nice Tarpon after a 40 minute battle. Surf City Pier reports spots, blues, spanish, which to me seems unusual. My experiences have told me that spots bite when the water is dingy, or even muddy. Spanish on the other hand seem to bite for me when the water is clear. I haven't been to the pier in a couple of weeks, but I am guessing the water was dingy close to the surf, and maybe clear towards the end. That's one explanation anyway.

Don't forget the Youth Fishing Tournament at Surf City Pier on July 4th this year. There is more info on the Surf City Pier website, or you can read it below.



[quote]

"Fishing for something to do with your children? This event is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2009 starting at 10 am and is over at 2 pm with the awards ceremony at 2:30pm. Lunch will be provided to all of the registered youngsters. There will be games galore and awards too . The way to win is to just show up. This event is free of charge to all children ages 0-16 who participate and their adult assistant. This event will expose youngsters under the age of 16 to the excitement of fishing in a fun , educational and safe, family oriented environment. Now there is nothing fishy about any of that."

"We are going to attempt to try something a little different this year by having a Children’s Fishing Competition and Celebration. Our mission is to Educate, Protect/Preserve, and Enhance our environment and love of fishing.

"Educate our junior anglers on just how fragile our waters and sea life are through educational signs and educating by example. The Choices we make today can impact generations to come. Protect/Preserve by making catch and release a religion, not just a practice and returning all unwanted fish back to the water alive including sharks and skates. Each sea creature has a purpose to its environment and insuring its species’ survival in the circle of life is essential. By using bronze hooks and other methods to reduce damage to fish and all other sea creatures, anglers can help ensure their survival."

"Enhance our environment through cleanups and beach renourishments in addition to working with other environmental and marine life groups to address pollution and other issues that impact our fish and waters."

"As is true with so many volunteer events we are looking for Sponsors. Donations of merchandise and or money is always appreciated. We would like to be able to offer all our youngsters who participate a prize and our winners Savings bonds so that they might be able to use it for their future education. Your contribution will help ensure the success of our endeavor so that we might continue offering this wonderful fun day to all the children visiting and from our community. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Volunteers will also be needed to supervise about, answer questions, cut bait, teach fishing basics such as casting, knot tying and fish identification."

"If you feel that you can help us in our mission please contact me. I can be reached via phone at the Surf City Ocean Pier at (910) 328-3521 or via e-mail at pier_witch@yahoo.com. "

[end quote]



As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, remember to be safe, and arrive safe at your destination. Keep the beer cold until you are here, don't risk your family or freedom by driving while drinking.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny