Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide for Sports Fishermen
Hello from Surf City!
The black drum pushed in again today and anglers were catching two to five pound black drum most of the day, piers and surf. Mullet, reds, and flounder are still biting. Come get you some!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
October 31, 2008
October 29, 2008
Whiting Still Hanging Around the Surf and (subtitle) Found Fishing Rods
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide for Sports Fishermen
Hello from Surf City!
Fishing has improved a bit today. My morning walk was very informing. As I walked the beach and talked to several anglers, I saw several nice whiting, a few up to two pounds. The whiting were biting cut shrimp, as well as sand fleas. I saw a really nice one that I know went over two pounds, that was caught on a Berkley Gulp Saltwater Swimming Mullet! The fleas are getting harder to find, and the folks I talked to had to dig for them as they were too deep for the flea rake. I didn't see any flounder, or speckled trout, but there were still a lot of black drum biting. I mentioned last post that the beach was littered with black drum carcuses, and although there were not as many this morning as yesterday, there were still more than normal. I am planning to fish the incoming tide this evening with Berkley Gulp Saltwater, using my trout rod that my good friend and fellow Surf City Pier angler Bill made for me. Bill builds and repairs fishing rods, and specializes in casting rods for blues, spanish, and trout, along with real sturdy rods for sheepshead. I had given Bill a collection of old and damaged rods, and Bill rewarded me with this new trout rod that he made from a damaged one I had given him. You would be suprised at how many useable fishing rods that are thrown away by vacationers that don't have room or the inclination to transport them back home. I find them in trash cans both on the beach and on the piers, and some in trash bins set out for the garbage trucks. Now I don't "dumpster dive", but if I see part of a fishing rod sticking out of a trash bin, I will investigate if there are any useable parts. I never have to buy line guides, as I always have a supply of found guides on hand. Sometimes the only thing wrong with an abandoned fishing rod, is the tip broken off. An easy fix, and a nice useable fishing rod is added to my collection, which Donna says is way to large. She ask "How can you use all those fishing rods?" Of course, any "true angler" will know that one can NEVER have too many fishing rods! If you would like to talk to Bill about a custom fishing rod, send me an email with your contact information, and I will have Bill call you. Time to get into my waders and head for the surf. Hopefully I will be having flounder or speckled trout for supper tonight. Stay tuned!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide for Sports Fishermen
Hello from Surf City!
Fishing has improved a bit today. My morning walk was very informing. As I walked the beach and talked to several anglers, I saw several nice whiting, a few up to two pounds. The whiting were biting cut shrimp, as well as sand fleas. I saw a really nice one that I know went over two pounds, that was caught on a Berkley Gulp Saltwater Swimming Mullet! The fleas are getting harder to find, and the folks I talked to had to dig for them as they were too deep for the flea rake. I didn't see any flounder, or speckled trout, but there were still a lot of black drum biting. I mentioned last post that the beach was littered with black drum carcuses, and although there were not as many this morning as yesterday, there were still more than normal. I am planning to fish the incoming tide this evening with Berkley Gulp Saltwater, using my trout rod that my good friend and fellow Surf City Pier angler Bill made for me. Bill builds and repairs fishing rods, and specializes in casting rods for blues, spanish, and trout, along with real sturdy rods for sheepshead. I had given Bill a collection of old and damaged rods, and Bill rewarded me with this new trout rod that he made from a damaged one I had given him. You would be suprised at how many useable fishing rods that are thrown away by vacationers that don't have room or the inclination to transport them back home. I find them in trash cans both on the beach and on the piers, and some in trash bins set out for the garbage trucks. Now I don't "dumpster dive", but if I see part of a fishing rod sticking out of a trash bin, I will investigate if there are any useable parts. I never have to buy line guides, as I always have a supply of found guides on hand. Sometimes the only thing wrong with an abandoned fishing rod, is the tip broken off. An easy fix, and a nice useable fishing rod is added to my collection, which Donna says is way to large. She ask "How can you use all those fishing rods?" Of course, any "true angler" will know that one can NEVER have too many fishing rods! If you would like to talk to Bill about a custom fishing rod, send me an email with your contact information, and I will have Bill call you. Time to get into my waders and head for the surf. Hopefully I will be having flounder or speckled trout for supper tonight. Stay tuned!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
October 28, 2008
Black Drum in Surf!
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide for Sports Fishermen
Hello from Surf City!
Donna and I walked down the beach about an hour before dark this evening. The beach was littered with black drum carcasses. We also saw several black drum caught while we were out there. Most were big, in the three to four pound range. They were biting cut mullet, cut shrimp, and bloodworms. There were also a few nice sea mullets in buckets and coolers on the beach. We even saw one blow fish. The water temp (WWAY TV 3 in Wilmington) is at 69 degrees and will probably fall a bit over night with the cold front that moved in last night and this morning. The air temperature is 46* at 11 PM this evening. The wind is out of the SW at 20 to 25 knots. No rain in site. Good day for fishing tomorrow. The wind will change to NE early Friday. Just a note, there were tons of finger mullets in the surf. I should have taken my cast net and got some in the freezer for spring. I have an appointment in the morning, but I will probably be surf fishing by 2 pm. Check back tomorrow evening for an update.
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide for Sports Fishermen
Hello from Surf City!
Donna and I walked down the beach about an hour before dark this evening. The beach was littered with black drum carcasses. We also saw several black drum caught while we were out there. Most were big, in the three to four pound range. They were biting cut mullet, cut shrimp, and bloodworms. There were also a few nice sea mullets in buckets and coolers on the beach. We even saw one blow fish. The water temp (WWAY TV 3 in Wilmington) is at 69 degrees and will probably fall a bit over night with the cold front that moved in last night and this morning. The air temperature is 46* at 11 PM this evening. The wind is out of the SW at 20 to 25 knots. No rain in site. Good day for fishing tomorrow. The wind will change to NE early Friday. Just a note, there were tons of finger mullets in the surf. I should have taken my cast net and got some in the freezer for spring. I have an appointment in the morning, but I will probably be surf fishing by 2 pm. Check back tomorrow evening for an update.
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
Wind Change, Front Moves In
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide for Sports Fishermen
Hello from Surf City!
Fishing has slowed a bit with the wind change, (SW) and the cold front that moved in last night. The wind has picked up a bit, actually more than a bit, blowing trash containers into the roadways. Early this morning, I saw a surf angler catch two nice whiting, and another catch a puffer (he said, I didn't see it) Surf City Crab had no fresh shrimp this morning. Don't know what up with that. We usually have shrimp this time of year. I haven't tried anywhere else as yet. The weather is forcast to be clear, and cooler, no chance of rain. The wind will change again Friday, and come from the NE. Thats what we like for spots to bite. Maybe the Friday wind change will bring the spot bite back. Still catching some speckled trout in the sounds and creeks. Flounder and red drum continue to be good on the inside. Don't know if there are any shrimp in the creeks, but there should be. Finger mullets are still around and plentiful. Get some for the freezer if you can. They will catch specks, flounder, and red drum when spring warms the water a bit after the winter freeze.
Good luck!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide for Sports Fishermen
Hello from Surf City!
Fishing has slowed a bit with the wind change, (SW) and the cold front that moved in last night. The wind has picked up a bit, actually more than a bit, blowing trash containers into the roadways. Early this morning, I saw a surf angler catch two nice whiting, and another catch a puffer (he said, I didn't see it) Surf City Crab had no fresh shrimp this morning. Don't know what up with that. We usually have shrimp this time of year. I haven't tried anywhere else as yet. The weather is forcast to be clear, and cooler, no chance of rain. The wind will change again Friday, and come from the NE. Thats what we like for spots to bite. Maybe the Friday wind change will bring the spot bite back. Still catching some speckled trout in the sounds and creeks. Flounder and red drum continue to be good on the inside. Don't know if there are any shrimp in the creeks, but there should be. Finger mullets are still around and plentiful. Get some for the freezer if you can. They will catch specks, flounder, and red drum when spring warms the water a bit after the winter freeze.
Good luck!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
NC Red Drum Fishing
Red Drum fishing is still a great way to spend a fall day,John Pearson fished with the Cape Fear Guide this past Sunday,catching slot size red drum.Fish were caught on carolina rigs and cut bait,fishing the falling tide.
Capt.Mike Dennis
Capt.Mike@charter.net
http://www.capefear-guide.com/
910-619-0928
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide for Sports Fishermen
Hello from Surf City!
Capt.Mike Dennis
Capt.Mike@charter.net
http://www.capefear-guide.com/
910-619-0928
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide for Sports Fishermen
Hello from Surf City!
October 26, 2008
SPOTS! SPOTS! SPOTS! SPOTS! SPOTS!
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide for Sports Fishermen
Hello from Surf City!
Spots are biting two at a time on every pier on Topsail Island! BIG Black drum biting well also. Come on down. Don't know how long they will be here! Times uh wastin!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2008 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide for Sports Fishermen
Hello from Surf City!
Spots are biting two at a time on every pier on Topsail Island! BIG Black drum biting well also. Come on down. Don't know how long they will be here! Times uh wastin!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
October 23, 2008
Flounder Action HOT!
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Hello from Surf City!
I went surf fishing this morning. I didn't take any bottom rigs or heavy surf gear. Instead, I opted for my trout rod with jigs and grubs for bait. I had several small flounder and two keepers. They were only 15 and 16 inches, but they were really fat and healthy. Most all of the flatties I have caught this fall have been heavy for their length. MMMMMM! Makes some fine eating! I used Berkley Gulp swimming mullet, new penny color until I found a good flounder hole, then switched to plastics. Got loads of hits, but was having trouble hooking up for awhile. Didn't catch any speckled trout, but I had a fun morning casting the jigs for the flounder. Water is cooling nicely, and fishing should be good for another couple of weeks at least. I don't think the specks are schooling yet, as I have only caught a single speck in some of my surf outings. All have been undersized. I usually don't keep a speck under 15 inches, there just isn't enough meat to make a good fillet. I have heard that some anglers are catching specks using live shrimp and finger mullets. Oh, btw, the water is still full of finger mullets. I plan to take my cast net out this afternoon and get a bunch to freeze for later this winter, or early next spring. As usual, thanks to everyone for supporting our blog, and .......
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
October 22, 2008
Whiting From the Surf!
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Hello from Surf City!
The whiting are getting bigger. Yesterday caught several two pounds and over. We are catching most on fresh shrimp. I don't know why the sand fleas aren't producing as well as previous years. Also catching keeper flounder from the surf. Caught one on a Berkley Gulp and another on fresh cut shrimp. Haven't caught any specks in the surf yet, but they should start to school as the water temp goes down. There are lots of spots around, but the big yellow bellies are not here. An surf angler told me that if they didn't come this week, they may not be here. He says they are off shore, and won't come in until the water cools. We hope the water cools enough before they are all gone. Piers are a little slow, except kings, and they are still biting well. Several have been caught this week off the piers. Inside continues to be good, with specks in the creeks and reds on the grass lines and docks. There are a lot of finger mullets and silver sides in the surf, and plenty in the sound. Banks Channel in Topsail is holding lots of mullets and some pogies, so getting bait isn't going to be much of a problem.
Good luck to everyone!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
October 20, 2008
Fall Fishing is Hot Around Southeast NC
Well Folks, fall is really showing strong this week! One day with warm temps and light winds the very next day very windy, rainy and cold for October! Hey that’s what gets those fall fish biting so we can’t complain too much. With that said lets talk fall fishing!
Last week 10-13 to 10-17 we had some very good Spanish Mack runs. Most of the Spanish hit Clark spoons on number one planners, a few fish hit on top as well. We did get a few on Marie jigs casting when the Spanish got on top feeding. The Spanish were very nice in size; most fish were two to some over four pounds “nice fall size”. They were biting just off the beach to about two miles off the beach. I don’t know how much longer they will be here with this cooler air moving in; will just have to see!
The Flounder fishing has been good for the most part, on some trips we’ve caught over twelve keeper fish. Most of the Flounder are eating Mullet and Mud minnows on light Carolina rigs. The Flounder are mixed in size to just under keeper size to a few over five pounds. We have caught some Flounder on Artificial baits as well. We have had the best luck with Saltwater Assassin Blurp grubs in molting color and “Chicken on a chain” color grubs. Rig the grubs on a red or black jig head for best results.
We’ve caught some bigger bull Redfish in and around the local inlets. We are catching Reds in the 24 to over 32 inch range, some days their over the slot some days their in the slot. Most of the Reds around the inlets are hitting mullets and fresh menhaden on Carolina rigs; using heavier egg sinkers with circle hooks 9/0 to 11/0. On some days we have had some luck on Saltwater Assassin Blurp grubs in colors molting and pearl; using heavier jig heads.
And last but Not lest, Speckled Trout are starting to show and bite! The Speckled trout fishing has gotten better and better around this area every year! It looks like it will be the same this year as well; “I Can’t wait, I love Trout fishing”! The best trout bites lately have been on grubs and hard baits, but we have caught some on the good ‘ole live shrimp as well! The best grub colors for us have been; chart-diamond, greenback shiner and silver mullet. In the Shrimp pattern colors; clear, bone-diamond and root beer. Rig the grubs and shrimp patterns on a red or black jig head for best results.
Hard lure’s that seem to be bringing the trout to the boat are Mirrolures and X-raps in colors pink, chartreuse, and white. Most of the trout we have caught have been in the creeks and main channels connecting to the ICW and inlets. There are still lots of pinfish, lizardfish, and small bluefish around: so we have not jumped in to the live shrimp full force yet.
In other fishing news: The 2008 Cape Fear Red-Trout Celebrity Classic to benefit Cystic fibrosis was held this last weekend 10-16 to 10-18. I really enjoy fishing this tournament year after year. It’s well run and very fun, there are a lot of very good guides that fish this tournament. I had the pleasure fishing with Adam Meyer and Liz Bielski with Charter Lakes Insurance group. I’m very happy to announce that team Charter Lakes took Lady Angler Grand Champion, Liz even caught more fish than Adam! Congrats Liz, great job! I look forward to fishing this tournament next year.
Fishing gear we use;
Bull Reds: Reels Pflueger Contender G15L, Rods Shakespeare Custom “USCB 1166 MH” Penn spinning reels 560L Live Liner with Penn Torque jigging rod 7’ 20 to 50 braids.
Spanish, Trout, and Flounder: Reels Pflueger Medalist spinning in sizes 6035 and 6040. Rods: Ugly stick lites 6’6” and 7’ Med & Med-Heavy.
Good Luck,
Captain Jot Owens
www.captainjot.com
910-233-4139
Wrightsville Beach NC Charter fishing
Wilmington NC Fishing charters
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Last week 10-13 to 10-17 we had some very good Spanish Mack runs. Most of the Spanish hit Clark spoons on number one planners, a few fish hit on top as well. We did get a few on Marie jigs casting when the Spanish got on top feeding. The Spanish were very nice in size; most fish were two to some over four pounds “nice fall size”. They were biting just off the beach to about two miles off the beach. I don’t know how much longer they will be here with this cooler air moving in; will just have to see!
The Flounder fishing has been good for the most part, on some trips we’ve caught over twelve keeper fish. Most of the Flounder are eating Mullet and Mud minnows on light Carolina rigs. The Flounder are mixed in size to just under keeper size to a few over five pounds. We have caught some Flounder on Artificial baits as well. We have had the best luck with Saltwater Assassin Blurp grubs in molting color and “Chicken on a chain” color grubs. Rig the grubs on a red or black jig head for best results.
We’ve caught some bigger bull Redfish in and around the local inlets. We are catching Reds in the 24 to over 32 inch range, some days their over the slot some days their in the slot. Most of the Reds around the inlets are hitting mullets and fresh menhaden on Carolina rigs; using heavier egg sinkers with circle hooks 9/0 to 11/0. On some days we have had some luck on Saltwater Assassin Blurp grubs in colors molting and pearl; using heavier jig heads.
And last but Not lest, Speckled Trout are starting to show and bite! The Speckled trout fishing has gotten better and better around this area every year! It looks like it will be the same this year as well; “I Can’t wait, I love Trout fishing”! The best trout bites lately have been on grubs and hard baits, but we have caught some on the good ‘ole live shrimp as well! The best grub colors for us have been; chart-diamond, greenback shiner and silver mullet. In the Shrimp pattern colors; clear, bone-diamond and root beer. Rig the grubs and shrimp patterns on a red or black jig head for best results.
Hard lure’s that seem to be bringing the trout to the boat are Mirrolures and X-raps in colors pink, chartreuse, and white. Most of the trout we have caught have been in the creeks and main channels connecting to the ICW and inlets. There are still lots of pinfish, lizardfish, and small bluefish around: so we have not jumped in to the live shrimp full force yet.
In other fishing news: The 2008 Cape Fear Red-Trout Celebrity Classic to benefit Cystic fibrosis was held this last weekend 10-16 to 10-18. I really enjoy fishing this tournament year after year. It’s well run and very fun, there are a lot of very good guides that fish this tournament. I had the pleasure fishing with Adam Meyer and Liz Bielski with Charter Lakes Insurance group. I’m very happy to announce that team Charter Lakes took Lady Angler Grand Champion, Liz even caught more fish than Adam! Congrats Liz, great job! I look forward to fishing this tournament next year.
Fishing gear we use;
Bull Reds: Reels Pflueger Contender G15L, Rods Shakespeare Custom “USCB 1166 MH” Penn spinning reels 560L Live Liner with Penn Torque jigging rod 7’ 20 to 50 braids.
Spanish, Trout, and Flounder: Reels Pflueger Medalist spinning in sizes 6035 and 6040. Rods: Ugly stick lites 6’6” and 7’ Med & Med-Heavy.
Good Luck,
Captain Jot Owens
www.captainjot.com
910-233-4139
Wrightsville Beach NC Charter fishing
Wilmington NC Fishing charters
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Hello from Surf City!
October 18, 2008
Rainy Day Topsail Redfish
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Hello from Surf City!
Today I had Russell and Doug join me for a day of fishing in the rain at Topsail Beach. Knowing that the weather was going to be nasty, I call Russell and ask if they wanted to fish in the rain. They said that they came to fish, so fish is what we did.
The bite wasn't exactly on "fire", but both Russell and Doug managed to catch Redfish in the 5-6lb class. Russell also landed a flounder that was slightly under the size limit. Though the weather was less than perfect, we had a good time and Russell and Doug have some nice fish for their cookout!!! Good job guys!! You deserve those fish for battling the conditions!!
Tight lines and good fishing!!
Capt. Brent
October 17, 2008
Oct 17 Topsail Report
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Hello from Surf City!
Fishing is good! Dad and I caught so many spots that we were giving them away. We caught flounder, we caught huge whiting, we caught blues, and pompano! I have heard of catches of red fish and spekled trout, in the sound and now from the surf. The water is full of bait. Spanish are still here, but in smaller numbers. Will the king bite on the piers ever quit? Doesn't look like it. Offshore, everything is biting. I'm not going to list them all, but if you have heard of it off the North Carolina coast, chances are it is biting offshore. Baits are the same as all summer. Live shrimp is the most prefered, with finger mullets coming in a close second. Then there is Gulp, all the Gulp baits are now producing. And let's add FishBites to that list. Spots love them especially the bloodworm flavor! If you haven't been to Topsail fishing this fall, why are you waiting? Come and gettum'.
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna
October 12, 2008
Weekend Topsail Report
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Hello from Surf City!
Fishing slowed a bit with the rain moving in, but with winds out of the North East, there are still a few fish around. Lots of pier anglers wearing their rain gear braved the weather and were rewarded with a nice catch of spots, mullets, black drum, pompano, and keeper flounder. The numbers weren't huge, but most anglers were happy with the catch. There will be some good spot dinners as a result. All the piers were reporting small catches of a variety of fish. An angler fishing off the end of Jolly Roger Pier landed a huge red drum. To keep the fish alive, it was returned to the water as quickly as possible, so it was not weighed or measured. The red was almost up to the anglers waist as he held the fish up to return it to the water. A special thanks to the angler for his unselfish actions in saving the fish.
Surf anglers are catching mostly the same as pier anglers, but with a few more puppy drum, some keepers, and larger flounder. The inside continues to produce catches of red drum, flounder, and speckled trout, with the best baits again live shrimp and finger mullets. Just a note, you anglers that can't find live shrimp or finger mullets, give small pin fish a try. I have had success with reds and flounder using the small spiney pinfish for bait. Best size for me have been from two to four inches. Sometimes with the bigger pinfish I will trim the top dorsal fin with a pair of scissors. Seems to get more bites for me. The rain has ended and hopefully the fish will come back in sometime tomorrow. Thanks to everyone who has emailed us with their catch results. I rely on you for a lot of my posts. Keep 'em coming.
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Hello from Surf City!
Fishing slowed a bit with the rain moving in, but with winds out of the North East, there are still a few fish around. Lots of pier anglers wearing their rain gear braved the weather and were rewarded with a nice catch of spots, mullets, black drum, pompano, and keeper flounder. The numbers weren't huge, but most anglers were happy with the catch. There will be some good spot dinners as a result. All the piers were reporting small catches of a variety of fish. An angler fishing off the end of Jolly Roger Pier landed a huge red drum. To keep the fish alive, it was returned to the water as quickly as possible, so it was not weighed or measured. The red was almost up to the anglers waist as he held the fish up to return it to the water. A special thanks to the angler for his unselfish actions in saving the fish.
Surf anglers are catching mostly the same as pier anglers, but with a few more puppy drum, some keepers, and larger flounder. The inside continues to produce catches of red drum, flounder, and speckled trout, with the best baits again live shrimp and finger mullets. Just a note, you anglers that can't find live shrimp or finger mullets, give small pin fish a try. I have had success with reds and flounder using the small spiney pinfish for bait. Best size for me have been from two to four inches. Sometimes with the bigger pinfish I will trim the top dorsal fin with a pair of scissors. Seems to get more bites for me. The rain has ended and hopefully the fish will come back in sometime tomorrow. Thanks to everyone who has emailed us with their catch results. I rely on you for a lot of my posts. Keep 'em coming.
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
October 10, 2008
Some coastal towns will have to pay for dredging
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Below is an article that appeared in the Star News website. This is important!
All water sports enthusiasts, especially anglers, should contact your representatives in congress to insure that our Intracoastal Waterway stays open. This is vital for our coastal communities who depend on the waterway for the tourist industry and as anglers and boaters, you know how important this issue is. We have to fight for this every year, and the time is NOW! Thank you for your support.
CLICK HERE for the StarNewsOnline.com website:
[quote]
By Gareth McGrath
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 7:15 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 7:16 p.m.
For the second time in three years, North Carolina and some coastal communities will have to dig into their own pockets to help dredge shoaled-up sections of the Intracoastal Waterway.
But unlike the first time around, this year’s estimated $5 million price tag comes amid the biggest economic meltdown in a generation.
Yet even with tax revenues shrinking and governments contemplating budget cutbacks, state and local officials might find it too costly not to pay for the dredging work.
“If the waterway isn’t passable, every beach community is affected and the whole state is affected,” said Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Smith, whose town might have to find up to $315,000 to keep the Shallotte Inlet and Shallotte River crossings of the waterway navigable. “And we need all parts of the waterway to be passable, or else it doesn’t really work. We can’t have a disjointed waterway.”
Still, the idea that Washington is again walking away from what historically has been a federal responsibility isn’t sitting well with local officials who suddenly find themselves squeezed between adding yet another funding request or potentially letting an economic and recreational asset sink.
Rick Catlin, head of the New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach Commission, said the lack of adequate federal funding for the state’s beach and waterway infrastructure projects isn’t something new and probably portends a growing wave of the future.
He said it also highlights the need for North Carolina, both at the state and local levels, to get serious about creating a reliable and renewable revenue source for such dredging projects.
“We have to take a new, hard look at cost-sharing,” said Catlin, who also is chairman of the N.C. Beach, Inlet and Waterway Association. “We have to. We have to be realistic.”
The Army Corps of Engineers, faced with its own lean fiscal times, has said it doesn’t expect to receive enough federal funding this year to do more than simply maintain the Intracoastal, limiting its work largely to surveying the waterway and carrying out mosquito-control work.
That means the agency likely won’t have enough money to dredge several shallow-draft inlet crossings of the waterway, and possibly even Snows Cut, this winter.
Those areas are shoaling “hot spots” where sand quickly accumulates due to strong currents and tidal energy.
So the N.C. Division of Water Resources, in an agreement with the corps, is proposing to split the costs between Raleigh and the communities that would benefit from the dredged sand being placed on their beaches.
“If we don’t come up with the money, they’re not going to do the dredging,” said John Sutherland, chief of the agency’s Water Projects Section. “It’s really that simple.”
Brunswick County, which would pay half the cost of pumping sand onto Oak Island, Holden Beach and Ocean Isle Beach, is being asked to contribute more than $550,000.
County Manager Marty Lawing said coming up with the money won’t be easy, especially considering Brunswick hadn’t earmarked any funds to support dredging in its 2008-09 budget.
“With the economic slowdown impacting revenue fairly significantly and it already being a tight budget year, we might have to get creative,” he said. “But when we have a project leveraged with state and local funds, we really have to take a hard look at taking advantage of it.”
Ocean Isle’s Smith said her town also would likely help pay for the dredging.
“That should be a federal responsibility, or they should be paying for a large percentage of it,” she said. “But there’s just no money in the budget for it. So I guess we’ll have to do what we have to do.”
The dredging work this winter also could include the western part of Snows Cut, the Southport boat basin and Bogue Inlet in Carteret County.
But corps project manager Mitch Hall said disposal and permit issues still need to be worked out for those projects to be included in this round of dredging work.
If the Snows Cut work goes ahead, Raleigh would likely pick up the cost of dredging the estimated 122,000 cubic yards of material.
“We’re not expecting any local cost-share for a project that doesn’t have direct benefits for the local governments,” Sutherland said.
Gareth McGrath: 343-2384
gareth.mcgrath@starnewsonline.com
[end quote]
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Below is an article that appeared in the Star News website. This is important!
All water sports enthusiasts, especially anglers, should contact your representatives in congress to insure that our Intracoastal Waterway stays open. This is vital for our coastal communities who depend on the waterway for the tourist industry and as anglers and boaters, you know how important this issue is. We have to fight for this every year, and the time is NOW! Thank you for your support.
CLICK HERE for the StarNewsOnline.com website:
[quote]
By Gareth McGrath
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 7:15 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 7:16 p.m.
For the second time in three years, North Carolina and some coastal communities will have to dig into their own pockets to help dredge shoaled-up sections of the Intracoastal Waterway.
But unlike the first time around, this year’s estimated $5 million price tag comes amid the biggest economic meltdown in a generation.
Yet even with tax revenues shrinking and governments contemplating budget cutbacks, state and local officials might find it too costly not to pay for the dredging work.
“If the waterway isn’t passable, every beach community is affected and the whole state is affected,” said Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Smith, whose town might have to find up to $315,000 to keep the Shallotte Inlet and Shallotte River crossings of the waterway navigable. “And we need all parts of the waterway to be passable, or else it doesn’t really work. We can’t have a disjointed waterway.”
Still, the idea that Washington is again walking away from what historically has been a federal responsibility isn’t sitting well with local officials who suddenly find themselves squeezed between adding yet another funding request or potentially letting an economic and recreational asset sink.
Rick Catlin, head of the New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach Commission, said the lack of adequate federal funding for the state’s beach and waterway infrastructure projects isn’t something new and probably portends a growing wave of the future.
He said it also highlights the need for North Carolina, both at the state and local levels, to get serious about creating a reliable and renewable revenue source for such dredging projects.
“We have to take a new, hard look at cost-sharing,” said Catlin, who also is chairman of the N.C. Beach, Inlet and Waterway Association. “We have to. We have to be realistic.”
The Army Corps of Engineers, faced with its own lean fiscal times, has said it doesn’t expect to receive enough federal funding this year to do more than simply maintain the Intracoastal, limiting its work largely to surveying the waterway and carrying out mosquito-control work.
That means the agency likely won’t have enough money to dredge several shallow-draft inlet crossings of the waterway, and possibly even Snows Cut, this winter.
Those areas are shoaling “hot spots” where sand quickly accumulates due to strong currents and tidal energy.
So the N.C. Division of Water Resources, in an agreement with the corps, is proposing to split the costs between Raleigh and the communities that would benefit from the dredged sand being placed on their beaches.
“If we don’t come up with the money, they’re not going to do the dredging,” said John Sutherland, chief of the agency’s Water Projects Section. “It’s really that simple.”
Brunswick County, which would pay half the cost of pumping sand onto Oak Island, Holden Beach and Ocean Isle Beach, is being asked to contribute more than $550,000.
County Manager Marty Lawing said coming up with the money won’t be easy, especially considering Brunswick hadn’t earmarked any funds to support dredging in its 2008-09 budget.
“With the economic slowdown impacting revenue fairly significantly and it already being a tight budget year, we might have to get creative,” he said. “But when we have a project leveraged with state and local funds, we really have to take a hard look at taking advantage of it.”
Ocean Isle’s Smith said her town also would likely help pay for the dredging.
“That should be a federal responsibility, or they should be paying for a large percentage of it,” she said. “But there’s just no money in the budget for it. So I guess we’ll have to do what we have to do.”
The dredging work this winter also could include the western part of Snows Cut, the Southport boat basin and Bogue Inlet in Carteret County.
But corps project manager Mitch Hall said disposal and permit issues still need to be worked out for those projects to be included in this round of dredging work.
If the Snows Cut work goes ahead, Raleigh would likely pick up the cost of dredging the estimated 122,000 cubic yards of material.
“We’re not expecting any local cost-share for a project that doesn’t have direct benefits for the local governments,” Sutherland said.
Gareth McGrath: 343-2384
gareth.mcgrath@starnewsonline.com
[end quote]
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna
Pompano and Spots!
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Hello from Surf City!
The spots are moving. On Wednesday anglers were pulling them up two at a time from Jolly Roger Pier. Today in the surf Donna and I caught 9 pompano and one spot. [Friday night supper!] Tiny sea mullets were biting hard, but no keeper mullet or whiting took our bait. [cut shrimp] I tried some sand fleas but no hits on the fleas. Fleas were plentiful, but they were deep. Topsail Island piers are busy with plenty of spot with some being caught two at a time. at times. Sea mullet, drum and pompano are being caught on the piers along with flounder and speckled trout. The flounder and specks are biting finger mullets and live shrimp. The Spanish are still biting early in the AM. Bluefish are still biting also. Fall fishing! Gotta love it!
I was shocked to see a four to five foot shark right in the surf today. I could see it's eye! I could have reached out and touched it! I have seen sharks that close only one other time back when Salty's Pier was running in North Topsail Beach. That evening there were at least a dozen swimming around in the surf real close to shore. They were so shallow that their backs, dorcel fin, and tail were all out of the water. Stay tuned for more the spot blitz will come any day now. They are biting steady around Morehead City, heading this way.
Thanks for reading our blog. We appreciate the nice comments and questions which we try to answer to the best of our ability. Keep 'em coming!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Hello from Surf City!
The spots are moving. On Wednesday anglers were pulling them up two at a time from Jolly Roger Pier. Today in the surf Donna and I caught 9 pompano and one spot. [Friday night supper!] Tiny sea mullets were biting hard, but no keeper mullet or whiting took our bait. [cut shrimp] I tried some sand fleas but no hits on the fleas. Fleas were plentiful, but they were deep. Topsail Island piers are busy with plenty of spot with some being caught two at a time. at times. Sea mullet, drum and pompano are being caught on the piers along with flounder and speckled trout. The flounder and specks are biting finger mullets and live shrimp. The Spanish are still biting early in the AM. Bluefish are still biting also. Fall fishing! Gotta love it!
I was shocked to see a four to five foot shark right in the surf today. I could see it's eye! I could have reached out and touched it! I have seen sharks that close only one other time back when Salty's Pier was running in North Topsail Beach. That evening there were at least a dozen swimming around in the surf real close to shore. They were so shallow that their backs, dorcel fin, and tail were all out of the water. Stay tuned for more the spot blitz will come any day now. They are biting steady around Morehead City, heading this way.
Thanks for reading our blog. We appreciate the nice comments and questions which we try to answer to the best of our ability. Keep 'em coming!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
October 8, 2008
Spots!
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
I got this alert from Chris at East Coast Sports. Check it out.
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
I got this alert from Chris at East Coast Sports. Check it out.
Fishing Topsail Message Board
October 7, 2008
4 Wheel Drive Access to New River Inlet
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Hello from Surf City!
Success! Today the town board voted to take NO action concerning 4 wheel drive access to the New River Inlet. They are keeping the proposal on the table for more study. Everyone keep emailing and writing your objections to this action. This is one of the few access points left in North Topsail Beach, and the only access to the New River Inlet.
My 2 cents.
Fishing continues to get better with more catches of "everything" in the surf. The fall spot run hasn't started yet, but there are plenty of yellow butterflies around, and the spots are biting hard in Emerald Isle. The pier is full tonight, but I haven't been up to see what is biting if anything.
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Hello from Surf City!
Success! Today the town board voted to take NO action concerning 4 wheel drive access to the New River Inlet. They are keeping the proposal on the table for more study. Everyone keep emailing and writing your objections to this action. This is one of the few access points left in North Topsail Beach, and the only access to the New River Inlet.
My 2 cents.
Fishing continues to get better with more catches of "everything" in the surf. The fall spot run hasn't started yet, but there are plenty of yellow butterflies around, and the spots are biting hard in Emerald Isle. The pier is full tonight, but I haven't been up to see what is biting if anything.
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
October 6, 2008
The Air is Cooling Down but the Fishing is Heating Up!
I’m very happy that fall is really starting show here in eastern North Carolina. This is by far my favorite time of the year for outdoors and fishing in North Carolina. As the air temps Fall the fishing action just heats up more and more every day!
We’ve done a lot of Flounder fishing the last couple of weeks, with some pretty good days of fishing. Most of the Flounder are eating Mullet and Mud minnows on light Carolina rigs. The Flounder are mixed in size to just under keeper size to a few over five pounds. If you would rather use artificial bait, I would try a Saltwater Assassin Blurp grub in molting color. Rig the Blurp on a red or black jig head for best results.
We have found most of the Flounder in the creeks in mixed size but higher numbers. Fishing the drop of the main channel in the creeks, this is where we have found the most fish. The bigger Flounder seem to be around the inlets and just off the beach. There seems to be less action and Flounder but, they are very nice Flounder; in the three the over six pound range. (The creeks have been more fun for Flounder fishing.)
There are still fair amounts of good ole’ Redfish around, some in the creeks and some in the ocean. In the creeks and waterway top water plugs and live baits are doing the trick. We fish top water early in the morning and late afternoon when the sun in low. The ocean Redfish is eating; live bait and Blurp shrimp and or shad grubs. Extra scent never hurts when Red fishing!
The Trout are starting to show up around the area. We’ve caught Trout from right around Wrightsville Beach to down in the Cape Fear River. Most that we have found are in the creeks and channels running along the drop offs to deeper water. The trout that we have caught are hitting grubs in colors Chart Diamond, Pump Seed/Chart tail and sliver mullet on red jig heads. Hard baits getting the luck are Mirrolures redhead silver body and white back white belly.
As water temps drop the Trout fishing will get better and better. The last couple of seasons have been the best Trout fishing I have ever seen around Wrightsville Beach, it seems to get better every year! I do a great deal of Trout charters in November, if you would like to go book soon for I will book up fast!
In other fishing news: I’m proud to announce that myself and Capt. Jeremiah Hieronymus, took second place and First place TWT “largest Redfish” in the Redfish Action Inshore Classic this last weekend. We had a great time fishing this well run event and look very forward to fishing more in the feature! Capt. Lee Willis and the Redfish action crew did a wonderful job running this tournament, my hat comes off to Him and his crew! I will always recommend this series to anyone how enjoys Red fishing and tournaments.
The Fishing gear we use:
Reds, Trout and Flounder: Reels Pflueger Medalist spinning in sizes 6035 and 6040. Rods: Ugly stick lites 6’6” and 7’ Med & Med-Heavy. 20 pound Ugly Braid.
In the Redfish Action tournament I could not have done it with out my: Pflueger Supreme low profile bait caster and All Star Platinum P845MC 7’ rod. This combo gave me extreme casting distance that truly helped us place in this tournament. Check one of those out, you won’t be unhappy!
Good Luck,
Captain Jot Owens
www.captainjot.com
910-233-4139
Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington NC Fishing Charters
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
We’ve done a lot of Flounder fishing the last couple of weeks, with some pretty good days of fishing. Most of the Flounder are eating Mullet and Mud minnows on light Carolina rigs. The Flounder are mixed in size to just under keeper size to a few over five pounds. If you would rather use artificial bait, I would try a Saltwater Assassin Blurp grub in molting color. Rig the Blurp on a red or black jig head for best results.
We have found most of the Flounder in the creeks in mixed size but higher numbers. Fishing the drop of the main channel in the creeks, this is where we have found the most fish. The bigger Flounder seem to be around the inlets and just off the beach. There seems to be less action and Flounder but, they are very nice Flounder; in the three the over six pound range. (The creeks have been more fun for Flounder fishing.)
There are still fair amounts of good ole’ Redfish around, some in the creeks and some in the ocean. In the creeks and waterway top water plugs and live baits are doing the trick. We fish top water early in the morning and late afternoon when the sun in low. The ocean Redfish is eating; live bait and Blurp shrimp and or shad grubs. Extra scent never hurts when Red fishing!
The Trout are starting to show up around the area. We’ve caught Trout from right around Wrightsville Beach to down in the Cape Fear River. Most that we have found are in the creeks and channels running along the drop offs to deeper water. The trout that we have caught are hitting grubs in colors Chart Diamond, Pump Seed/Chart tail and sliver mullet on red jig heads. Hard baits getting the luck are Mirrolures redhead silver body and white back white belly.
As water temps drop the Trout fishing will get better and better. The last couple of seasons have been the best Trout fishing I have ever seen around Wrightsville Beach, it seems to get better every year! I do a great deal of Trout charters in November, if you would like to go book soon for I will book up fast!
In other fishing news: I’m proud to announce that myself and Capt. Jeremiah Hieronymus, took second place and First place TWT “largest Redfish” in the Redfish Action Inshore Classic this last weekend. We had a great time fishing this well run event and look very forward to fishing more in the feature! Capt. Lee Willis and the Redfish action crew did a wonderful job running this tournament, my hat comes off to Him and his crew! I will always recommend this series to anyone how enjoys Red fishing and tournaments.
The Fishing gear we use:
Reds, Trout and Flounder: Reels Pflueger Medalist spinning in sizes 6035 and 6040. Rods: Ugly stick lites 6’6” and 7’ Med & Med-Heavy. 20 pound Ugly Braid.
In the Redfish Action tournament I could not have done it with out my: Pflueger Supreme low profile bait caster and All Star Platinum P845MC 7’ rod. This combo gave me extreme casting distance that truly helped us place in this tournament. Check one of those out, you won’t be unhappy!
Good Luck,
Captain Jot Owens
www.captainjot.com
910-233-4139
Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington NC Fishing Charters
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
October 5, 2008
NC Red Drum Fishing
The fall weather conditions have just been great the last several days light wind,mild tempertures,and Carolina Blue Skies,here in the Cape Fear Region of N.C.
Red Drum fishing has been steady since the weather has settled down,good sized slot redfish are being caught,and are fighting hard !
Spanish mackerel are biting well just off Carolina Beach,fish are large 3lb.to 4lb. are being caught trolling & casting plugs just beyond the surf in 15' to 20' of water.
A few king mackerel are being caught with live bait right on the beach,a 34lb fish was caught Friday just south of Carolina Beach Inlet.
Give the Cape Fear Guide a call to enjoy this great fall weather we are having !
Capt.Mike Dennis
Capt.Mike@charter.net
910-619-0928
www.capefear-guide.com
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Red Drum fishing has been steady since the weather has settled down,good sized slot redfish are being caught,and are fighting hard !
Spanish mackerel are biting well just off Carolina Beach,fish are large 3lb.to 4lb. are being caught trolling & casting plugs just beyond the surf in 15' to 20' of water.
A few king mackerel are being caught with live bait right on the beach,a 34lb fish was caught Friday just south of Carolina Beach Inlet.
Give the Cape Fear Guide a call to enjoy this great fall weather we are having !
Capt.Mike Dennis
Capt.Mike@charter.net
910-619-0928
www.capefear-guide.com
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
October 4, 2008
I am starting this report announcing that I recently landed the greatest catch of my life. Karen, my sweetie of 3 years accepted my marriage proposal this past week. This has truly been a great week.
Now for the fishing. The bait fish are abundant and making their fall migrations South. As a result, the predators are feeding heavily and the fishing couldn't be better. My last few trips have mainly been inshore trips targeting Speckled Trout and Redfish and the bite has been quite good. The Redfish have been biting soft plastics quite well. Most of the fish are good slot fish in the 24-26-inch range.
The Specks are also really starting to turn on. This past Friday, I landed a 4lb Speck. on a DOA paddle tail. I also caught another 3lber on a top water plug. There is nothing like catching fish on topwater plugs!!!
I have lots of good falls dates available. Call today and book your trip!!!
Tight lines!!!
Capt. Brent
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
October 3, 2008
Fall Fishing Picking Up!
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Met a guy on the beach today. He had a 5 gallon bucket half full of fish. Blues, spots, pompano, flounder, and sea mullets. This guy had a nice morning with his feet in the sand. Fall fishing has really picked up recently with the water getting cooler and now cleared up from the last storm that passed by. Same on the inside. Lots of big over the slot reds are being caught from New Topsail Inlet to New River Inlet. Donna and I will be out there in the surf Friday morning, early, God willing. Fishing is picking up on the piers also. There are still lots of spanish around with enough kings being landed to keep everyone interested. Bottom fishing is getting good. I have caught two keeper flounder in the surf this week. Last year I only caught two keepers the whole year. It's gonna be a good year. Better get on down here and do some fishing!
Pray for our nations leaders, and the candidates. No matter who you choose, pray that they will be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny and Donna
Topsail Area Charter Boats
Fishin' Topsail's Seafood Recipes
Met a guy on the beach today. He had a 5 gallon bucket half full of fish. Blues, spots, pompano, flounder, and sea mullets. This guy had a nice morning with his feet in the sand. Fall fishing has really picked up recently with the water getting cooler and now cleared up from the last storm that passed by. Same on the inside. Lots of big over the slot reds are being caught from New Topsail Inlet to New River Inlet. Donna and I will be out there in the surf Friday morning, early, God willing. Fishing is picking up on the piers also. There are still lots of spanish around with enough kings being landed to keep everyone interested. Bottom fishing is getting good. I have caught two keeper flounder in the surf this week. Last year I only caught two keepers the whole year. It's gonna be a good year. Better get on down here and do some fishing!
Pray for our nations leaders, and the candidates. No matter who you choose, pray that they will be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny and Donna
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)