Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
We would like to welcome new contributor Rob Orr of Jolly Roger Pier in Topsail Beach to our group. We are looking forward to Rob's posts and updates on fishing at Jolly Roger as well as other Topsail Beach fishing. Welcome Rob!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny aka FishinTopsail
July 29, 2009
NOTICE: NEW RESTRICTIONS ON SEA BASS, GROUPER AND SNAPPER GO INTO EFFECT TODAY, JULY 29,2009
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Everyone who fishes offshore for black sea bass, grouper and snapper, be aware of these new rules and restrictions which go into effect today.
[quote]
Contact: Patricia Smith
Date: July 27, 2009 Phone: (252) 726-7021
NEW RULES FOR SNAPPER/GROUPER FISHERMEN
MOREHEAD CITY – New rules go into effect next week that impact the commercial and recreational snapper/grouper fisheries in North Carolina.
Beginning Wednesday, the grouper aggregate bag limit for recreational fishermen will decrease from five to three fish per person per day. Only one of the three fish limit may be a gag or black grouper. The recreational bag limit for vermilion snapper, also known as beeliner, will drop from 10 to five fish per fisherman.
Additionally, all fishermen – commercial and recreational – must possess a de-hooking tool onboard the vessel when fishing for snappers and groupers.
New commercial quotas for the snapper-grouper fisheries begin Wednesday, as well.
A federal annual gag quota for waters from North Carolina to the Florida Keys is set at 352,940 pounds. Once that quota is met, there will be a commercial closure of all groupers in the shallow water grouper complex until May 1 in the following calendar year.
A commercial vermilion snapper quota is being separated into two seasons. The first season runs from Jan. 1-June 30 and allows for 315,523 pounds. The second season, which impacts North Carolina fishermen, runs from July 1-Dec. 31 and allows for 302,523 pounds. Once the quota is met, the commercial fishery will close until the beginning of the next season. Should there be quota left at the end of the season, the remaining quota will not roll over into the next season.
The director of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries implemented these rule changes by proclamation to comply with a federal fishery management plan. Recent stock assessments of gag and vermilion snapper indicate that overfishing is occurring, and the stricter regulations are meant to protect the fish from harvest during their spawning season and to help the stocks return to a viable status.
The proclamation can be found on the DMF Web site at http://www.ncfisheries.net/procs/procs2k9/FF-48-2009.html. Other rules implemented by this proclamation that will take place later include:
.....A recreational vermilion snapper closed season from Nov. 1 through March 31 each year;
.....A four-month recreational and commercial closure, from January through April each year, on shallow water groupers, including gag, black, red, scamp, rock hind, red hind, coney, grasby, yellowfin, yellowmouth and tiger groupers.
– More –
The rule changes above should not be confused with proposals for other snapper-grouper species that could go into effect this fall. The National Marine Fisheries Service is taking public comments on proposals that would require all fishermen to participate in an observer program, if selected; and prohibit fishermen from selling snapper and grouper species caught in federal waters unless they have an active federal snapper grouper permit. A copy of the federal register listing for these proposed rules and how you can comment on them can be found online at http://www.safmc.net/Portals/6/Library/FMP/SnapGroup/SNG15B_PR.pdf.
For more information about the new regulations or the proposed federal regulations, contact Jack Holland in DMF’s Wilmington office at (910) 796-7227 or
Jack.Holland@ncdenr.gov.
nr-36-09
[end quote]
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna
Topsail Beach
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Everyone who fishes offshore for black sea bass, grouper and snapper, be aware of these new rules and restrictions which go into effect today.
[quote]
Contact: Patricia Smith
Date: July 27, 2009 Phone: (252) 726-7021
NEW RULES FOR SNAPPER/GROUPER FISHERMEN
MOREHEAD CITY – New rules go into effect next week that impact the commercial and recreational snapper/grouper fisheries in North Carolina.
Beginning Wednesday, the grouper aggregate bag limit for recreational fishermen will decrease from five to three fish per person per day. Only one of the three fish limit may be a gag or black grouper. The recreational bag limit for vermilion snapper, also known as beeliner, will drop from 10 to five fish per fisherman.
Additionally, all fishermen – commercial and recreational – must possess a de-hooking tool onboard the vessel when fishing for snappers and groupers.
New commercial quotas for the snapper-grouper fisheries begin Wednesday, as well.
A federal annual gag quota for waters from North Carolina to the Florida Keys is set at 352,940 pounds. Once that quota is met, there will be a commercial closure of all groupers in the shallow water grouper complex until May 1 in the following calendar year.
A commercial vermilion snapper quota is being separated into two seasons. The first season runs from Jan. 1-June 30 and allows for 315,523 pounds. The second season, which impacts North Carolina fishermen, runs from July 1-Dec. 31 and allows for 302,523 pounds. Once the quota is met, the commercial fishery will close until the beginning of the next season. Should there be quota left at the end of the season, the remaining quota will not roll over into the next season.
The director of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries implemented these rule changes by proclamation to comply with a federal fishery management plan. Recent stock assessments of gag and vermilion snapper indicate that overfishing is occurring, and the stricter regulations are meant to protect the fish from harvest during their spawning season and to help the stocks return to a viable status.
The proclamation can be found on the DMF Web site at http://www.ncfisheries.net/procs/procs2k9/FF-48-2009.html. Other rules implemented by this proclamation that will take place later include:
.....A recreational vermilion snapper closed season from Nov. 1 through March 31 each year;
.....A four-month recreational and commercial closure, from January through April each year, on shallow water groupers, including gag, black, red, scamp, rock hind, red hind, coney, grasby, yellowfin, yellowmouth and tiger groupers.
– More –
The rule changes above should not be confused with proposals for other snapper-grouper species that could go into effect this fall. The National Marine Fisheries Service is taking public comments on proposals that would require all fishermen to participate in an observer program, if selected; and prohibit fishermen from selling snapper and grouper species caught in federal waters unless they have an active federal snapper grouper permit. A copy of the federal register listing for these proposed rules and how you can comment on them can be found online at http://www.safmc.net/Portals/6/Library/FMP/SnapGroup/SNG15B_PR.pdf.
For more information about the new regulations or the proposed federal regulations, contact Jack Holland in DMF’s Wilmington office at (910) 796-7227 or
Jack.Holland@ncdenr.gov.
nr-36-09
[end quote]
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna
Topsail Beach
July 28, 2009
Great Summer "trend" Fishing around the Area.
Hello, I hope everybody is doing well. I can’t complain; fishing has had some consistence for the most part. We’ve had some heavy storms lately in the afternoons. I’ve found that the areas where the rain has falling hard, the fishing is a little harder as well. Remember when water colors change you need to change your color patterns as well.
The summer trend of local fishing is really starting to show. One of my favorites has started to show this last week; the always fun Tarpon! I have only Tarpon fished once in the last two weeks. We saw a few fish, but no luck getting one. Always good to see them around the boat; gets my blood pressure up every time!
We fish for Tarpon on the bottom using, live and fresh dead baits like; spots, bluefish and Menhaden. We are rigging these baits on fish finder rigs, with three to five feet of 80 to 100 pound mono leaders. Circle hooks are the best bet for good hook ups and landings for Tarpon in hook sizes 7/0 to 9/0 depending what hook series you like. I have also had a fair share of Tarpon on my kite rig with live baits like greenies and menhaden. Nothing like seeing a Tarpon hit kite baits!
When the Tarpon start to show up, the sharks are already here! I’m not talking about one to three footers; I’m talking about four to seven plus footers, running fifty to two hundred pounds; on light tackle and fly rods. Don’t knock it till you have tried it! It’s a lot of fun most of the sharks come right up to the boat and take the bait or fly. We catch Lemon, Dusky, and Black tips and a few Hammerheads from time to time as well.
Best baits for the near shore sharks are, fresh and live Menhaden. When we use bait to catch the sharks we use spinning reels, with 300+ yards of thirty and fifty pound Spider wire Ultracast braid. Rigging the baits; eight feet of 80 pound mono leader; some will wind on to the reel. Connected the 80 pound mono to a fifty pound swivel, then to Two to three foot of #9 SS wire and an 8/0 or 9/0 off set J hook. If you prefer Fly fishing, I like Striped bass flies in Menhaden patterns with 4/0 and 5/0 hook sizes. We use ten to twelve weight set ups; have lots of extra flies with you!
The Redfish are still picking good, you just have got to get out there and find some fish that have not been fished too much. Live, fresh cut bait and scented grubs “Blurp” have been the ticket. When your fishing early don’t forget to try a good ole’ Rapala Skitter walk for some top water action with the Redfish. Spanish mackerel are biting as well, casting and trolling are best bets for these speedsters. Don’t forget that great hot summer fish; the Sheephead, the hotter the better for those guys. One-armed bandits seem to be one of best baits for me. Fish them around docks and bridges.
Gear used: Redfish, Spanish and Sheephead: 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. Sharks and Tarpon: Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) and Penn Torque 100TRQ. Rods: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class spinning and Torque 6’ 80-130 casting. Line: Spiderwire Ultracast in 30 to 50 pound.
ICAST News: I was in Orlando FL last week for ICAST: International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades. All the new tackle for 2010 is released here. I saw some really cool stuff that will be in the local tackle shops very soon. A few of my favorites were; Penn’s new lines of spinning reels. The new Penn Conquer spinning reel is my new favorite Redfish stopper, trust me it will stop’em! I was on the field research team for this reel and it really impressed me! This reel is made for super lines. Specifications: Sizes 2000, 4000, 5000 and 7000. Drags: 2000 12 lbs, 4000 19 lbs, 5000 22 lbs and 7000 32 lbs.
Next on the list that caught my eye, Penn’s new Torque spinning reels. If you like hardcore jigging, bottom fishing or catching big pelagic on spinning tackle this is the spinning reel for YOU!!! Specifications: Sizes TRQS5: 400 yards 30# braid, TRQS7: 470 yards 50# braid and TRQS9: 490 yards 80# braid. Drags “watch out” there hot: TRQS5: 38 lbs, TRQS7 41 lbs and TRQS9 50 lbs yes 50 lbs “that is a lot of drag for a spinning reel. The Torques comes in Black/gold and Gold/silver. Check them out soon at Pennreels.com
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
http://www.captainjot.com/
910-233-4139
The summer trend of local fishing is really starting to show. One of my favorites has started to show this last week; the always fun Tarpon! I have only Tarpon fished once in the last two weeks. We saw a few fish, but no luck getting one. Always good to see them around the boat; gets my blood pressure up every time!
We fish for Tarpon on the bottom using, live and fresh dead baits like; spots, bluefish and Menhaden. We are rigging these baits on fish finder rigs, with three to five feet of 80 to 100 pound mono leaders. Circle hooks are the best bet for good hook ups and landings for Tarpon in hook sizes 7/0 to 9/0 depending what hook series you like. I have also had a fair share of Tarpon on my kite rig with live baits like greenies and menhaden. Nothing like seeing a Tarpon hit kite baits!
When the Tarpon start to show up, the sharks are already here! I’m not talking about one to three footers; I’m talking about four to seven plus footers, running fifty to two hundred pounds; on light tackle and fly rods. Don’t knock it till you have tried it! It’s a lot of fun most of the sharks come right up to the boat and take the bait or fly. We catch Lemon, Dusky, and Black tips and a few Hammerheads from time to time as well.
Best baits for the near shore sharks are, fresh and live Menhaden. When we use bait to catch the sharks we use spinning reels, with 300+ yards of thirty and fifty pound Spider wire Ultracast braid. Rigging the baits; eight feet of 80 pound mono leader; some will wind on to the reel. Connected the 80 pound mono to a fifty pound swivel, then to Two to three foot of #9 SS wire and an 8/0 or 9/0 off set J hook. If you prefer Fly fishing, I like Striped bass flies in Menhaden patterns with 4/0 and 5/0 hook sizes. We use ten to twelve weight set ups; have lots of extra flies with you!
The Redfish are still picking good, you just have got to get out there and find some fish that have not been fished too much. Live, fresh cut bait and scented grubs “Blurp” have been the ticket. When your fishing early don’t forget to try a good ole’ Rapala Skitter walk for some top water action with the Redfish. Spanish mackerel are biting as well, casting and trolling are best bets for these speedsters. Don’t forget that great hot summer fish; the Sheephead, the hotter the better for those guys. One-armed bandits seem to be one of best baits for me. Fish them around docks and bridges.
Gear used: Redfish, Spanish and Sheephead: 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. Sharks and Tarpon: Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) and Penn Torque 100TRQ. Rods: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class spinning and Torque 6’ 80-130 casting. Line: Spiderwire Ultracast in 30 to 50 pound.
ICAST News: I was in Orlando FL last week for ICAST: International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades. All the new tackle for 2010 is released here. I saw some really cool stuff that will be in the local tackle shops very soon. A few of my favorites were; Penn’s new lines of spinning reels. The new Penn Conquer spinning reel is my new favorite Redfish stopper, trust me it will stop’em! I was on the field research team for this reel and it really impressed me! This reel is made for super lines. Specifications: Sizes 2000, 4000, 5000 and 7000. Drags: 2000 12 lbs, 4000 19 lbs, 5000 22 lbs and 7000 32 lbs.
Next on the list that caught my eye, Penn’s new Torque spinning reels. If you like hardcore jigging, bottom fishing or catching big pelagic on spinning tackle this is the spinning reel for YOU!!! Specifications: Sizes TRQS5: 400 yards 30# braid, TRQS7: 470 yards 50# braid and TRQS9: 490 yards 80# braid. Drags “watch out” there hot: TRQS5: 38 lbs, TRQS7 41 lbs and TRQS9 50 lbs yes 50 lbs “that is a lot of drag for a spinning reel. The Torques comes in Black/gold and Gold/silver. Check them out soon at Pennreels.com
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
http://www.captainjot.com/
910-233-4139
July 22, 2009
Off Shore King Mackerel
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Hello from Topsail Beach! I received an invitation to go offshore fishing with friends Caleb and Jonathon in Jonathon's boat. We left out Monday morning about 8am with our partner boat for the day owned by our friends Don and his son Donny, along with a couple more guys. To my new friends that fished with my friends Don and his son Donny, I enjoyed meeting and talking with you. I apologize, but your names escape me at the moment. We had a wonderful day on the water. Weather was beautiful, overcast just a bit, so not to hot. There were fronts visible but all were going away from our location. We trolled just a short bit before hooking up with a nice barracuda. I had the privilege of fighting the 15 pounder and bringing it to the boat, and releasing the beauty alive. Did I mention this was my first barracuda? After a short time, we hooked up again, and my friends insisted I fight this one also. It was a glorious fight, finally resulting in a 12 to 15 lb king. This also was my first king. Later we moved on to a spot, (I couldn't say where. LOL) and bottom fished where we caught black sea bass, grouper, and grunts. There was some beautiful scenery. Water was wonderfully clear, and we saw many jellies, all kinds of bait fish, and a huge king almost kissing our boat while we were bottom fishing! As you may know, most of my fishing is done locally in the surf and piers. So this trip was a real treat for me. The trip also made me realize my limitations, being these guys wore me out! I am sore from the tips of my fingers to the ends of my toes, but the experience was well worth the little bit of suffering. Oh, one more thing...... I DIDN'T GET SEA SICK!!!!!!!
My picture software is down, so I will post pictures when (if) I can.
Thanks again to my good friends Caleb, Jonathon, and Don for a wonderful day on the water.
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Hello from Topsail Beach! I received an invitation to go offshore fishing with friends Caleb and Jonathon in Jonathon's boat. We left out Monday morning about 8am with our partner boat for the day owned by our friends Don and his son Donny, along with a couple more guys. To my new friends that fished with my friends Don and his son Donny, I enjoyed meeting and talking with you. I apologize, but your names escape me at the moment. We had a wonderful day on the water. Weather was beautiful, overcast just a bit, so not to hot. There were fronts visible but all were going away from our location. We trolled just a short bit before hooking up with a nice barracuda. I had the privilege of fighting the 15 pounder and bringing it to the boat, and releasing the beauty alive. Did I mention this was my first barracuda? After a short time, we hooked up again, and my friends insisted I fight this one also. It was a glorious fight, finally resulting in a 12 to 15 lb king. This also was my first king. Later we moved on to a spot, (I couldn't say where. LOL) and bottom fished where we caught black sea bass, grouper, and grunts. There was some beautiful scenery. Water was wonderfully clear, and we saw many jellies, all kinds of bait fish, and a huge king almost kissing our boat while we were bottom fishing! As you may know, most of my fishing is done locally in the surf and piers. So this trip was a real treat for me. The trip also made me realize my limitations, being these guys wore me out! I am sore from the tips of my fingers to the ends of my toes, but the experience was well worth the little bit of suffering. Oh, one more thing...... I DIDN'T GET SEA SICK!!!!!!!
My picture software is down, so I will post pictures when (if) I can.
Thanks again to my good friends Caleb, Jonathon, and Don for a wonderful day on the water.
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
Military Wildlife Exemption Clarification
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Got this from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission:
[quote]
Media contact: Jodie Owen,
Public Information Officer
(919) 707-0187
jodie.owen@ncwildlife.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission wants all military personnel, their families and friends to be aware of information regarding a new law establishing a hunting and fishing license exemption for resident North Carolinians serving full-time military duty outside of the state. The new law (House Bill 97) was incorrectly interpreted in an article in North Carolina Sportsman magazine’s August issue.
The inaccuracy of this interpretation of the law could create circumstances that place our military servicemen and women in violation of the law and compromise their rights. The Commission wants to make sure no hardship is caused to the men and women of North Carolina in dedicated service to our country.
The new law states that a resident of North Carolina who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including reservists, serving full-time military duty outside the state is exempt from hunting, inland and coastal fishing license requirements while on leave in this state for 30 days or less . Individuals must have military identification and a copy of the official authorized leave notice from a duty station outside the state with them while hunting or fishing to take advantage of this exemption.
The full text of the law can be viewed by clicking the following link:
Active Duty Hunting and Fishing License Exemption
If further clarification is needed, please contact the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
[end quote]
Sounds kind of confusing to me. They should have exempted them altogether. My 2 cents
Below is the law as written in the NC Code
[quote]
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2009
SESSION LAW 2009-25
HOUSE BILL 97
AN ACT to provide that residents of this state who are serving on full‑time active military duty outside this state in the armed forces of the united states or a reserve component of the armed forces of the united states may hunt or fish while on leave in this state without obtaining a license.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1. G.S. 113‑276 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(l2) A resident of this State who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States serving outside the State, or who is serving on full‑time active military duty outside the State in a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States as defined in 10 U.S.C. 10101, is exempt from the hunting and fishing license requirements of G.S. 113‑270.1B, G.S. 113‑270.3(b)(1), G.S. 113‑270.3(b)(3), G.S. 113‑270.3(b)(5), G.S. 113‑271, G.S. 113‑272, G.S. 113‑272.2(c)(1), and the Coastal Recreational Fishing License requirements of G.S. 113‑174.2 while that person is on leave in this State for 30 days or less. In order to qualify for the exemption provided under this subsection, the person shall have on his or her person at all times during the hunting or fishing activity the person's military identification card and a copy of the official document issued by the person's service unit confirming that the person is on authorized leave from a duty station outside this State.
A person exempted from licensing requirements under this subsection is responsible for complying with any reporting requirements prescribed by rule of the Wildlife Resources Commission, complying with the hunter safety requirements of G.S. 113‑270.1A, purchasing any federal migratory waterfowl stamps as a result of waterfowl hunting activity, and complying with any other requirements that the holder of a North Carolina license is subject to."
SECTION 2. This act becomes effective July 1, 2009.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 5th day of May, 2009.
s/ Walter H. Dalton President of the Senate
s/ Joe Hackney Speaker of the House of Representatives
s/ Beverly E. Perdue Governor
Approved 6:15 p.m. this 13th day of May, 2009
[end quote]
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Got this from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission:
[quote]
Media contact: Jodie Owen,
Public Information Officer
(919) 707-0187
jodie.owen@ncwildlife.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission wants all military personnel, their families and friends to be aware of information regarding a new law establishing a hunting and fishing license exemption for resident North Carolinians serving full-time military duty outside of the state. The new law (House Bill 97) was incorrectly interpreted in an article in North Carolina Sportsman magazine’s August issue.
The inaccuracy of this interpretation of the law could create circumstances that place our military servicemen and women in violation of the law and compromise their rights. The Commission wants to make sure no hardship is caused to the men and women of North Carolina in dedicated service to our country.
The new law states that a resident of North Carolina who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including reservists, serving full-time military duty outside the state is exempt from hunting, inland and coastal fishing license requirements while on leave in this state for 30 days or less . Individuals must have military identification and a copy of the official authorized leave notice from a duty station outside the state with them while hunting or fishing to take advantage of this exemption.
The full text of the law can be viewed by clicking the following link:
Active Duty Hunting and Fishing License Exemption
If further clarification is needed, please contact the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
[end quote]
Sounds kind of confusing to me. They should have exempted them altogether. My 2 cents
Below is the law as written in the NC Code
[quote]
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2009
SESSION LAW 2009-25
HOUSE BILL 97
AN ACT to provide that residents of this state who are serving on full‑time active military duty outside this state in the armed forces of the united states or a reserve component of the armed forces of the united states may hunt or fish while on leave in this state without obtaining a license.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1. G.S. 113‑276 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"(l2) A resident of this State who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States serving outside the State, or who is serving on full‑time active military duty outside the State in a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States as defined in 10 U.S.C. 10101, is exempt from the hunting and fishing license requirements of G.S. 113‑270.1B, G.S. 113‑270.3(b)(1), G.S. 113‑270.3(b)(3), G.S. 113‑270.3(b)(5), G.S. 113‑271, G.S. 113‑272, G.S. 113‑272.2(c)(1), and the Coastal Recreational Fishing License requirements of G.S. 113‑174.2 while that person is on leave in this State for 30 days or less. In order to qualify for the exemption provided under this subsection, the person shall have on his or her person at all times during the hunting or fishing activity the person's military identification card and a copy of the official document issued by the person's service unit confirming that the person is on authorized leave from a duty station outside this State.
A person exempted from licensing requirements under this subsection is responsible for complying with any reporting requirements prescribed by rule of the Wildlife Resources Commission, complying with the hunter safety requirements of G.S. 113‑270.1A, purchasing any federal migratory waterfowl stamps as a result of waterfowl hunting activity, and complying with any other requirements that the holder of a North Carolina license is subject to."
SECTION 2. This act becomes effective July 1, 2009.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 5th day of May, 2009.
s/ Walter H. Dalton President of the Senate
s/ Joe Hackney Speaker of the House of Representatives
s/ Beverly E. Perdue Governor
Approved 6:15 p.m. this 13th day of May, 2009
[end quote]
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna
July 16, 2009
Mullets in the surf
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Migraines. Sea mullets are biting pretty well in the surf for summer. Fresh cut shrimp and sand fleas are doing the job for surf anglers. The piers are about the same. Spanish and blues in the mornings and evenings, spots and mullets after dark, with a flounder and speckled trout mixed in here and there. King anglers are catching enough to keep them interested. Don't have a report for the sounds. Hope to have more soon.
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
269671
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Migraines. Sea mullets are biting pretty well in the surf for summer. Fresh cut shrimp and sand fleas are doing the job for surf anglers. The piers are about the same. Spanish and blues in the mornings and evenings, spots and mullets after dark, with a flounder and speckled trout mixed in here and there. King anglers are catching enough to keep them interested. Don't have a report for the sounds. Hope to have more soon.
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
269671
July 13, 2009
Great Inshore and Offshore Fishing
It has been a while since I have made a report as I have been awaiting delivery of my new flats skiff. Well, the new Vantage from East Cape Canoes & Skiffs has finally arrived and I am back on the water in full force.
The heat of July is here and the fishing is hot. King Mackerel, Mahi, Little Tunny Baracuda, Redfish and more are some of the species caught aboard the Current Adventure boats over the last couple of weeks.
Recently I had repeat customers David, Rhonda and their daughters Payton and Addison for a day of offshore Mahi fishing. Well the day started out with the winds blowing 10 knots stronger and 180 degrees opposite of what was forecast. Needless to say, it was sloppy, but the girls didn't seem to mind so we put lines in and trolled our way offshore. I had a location in mind to find the fish, the question was whether or not the seas would lay down as predicted and let us get there. It took about 4 hours to get to where we wanted to be, but once there, the seas were laying down and the fish were starting to bite. The girls spent the next couple of hours catching Mahi, King Mackerel, Baracuda, Little Tuny, sharks and remoras.
The following day I had Jay and Todd from Charlotte aboard for another day of Mahi fishing. This time, the weather man got it right and we made the run offshore in calm seas at 20 knots. Once we reached the ledges that i wanted to start fishing, it didn't take long for the bites to begin. Jay and Todd stayed busy all day catching Mahi, Little Tuny's, 40lb Baracuda and yes, another remora. Jay and Todd ended up with 9 Mahi for the day that they were planning to take back home to their families for some great eating.
Sunday, I had the opportunity to take family out for a day of inshore fishing. Kenan and I left the docks around 0600 and hit the flats for some top water Redfish action. The new Vantage made short work of the time between the landing and the fishing grounds. Once on the flats, we threw Zara Spook top water plugs looking for a topwater bite. The first strike that Kenan had came from a 3 foot Blacktip Shark that was feeding on bait fish in the shallow water. The fight lasted a few minutes till the sharks teeth severed the leader and the shark and our plug swam away. I tied on another plug for Kenan and it was back to fishing. Soon, Kenan was hooked up again with a nice Redfish only to have the fish cut the leader on the marsh grass and swim away with yet another plug. Finally, Kenan hooked up again on a smaller fish and this one he got to the boat. This was his first Redfish.
Next it was my time for a first. It was time for me to catch my first Redfish in the new East Cape Vantage. I cast out a Black and Yellow Top Pup and had a 30-inch brute inhale the top water plug. The fish tried several times to take me into the grass and oyster rocks, but in the end, I was victorious as Kenan netted the big fish.
Kenan and I spent the rest of the morning catching a few more Reds before calling it a day and heading in to spend the last of the Holiday weekend with family and friends.
Saturday, I fished the skinny water of the Topsail Island area with Rob aboard. We boarded the Vantage and headed up the ICW in search of Redfish. We found a little bay that I had not fished before, but it had the look of promise, so we decided to give it a shot and were not disappointed.
I took my perch atop the poling platform and quietly poled Rob around in the clear, skinny water. We eased the boat up to a point that had a couple of oyster bars leading off of it and soon Rob had set the hook into the first fish of the day. After releasing the first fish we proceeded up a creek only to find a bunch of bait, but no Reds willing to eat.
We decided to go back into the larger bay and give it another look. As the tide had risen since we first arrived at our location, I put the trolling motor in the water and joined Rob on the bow. As we worked down the shore line, we spotted a large oyster bar leading off another point. As we got close to the bar, I saw a large school of Redfish spook and start to move off, but instantly both Rob and I were hooked up!!! I hook and landed a nice slot sized fish on a jig, but Rob had hook a much larger fish on a gold spoon. Since we were both hooked up, I lowered the Power Pole into the bottom to hold our position. After a good fight, Rob slid the fish into the net.
We maintained our position for a short time to see if the fish would settle back around the bar, but soon decided to make a move and see if we could located them again. This area looked like it would be a great place to throw top water plugs, so we both switch lures to cover more water. We set course for a couple more oyster bars and found fish holding on just about everyone that we fished. Though we missed several fish, the top water strikes really got the adrenaline flowing as it always seems to do. In all, we landed 5 nice Reds for the morning and missed hookup on as many.
It was a great morning of fishing and I can't wait to go fish this area again!! If you are in the Topsail area or anywhere in the Cape Fear area and you would like to get into some of the great fishing the we have to offer, both inshore and offshore, give me a call and book a trip today.
As always, tight lines and practice catch and release!!
Tight lines!!
Capt. Brent Stanley
Current Adventure Charters
910.200.9959
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
The heat of July is here and the fishing is hot. King Mackerel, Mahi, Little Tunny Baracuda, Redfish and more are some of the species caught aboard the Current Adventure boats over the last couple of weeks.
Recently I had repeat customers David, Rhonda and their daughters Payton and Addison for a day of offshore Mahi fishing. Well the day started out with the winds blowing 10 knots stronger and 180 degrees opposite of what was forecast. Needless to say, it was sloppy, but the girls didn't seem to mind so we put lines in and trolled our way offshore. I had a location in mind to find the fish, the question was whether or not the seas would lay down as predicted and let us get there. It took about 4 hours to get to where we wanted to be, but once there, the seas were laying down and the fish were starting to bite. The girls spent the next couple of hours catching Mahi, King Mackerel, Baracuda, Little Tuny, sharks and remoras.
The following day I had Jay and Todd from Charlotte aboard for another day of Mahi fishing. This time, the weather man got it right and we made the run offshore in calm seas at 20 knots. Once we reached the ledges that i wanted to start fishing, it didn't take long for the bites to begin. Jay and Todd stayed busy all day catching Mahi, Little Tuny's, 40lb Baracuda and yes, another remora. Jay and Todd ended up with 9 Mahi for the day that they were planning to take back home to their families for some great eating.
Sunday, I had the opportunity to take family out for a day of inshore fishing. Kenan and I left the docks around 0600 and hit the flats for some top water Redfish action. The new Vantage made short work of the time between the landing and the fishing grounds. Once on the flats, we threw Zara Spook top water plugs looking for a topwater bite. The first strike that Kenan had came from a 3 foot Blacktip Shark that was feeding on bait fish in the shallow water. The fight lasted a few minutes till the sharks teeth severed the leader and the shark and our plug swam away. I tied on another plug for Kenan and it was back to fishing. Soon, Kenan was hooked up again with a nice Redfish only to have the fish cut the leader on the marsh grass and swim away with yet another plug. Finally, Kenan hooked up again on a smaller fish and this one he got to the boat. This was his first Redfish.
Next it was my time for a first. It was time for me to catch my first Redfish in the new East Cape Vantage. I cast out a Black and Yellow Top Pup and had a 30-inch brute inhale the top water plug. The fish tried several times to take me into the grass and oyster rocks, but in the end, I was victorious as Kenan netted the big fish.
Kenan and I spent the rest of the morning catching a few more Reds before calling it a day and heading in to spend the last of the Holiday weekend with family and friends.
Saturday, I fished the skinny water of the Topsail Island area with Rob aboard. We boarded the Vantage and headed up the ICW in search of Redfish. We found a little bay that I had not fished before, but it had the look of promise, so we decided to give it a shot and were not disappointed.
I took my perch atop the poling platform and quietly poled Rob around in the clear, skinny water. We eased the boat up to a point that had a couple of oyster bars leading off of it and soon Rob had set the hook into the first fish of the day. After releasing the first fish we proceeded up a creek only to find a bunch of bait, but no Reds willing to eat.
We decided to go back into the larger bay and give it another look. As the tide had risen since we first arrived at our location, I put the trolling motor in the water and joined Rob on the bow. As we worked down the shore line, we spotted a large oyster bar leading off another point. As we got close to the bar, I saw a large school of Redfish spook and start to move off, but instantly both Rob and I were hooked up!!! I hook and landed a nice slot sized fish on a jig, but Rob had hook a much larger fish on a gold spoon. Since we were both hooked up, I lowered the Power Pole into the bottom to hold our position. After a good fight, Rob slid the fish into the net.
We maintained our position for a short time to see if the fish would settle back around the bar, but soon decided to make a move and see if we could located them again. This area looked like it would be a great place to throw top water plugs, so we both switch lures to cover more water. We set course for a couple more oyster bars and found fish holding on just about everyone that we fished. Though we missed several fish, the top water strikes really got the adrenaline flowing as it always seems to do. In all, we landed 5 nice Reds for the morning and missed hookup on as many.
It was a great morning of fishing and I can't wait to go fish this area again!! If you are in the Topsail area or anywhere in the Cape Fear area and you would like to get into some of the great fishing the we have to offer, both inshore and offshore, give me a call and book a trip today.
As always, tight lines and practice catch and release!!
Tight lines!!
Capt. Brent Stanley
Current Adventure Charters
910.200.9959
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
July 12, 2009
Mid Summer Fishing is Great around the area!
Hello Folks, I hope everybody is enjoying the summer so far. Fishing for the most part has been very good this year for me and my charters. We are starting to see more people on the water, in the last couple of weeks. Which I guess is a good thing, “tip”: if you want to beat the crowds; go earlier! To the fishing report!
We’ve had some good Speckled trout, Redfish and Flounder fishing lately south of Wrightsville beach. The trout are hitting grubs and shrimp pattern lures. The grubs that are working well are Saltwater assassin sea shad pattern. In colors chicken on a chain, pumpkinseed chart tail and morning gory; we are rigging them with 1/8 oz red & black jig heads. Live shrimp are also working well for the trout and flounder. Light float rigs when we are using the live shrimp. It you would rather use artificial, you can use a SWA rattling Kwik-cork and a shrimp pattern lure under it.
The Redfish are hitting top water plugs and spinner baits. The best top water plugs we are using is the Rapala skitter walk, size 4-3/8” in colors hot chartreuse, red/white and black/gold/orange. Spinner baits we are throwing; SWA Red daddy and the Mac daddy. These spinner baits are some of the best on the market they hold up well and they swim great too.
Some Sheephead and black drum are biting around docks and bulkheads. There has been a few very nice black drum caught lately, some fish over twenty pounds reported “that’s a good pull”! These fish are hitting fiddler crabs, live shrimp and fresh shrimp. We fish mostly using small Carolina rigs, with forty pound mono leader and small but strong live bait hooks. Sheephead and smaller black drum make great table fare.
The King mackerel and Mahi fishing has been great last few weeks. We’ve caught from six to twelve kings and two to four Mahi’s on most trips lately. There has been a few Sailfish around as well; keep your eye out for jumping and feeding Sails! Most of the Kings and Mahi’s are hitting fast trolled small ballyhoo or slow trolled menhaden and cigars minnows. One trick that has worked very well for us lately has been Blue water Candy’s bling feather weight dusters in colors pink and light blue. We are fishing in the eight to twenty mile range off the beach; around wrecks and live bottom areas.
Shark fishing is really starting to pick up just off the beach. I’m not talking about one to three footers; I’m talking about four to seven plus footers, running fifty to two hundred pounds; on light tackle and fly rods. Don’t knock it til you have tried it! It’s a lot of fun most of the sharks come right up to the boat and take the bait or fly. This is always a lot of fun for the young and the new to the sport of fishing. We are catching Lemon, Dusky, and Black tips with a few Hammerheads from time to time as well.
Gear used: Redfish, Trout, Flounder and Sheephead: 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. Sharks: Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) and Penn Torque 100TRQ. Rods: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class spinning and Torque 6’ 80-130 casting. Kings and Mahi: Penn spinning reel 560L (Live liner) Rod: Penn Torque 7’ 20-50 class.
* I will be heading to Orlando, FL this next week for ICAST: International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades. This is the biggest fishing tackle show in the world; all the new tackle for 2010 is shown at this show. I know that there is some very cool tackle coming out from Penn at the show. I will have all the details for y’all as soon as I get back!
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
We’ve had some good Speckled trout, Redfish and Flounder fishing lately south of Wrightsville beach. The trout are hitting grubs and shrimp pattern lures. The grubs that are working well are Saltwater assassin sea shad pattern. In colors chicken on a chain, pumpkinseed chart tail and morning gory; we are rigging them with 1/8 oz red & black jig heads. Live shrimp are also working well for the trout and flounder. Light float rigs when we are using the live shrimp. It you would rather use artificial, you can use a SWA rattling Kwik-cork and a shrimp pattern lure under it.
The Redfish are hitting top water plugs and spinner baits. The best top water plugs we are using is the Rapala skitter walk, size 4-3/8” in colors hot chartreuse, red/white and black/gold/orange. Spinner baits we are throwing; SWA Red daddy and the Mac daddy. These spinner baits are some of the best on the market they hold up well and they swim great too.
Some Sheephead and black drum are biting around docks and bulkheads. There has been a few very nice black drum caught lately, some fish over twenty pounds reported “that’s a good pull”! These fish are hitting fiddler crabs, live shrimp and fresh shrimp. We fish mostly using small Carolina rigs, with forty pound mono leader and small but strong live bait hooks. Sheephead and smaller black drum make great table fare.
The King mackerel and Mahi fishing has been great last few weeks. We’ve caught from six to twelve kings and two to four Mahi’s on most trips lately. There has been a few Sailfish around as well; keep your eye out for jumping and feeding Sails! Most of the Kings and Mahi’s are hitting fast trolled small ballyhoo or slow trolled menhaden and cigars minnows. One trick that has worked very well for us lately has been Blue water Candy’s bling feather weight dusters in colors pink and light blue. We are fishing in the eight to twenty mile range off the beach; around wrecks and live bottom areas.
Shark fishing is really starting to pick up just off the beach. I’m not talking about one to three footers; I’m talking about four to seven plus footers, running fifty to two hundred pounds; on light tackle and fly rods. Don’t knock it til you have tried it! It’s a lot of fun most of the sharks come right up to the boat and take the bait or fly. This is always a lot of fun for the young and the new to the sport of fishing. We are catching Lemon, Dusky, and Black tips with a few Hammerheads from time to time as well.
Gear used: Redfish, Trout, Flounder and Sheephead: 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. Sharks: Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) and Penn Torque 100TRQ. Rods: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class spinning and Torque 6’ 80-130 casting. Kings and Mahi: Penn spinning reel 560L (Live liner) Rod: Penn Torque 7’ 20-50 class.
* I will be heading to Orlando, FL this next week for ICAST: International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades. This is the biggest fishing tackle show in the world; all the new tackle for 2010 is shown at this show. I know that there is some very cool tackle coming out from Penn at the show. I will have all the details for y’all as soon as I get back!
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
July 8, 2009
STRICTER GILL NET LIMITS INTENDED FOR SEA TURTLE PROTECTION
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
MOREHEAD CITY – N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Director Louis Daniel on Monday will implement stricter regulations on flounder gill net fishing in Core Sound, Back Sound and waters around Hammocks Beach State Park.
The action is being taken in an effort to avoid illegal takes of sea turtles that could lead to a statewide federal closure of the flounder gill net fishery and/or legal prosecution under the Endangered Species Act.
“It is unfortunate, but not unexpected, that the potential for interactions increases as sea turtle populations recover,” Daniel said. “By implementing these new measures, the state is trying to maintain protections for threatened and endangered sea turtles while continuing a traditional flounder fishery.”
Daniel issued a proclamation today that reduces the amount of gill net fishermen can use from a total 3,000 yards per operation to 1,000 yards per operation. The proclamation also eliminates net tie downs and continuous lines of net. Each gill net set must be no longer than 200 yards, and there must be at least 25 yards between sets. Nets can be no deeper than 15 meshes.
The new regulations pertain to waters in Carteret and Onslow counties from the mouth of the Wainwright Channel in Core Sound to the Atlantic Beach Bridge, including the North and Newport rivers and from the Emerald Isle Bridge to just west of the Hammocks Beach ferry channel, not including the White Oak River and Queens Creek.
A letter from National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Administrator Roy Crabtree described high levels of illegal sea turtle takes in the Core Sound flounder gill net fishery. Last month, the NMFS began a new six-month observer program of the Core Sound flounder gill net fishery that observed five fishing trips from June 17 to June 25. Sea turtle takes were observed in four of the trips. Eleven sea turtle takes were observed, including six green, three Kemp’s ridley and two loggerhead.
In the letter, Crabtree stressed the importance of taking immediate action to address these illegal takes, and he suggested the state evaluate other areas where inshore gill net fisheries may be interacting with sea turtles. The letter from Crabtree is attached.
--MORE--
Interactions have been reported between sea turtles in the flounder gill net fisheries in Back Sound and in the Hammocks Beach State Park area. No such interactions have been reported in Bogue Sound. South of Queens Creek, current regulations limit potential interactions.
DMF is working closely with NMFS to consider future alternatives. These new regulations will remain in effect through the end of August but may be extended or strengthened as NMFS observations continue.
Daniel will be available to answer questions from the news media by conference call from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Reporters may call Kelly Odom in the DMF Public Affairs Office at (252) 808-8028 for information on dial-in access.
###
This is a step in the right direction. But I think we need more.
Till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny and Donna
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
MOREHEAD CITY – N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Director Louis Daniel on Monday will implement stricter regulations on flounder gill net fishing in Core Sound, Back Sound and waters around Hammocks Beach State Park.
The action is being taken in an effort to avoid illegal takes of sea turtles that could lead to a statewide federal closure of the flounder gill net fishery and/or legal prosecution under the Endangered Species Act.
“It is unfortunate, but not unexpected, that the potential for interactions increases as sea turtle populations recover,” Daniel said. “By implementing these new measures, the state is trying to maintain protections for threatened and endangered sea turtles while continuing a traditional flounder fishery.”
Daniel issued a proclamation today that reduces the amount of gill net fishermen can use from a total 3,000 yards per operation to 1,000 yards per operation. The proclamation also eliminates net tie downs and continuous lines of net. Each gill net set must be no longer than 200 yards, and there must be at least 25 yards between sets. Nets can be no deeper than 15 meshes.
The new regulations pertain to waters in Carteret and Onslow counties from the mouth of the Wainwright Channel in Core Sound to the Atlantic Beach Bridge, including the North and Newport rivers and from the Emerald Isle Bridge to just west of the Hammocks Beach ferry channel, not including the White Oak River and Queens Creek.
A letter from National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Administrator Roy Crabtree described high levels of illegal sea turtle takes in the Core Sound flounder gill net fishery. Last month, the NMFS began a new six-month observer program of the Core Sound flounder gill net fishery that observed five fishing trips from June 17 to June 25. Sea turtle takes were observed in four of the trips. Eleven sea turtle takes were observed, including six green, three Kemp’s ridley and two loggerhead.
In the letter, Crabtree stressed the importance of taking immediate action to address these illegal takes, and he suggested the state evaluate other areas where inshore gill net fisheries may be interacting with sea turtles. The letter from Crabtree is attached.
--MORE--
Interactions have been reported between sea turtles in the flounder gill net fisheries in Back Sound and in the Hammocks Beach State Park area. No such interactions have been reported in Bogue Sound. South of Queens Creek, current regulations limit potential interactions.
DMF is working closely with NMFS to consider future alternatives. These new regulations will remain in effect through the end of August but may be extended or strengthened as NMFS observations continue.
Daniel will be available to answer questions from the news media by conference call from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Reporters may call Kelly Odom in the DMF Public Affairs Office at (252) 808-8028 for information on dial-in access.
###
This is a step in the right direction. But I think we need more.
Till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny and Donna
July 3, 2009
Hot Southeast NC Fishing, "Weather and the Bite"
Hello from steaming HOT southeast North Carolina!! Has it been hot enough for y’all lately? Thanks God the fish has been just as hot. The last few weeks of fishing have been very good; let’s talk about that in this fishing report>>>
The Spanish mackerel bite has been very good lately. Spanish mackerel are feeding well in the mornings and afternoons. We are catching most of the Spanish around the inlets, shoals, and up & down the beach strands; in twenty to forty feet of water. Look for bluer and cleaner water; this is where we are catching most of the Spanish. Most of the Spanish 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.
The King mackerel and Mahi fishing has been great last few weeks. We’ve caught from six to twelve kings and two to four Mahi’s on most trips lately. Running the down rigger has produced some very nice kings; we had a thirty five and a twenty five pound king this week. There has been a few Sailfish around as well; keep your eye out for jumping and feeding Sails! Most of the Kings and Mahi’s are hitting fast trolled small ballyhoo or slow trolled menhaden and cigars minnows. One trick that has worked very well for us lately has been Blue water Candy’s bling feather dusters in colors pink and light blue. We are fishing in the ten to twenty mile range off the beach; around wrecks and live bottom areas.
Flounder fishing is really picking up around the area. Most of the Flounder are eating little menhaden 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. Flounder fishing should stay consistent right through the summer and fall.
I’m starting to see a few Tarpon around the inlets and off the shoals; I really start looking for the silver kings right around the 4th of July. The Tarpon should stay around till mid September. We fish for Tarpon on the bottom using, live and fresh dead baits like; spots, bluefish and Menhaden. We rig these baits on fish finder rigs, with three to five feet of 80 to 100 pound mono leaders. Circle hooks are the best bet for good hook ups and landings for Tarpon in hook sizes 7/0 to 9/0 depending what hook series you like.
Sheephead fishing is starting to pick up as well around the area. The best bet is fishing around bridges, docks and bulk-heads. Fishing in water from six to fifth-teen feet for Sheephead seems to work the best for us. We fish mostly using small Carolina rigs, with forty pound mono leader and small but strong live bait hooks. Baits we are using; fiddler crabs and sand fleas have worked just fine. Give it a shot, it takes time but you’ll get one; Hold-on tight!
Gear used: Spanish, Flounder and Sheephead: 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. Tarpon: Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) and Penn Torque 100TRQ. Rods: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class spinning and Torque 6’ 80-130 casting. Kings and Mahi: Penn spinning reel 560L (Live liner) Rod: Penn Torque 7’ 20-50 class.
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
http://www.captainjot.com/
910-233-4139
The Spanish mackerel bite has been very good lately. Spanish mackerel are feeding well in the mornings and afternoons. We are catching most of the Spanish around the inlets, shoals, and up & down the beach strands; in twenty to forty feet of water. Look for bluer and cleaner water; this is where we are catching most of the Spanish. Most of the Spanish 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.
The King mackerel and Mahi fishing has been great last few weeks. We’ve caught from six to twelve kings and two to four Mahi’s on most trips lately. Running the down rigger has produced some very nice kings; we had a thirty five and a twenty five pound king this week. There has been a few Sailfish around as well; keep your eye out for jumping and feeding Sails! Most of the Kings and Mahi’s are hitting fast trolled small ballyhoo or slow trolled menhaden and cigars minnows. One trick that has worked very well for us lately has been Blue water Candy’s bling feather dusters in colors pink and light blue. We are fishing in the ten to twenty mile range off the beach; around wrecks and live bottom areas.
Flounder fishing is really picking up around the area. Most of the Flounder are eating little menhaden 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. Flounder fishing should stay consistent right through the summer and fall.
I’m starting to see a few Tarpon around the inlets and off the shoals; I really start looking for the silver kings right around the 4th of July. The Tarpon should stay around till mid September. We fish for Tarpon on the bottom using, live and fresh dead baits like; spots, bluefish and Menhaden. We rig these baits on fish finder rigs, with three to five feet of 80 to 100 pound mono leaders. Circle hooks are the best bet for good hook ups and landings for Tarpon in hook sizes 7/0 to 9/0 depending what hook series you like.
Sheephead fishing is starting to pick up as well around the area. The best bet is fishing around bridges, docks and bulk-heads. Fishing in water from six to fifth-teen feet for Sheephead seems to work the best for us. We fish mostly using small Carolina rigs, with forty pound mono leader and small but strong live bait hooks. Baits we are using; fiddler crabs and sand fleas have worked just fine. Give it a shot, it takes time but you’ll get one; Hold-on tight!
Gear used: Spanish, Flounder and Sheephead: 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. Tarpon: Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) and Penn Torque 100TRQ. Rods: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class spinning and Torque 6’ 80-130 casting. Kings and Mahi: Penn spinning reel 560L (Live liner) Rod: Penn Torque 7’ 20-50 class.
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
http://www.captainjot.com/
910-233-4139
July 1, 2009
Dialed in on Red Drum
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Red drum fishing in the Cape Fear River is really heating up, found the reds biting really hard yesterday,catching over 8 slot size red drum on the first stop along with flounder.Live bait was the key to the hot bite!
Capt.Mike Dennis
Cape Fear Guide
Capt.Mike@charter.net
910-619-0928
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Red drum fishing in the Cape Fear River is really heating up, found the reds biting really hard yesterday,catching over 8 slot size red drum on the first stop along with flounder.Live bait was the key to the hot bite!
Capt.Mike Dennis
Cape Fear Guide
Capt.Mike@charter.net
910-619-0928
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