Fishin' Topsail

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Allen Jernigan shared N.C. Fishery Management and You's photo.

The picture above, and the entry below, was shared on our Fishin'Topsail Facebook page by Allen Jernigan  of Breadman Ventures.

This was sent in by a user. It will make you think......... "What are everyone's thoughts on the DMF and ASMFC about to declare the red drum FMP a success? Keep in mind that this is also based on data from 2009. It is coming. I personally think they are far from being recovered, and believe this is a push by the DMF to allow a larger harvest allotment in the future. The flounder net closures that will be coming in 2014 because of turtle interactions, and the DMF/ASMFC trying to say red drum are recovered, I don't think it is a coincidence. Just another fallacy to keep the commercial guys making money on a species that are to only be allowed as bycatch. We have all heard about the wonderful year class coming. Well that "wonderful year class" has been pounded this winter by the netters, even after the closure. You have seen pictures of them here laying on the bank to die. "Keep the guys working at all costs." Thoughts, comments? Keep in mind Dr Louis Daniel is now the chair of the ASMFC."The above was shared on our Fishin'Topsail Facebook page by Allen Jernigan  of Breadman Ventures.

Till next time....Tight lines!Johnny

Capt. Jot Owens of Jot It Down Fishing Charters LLC

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Jot Owens shared Capt. Jot Owens/Jot It Down Fishing Charters LLC's photo.

Fishing Report:

Wrightsville Beach & area waters Inshore Fishing Report/Forecast This winter has been one of the most up and down I’ve even seen around Southeast NC; really 67` one day and snow the next day??? The fishing overall even with this weather has been pretty good most days. I’ve said once, I have said it 100 times; you really have to pick your fishing days during the winter months here in Southeast NC! 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 creeks 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; I’m keeping the baits smaller. Colors that seem to work the best are pearl, molting and new penny; the new Fire tail colors work great too! Try lighter jig heads like 1/16oz and 1/8oz when winter fishing; lighter jig heads help you to work the lure much slower and will still look nature. On warmer light wind days you can also find some nice schools of Reds in shallow water oyster flats and rocks. The Reds will sun on these dark colored bottom areas for a little extra warm up; this is also where you’ll see some bait fish doing the same thing (warming up). Work these baits slowly in front of the Redfish schools; not right through the school, all this will do is spook the Reds and will make it very hard to catch them. If the Reds are hungry they break away from the school and eat your bait! Surf Reds have been hit or miss; I believe that a lot of the Reds are still up in the creeks due to all the up and down weather this season. I have caught a few good days of surf Reds when the weather is just right. Casting Berkley Gulp Ripple mullets on 1/4oz and 3/8oz jig heads in colors Rootbeer gold and New penny’ don’t forget that fluorocarbon leader this time of year the water is super clear most days! I’ve made quite a few trips to the Cape Fear River year; there are three different kinds of fish to chase in the Cape Fear, Catfish, Striped Bass and even a hand full of nice Redfish most all winter long. Here is a few ways to put a CFR Striper on your line. Try Berkley Gulp Jerkshad in five and six inch size; in pearl & new penny colors and Berkley Havoc Grass Pigs. Work these baits slowly and always rig them weed-less; there are many hangs in the Cape Fear River. Try a Moaner swim bait hook with the Berkley Jerkshad; this is a great hook at a great price. www.moanerhooks.com I use the weighted Stroker hook in 1/4oz 5/0. Look for Stripers on drop-offs, dock pilings and reed-grass lines. The Cape Fear River Striped Bass fishing is a closed fishery; all Stripers must be released. 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’! Tackle run down: PENN Battle & Conflict Spinning reels sizes 2500, 3000 & 4000 for the Redfish and Striped Bass. PENN Legion in 6’6” & 7’ medium and med/hvy action; line Spiderwire Ultra-cast in ten and fifth-teen pound; Berkley Big Game Fluorocarbon leader for my leaders. I have a few tickets available for my NC Inshore Fishing School in Raleigh, NC on April 5th (Saturday). The Wilmington School has Sold Out. If you would like a ticket to the Raleigh school please let me know by E-mail or phone call captainjot@yahoo.com If you have any questions about the tactics I use fishing the local waters please e-mail me or catch me on Face Book at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Capt-Jot-OwensJot-It-Down-Fishing-Charters-LLC/134340373310487 Thanks for reading and good fishing to ya! Capt. Jot Owens PENN Fishing Tackle Elite Staff Ranger Boats Pro Staff www.captainjot.com 910-233-4139


Till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny

Surf City Ocean Pier Jan 29, 2014

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Snow, sleet, freezing rain on Surf City Ocean Pier, Jan. 29, 2014



Cold, Cold day.

Fishin' Topsail member Ricky Kellum

Fishin' Topsail

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Ricky Kellum holding a nice spec... Ricky aka TheSpeckledSpecialist  knows where the monster trout hang out.

Topwater Redfishing Techniques

 

Capt Rennie Clark, Tournament Trail Charter

Great video.

Till  next time....

tight lines!

Johnny

 
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Carolina Outdoor Journal

Carolina Outdoor Journal







Love this TV Show!



 
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Scarrry, the Sarcastic Fringehead

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One of the Most Terrifying Photos of a Sarcastic Fringehead:

GoFishn

GoFishn

God Bless our freedom protectors and their families!




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Flash-Frozen Fish | Outdoor Life

Flash-Frozen Fish | Outdoor Life



While snow storms and freezing temperatures have been the norm in the U.S. this month, Scandinavia has been dealing with some chilly days of its own. In the village of Lovund, Norway on Sunday, temperatures dropped so quickly an entire school of herring froze along the shore, reports the Huffington Post.







 
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Flash-Frozen Fish | Outdoor Life

Flash-Frozen Fish | Outdoor Life



While snow storms and freezing temperatures have been the norm in the U.S. this month, Scandinavia has been dealing with some chilly days of its own. In the village of Lovund, Norway on Sunday, temperatures dropped so quickly an entire school of herring froze along the shore, reports the Huffington Post.





 
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▶ Fishing Access areas on Topsail - YouTube

▶ Fishing Access areas on Topsail - YouTube:



Thanks to Chris Medlin of East Coast Sports on Roland Ave. Nice video of the access areas on Topsail Island.



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▶ Topsail Island Surf Fishing - YouTube

Huge Red Drum, caught in the surf on Topsail Island. Said to be 45 inches long. Congrats to the angler.





▶ Topsail Island Surf Fishing - YouTube:



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Eric Fowler Best Catch of 2013 - Bullbuster Monofilament

Best Catch of 2013 - Bullbuster Monofilament:

Eric Fowler with a nice Bull Red!

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Popping in a Blue Hole

Big Blue Eaten by a Shark after being hooked by angler!

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FishStik.co

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FishStik.co   These folks are members of our Facebook Fishin' Topsail page. I am hearing good things about their product.  Check them out.
Till next time....
Tight lines
Johnny

FishStik.co

Founded in 2013, FishStik was the result of one amazing flounder gigging trip in the clear waters of southern North Carolina's beautiful coastline. Let us help you discover the beauty of the ocean, its inhabitants and its mystery. From lights, to gigs, we're here to make your next fishing trip easier and more enjoyable with less equipment. No more lugging around floats and batteries around your neck.

Carolina Fishing TV - Season 2/16 - Late Summer Ocean Flounder

I enjoy watching Carolina Fishing TV
Subscribe on YouTube
Til next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Cape Fear River Watch

Cape Fear River Watch:

Great website.

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Gill net waste Newport River NC 6/26/07

More of the destruction of our fisheries. This has got to stop!

We need to hear from you!

This subject is been discussed on our Fishin' Topsail Facebook page.
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Red Fish Gill Net Destruction In North Carolina

Red Fish Gill Net Destruction In North Carolina

Check out this video and read the comments. This video is four years old, but still relevant today. This situation is such a mess and something has to be done. The resource is really in danger. There has been some discussion about this issue on our Facebook Fishin' Topsail page.
Click here to join the discussion.

Till next time....
Tight lines!

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Topsail Area Gill net blocking whole creek

This is just wrong!   Contact your DMF representatives and complain. Let your voice be heard.

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Topsail Area Gill net blocking whole creek

This is just wrong!   Contact your DMF representatives and complain. Let your voice be heard.

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Home - Topsail Island Fishing Club

Are you a member of the Topsail Island Fishing Club?

Home - Topsail Island Fishing Club:

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Topsail Island Drum Fishing 1 - YouTube

YouTube videos....... Lots of videos on Topsail Island Fishing. I could spend hours watching these videos.
Check them out.
Till next time....
Tight lines!

Topsail Island Drum Fishing 1 - YouTube: "Topsail Island Drum Fishing "

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Sightfish NC - Fly Fishing and Light Tackle Guide in Wilmington, NC

If you are into fly fishing, check out this site. Hasn't been updated recently, but still a lot of fly fishing info.
Till next time.....
Tight lines!

Sightfish NC - Fly Fishing and Light Tackle Guide in Wilmington, NC: "Wilmington's Premier Fly and Light Tackle Guide Service"

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Fishing at Topsail Island | USA Today

Topsail Island fishing article in USA Today.
"Fishing at Topsail Island, North Carolina, is a favorite pastime for many, whether it is the novice fishing enthusiast or seasoned professional. In addition to taking in the beauty of nature and the Atlantic Ocean, all types of fishing are pursued here, from pier fishing to surf and inlet fishing, charter boat fishing and fishing in personal watercraft. Whale sightings are commonplace."

Click the link to read the complete article.

Fishing at Topsail Island | USA Today: "Fishing at Topsail Island"

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NC Saltwater Fishing Reports brought to you by PointClickFish.com.

NC Saltwater Fishing Reports brought to you by PointClickFish.com.:

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www.yeahrightcharters.com

Captain Butch Foster

1-5-14

  With the impending gloom of much colder temperatures and weather on the way to our area tomorrow, it seemed that the Trout bite would be fired off on the falling tide this afternoon feeding up before the front passed over and the pressure dropped.   This was the theory...  Capt. Butch and myself put the Skiff in around 2:45 this afternoon and knowing we only had a couple hours to test this theory ran to a location that is known to hold Trout this time of year. 

       After about an hour we had only managed one bite, the water was much more dirty today than yesterday Capt. Butch noted and the amount of grass and pine needles floating was a true indicator of how much fresh water had been flushed into the creeks from the past weeks rain.  With tough conditions we slowed our retrieve down and began to 'work' the baits with more precision.   The efforts soon paid off with the first strike, although a miss, we were figuring out the presentation that the Trout were wanting.  

      A few bait changes and color changes with a couple more modifications in presentation technique and Capt. Butch set the hook but the fish were biting soft and not aggressively attacking our baits.  I missed a couple more hard strikes, one even being hooked long enough to pull drag before throwing the hook.  This was telling us both the same thing, we had figured out the presentation and the technique but the change in water temperature and the rain had made the Trout hesistant about feeding.  After an hour of fine tuning our presentation and Capt. Butch navigating the creek to discover where the bait was holding during the evening tide change, we managed to boat 2 beautiful Speckled Trout and had another 3 or 4 that pulled the hooks along with another 6 or so that "short struck" our baits!

It ended up being a great evening to spend on the water in search of a few nice Speckled Trout.

FISH ON!!!

Capt's Butch and Chris Foster

 Want to read more? Click here.  www.yeahrightcharters.com:
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Capt. Jerry's Fishing Forecast

I found this fishing forecast from Capt. Jerry informative and entertaining.

The weather certainly hasn’t gotten off to a good start for 2014.  Last weekend and early this week was actually a little better than expected, but that changed sometime Wednesday depending on exactly where you were.  Thursday has been a rainout so far and I guess we should be glad we are getting the rain instead of the ice and snow forecast for our northern neighbors.  

The wind is supposed to fall out some for Saturday and most of Sunday, but the big swell won’t.  The wind will be from the south on Sunday, so it will be the warmest day.  Several days next week will be downright cold, so if you want to go fishing before late next week, Saturday and Sunday morning look to be the best options.

The next several months will be the harshest weather and see the fewest anglers on the water.  Please let someone know where you are going (file a float plan with someone!) and be careful when you head out.  Mistakes get amplified and there is no margin for error when fishing during the winter.

Interested in reading more of Capt Jerry's forecast? Click this link.    Capt. Jerry's Fishing Forecast 

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NCDENR - Commercial Fishing Annual Reports

NCDENR - Commercial Fishing Annual Reports

2013 License-Statistics Annual Report

2013 License-Statistics Annual Report (complete book) The License and Statistics Annual Report provides summaries of commercial and recreational  harvest and landings data along with commercial and for-hire license and permit  sales statistics for the State of North Carolina.

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Hatteras Island Fishing Report

Here is the Frisco Rod and Gun Outer Banks Fishing Report for Hatteras Island.
"Here is the Frisco Rod and Gun Outer Banks Fishing Report for Hatteras Island.

Today we had partly cloudy skies.  The winds were from the north-east at 5-15 mph and the temperatures were in the low 50′s. 

The low pressure that pushed off the coast yesterday has the ocean very rough on both the north and south beaches here on Hatteras Island.  There was even some ocean over wash at Rodanthe and the north end of Buxton during high tides. There were no fish to report from the beaches or boats today."

Read more....

Hatteras Island Fishing Report

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Hunters save tangled deer (from coyotes).

Hunters save tangled deer (from coyotes).


hunt fish life | james brekken



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Tides for Ocean City Beach (fishing pier), Topsail Island N. Carolina

Tide predictions for Jan. 2014  Ocean Beach Fishing Pier  (Topsail Island)
The old Ocean City Fishing Pier (no longer standing) is South of Surf City Ocean Pier, and is the closest tide information I can find.


Tides for Ocean City Beach (fishing pier), N. Carolina

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Till next time!
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna