Winter Area Waters Fishing Report

I hope everybody is making through this winter so far, the weather been up and down and that is an understatement! There are some fish biting but you just need to go on the right days to catch them. If you’re settled down for the winter and don’t feel like fishing, hit a local or regional fishing school or boat show; you never know what you might learn or see!

The Redfishing lately has been pretty good most days when the wind is not howling and we’ve seen some nice schools of Reds. Warmer, sunny and lower wind days can be the key to catching these inshore winter Redfish. It’s not hard to catch them once you find’em, look for these Reds in creek with dark colored bottoms and oyster rocks never hurt. Scented soft plastics like Berkley Gulp should do the trick to get these Reds to hit. Patterns in Gulp like Shrimp in sizes 2” and 3” are my go too, colors that seem to work the best are pearl, molting and new penny. Try lighter jig heads like 1/16 and 1/8 when winter fishing; lighter jig heads help you to work the lure much slower and still look nature as possible.

I’ve made quite a few trips to the Cape Fear River year; there are two different kinds of fish to chase in the Cape Fear, Catfish and Striped Bass most all winter long. Here is a few ways to put a CFR Striper on your line. Try Berkley Gulp and Powerbait Jerkshad in 5’ size; in pearl & new penny colors. Work these baits slowly and always rig them weed-less; there are many hangs in the Cape Fear River. Look for Stripers on drop-offs, dock pilings and reed-grass lines.

If you would like to give the Catfish a try, use baits like cut mullet, chicken livers and cut eel. I use heavy Carolina rigs when I fish for catfish. Try an Eagle claw L42 2/0 to 4/0 hook with fifty or eighty pound mono leader to make your carolina rig. Look for the catfish on drop-offs from five to twenty feet of water. We have seen some blue cats over thirty pounds caught in the river so try not to use to light of tackle; these are not always your ‘farm pond channel cats’!

*If you know any one or your looking for a Bay boat my 2008 Ranger Bay 2200 is for sale please look at this link for all the info on this well maintained Ranger. http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2008-Ranger-2200-Bay-97953352 If you have any questions or would like to see/test drive please let me know.

Fishing gear I use:

Gear used: Redfish and Striped Bass: reels Penn Conquer 2000 and Battle 2000 & 3000 spinning reels. Catfish Fenwick HMG GS 70MH-MF. Fenwick HMG GS 70M-MF for Redfish and Striped Bass. Line: Spiderwire Ultracast ten and fifth teen pound. Fluorocarbon leader material, Stren Tinted Fluorocarbon in tints Gunsmoke for clearer waters and Tannic for river or stained waters in thirty pound for Redfish and Striped Bass.

In other fishing news; it’s boat show and fishing seminar/school season. Here are some of the shows I plan to speck at or appear at.

February 4th, 5th and 6th, 2011 - Raleigh Convention Center Boat Show - Raleigh, NC. www.raleighconvention.com/boatshow/ This is a great show with lots of the “top of the line” boats form around the world. I’ll be there with other Ranger Pro’s to show you all the great benefits to the Ranger Saltwater line of boats.

February 12th Fisherman’s Post 6th Annual Saltwater Fishing school. www.fishermanspost.com/fishing-school I look forward to this school, I’ve wanted to participate in this school in the past but my winter schedule did not allow me to. I’ve herd many good things about this school in the past. There will be more than twelve local captains at this year school to help you learn all there is to know about any kind of local saltwater fishing.

February 19th, 2010-Cape Fear Christian Sportsman Fish Fest. www.capefearsportsmen.org/fishfest This is a great free event! I’ll be speaking on two topics this year; Cape Fear River Striped Bass fishing and my very popular MirrOlures with success seminar.

February 25th, 26th and 27th Bass Pro Shop 2011 Spring Fishing Classic, Myrtle Beach, SC. I’ll be answering any questions you have about products made by Penn, Spidwire, Berkley, Fenwick, Minn Kota, MirrOlure and many others you want to purchase at this sale. Bass Pro is also offering there Reel Trade-Ins program for you to save money on your new reels purchased from Bass Pro.

Thanks for reading, hope to see you at a boat show or fishing seminar this winter; please come by and say hello.

Captain Jot Owens
Ranger Boats Pro Staff
Penn Reels Elite Staff
www.captainjot.com
910-233-4139


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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina

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Find out here 2010 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

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Winter Charters

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina

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Hello from beautiful downtown Topsail Beach! Ok guys and gals, several of you have been sending email about late winter inshore charters. Well, I talked to Capt Chris at East Coast Sports, and they will schedule a charter to go after those cold water lovin' hard fightin' crab eatin' red drum! And, at a REDUCED PRICE! Folks, I have caught reds in the shallow mud flats in C O L D water! On a sunny day about ten or eleven am, when the sun warms up the the water, and the mud holds the heat and keeps the water warm, those ol' bull reds come out of hiding and feast on what ever they can find scrouging around the flats. Crabs, mud minnows, don't matter to old man red drum. They will bite gulp baits on a light lead jig, a slowly twitched stick bait, a suspending mirro-lure, or fresh clams or mud minnows. Sometimes though, they can be a might spooky. When they are, my goto bait is a weedless hook in size 2/0 or 3/0 fished with a 3 to 4 inch gulp bait. Doesn't seem to matter which one. The water is so clear this time of year, it's all about site casting. I will position my boat so I drift over or near the feeding school while dragging the un-weighted gulp bait behind the boat. Don't know why, but it just seems to be irresistable to the reds. So if you are sitting around the house aggravating your wife and kids, stop kicking the dog, go out to the back yard, dig up that coffee can full of twenty dollar bills, grab your light tackle and head out to Surf City for a fun day of red drum wrassling. I promise you won't be sorry! And another thing. When the water is super cold, tails and fins on the red drum turn a beautiful blue! Has got to be one of the most wonderful sights.

Call Capt. Chris today. Get off your rear and get some blackened redfish on the table!


Topsail Chater Fishing
409 Roland Ave
Surf City NC 28445
(910) 358-4912
FAX (910) 328-5814
topsailcharterfishing@earthlink.net

Till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny

Anybody Heading to Florida for a Fishing Trip?

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina

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Find out here 2010 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

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I ran across this fishing report while cyber fishing this afternoon. Still stuck inside under doc's orders. This report is from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Wow, Wind is picking up here on the salt flats. I can feel the salt spray now! Smell that salty breeze?

[quote]
Date of Report: 2011-01-27
Fishing Report Title: Fishing Report South Florida Waters
State or Fishing Region: Florida- SE Regional Report
Boat Name: Happy Day Today
Report By: Captain Tom Zsak
Locale or Marina: Fort Lauderdale
Phone: (954) 439-8106
Website: http://www.topshotfishing.com


"Fishing Report: Fishing out of Fort Lauderdale allows us to target a wide variety of species of fish. The different types of fishing can range from fishing offshore in 1,000 feet of water for Swordfish, to 6 miles offshore in 700 feet of water for Mahi- Mahi and Wahoo or head inshore and fish one or two miles off the beach and target fish which are situated in the depths of 90' to 175' of water and live above the reef line.

The best part of how we can arrange a fishing charter is based on a couple factors, for example, are there any bait coming along the reef, what direction is the current (North or South) and is the wind out of the N,S,E,West and or is there a cold front coming down the coast line from the New England area. Also what time of the year are we coming into, the winter months or the summer months.

Currently now in late January we are starting out our trips targeting Sailfish by live and dead bait fishing in 150 feet of water. The bite has been good and the charter fleet are seeing the similar bites.

The Sails migrate good from end of November and travel South until April. We do catch resident Sails that mill and stick around the South Florida waters, however the major packs of Sailfish move through during the winter months caused by the low pressure systems generated from up North.

There is kite fishing with baits out of the riggers as well as slow trolling ballyhoo with a dredge to attract the Sailfish.
[end quote]

Not really a fishing or catching report, but it got the wheels in this old brain turning........... My hammock is getting quite damp from the salt spray. I can hear the steel drums in the distance, and the faint whir of an old vintage evinrude or johnson, never could quite tell the difference in those two old workhorses. I smell the mesquite burning in the pit, not quite ready for the oysters, clams, and snapper thats ready for the bake. The family and guests are starting to arrive, but I think I have just a few more minutes before I have to get out of this hammock and start the cooking ...... just a few more ..... zzzzzzzzzzzz


till next time....
tight lines....
zzzzzzzzz
ssshhhhhh.
johnny

Wildlife Commission Stocking Cape Fear River with Striped Bass

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina

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This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24


Hello from beautiful downtown "sunny" Topsail Beach, North Carolina!

RALEIGH, N.C. - To help boost the striped bass fishery in the Cape Fear River, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will conduct the first of two stockings of this popular game fish at the Castle Street boat landing in Wilmington on Monday.

The first stocking will consist of approximately 10,000 striped bass, ranging in length from 4 to 6 inches. A second stocking of more than 100,000 fish will occur in early December. The fish were produced at the Commission's Watha State Fish Hatchery in Pender County.

The Commission has stocked striped bass of various sizes in the Cape Fear River on an annual basis since 1998; however, this is the first stocking of fish that were produced using brood fish collected exclusively from the Cape Fear River. All previous stockings were from brood fish collected from the Roanoke River.

"The hope is that by stocking fish raised from parents collected from the Cape Fear, the fish will imprint to the system and return years later as adults to spawn," said Keith Ashley, a fisheries biologist with the Commission.

Striped bass migrate into the Cape Fear River from the Atlantic Ocean each spring. Beginning in 2003, the Commission initiated an annual survey of the Cape Fear River striped bass stock. The objective was to obtain up-to-date information on the abundance, distribution, length, age, and sex composition of striped bass collected from the Cape Fear River.

Survey results continue to document low numbers of spawning adults and poor recruitment. In an attempt to promote recovery of the fishery, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and the Commission implemented a moratorium on recreational and commercial striped bass harvest in the Cape Fear River system in 2008.

"We hope that the harvest moratorium, in conjunction with this new stocking program, will ultimately result in the restoration of this important fishery on the Cape Fear River," Ashley said.

For more information on fishing in public, inland waters, visit www.ncwildlife.org/fishing.

About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Since 1947, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.

Get N.C. Wildlife Update - news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more - delivered to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to www.ncwildlife.org/enews.

Media Contact

Jodie B. Owen

919-707-0187

jodie.owen@ncwildlife.org

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina

Do you know the current North Carolina size and catch limits?
Find out here 2010 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

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Hatteras Harbor Marina Fishing Report.Mon, January 24, 2011
PHOTO: Vito and his 220lb Bluefin Tuna!
Offshore Report: One Boat Out! They caught a blackfin and bluefin tuna!
Book Today! Call 1-800-676-4939...We'll Hook You Up!

Chasin Tails Outdoors Report Jan 25, 2011
A few Redfish are still hanging around [the Morehead City area] to be caught. There are some schools working up and down Shackleford Banks. You just have to work for them, also there are some schools still holding on the Cape Lookout Rock Jetty. A few are being caught at the Fort Macon Rock Jetty fishing from the surf. Most of the Redfish are being caught on Berkley Gulp Baits, Mirrolures and Live Mud Minnows. Become a Fan of "Chasin Tails Outdoors Bait & Tackle" on Facebook

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

Misc. SE North Carolina Fishing Reports

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina

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Local up to date fishing reports are still hard to find. I am still sick with the bronchitis thing, haven't been fishing since Thanksgiving. So I am searching the net to find reports from nearby. Here is what I could find this evening. Just a note, If you get out there, and are persistant enough to find the fish, speckled trout are OFF LIMITS right now. The season is closed due to cold water fish kills. CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY!

Here are the reports I have found.

SEAHAWK INSHORE FISHING REPORT 1/16/11 Jeff Wolfe reportrs the redfish bite is still going strong and should continue over the winter months as long as the normal winter weather pattern continues. Capt Jeff says the reds are schooled up on the flats and creeks of the lower Cape Fear area. Most of the reds are middle to upper slot fish with a few over slot and small ones mixed in. He says they are catching most of the reds blindcasting artificials and picking up a few sightcasting when the winds are light. Fishing mud minnows on light jigheads is also a great way to pick up reds when the fish are finicky.
Jeff Wolfe
Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charters
Carolina Beach Inshore Fishing Blog
910-619-9580

Capt. Robert Schoonmaker of Carolina Explorer Fishing Charters posted this report on Jan 19, 2011.
"The redfish have been biting even with the cold temps. We are mostly sightcasting to the fish with Gulp alive shrimp, Zoom baby flukes, Ho-Ho’s, and the new Thingamabob. Just remember to fish slow and if you think your going slow enough, slow down a little more. If all else fails we break out the mudminnows and shrimp, whatever it takes to put fish in the boat."
The pic below is the kind of fishing Capt Robert says is catching fish in this cold weather.

This looks like a good kayak outing to me.

Affordable Charters Fishing Report 01-24-11
Still catching a few red drum off the surf on Masonboro Island & in the river & bays. A few reports of some speckled trout being caught. Up the river toward Wilmington a few striped bass, red drum, & catfish. It’s been rather difficult to fish due to the extreme cold weather & heavy wind. There are still some fish to catch if you’re willing to battle the elements. Keep fishing & stay safe.
Captain John Carty
Affordable Charters
910 616-3957

Corona Daze Fishing Charters
Captain Mike Hoffman Report Jan 12, 2011
The area is frozen from the winter storm we had this week,bored out of my mind we set out to see if the reds would eat in the low temps. Schools of hundreds were running the beach and moving fast. We followed them till they set down in a small slew off of topsail beach. IT WAS ON! We took 10 big reds in some pretty tough conditions. 4in gulp shrimp got those lazy reds to jerkin. If cabin fever is on your back, hit the beach and enjoy the winter reds. REMEMBER TO PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE!
Captain Mike Hoffman
Corona Daze Fishing Charters
910-619-8509

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Dept of Marine Fishiries Takes Action on Striped Bass Slaughter!

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina

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  ,

Fast positive action from DMF may help the situation buy does it go far enough? You decide. I'm still thinking about it. Buy I am quite pleased and a bit suprised by the speed of this action.

Till next time...
Tight lines...
Johnny

Task force clams up about pelican deaths | force, task, topsail - News - Jacksonville Daily News

Task force clams up about pelican deaths | force, task, topsail - News - Jacksonville Daily News

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina

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Topsail looks for sand in Intracoastal Waterway

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina

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Hello from beautiful downtown Topsail Beach! The sun is shining, it's shirt sleve warm, a really gorgeous day! Here is a bit of news about Topsail Island renourishment. I have had a couple of emails asking about the status of the work. I know that sand was scheduled to start flowing on Jan 4, at the Drum Ave access. I have been sick since before Christmas, so I haven't been out much to check it out. I have some pictures I got off the Topsail Beach Facebook page I will post. I will try to get some answers from the town and let you guys know.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Restaurant Review; Salt Works II

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina

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Hello from Topsail Beach. Here is something new. Donna and I eat out frequently. I love to fish, and I love to talk about fishing. You know how hectic the life of a retired guy can be, and with cleaning fish, cleaning spinning reels, fixing fishing rod guides, doing surf recon looking for redfish holes, surfing the internet about fishing, and lying about fishing, sometimes, I just don't have the time to cook. So we just have to eat out, or not eat. And I haven't missed a meal in ...... well, let's just say it's been a long while and let it go. I love to eat, and I love to talk about eating. Problem is, I can't find anyone to listen to me talk about fishing and eating. So I figure, why not write about eating? I am already writing about fishing. Not much effort to make the jump to hyperspace and do both. So here is my premier piece, A review of Salt Works II in Wilmington. Eventually, if this doesn't cut into my fishing time too much, I will have a seperate page for these restaurant reviews. In the meantime.... They will be right here... Thanks for your loyalty, my friends!


www.TopsailFoodie.com
Salt Works II, a Restaurant Review

Donna and I had chores in Wilmington today, and wouldn't you know it, we just happened to be there right around lunch time. So, knowing it would take too long to get back home, and then cook lunch, I persuaded Donna to take me out for lunch. With the toss of a coin, it was Salt Works II, on Wrightsville Ave. in Wilmington.

A sign greeted us at the door with something about coupons and new menus and prices and such, didn't pay much attention to it, as is my usual. Don't care to much for signs, it seems they are always "messin up the scenery, blowin my mind." We found a seat in in the corner, my prefered spot, must be from my previous life as an 19th century wild west gambler, you know, never sit with your back to the door.

