Daily Bible Verse

May 31, 2009

SC Pier Looks Good!

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

Hello from Topsail Beach. Got a couple of reports to pass on to you. Caleb and Jonathon, (fishin' buds) went to Jolly Roger this morning, but didn't stay because nothing was biting. They hit the surf for a few hours, nothing. Things were a bit different at Surf City Pier this morning. Big blues and spanish on got-cha plugs and diamond jigs. Last night they had a good spot run, catching spots from both sides of the pier. Cut shrimp and blood worms. I didn't see any flounder at SCP today, but I wasn't there all day. I got a report that there were some small mullet caught in the surf at Topsail Beach yesterday evening and this morning. Going to the Surf City Pier with Ken in the morning, if we don't get rained out. I'll post a report when I get back.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny


262728

May 30, 2009

Huge Croaker from York River, VA.

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Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide



Got this pic from my nephew Matt, who lives in Virginia. Matt caught these flounder and croaker on a recent fishing trip to York River. Why can't we catch croakers like this in North Carolina? Matt says we just don't know how to fish. LOL but, I think I know why, what do you think?
Nice Catch Matt! Thanks for sending the pic.

Surf anglers are catching a few nice sea mullets in the surf here at Topsail Beach. Glad they are finally moving in. There are also sand fleas (mole crabs) at waters edge. Haven't seen any huge ones, but there are massive colonies of small ones out there, so mom and dad fleas are around somewhere. Just gotta hunt for them. Still catching a few red drum, black drum, mullets a few spots, flounder, and huge runs of spanish from the piers. Some spanish are hitting the three to four pound range. Catch'em up! Surf City Pier reports some sheepshead and spade fish being caught, and a lot more seen swimming around the pilings when the water is clear. Also reports a few flounder, spots, sea mullets, and some good runs of spanish.

Got one Jolly Roger Pier report from a reader.......
[quote]
Went to the Jolly Roger last night...nice light show provided! (had thunderstorms off Topsail last night) Fishing was slow...caught a few Mullets that went back (2 keepers) a few pin fish, a stingray, a shark, and one nice blue crab that I
thought about keeping! Caught fish on cut shrimp and some pin fish chunks from an unfortunate donor.

Had a few nibbles from a Fish Bits sand flea small size.

Had fun anyway!"
[end quote}

[my reply]

"It's always fun! When we catch something it's just a bonus. Thanks for the report."
Johnny


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

May 28, 2009

Cobia, Redfish and Flounder are biting!

Hello from southeast North Carolina; the wind is finally not blowing and the fish are biting!!! Finally some nice weather on a holiday weekend; (a fishing guides dream)! We had a great week of fishing and those good’ole Cobia have started to really show up here. Let’s talk about that in this fishing report>>>

Well if you know me at all, there is one fish that drives me crazy besides Tarpon; it’s Cobia! I love to fish, catch and eat them. We saw good numbers of Cobia the last fives days of fishing; with a few catch’s and one big loss! On Saturday we saw five Cobia; hooked two, got one small one and released it. The one that got away went 70# plus, ran 100 to 150 yards and pulled the hook; “I wanted to cry”! That’s fishing!!

Most of the Cobia fishing I’m doing now is sight fishing up and down the beach strands. The water has really started to clear up, making it easier to see those brown logs in the water. We are throwing big jigs, swim baits and live bait to the Cobia. Color really does not seem to matter; “go bright”! When I’m not sight casting for them, we are fishing around inlets, shoals and near shore artificial reefs. We float fish, bottom fish and kite fish in these areas with live menhaden, blues and mullet as bait. You can chum if you like, but the sharks will come and they will come in numbers!

We are really starting to see some good numbers of Redfish inshore the last two weeks. The Reds we are getting are hitting fresh cut, bait live and scented Saltwater Assassin (Blurp) grubs in colors; drunk monkey and molting. We’ve been rigging these on weed less hooks for grass fishing in some of the bays and flats. There is also some live bait starting to show up around the area. We’ve caught a few nice Reds float fishing with Assassin (Kwik-corks) on the shallows and flats.

This week we also got in to some nicer keeper Flounder in the south Wrightsville areas. We’ve also caught some small to just over keeper size in some of the local creeks and creek mouths. Most are hitting on a falling tide where the bait comes pouring out of the shallows. Mud minnows are work well now; that is until the little mullets show up in good numbers. We are using light Carolina rigs with #1 L42 Eagle claw hooks; going very light on the egg sinker: ¼ to ¾ oz.

The Spanish and Blues are still chewing up and down the beaches. The Kings are showing them self’s a little better this week too. The kings have been in the five to twenty mile range and there are a few Mahi’s showing too!

Keep your eyes peeled on some new tackle from Penn that will come out soon; (Hint) If you like to catch big fish on spinning tackle; you will not want to miss these reels!

Gear used: Spanish, Blues, Reds and Flounder: reels Penn Sargus SG2000 and SG4000 Rods: Ugly Stick Lite 7'0" Med light and Med act. Line: Fire Line crystal in 10 and 20 pound test. Cobia: Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) Rod: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class. Line: forty (40) pound Berkley Big Game braid.

Thanks for taking the time to read this report, don’t forget to take a kid fishing!

Capt. Jot Owens
Ranger Boats and
Pure Fishing Pro Staff
www.captainjot.com
910-233-4139

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

May 27, 2009

Offshore Spanish

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Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Hello from Topsail Island!
My friend Caleb and his fishin' buddy went offshore today and hit the jackpot! He says spanish were everywhere! He reported that they caught at least 25 nice "way legal" sized fish. Never told me what the bait was..... LOL! Can't say that I blame him.
I was lucky to get this post out. Computer isn't being very friendly.
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

Topsail Report and Computer Problems

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

Spanish, blues, flounder, black drum, red drum, sea mullets, small spots, croakers, and a few pompano and speckled trout are biting from piers, and starting to bite better in the surf. The numbers aren't huge, but improving. There have been a few kings reported, but not many landed. Sand fleas can be found, but not in large quantities yet. Glass minnows are in the surf, but I no finger mullets. Finger mullets are showing up in the sounds where the flounder, red drum, speckled trout, and black drum bite is improving quickly. Warm weather and south winds are predicted so fishing should improve even more. The bait shops have some great looking shrimp, and that makes for some good bait. Again, I won't fish with shrimp I wouldn't eat. The fishing forecast is looking good, with mild weather and only a small chance of afternoon thunderstorms predicted.

Just a reminder, we are still having some bad rip currents in the surf. Be careful!

My computer is down, so posts will be infrequent until I get it back up. Sorry for the inconvenience. We still have a few other contributors, so keep up to date with their posts. Thanks for your understanding while this problem persists.

Good Fishing!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

May 25, 2009

First King at Sea View Pier

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

Hello from Topsail Beach! Please be careful when swimming in the ocean at Topsail. Rip currents are bad, and several people have been rescued after getting caught in a rip current. Remember, rip currents are usually worse at low tide. If you get caught in a rip current, you will be pulled out to sea, until you get out of the rip. Don't try to swim to shore against the rip. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you are free from the current, then swim to shore. There was at least one death reported at North Carolina beaches this weekend. Be careful!

Topsail Island Fishing Report
The first King Mackerel of the year was caught off the end of the Sea View Pier Saturday. The king weighed 16 pounds. Make some fine steaks! Sea View Pier also reports that Flounder were caught in the surf along with Mullets, Pompano, Croakers and some Spots. Spanish Mackerel and Blues were caught sporadically. Surf City Pier reports there have been some black drum, a few mullet and a blue or two, and some sheepshead. Jolly Roger reports a few blues, spanish, mullets, spots, a couple of pompano, a few keeper flounder and some red drum. Inside the action is coming from red drum. The finger mullet are moving into the sounds and the flounder bite should improve. Fish structure for red drum with finger mullet or Berkley Gulp fished on a carolina rig. Now is the time to start drift fishing for flounder. Use finger mullet on a carolina rig, be sure to use enough weight to keep the bait down. Surf fishing continues to improve with sea mullets and black drum, with the occasional red drum near the inlets. Lee Island is holding a few reds also.

Detailed Forecast for Topsail Beach, NC
The weather looks iffy this week with thunder showers forecast almost every day.
Monday night; Showers and thundershowers likely. Low 69F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Tuesday; Showers and thundershowers likely. High 76F. Winds E at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Tuesday night; Scattered thunderstorms during the evening followed by a few showers overnight. Low 68F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Wednesday; Showers and a few thundershowers. High 79F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Wednesday night; Scattered thunderstorms possible. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the upper 60s.
Thursday; Isolated thunderstorms. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the upper 60s.
Friday; A few thunderstorms possible. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the mid 60s.
Saturday; Slight chance of a thunderstorm. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the mid 60s.
Sunday; Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the mid 60s.

Tides at New Topsail Inlet:
12:11 AM EDT -0.06 feet Low Tide
5:48 AM EDT 3.21 feet High Tide
12:44 PM EDT -0.14 feet Low Tide
6:17 PM EDT 3.19 feet High Tide

Fishing forecast looks good for the week in between the thunder showers. Good luck and Catch 'em up!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

ps: Still having computer problems. I'll post when I can. Thanks for your understanding.

May 24, 2009

New Topsail Inlet is Dangerous! Please Read

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

Hello from Topsail Beach!
As you boaters already know, New Topsail Inlet is in sad shape! There was a capsize Saturday evening about 6 pm, and rumors of another capsize Sunday morning are circulating. The info I have is that no one was seriously injured, am praying this is correct. Here is an email from Chris Medlin of East Coast Sports about the inlet. Please read this and take action. The condition of the inlets affect us all, even you readers that don't live here all year. Your quick action is appreciated.

[quote]
"To all concerned fishermen,

I do not ask much from all of you I send fishing reports to but I urge you to help me help you. As most of you know Topsail Inlet is in very bad shape and unfortunately the dredge had to leave last week due to bad weather. The dredge has now headed south to hit up Carolina beach inlet. Supposedly the Fry (another dredge) is heading to us and should be here next week but if it gets a call to hit up another inlet on the way it will. We need to get the core of engineers here now as we had a boat capsize this weekend (sorry I do not know the details). Please send an e-mail urging Jimmy Hargrove to get the Fry here ASAP.

james.t.hargrove@usace.army.mil
Thank you please do not delay as time is of the essence,
Capt. Chris Medlin"
East Coast Sports
[end quote]

Lets all take action to help get this situation remedied.
Thanks

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

May 21, 2009

Memorial Day Weekend Looks Great!





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

Hello from Topsail Beach! The Memorial Day weekend is looking good. The weather should be beautiful, and I think the wind will be right to catch some fish. We are catching a few puppy drum, black drum, flounder, sea mullets, and plenty of skates and sharks in the surf now. The bite is definitely improving. Pier fishing has slowed a bit, but is still good. Blues and spanish when the water is clear, and black drum, puppy drum, and sea mullets when it's dirty. Best bait is still FRESH cut shrimp. The inside bite is still spotty. We know where they should be, but they don't seem to be there in any numbers.

I am having some health problems as well as computer problems so I won't be posting as often as I would like. Thanks for understanding.

Thank God for the sacrifices of our men in uniform and their families. Remember them when you are grilling with the family, and know that there are those who voluntarily miss this holiday with their families so we can be free and safe to celebrate. Too all the veterans and active military (and families) that read the blog ...... God Bless you all.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna
aka "Fishin' Topsail" and my best catch!

May 16, 2009

Pompano

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

Hello from Topsail Beach. Pompano made a show at Surf City Pier this week. They haven't been huge pomps, but they were big enough to make a good meal. I love pompano. The meat is white and flaky, almost like flounder, but a little more firm. A good size pompano is great on the grill. Won't fall apart when they are turned. Fishing remains good at Topsail, but not great. There are a few fish in the water for the angler who will wait for them. Mullets, some big ones, are biting a bit with most being caught at night. I am seeing more and more flounder, and more keepers. Mud minnows are the bait until the finger mullet get plentiful. You can try Berkley Gulp Swimming Mullet if you don't have mud minnows. I don't think any king mackerel have been caught at Topsail this year, but spanish are giving anglers plenty of action. The last couple of days the water seems to clear up at dead high tide, and you can get a few spanish before the water muddies up again. Has anyone seen sand fleas in the surf yet? I haven't, and I can't remember when they start to show up. Must be getting old! We had a beautiful day today. There were some clouds and a few claps of thunder around noon, but nothing developed. We are looking for rain most of the day tomorrow, so if you plan to hit the piers or the surf, better bring your rain gear.

Here are the tides for Sunday and Monday.
1:04 AM EDT 2.86 feet High Tide
8:22 AM EDT 0.44 feet Low Tide
1:43 PM EDT 2.25 feet High Tide
8:11 PM EDT 0.59 feet Low Tide

This weeks weather forecast:
Sunday: Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, turning windy during the afternoon with rain likely - a thundershower is possible. High 73F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph, becoming NW and increasing to 20 to 30 mph. Rainfall around a half an inch.
Sunday night: Windy with rain...a thunderstorm or two is also possible, mainly during the evening. Low 51F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
Monday: Windy with rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High 68F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Monday night: Rain and wind. Highs in the upper 60s and lows in the low 50s.
Tuesday: Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 70s and lows in the mid 50s.
Wednesday: Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the low 60s.
Thursday: Partly cloudy. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 60s.
Friday: Partly cloudy. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid 60s.

Catch 'em up!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

May 14, 2009

Capt. Rick Bennett Fishing Report

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

Hello from Topsail Beach! The following is a fishing report from Capt Rick Bennett.

[quote]
"...............Inshore: Water temps have risen to around 70 and the spring weed is just about gone. Live baits are showing up. All this means it's time for the reds and flounder to turn on and that is what is happening inshore right now. Best bait is live menhaden fished on a carolina rig.
Near Shore: Near shore fishing has been pretty much on fire when the wind is reasonable; We have had very good catches of spanish, bonito and even some spring kings. Most of the fish are being caught on planers and clarkspoons.
Offshore: The king mackerel bite continues to be strong in the 18-25 mile areas. Live bait, cigar minnows, ballyhoo...all are working well.
Gulfstream: When the boats have gotten out, I have received reports of good catches of wahoo and mahi, along with some blackfin tuna............."
[end quote]

Looks like rain today, a front offshore will be pushing rain clouds in from the south. Of course we all know that the forecast is likely to be wrong for Topsail Beach. Being right on the ocean, it is frequent that the clouds stay offshore for some reason. Hopefully that will be the case today, and maybe we can get some fishing time. I'll try to get another fishing report in today.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

May 12, 2009

Spring winds and Good Fishing around the area.

Hello folks, I hope everyone is enjoying this fishing season so far; except all the WIND lately!!! Man, one week of light winds and pay with two plus weeks of hard southwest! Take is North Carolina Spring for ya! The big (bar highs) will be here soon: “I hope”! Will let’s talk about the windy weather fishing report>>>

The water has really gotten dirty with all the wind lately; when we find clearer water, we are finding the fish. Most of the Spanish and Blues are biting Clark spoons trolled behind #1 planner’s. The Clark spoons that are working the best for us are sizes; 00 and 0 in plan silver and pink flash. When the Spanish are on top feeding and jumping, Maria jig spoons have been the trick. We have also caught a hand full of chopper blues too. These choppers are running in the six to over fifth teen pound range. The choppers are biting big poppers and mid water stick baits. Color really does not seem to matter to those big blues, just a lot of action from the lure!

I’ve seen a few Cobia around the inlets and near shore reefs. Live bait fishing is the best bet for these great fighting fish. Fishing live baits on top as well as on the bottom will get you the best chance at catching a Cobia. I prefer bluefish, mullet and menhaden for bait; what ever is easier to get. To catch a Cobia you’ve got to put your time in, sometimes you catch one right away; sometimes you don’t. That’s why they call it fishing! The Cobia should keep getting better later in to May. It’s time now to book you Cobia trips.

We are seeing a few more Redfish around; most fish have been in the water way, bays and around some of the inlets. As more live bait shows up, more Reds will come out of the ocean and in to the sounds. This is starting to happen, the fishing should pick up in the next few weeks. The Reds we are getting are hitting fresh cut, bait live and scented Saltwater Assassin (Blurp) grubs in colors; drunk monkey and molting. We’ve been rigging these on weed less hooks for grass fishing in some of the bays and flats.

There are some Flounder around, we’ve not caught any great numbers yet, but this should change very soon with the bait showing up. We’ve caught some small to just over keeper size in some of the local creeks and creek mouths. Most are hitting on a falling tide where the bait comes pouring out of the shallows. Mud minnows are work well now; that is until the little mullets show up in good numbers. We are using light Carolina rigs with #1 L42 Eagle claw hooks; going very light on the egg sinker: ¼ to ¾ oz.

Gear used: Spanish, Blues, Reds and Flounder: reels Penn Sargus SG2000 and SG4000 Rods: Ugly Stick Lite 7'0" Med light and Med act. Line: Fire Line crystal in 10 and 20 pound test. Cobia: Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) Rod: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class. Line: forty (40) pound Berkley Big Game braid.

Thanks for taking the time to read this report, get out there and go fishing!


Capt. Jot Owens
Ranger Boats and
Pure Fishing Pro Staff
www.captainjot.com
910-233-4139

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

May 11, 2009

Spanish Blues Red Drum at Jolly Roger

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Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Hello from Topsail Beach! I just got a report from Jonathon at Jolly Roger Pier that sounded mighty good! He says the fish really bit today. Lots of blues, lots of spanish, some up to 4 1/2 lbs. Some red drum, one monster slot fish, 26 inches long, 8 1/2 lbs. Surf City Pier reports much the same thing. A good weekend with spanish and blues on plugs, flounder on carolina rigs and shrimp, and an assortment on bottom rigs which included mullet, spot, croaker, speckled trout, and flounder. It's looking good anglers, let's go fishing!


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Topsail Fishing







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

The fishing is heating up in the Topsail Island area as more reds are showing up in the backwaters. These fish are really aggressive when you can find them on rising water. I have been targeting them with topwater lures and the action has been hot when the weather cooperates. This week should be stellar as the winds die down a bit and the northern winds blow some water back into the flats.



Tight lines,
Captain Ren
www.tournamenttrailcharters.com

May 10, 2009

Topsail Fishing Update

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Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Hello from Topsail Beach! Fishing is still real slow in the surf. I don't pretend to know all the fishing news, but I do hear a lot, and what I am hearing right now is pier fishing is the place catch fish right now. The surf is still dead. Not sure why it is so slow, it should be better this far into the season. Black drum are really making a show at all three of the island's piers. Virginia mullet, a few spots, small blues, skates, and sharks are making a good show. Spanish are in the water, and when the water is clear, they are biting well. Some persistent anglers are getting these fish in good numbers. The king anglers fishing from the end of the piers are catching some nice chopper blues, but still no kings. They will be here soon. Offshore anglers are catching some nice kings, as well as lots of spanish. Inside, anglers fishing from boats are catching red drum, a few speckled trout, and some nice flounder. Fresh cut shrimp fished on carolina rigs seems to be the way to go. The action around Topsail isn't so bad, but it still isn't great yet. I have a feeling it's just around the corner. The water temp is still averaging around 70*, but should be going up soon. The weather looks good for the coming week, with rain showers likely Sunday night and Monday. Here is a 7 Day forecast.
Sunday Partly cloudy skies during the morning giving way to a few showers late. High 78F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Sunday night Showers and thundershowers likely. Low 62F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Monday Showers and thundershowers likely. High 67F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Monday night A shower or two possible early with partly cloudy skies later at night. Low 54F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Tuesday A few clouds. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the upper 50s.
Wednesday Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the low 60s.
Thursday Partly cloudy, chance of a thunderstorm. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid 60s.
Friday Scattered thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the low 60s.
Saturday Partly cloudy, chance of a thunderstorm. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 60s.
Tides for New Topsail Inlet
Sunday
4:06 AM EDT 0.02 feet Low Tide
9:11 AM EDT 2.49 feet High Tide
3:37 PM EDT 0.03 feet Low Tide
9:32 PM EDT 3.61 feet High Tide
Monday
4:47 AM EDT 0.09 feet Low Tide
9:51 AM EDT 2.40 feet High Tide
4:15 PM EDT 0.12 feet Low Tide
10:11 PM EDT 3.49 feet High Tide

I have sprained my wrist, and I am having computer problems, so I may not be able to post regularly. I hope to have these problems solved soon. Please accept my apologies for the delays.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

May 8, 2009

Red Drum Tip

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Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Fishin' Topsail Facebook

Hello from Topsail Beach, North Carolina! The time to find red drum schooling in the inside waters is close. Sometimes these prized fish can be spooked really easily especially when they are in shallow (as shallow as six inches) water searching the oyster beds for a meal. When they are spooky, I have a technique that I use very successfully. I have an assortment of what I call "bass hooks." These J shaped hooks have a wire weed guard that make them easier to fish in heavy cover, such as submerged tree tops, log jams, rock piles, or oyster beds. I will tie one of these weedless hooks directly to my 15 lb test shock leader, without any weight, except the hook and bait, which is usually a gulp shrimp or swimming mullet, unless I can get finger mullets or live shrimp. I position my boat, so it will drift very quietly (no paddles, oars, or trolling motors) across or very near the schooling reds. My bait is drifting behind the boat, without any added action from me. Just a dead drift. Once I have found the fish, it is very seldom that I don't get a hookup using this technique. I use really light mono or braid, six or eight lb test, and add a shock leader of heavier line about the length of the rod I am using. This helps stop break offs, as these fish will almost always head for an oyster bed when hooked. Somehow it seems they know the oysters will cut the line freeing the fish. So next time you can see the schooling reds, but they seem to have lockjaw, give this technique a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Thanks for reading our blog, and submitting your questions on the Fishin' Topsail Message Board.
Catch' em up!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny aka FishinTopsail

May 6, 2009

East Coast Line Wind!

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Check out our Face Book group, Fishin' Topsail. Click on this link.

Hello from Topsail Beach!
It's bout time for the annual Line Wind at East Coast Sports. The event will take place on May 30! This is a dynamite promotion that I won't miss. The good folks at East Coast will remove your old line, and refill your spool with up to 25 lb test line for only one cent per yard! That's a hundred yards for only a dollar (Yea! I said only $1.00!) You can't buy a hundred yards of line anywhere for only a buck! Larger lb test line is only two cents per yard. Call East Coast today and get the details, or visit them online at www.eastcoastsports.com. Tell Chris that Johnny aka Fishin' Topsail sent you!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

It's that time...........Ticks!

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide



For all you outdoors men and women, you know about ticks. They have a way of getting on you, your children, your pets, etc. It's always traumatic to remove the ticks, especially for children. Here is a remedy for tick removal that my cousin, River Joe, uses when the ticks along the Deep River gets on River Joe or his family, which includes his beautiful lab dogs. He swears by this method, and I for one, will try it when I get a tick on one of my summer fishing get-aways. Thanks to Cuz River Joe for this tip.

[quote]
How to Remove a Tick

Spring is here and the ticks will soon be showing their heads. Here is a good way to get them off you, your children, or your pets. Give it a try.
Please forward to anyone with children... or hunters or dogs, or anyone who even steps outside in summer!!

A School Nurse has written the info below -- good enough to share -- And it really works!! I had a pediatrician tell me what she believes is the best way to remove a tick. This is great, because it works in those places where it's some times difficult to get to with tweezers: between toes, in the middle of a head full of dark hair, etc.

Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for a few seconds (15-20), the tick will
come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away. This technique has worked every time I've used it (and that was frequently), and it's much less traumatic for the patient and easier for me. Unless someone is allergic to soap, I can't see that this would be damaging in any way. I even had my doctor's wife call me for advice because she had one stuck to her back and she couldn't reach it with tweezers. She used this method and immediately called me back to say, 'It worked!'

Please pass on. Everyone needs this helpful hint.
[end quote]

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

May 5, 2009

Topsail Fishing Update

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Hello from Topsail Beach. I am getting reports from all piers that fishing is remaining good despite the wind and rain. The general catch consists of spanish and blues during the day when the water is clear. There have been several reports of limits of spanish. Got-cha plugs and diamond jigs are the baits. We are catching mullets and black drum at night, along with some big smooth dogfish. Several reports of full coolers after a night of fishing from the piers. I am told that the smooth dogfish is good eating. Don't have a recipe, but I will pass one along when I get one. Reports from the inside indicate some slot reds, along with some spotted sea trout (specks) with a few citation sized fish. A few flounder are biting mud minnows and scented plastics. (Gulp, etc.) The catches of flounder are getting larger also. Fishing is getting better, and with the water temp averaging from 66* to 70* it's only going to get better. I am wanting the winds to lay down a bit, but I know later this summer I will be wishing for some gentle breezes. Offshore the big chopper blues and huge schools of spanish are keeping everyone happy! Charters are doing well. If you have a favorite, now is the time to book your trip. Dates are filling up rapidly. Don't get left out and miss that big slot sized red or those citation speckled trout and flounder.

Send us your fishing reports and your digital pics of your catch, and we will "Make ya famous" and post them on the blog.
Check out the Fishing Topsail Message Board. Our membership is growing, and everyone is excited about the coming season. This is just the venue we need to get our questions answered or find out about that secret special fishing spot. Catch 'em up!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

May 4, 2009

Kings and Spanish

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide














Hello from Topsail Beach!
The spanish are biting from the local piers, and the kings will be here soon. It is important to know how to differentiate between spanish and kings, as they have different rules for keepers. The pictures above show the difference and what to look for in your catch. Below are the catch and size limits for both fish.

2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide for Sports Fishermen - April version
North Carolina State Coastal Waters: Internal (0-3 miles) and Exclusive Economic Zone EEZ (3-200 miles)
King Mackerel 24" FL Minimum Length 3 per Day Bag Limit
Spanish Mackerel 12" FL Minimum Length 15 per Day Bag Limit

Juvenile kings look a lot like large spanish and can be confused easily. Don't think a king will not bite a gotcha plug, one of the most used baits for spanish. I have personally seen them come over the rails at local piers. Marine Fisheries Enforcement Agents really don't care if you "didn't know" the difference. So, familiarize yourself with these fish and save your money for a new fishing rod!

Tides at New Topsail Inlet

Monday, May 4
TIME TIDE HEIGHT TIDE
4:26 AM EDT 3.00 feet High Tide
11:24 AM EDT -0.03 feet Low Tide
5:08 PM EDT 3.19 feet High Tide

Tuesday, May 5
TIME TIDE HEIGHT TIDE
12:03 AM EDT 0.14 feet Low Tide
5:24 AM EDT 2.90 feet High Tide
12:13 PM EDT -0.09 feet Low Tide
6:00 PM EDT 3.41 feet High Tide

Topsail Beach Weather

Monday; Scattered showers and thunderstorms. High near 80F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Monday night; Thunderstorms. Low 67F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Tuesday; Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High 77F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Wednesday; Slight chance of a thunderstorm. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the upper 60s.
Thursday; Partly cloudy with a stray thunderstorm. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid 60s.
Friday; Partly cloudy, chance of a thunderstorm. Highs in the mid 80s and lows in the upper 60s.
Saturday; Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 60s.

Check the right side of this page for pier, tackle shop, and bait information, including phone numbers.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny aka Fishin' Topsail