I am happy to report that the fishing continues to improve across the board. From offshore, to pier fishing, to the surf and backwaters, things are looking up. The people that were able to get out on the Jolly Roger this week were rewarded with nice catches of mullet at night, and blues during the day. The wind has really made all the difference with the mullet fishing. Nearly every day/night that the wind has blown over 10 mph from the South or Southwest, the mullet bite has been excellent. Although there have been a few decent daytime catches of mullet, the best bite has been on the rising tide after dark. Fresh shrimp or the orange clam flavored Fishbites have been the best baits. The fishermen plugging for blues saw a marked improvement this week. We are not quite to the “blue blitz” stage, but the number of blues has grown dramatically since they first showed last week. Gotcha plugs have been the ticket for catching the blues. One other piece of exciting information is that the first few Spanish mackerel of the year have begun to show up. Several of the piers/boats up and down the beach reported catching the first few of the year yesterday. Although the wind is cranking up and muddying the water as I type, I look for the Spanish and blue fishing to jump into high gear when the wind abates and the water clears again. The water temperature remains below (mid-lower 60’s) what we normally look for as “ideal” for Spanish, kings, cobia, and other late spring fish, but with just a couple days of good (S or SE) wind it should take that next jump up into the upper 60’s. Hopefully that will happen within the next week to 10 days.
I heard multiple reports of the first big pompano of the year being caught from the surf this past week. Several were pushing three pounds! Sand fleas are still playing hard to get, but if you are willing to go through the effort of procuring them, the reward could be a nice cooler of pompano, mullet, and drum.
Inshore fishing is also improving. I spoke with several people throughout the week that reported catching drum, trout, and a few nice sized flounder. The drum can be found both around pilings and docks, and in shallow bays and creeks. The trout are mostly holding in deeper creek mouths. Mirrolures, gulp, and top water baits should do the trick for either of those fish. Flounder are showing up in the same areas listed above in addition to traditional areas such as inlets and dock pilings. Gulp baits or a bucktail tipped with a strip of cut bait are both good baits for the flounder.
Offshore fishing remained slightly inconsistent this week, but I did speak with several people who had outstanding catches of wahoo, tuna, and a few dolphin. Warmer waters arrived from the south earlier this week via the Gulf Stream, and with it came lots of flying fish and some nice dolphin. The full moon phase began on Friday, and right on schedule the wahoo bite improved dramatically. I do not know what causes it, but there is always a good wahoo bite 5 days before and 5 days after the full moon. I am eagerly anticipating the opening of grouper season next week. Hopefully the weather will give us an opportunity to get out there and catch a few pelagics along with the grouper.
Remember to give us a call at the Jolly Roger for the latest fishing information and reports, and to make reservations for your spring fishing adventure!
Until next time,
Capt. Rob Orr
Jolly Roger Pier
Topsail Beach, NC
(910)-328-4616
No comments:
Post a Comment