A very courteous waiter, I think they are called "servers" now, ask us for our drink order, which was sweet tea of course. Who was this guy, this is the south. Sweet tea with lunch is pretty much understood around here. We checked the menu for lunch specials, me being a tight wad and all, I prefer the term thrifty, but I'll accept tightwad. I noticed they served breakfast until 3pm. That's great! I love breakfast when it ain't breakfast time. It wasn't unsual for my Grandma Caddell to whip up some country ham, grits, biscuits and eggs, over easy of course, for supper. Had to have those over easy eggs with biscuits. Toast is ok for scrambled eggs, but you gotta have something to sop with those buttermilk biscuits that Grandma cooked in her wood fired cookstove.

Ok, back to Salt Works II. Donna and I have eaten at Salt Works II many times. It was one of Donna's mother's favorites places to eat. Ms. Lee, that's what all the local Surf City crowd called her, even though her name was Bernice Reece, loved the liver and onions that was on the menu.

The little restaurant had a different atmosphere this time, and Donna questioned our server about the changes. Turns out Salt Works II is now under new management. Not only that, they will be featured in an episode of the Food Network show "Restaurant: Impossible." It's a show where the Food Network folks hi-jack someone's failing restaurant and do a make-over. It will air Feb. 9, at 10 pm.

The lunch specials included meatloaf, chicken pastry, ........ and ....... OK, so when I got to chicken pastry, I kinda zoned out. So we ordered the "Chicken Pastry." Ok, now heres something else. I was born in the sandhills of North Carolina, raised in piedmont North Carolina, and until we moved to coastal North Carolina, Surf City, we had never heard the term "chicken pastry." As Alan Jackson would say, "Back where I come from" it's chicken and dumplins, which was really more dumplins than chicken. Our standard family recipe called for a lot of butter, hand rolled and cut dumplins, made from flour and buttermilk, and shredded boiled chicken. Sounds good, right? Well, believe me, it is!

But when the plates were delivered to our table by our waiter, uh sorry, server, there it was, right in the middle of the plate, a whole half chicken breast. I know what you are thinking. "A whole half chicken breast?" You know what I mean. There's two pieces of breast in a chicken, one on each side of the breast bone. So I got one half and Donna got the other half. Yea, I am sure they were from the same chicken, they looked like a perfect match. And laying there on the plate with the whole half chicken breast that the server brought out to us, was the "dumplins." BIG dumplins. But folks, I gotta tell you, they were devine. The chicken was tender and so juicy, not like any boiled chicken I have ever had. It had a garlic and buttery flavor that was great. Along with the chicken pastry, we had delicious fresh cooked collard greens, the server said he couldn't get me the recipe, and delicious, to die for, home made maccaroni and cheese. It seems that the hijackers from the Food Network told these folks that they should not serve anything out of a can. Our server told us this. He said everything they cooked now is from scratch. Nothing was from a can. Sounds great to me. Folks, This meal was delicious! Real southern taste and hospitality ....... And, only eight bucks a head!

Salt Works II is a winner in my book!




Till next time.....

Pig out!

Johnny




Salt Works II

4001 Wrightsville Ave.

Wilmington, NC 28403-6331

Telephone: (910) 794-2478

FaceBook Salt Works II

Special Flounder Dinner ..... NEED HELP !

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina

Do you know the current North Carolina size and catch limits?
Find out here 2010 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

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Hey friends, It's a bit warmer today at Topsail Beach. Donna I have one more pack of flounder filets in the freezer. Send me your favorite recipes. I have to make this meal memorable tile flounder fishin' time! I want something different, not just fried flounder, although that does sound pretty good!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Shameful Striped Bass Slaughter!

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina

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Find out here 2010 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

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Hello from Topsail Beach. I wish I was reporting a great fishing trip or a new NC state record catch, but tonight it isn't so great a post. This news is sickening. This is the second time I have heard of this slaughter of our fishing resource. I have been caught jumping the gun when something I posted turned out to not be true. So this time, I waited for more than one source, before making this post. The pictures above were taken by a recreational angler of a commercial boat netting strippers. The commercial are reportedly only allowed to keep 50 stripers per day, but there is no requirements on how they will catch their 50 fish. As I understand it, they are allowed to net as many as they can, then pick out the biggest 50 fish as their catch. The DEAD fish you see floating in the pictures are the rejects, the throwbacks, the bycatch. WHAT! ARE YOU KIDDING ME! What kind of rule is this !? These commercial "criminals" can do this every day killing hundreds of stripers that a recreactional angler is obligated to release, and does so ALIVE! AND PROUDLY! AND RESPONSIBLY! I am beginning to believe the Department of Marine Fisheries should be renamed to the Department of Commercial Fisheries. After all, it seems like that's who gets all the consideration. When the DMF closed the speckled trout harvest this winter due to cold water kills, I thought they were finally making some responsible dicisions. And now I see this...... I need to shut up until I calm down a bit before I post something on this "internet" that I can't take back. Take a deep breath and count to 10. I n and O u t .... 1 .... 2 ..... 3......

till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny

Stripers at Oregon Inlet

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina

Do you know the current North Carolina size and catch limits?
Find out here 2010 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

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If you want to catch stripers and are so inclined, call a buddy that has a boat, call a buddy to help you crew your boat, or call a charter captain. The following is what I am finding all over the internet almost everyday now.

"Went out of Oregon Inlet Saturday. Lots of traffic but had a limit of 12 fish in less than 1 hour with fish weighing between 15 and 20 lbs."

The big stripers are out there. They are dominating the fishing news in the whole state of North Carolina these days. If you take your boat out of Oregon Inlet, and you haven't been out of OI before, take note. It is dangerous. Probably the most dangerous inlet on the east coast. Buddy up with a boat that knows the inlet and follow them throuth. Wouldn't want to see a tragedy just to catch a couple of fish. Catch 'em up! Check out the pictures of the striper catches I have found below. I don't think any of them are copywrighted. Hope not anyway. Thanks to the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center for most of the pics.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

More Striper News ....... With a Twist

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina

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Find out here 2010 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

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We have no shortage of striped bass news this time of year. But this particualar piece has an interesting twist. The boat. Specifically, the "boat" is a jetski! And this jetski is really tricked out. Do they still say "tricked out" or am I showing my age again? Check out the picture below, and while you are checking it out, take a look at the pair of nice striped bass this guy has landed on his jet ski bass boat! This isn't the first time we have featured this guy with his striped bass boat.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Kayak Adventures in the Ocean

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina
Do you know the current North Carolina size and catch limits?
Find out here 2010 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
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Ok fellow anglers, I have kayak fished a bunch. Inside. Never in the ocean. I have seen anglers trolling, casting, or even bottom fishing from a kayak. I have seen a group of guys shark fishing, take turns paddling the baits out, way out. Has any of our readers had any experience with this? How do you land a 30 lb striper in a kayak? Or a 60 lb shark?  How bout a 40 lb cuda? I just can't wrap my mind around this. Check out this YouTube video.




till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Cyber Fishing While Laid up with Bronchitis

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Jolly Roger Inn and Fishing Pier, Topsail Beach, North Carolina
Do you know the current North Carolina size and catch limits?
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Hi folks! Can you believer there is still snow laying around the beach! I have always heard when it stays like this, it's waiting for more. Hope not. I'm ready for spring. Anyway, Doc says it's not a good idea for me to be out, so I'm stuck here "cyber fishing." Here are some articles I found interesting. If you are stuck in the house also, here's something to do. Hope you like them.

Red drum active in winter weather.
http://www.brunswickbeacon.com/
Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 1:14 pm

Click Here to read post on their website.
(quote)
The cold weather has slammed into North Carolina’s inshore fishing but there are still drum to be found in the backwaters. Wintry winds and frigid temperatures have kept many anglers away from the water, although redfish are still out there for the taking.

Capt. Mark Dickson, of Shallow Minded Inshore Charters, poles the inshore waters looking for red rum this time of the year and he says they are schooled up nicely and prowling shallow water.
“I am still real excited about our winter redfishing,” said Dickson. “It has gotten unseasonably cold, and although the fishing is not as good as last week, it is still pretty good. We are still seeing good numbers of reds in the shallow backwater creeks. They are not quite as active as they were but you just have to have a lot of patience and work an area really slow.”
Dickson said he was finding the redfish schools by watching their movement, but as the water has chilled he has had to be more wary.
“Last week we could see the fish pushing water up and down the creek banks,” he said. “This week they don’t seem to be moving much, and most of the time you are right on top of them before they move.”
With no live bait available to cast net, winter redfish anglers use scented baits like Gulp lures to entice the fish.
“We have been taking Gulp baits rigged on Mission Fishin’ jig heads and just fishing through the creeks real slow,” said Dickson. “Even if you don’t see any fish pushing, you need to work the whole creek slow and quiet. Even though it’s cold and the fish are a little sluggish, they will still bite.”
Anglers must work their Gulp baits slowly for redfish this time of the year. Some fishermen crawl the lures slowly on the bottom while other like to hop them a bit like a real shrimp and then let the lure pause and drift with the current. You can also fish them under a float.
Dickson said that despite the frigid conditions and threat of rain, a slight warm up and favorable tide tables might make this a good weekend to land on a school of redfish. “The forecast is for temperatures up to almost 60,” he said. “The tide is also perfect for next weekend, so here’s your chance.”
You can find out how to book a guided trip with Cap. Mark Dickson at Shallow Minded Charters by going to http://www.fishmyrtlebeach.com/.
(end quote)

Here are some redfish recipes I found online.

Baked Carolina Redfish

2 pounds redfish fillets
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon salt
dash pepper

Place fish in a lightly buttered shallow baking dish. In a cup combine remaining ingredients. Pour over redfish fillets and bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes. The baked redfish should flake easily with a fork when done. Serves 4 to 6.

Redfish Parmesan

6 redfish fillets, 8 to 10 ounces each
2 cups half and half cream
2 eggs
1 cup of flour
2 teaspoons white pepper
3/4 cup cracker meal
2/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons oregano
1 tablespoon basil
2 tablespoons parsley
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup olive oil
1/4 pound butter, unsalted
2 lemons cut in wedges, for garnish

Combine all ingredients except the flour, half and half cream, eggs, oil and butter. Dust the fillets in the flour, then dip in cream and egg mixture. Coat with all of the other dry ingredients combined. Sauté fish in olive oil and butter on medium high heat until fillets are golden and fish starts to flake. Garnish redfish with lemon and parsley. Serves 3.

Creole Red Drum

1 lb red drum fillets
1⁄4 cup flour
1⁄2 cup chili sauce
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons minced onion
1⁄2 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon minced parsley
2 tablespoons melted butter

Sprinkle drum with flour, salt, and paprika. Place in shallow greased baking pan. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over drum. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes basting frequently. Turn fish, bake


That's all for now.
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

State to Close Spotted Seatrout Harvest Due to Cold Stun Events

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State to Close Spotted Seatrout Harvest Due to Cold Stun Events

MOREHEAD CITY – North Carolina will close all coastal waters to commercial and recreational spotted seatrout harvest for an indefinite period beginning at noon Friday.

N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Director Louis Daniel issued a proclamation today implementing the closure, after consulting with N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Chairman Rob Bizzell.
The action is being taken in response to recent cold stun events in Rose Bay, Juniper Bay, Pungo River, Campbell Creek, Turnigan Bay, Spooners Creek and other waters. The intent of the closure is to prevent the harvest of vulnerable cold stunned fish, which may recover with warming temperatures.
“On the heels of two cold stun events, one in 2010 and now in 2011, and pretty large commercial and recreational catch rates in 2009, I believe this is the best thing for the fishery,” Daniel said.
In approving the Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan in November, the Marine Fisheries Commission authorized Daniel to temporarily close harvest in the event of a cold stun event. The commission will review the closure and consider extending it at is Feb. 11 meeting in Pine Knoll Shores.
For more information, contact division biologist Beth Burns at (252) 473-5734, extension 221, or Beth.Burns@ncdenr.gov.

Till next time....
Tight lines!

Johnny

Morehead Charter Captain Catching Sailfish in Fla

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Report was in error. Capt Shane was not fishing off Morehead City coast as reported, but off the coast of Florida. Sorry for the error.
Johnny

Got this offshore report today from Second To None Charters. Fishing was offshore in Florida. Several sailfish were caught and released both days of the charter, with several doubles and tripple hookups. Also enough mahi for the guests and crew for supper. Reports were that a local tournament netted over a hundred sails landed and released. Sounds like a good tournament. Sorry, couldn't get any pics. Here is the info for Second to None Charters.
Capt. Shane

Second To None Charters
252-422-0066
http://www.secondtononecharter.com/
Sportfishing At Its Finest!
Morehead City Waterfront

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

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Check this out folks.........


This video is from Poacher Sportfishing Charters. Click Here.

WOW! What a fish!

till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny

NC Cold Water Fishing Update

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Hello from Topsail Beach! It's cold and damp. Sprinkled rain a bit this evening. Reports of big stripers are still coming in from all over the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The biggest seem to be coming from from the Oregon Inlet area. Someone said the Inlet area looked like a parking lot with all the boats and anglers out trying to get in on this hot striper run. It is being called by some locals as the "hottest striper bite in years."

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Star News: Fishing Report - A few fish showing up for New Year's

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By Capt. Marc Maus
Sports@StarNewsOnline.com
Published: Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 6:53 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 6:53 p.m.

View original post HERE


Inshore fishing remains slow with some catches of red drum, speckled trout, black drum and a few Sheepshead being reported. Offshore fishing has been pretty good with catches of black bass and grouper. The king mackerel bite has been excellent in the 40- to 50-mile range. Gulf Stream boats are reporting catches of blackfin tuna and some nice wahoo.

TOPSAIL ISLAND
Capt. Chris Medlin says fishing has been pretty slow around the Topsail and Surf City areas. Source: East Coast Sports.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
Tex Grissom reports that fishing has been a little on the slow side. One boat had a nice catch of black bass up to five pounds last week. There were also some grouper and blackfin tuna caught. Source: Tex’s Tackle.

CAROLINA/KURE BEACH
Capt. Wes Barbour reports that a few speckled trout are being caught in the yacht basin although better catches are coming from Southport and around the rock wall. Halo shrimp has been the preferred bait. Black drum and Sheepshead are being caught under the bridges. Bottom fish are being caught in the 35 mile range while kings are being caught 40-plus miles off the beach. Wahoo are being caught in the Gulf Stream. Source: Island Tackle and Hardware.

OFFSHORE WILMINGTON
Capt. David Grigg reports that the king mackerel bite has been fantastic, with some boats reporting catches of 30 plus fish a day. Slow trolling worm rigs, using live and dead bait as well as various artificial lures are all producing nice catches of fish. Further offshore, from 40 miles out to the Break, wahoo are being caught on artificial lures and dead baits. Source: Wilmington Fishing Charters.

LOWER BRUNSWICK COUNTY
Capt. Steele Park reports inshore fishing has slowed considerably although some red drum are still being caught on artificial lures. Offshore, lots of black bass are being caught in 65-100 feet of water. Some very nice wahoo were caught in the Gulf Stream last week as well. There were not huge numbers, but they were big in size. Capt. Steele wants to remind folks that grouper season is closed until May 1. Source: Ocean Isle Fishing Center.

NE CAPE FEAR RIVER AT CASTLE HAYNE
Jamie Smith reports that fishing has been very slow with very few boats venturing into the river over the past week. Source: County Line Bait and Tackle.

For more fishing news, go to www.StarNewsOnline.com/Outdoors.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Reward offered for information on the rash of NC pelican killings

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North Topsail Beach........
Posted: Jan 05, 2011 1:42 PM EST
Updated: Jan 07, 2011 1:22 PM EST

Read the original post HERE.

NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, NC (WECT) – The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for harming more than 100 pelicans.

Since November, Volunteers and investigators have found about 150 brown pelicans that were deliberately killed, mostly in North Topsail Beach.

"We applaud the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other investigating agencies for their efforts to find those who may be responsible," said Kimberley Alboum, North Carolina state director for The HSUS in a press release.

The birds have been slashed, bludgeoned and even shot. Maliciously maiming an animal is a felony in North Carolina and pelicans are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

If caught, the individual(s) responsible could face a number of violations of state and federal law.

Anyone with information about this case should contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Sandra Allred at (919) 856-4786.

Copyright 2011 WECT. All rights reserved.


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Topsail beach renourishment project begins

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Hello from Topsail Beach.....
A $7.3 million project is finally underway for the town of Topsail Beach.
Over the next couple months, dredging companies will be pumping 900,000 cubic yards of sand to the beach. The extra sand will provide added protection against beach erosion and home damage in the event of a hurricane. "It flattens out the beach, stops the wave action and slows the erosion of the beach, so it basically helps protect from beach erosion in hurricanes and offers a higher level of protection for structures," said Topsail Town Manager Tim Holloman.

Posted: by WECT.com Jan 05, 2011 6:07 PM EST
Reported by Lindsay Curtin

To read the entire article, click here.


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Another Striper State Record ???????

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Hello from Topsail Beach! Only two days have passed since the 63 lb NC state record striped bass record was caught near Oregon Inlet, another angler is claiming an even bigger striper caught in essentially the same location. On Friday, Jan 7 2011 angler Keith Angel, fishing aboard the 42 foot "Poacher" of Poacher Sportfisher Charters landed the potential new state record. The monster striper measured 54 3/4 inches in length and had a girth of 33 1/2 inches. We will be waiting for the official certified scales weight. Official or not, it's a big fish!

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

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Check out this video.



Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Cold blamed for menhaden kill

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Folly Beach, South Carolina:  Thousands of menhaden washed up on the beach at Folly Beach, SC Thursday. Folks that should know are blaming the cold water. To read the complete new story, click on tye link below.
The Sun News - Myrtle Beach, SC


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

Red Drum at Surf City?

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I didn't see them, but I got a report of red drum caught on cut mullet (bought at East Coast Sports) at Jolly Roger Pier. Angler didn't report if he was on the pier or beside the pier. I have requested that info, but haven't heard back from him. Also don't know the size. Also found a report online of reds caught in Surf City from the surf. Wish I had more info, but this time of the year, anglers are reluctant to give up their honey holes.

till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

Matthew 4:19

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
http://www.biblegateway.com/

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Hello from Topsail Beach. We have a new state record striped bass, reported on TW'S Bait and Tackle website. Click on the link to view their webiste. TW'S Bait and Tackle.

Date: Thursday, January 6, 2011

A NEW STRIPED BASS STATE RECORD. Twelve year old Stephen Furlough of Roper, NC decked a 63 lb Rockfish. The previous record was 62 lbs caught in 2005. The fish measured 52 ½ in long and the girth was 34 in. Stephen was fishing on the charter boat “Rigged Up” with Captain Charles Haywood.

WOW!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Gator Trout; Atlantic Beach

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Hello from Topsail Beach! Found this on the web today. I wouldn't mind hangin' onto this one! Check out this website. http://www.chasintailscharters.com/ Fishing Charters, bait, tackle and more. Nice website.

Speckled Trout Challenge Current Leaderboard.

1st place -Douglas Gorchess 8.69lb
2nd Place - Carl Edwards 8.37lb
3rd Place - Russel Bryan 7.97lb
Visit chasintailsoutdoors.com (For List Of Top Ten)

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Trout Anglers ...... Strange Folk

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Hello from Topsail Beach. It looks like it's going to be a nice day. Sun is shining, temps are going to reach about 51*.  If I could shake off this cold, I would throw some gulp at the gator trout that is hanging out in Banks Channel at Trout St in Topsail Beach. But alas, I'll just have to settle for some cyber fishing until I'm better. I bet you all know someone who loves to catch speckled trout so much that he is known as a "trout guy."  I know several. They are strange creatures, so secretive about there speckled trout catches they will lie to their mama. Example. I passed over the access at Buddy's in Surf City at dawn one morning, just light enough I didn't need a flashlight to walk, light enough to make out people moving frantically on the beach, but not light enough to make out their faces. So I get a little closer and guess what they are doing? I know you are not going to believe this, but they were stuffing big speckled trout down their waders! Yep, taking them out of their bucket, and putting them in their waders. They quickly went back to casting into the surf. Of course I glanced into the bucket as I walked past, bucket was empty. And as I observed the fish bulging in their neoprene waders, I ask, "Having any luck?" Answer, "Not even a bump." I guess they thought I would move on when I saw there was no fish in the bucket. They were wrong. I stayed and caught my limit in under an hour, and I don't keep anything under 16 inches. And only if I want some for the table. I don't like trout frozen. It just loses something.
Anyway, my "friend" Jonathon, pictured below, caught this speckled trout this week. When I ask where he caught it, here is his answer........ "Alright all I'm saying is the bite was on at the south end! Ended up with 2 Reds and that spec 3 more Reds were lost!!"  I promise, If it was me doing the catching, I would have been on the phone calling all my fishin buds to hurry down before the bite was over. Just saying........ And by the way, he only kept one red.

Till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny

East Coast Fishing Update

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Don't have many local reports, so here is what I could dig up from eastern NC.

Cape Lookout jetty has been producing speckle trout in large numbers the bite has been varying,some days the trout have been running from 14″ to 24″ then other days there have been great numbers of under sized speckle trout with a few  2 lb.  to 4 lb. speckle trout mixed in.

Carolina Beach reports lots of redfish last week. Even on the cold and windy days we have been catching reds, all on lures. Strike king glass minnows in dark colors, gulp alive in shrimp and pogey patterns have been working the best. Fish them slow, the fish are cold just like the water.

Seahawk Charters Fishing Report    Seahawk Carolina Beach Inshore Fishing Report  1/3/10 2011
REDFISHING STARTING OUT WITH A BANG!!!
[quote]
"The redfishing has started out good for 2011 and should continue thru the winter months. We had a couple of warm days with highs in the upper 60’s and that has brought the water temps back up a few degrees. The water temps actually touched the fifty degree mark on the rising tide in the the lower Cape Fear on Saturday Jan 1st. The redfish have really responded and hopefully this trend will continue........... "
[end quote]
Read the entire report at Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charters.


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Are You Into Kayak Fishing?

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 North Carolina Kayak Fishing Association, "...  the premier meeting place for North Carolina kayak fisherman. The NCKFA was established in 2008 as a resource for those interested in fishing from kayaks, discussing trips and techniques, as well as meeting other kayak fisherman from NC. Our monthly meetings take place at Great Outdoors, a local kayak shop in Greensboro, NC. ..." 
Want to read more? Check out their website. North Carolina Kayak Fishing Association

I was into kayak fishing a couple years ago when my health was a bit better. I really enjoyed it. Nothing like sneaking up on a "herd" of bull reds in 12" of water, and flipping an ultra light bait along the edge of the school, then handing on for some reel screeming runs! If you haven't tried it, check with Capt. Chris at East Coast Sports. They rent kayaks and have all the gear you will need. Don't let folks tell you fishing is over! It may be over in the surf or from the piers, but on the mud flats and oyster beds in Topsail Sound, giant reds roam the waters looking for a meal. Give it a try.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Reminder of Seasonal Closure For Shallow Water Grouper

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Southeast Fishery Bulletin


National Marine Fisheries Service
Southeast Regional Office
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rick.DeVictor@noaa.gov
727/824-5305, FAX 727/824-5308
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/

Reminder of Seasonal Closure For Shallow Water Grouper in the South Atlantic Closure Begins January 1, 2011 A seasonal prohibition on the harvest of shallow water snapper-grouper species in federal waters of the South Atlantic will be effective 12:01 a.m. January 1, 2011 through April 30, 2011, and applies to recreational and commercial harvest of shallow water grouper species. During this time, no gag, black grouper, red grouper, scamp, rock hind, red hind, coney, graysby, yellowfin grouper, yellowmouth grouper, and tiger grouper may be harvested, possessed, sold or purchased. The closure also applies to shallow water grouper taken in South Atlantic state waters by any person on board a vessel holding a federal snapper-grouper permit, including a South Atlantic Charter/Headboat permit for Snapper-Grouper.

This seasonal closure is part of a suite of management measures contained in Amendment 16 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, which became effective on July 29, 2009.

Fishermen should contact their state agencies to inquire about compatible regulations in state waters.

The prohibition on sale or purchase does not apply to shallow water grouper that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, January 1, 2011, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.

The shallow water grouper closure in the South Atlantic complies with regulations implementing the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region and is necessary to protect snapper-grouper species made more vulnerable during spawning season.

More Information For more information on this and other actions implemented through Amendment 16, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for Amendment 16, or the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s web page at: http://www.safmc.net/.


Cheryl Gilgo
Public Affairs Assistant
252-808-8137

E-mail correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
 
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

South East NC Fishing Reports

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Ran across these reports, since I don't have any local reports, I'll post these. Maybe something local will turn up soon.

[quote]
Affordable Charters Fishing Report 12-27-10

"The fishing has been a little slow due to 46 degree water temperature. We are still catching a few speckled trout. Also there are several drum still around but they are schooled up & laying still so not really biting. But as soon as we get those 60 degree days forecast for later this week they should start moving around & feeding so keep your fishing gear ready. Hope everyone has a healthy, happy New Year. Keep fishing & stay safe."
Captain John Carty
Affordable Charters
910 616-3957
Read full report HERE.

Seahawk Charters Fishing Report

Short Fishing Report 12/24/10
REDFISHING IS GOOD WHEN THE WEATHER COOPERATES!!!
[quote]
"............... Now to short fishing report. We are catching good numbers of redfish when the weather cooperates. The reds are schooled up on the flats and in the creeks of the lower Cape Fear area. The sightfishing has been good when the winds are light which has been rare lately. On the windier days we are hiding back in the creeks and picking up a few fish blindcasting artificials and fishing live mud minnows to known productive areas."
[end quote]
Thanks,

Jeff Wolfe
Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charters
NC Inshore Fishing Blog
910-619-9580
View the full report HERE.

Carolina Explorer Charters Fishing Report

Carolina Explorer 12-27 fishing report. Santa Claus has delivered great redfishing to Carolina Beach. WINTER RATES IN FULL EFFECT CALL 910-264-1807!!!!!!
Published on December 27th, 2010 by Capt. Robert Schoonmaker
[quote]
"Happy Holidays and New Year to all. We have been catching lots of redfish on all the trips last week. Even on the cold and windy days we have been catching redfish, all on lures. Strikeking glass minnows in dark colors, gulp alive in shrimp and pogey patterns have been working the best. Remember to fish them slow, the fish are cold just like we are. It looks like the weather is going to break around the weekend, so If you want to go catch plenty of redfish, give me a call 910-264-1807. WINTER RATES IN FULL EFFECT."
[end quote]
Capt. Robert Schoonmaker
910-264-1807
http://www.redfishexplorer.com/
http://www.carolinaexplorer.com/
Read full report HERE


Till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny

Extreme Striper Fishing!

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NEVER seen anything like this. Check out this jet ski "fishing boat."  This guy fished from this jet ski in the  Marina Shores Million Dollar Rockfish Challenge out of Virginia Beach. He caught the two fish off Duck, NC, running a total of 152 miles! On a jet ski! In cold weather! In the ocean! No, he didn't win the million bucks, but he says he had fun!  Read the whole story and see more pics on the NCAngler website. Click Here. Enjoy!


Jet Ski "Fishin' Boat"

Hope everyone had a Happy New Year! I have some pics of the annual Dolphin Dip at Surf City. I'll post them as soon as I can get them downloaded from my camera.

Till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny

Cold Water Kayak Reds

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A fishing friend from the NCAngler fishing site allowed me to post this video for you. I hope it relieves a little of the "no fishin'" like it did for me. It's only a couple minutes long. Enjoy.

Posted by Too Busy on the NCAngler website.
(quote)
"Met a couple of friends and fished a not so secret spot at low tide for reds. We jumped multiple schools ranging from 3 to over 300 fish. Most were in the 25 to 30 inch range and EXTREMELY SPOOKY"
(end quote)



Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny