Preserving Piers; Wilmington Star, Si.Cantwell

Here is an article appearing in the Wilmington Star News on Sunday about the vanishing piers along the coast of the Carolinas. Good read. If you have the time, get involved. This problem affects all of us.


Preserving Piers
Wilmington Star

As land values skyrocket, the privately owned havens for anglers are frequently being replaced by homes

The Long Beach Pier in Oak Island is gone, torn down last year to make way for large oceanfront homes.

The Carolina Beach Fishing Pier is for sale. The asking price of $3 million is a bargain, considering its present tax value is $3,380,237, up from $698,755 in 1999.

For years, fishing piers served as the central focus of many small beach towns. They provided economic benefits, encouraging tourism during the "shoulder seasons" of spring and fall when the water was too cold for most swimmers. They were places where the same anglers return year after year, generation after generation.

But rising taxes and operating costs, frequent damage from storms and skyrocketing land values threaten the state's fishing piers. In 1980, 36 stretched out from the North Carolina shoreline. Today, just 20 privately owned, commercially operated piers open to the public survive.

The threat was documented in the recently completed Waterfront Access Study Committee's Final Report, commissioned by the General Assembly to study the loss of diversity of uses of land along the coast. The main losers, the report says, are "anglers of modest means" who pay a daily fee, typically less than $10, for a day out over the water.

The study recommends the state's Aquarium Division begin operating three piers for the public's benefit, and it also offers recommendations on tax changes and funding repairs after storms. But some are wary of the state competing with private operators.

Angling to save piers

Al Baird, 47, general manager of a specialty chemical plant, grew up coming to the Outer Banks with his family from Pittsburgh. He started taking his kids there in the 1990s, when he lived in the Chicago area. He moved to Fort Mill, S.C., just south of Charlotte, in 2000.

After reading Robert Goldstein's book Coastal Fishing in the Carolinas, he decided he wanted to take his son, Chris, 17, fishing from every pier in North Carolina.

"I thought it would be pretty cool to go on this fishing trip," he said. "I kept planning it, and finally I realized in 2005 that all the piers are disappearing. So we blocked out a week around basketball camp and we took off."

Last summer, they fished from all the piers still open. While in Kure Beach, they stayed at the Rolling Surf Motel and fished from the Kure Beach Fishing Pier.

He was disappointed to find the motel slated for demolition to make way for four big houses. "I said, 'They can't do that. That town has so much old-fashioned beach charm.'●"

He said he started the N.C. Fishing Pier Society (www.ncfps.com) in April 2006 to support the piers, document their history "and to try to save some of them, if we can."

Johnnie Mercers success

Running a pier is a complicated business, even a successful one such as Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier at Wrightsville Beach. Matt Johnson owns the pier, which his father, Robert, bought in 1969.

He credits his location at Wrightsville Beach for the pier's popularity. It was rebuilt as a concrete pier after hurricanes in 1996 destroyed it.

Employment at the pier's tackle shop, gift shop and grill swells to around 20 workers in the summer from around 12 in the winter. It barely breaks even during the winter months, but Johnson said closing it would create safety and security problems by leaving a valuable building unattended.

Maintenance is an ongoing effort. Kitchen equipment wears out, shingles tear off, metal rusts, fixtures such as chairs and furniture must be replaced.

But Johnson says it's easier than it was when Johnnie Mercers was a wooden pier. He remembers his father wrestling new pilings into place and lashing them to the pier.

State fees, including a new blanket saltwater fishing license that covers pier customers, can total more than $3,000 a year, Johnson said.

But it's worth it to see the camaraderie and joy the pier brings to customers.

In March, a woman told him she and her husband were celebrating their 10th anniversary. "Do you realize I met my husband on this pier?" she asked him.

Hurt by motel declines

Mike Robertson, who owns the Kure Beach pier, knows the attraction of a pier goes far beyond just angling for spots and blues.

"I love watching the tide change," he said. "I love watching the sun move around and the moon move around."

But he worries about the impact of losing nearby motels.

Kure Beach had already lost four motels before plans were announced to tear down the Rolling Surf. Those plans are on hold pending the resolution of regulatory issues, but the motel is closed now.

The modestly priced rooms offered by the motels were popular with fishermen.

"For a pier to be profitable, it has to have some customers," Robertson said. "It's getting harder, not unlike anything going on up and down the coast."

Kure Beach Mayor Tim Fuller said the town would like right of first refusal if Robertson ever sells the pier. He said he'd talked with the folks at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher about operating that pier if Robertson ever sold.

But Robertson said he has no plans to sell. He likes running the pier, and so do his children. He said his pier doesn't have a large land footprint that would attract residential developers.

Help from aquariums?

The Waterfront Access Study's report, finalized last month, recommends that the N.C. Aquariums develop and operate three public fishing piers. They would have educational displays as well as fishing amenities.

Donna Moffitt, director of the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher, said she talked to Robertson more than a year ago about the Kure Beach pier, and she's aware that the Carolina Beach pier is for sale.

But she said the Aquarium Division, part of the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources, needs direction from the General Assembly before it moves forward on any plan to develop or operate piers. Moffitt said the state could build piers, buy existing ones or agree to operate a pier for an owner.

The N.C. Aquarium Society, a nonprofit that supports the three state-owned aquariums, has bought Jennette's Pier in Nags Head with the idea of handing it over to the Aquarium Division. It will cost $13 million to reopen it as a 1,000-foot-long concrete pier, Moffitt said.

Emerald Isle, on Bogue Banks between Jacksonville and Morehead City, hopes to work with the Pine Knoll Shores aquarium to take over the Bogue Inlet Pier. Town Manager Frank Rush said that project would anchor a mixed-use project called Village East, combining commercial space with residential units.

The largest single landowner in the 50-acre zone is the Stanley family, which wants to sell the pier site and 15 acres around it. One developer was interested in working with the town and the Aquarium Division, but that deal fell through. Rush said the town is hoping another buyer will come forward willing to preserve the pier as part of the larger Village East project.

Moffitt said that if the Fort Fisher aquarium does operate a pier, it will likely be the last of the three aquariums to do so since plans are more advanced for the other two prospects.

Baird, founder of the Fishing Pier Society, is skeptical about the state getting into the pier business. He worries that a state-run pier might provide unwelcome competition to privately owned piers struggling to survive. Moffitt said the Aquarium Division would charge higher fees than privately owned piers to avoid taking away their business.

Tax breaks and loans

The Waterfront Access panel also recommended that fishing piers and other working waterfront properties be awarded "present use value" tax status, similar to how farmland is taxed. Since 1973, the report said, the state allows farmland to be appraised at its current use value - as a farm - instead of fair market value, shielding the owner from higher tax bills in a rising real estate market.

The committee also urged the state to look for ways to help pier owners pay for storm repairs, including perhaps establishing a low-interest loan program. Robertson, whose family has repeatedly rebuilt the Kure Beach pier after storms, said he'd welcome such a fund.

After Hurricane Fran damaged his pier in 1996, a contractor estimated rebuilding costs at $1.2 million, although Robertson did it for less by hiring labor and doing it himself.

Baird wants beach towns to support their piers. "Coastal communities need to be actively involved in getting to pier owners and businesses and say, 'What do we need to do to help?'●" he said. "●'What can we do to assist you besides just putting up another house and bringing in tax money?'●"

New to the area? Seeing change all around you? Contact me at 343-2364 or Si.Cantwell@StarNewsOnline.com.

http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/p...NEWS/705280336


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"


Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!
Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.

44244

As you may know, my mother-in-law Bernice, known locally as Ms. Lee, has been in the hospital for two weeks now, and I haven't been fishing is SOOOOO LONG! Just talked to Vinita at Surf City Pier and GOOD NEWS! The fish are biting! Well not all the fish, but blues, spanish and pompano (big pompano) are all biting well. The first king of the year was caught yesterday (17 lbs), and a cobia was caught today. I think it was about 30 lbs, but I can't really remember what she said. Bottom fishing isn't so good, but hopefully that will get better soon. I have talked to a couple of kayakers, they said they had no luck throwing beetle spins and gulp grubs. I talked to a surf fisherman today, and he said that he still can't find any sand fleas. They should be here by now, or so I thought, so maybe they will show up soon. I am hearing of the occasional sea mullet, puppy drum, and black drum being pulled up from the surf, so it's not a total waste to get out there. Of course my philosophy is fishing is better than work anytime, even if there is nothing biting.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"


Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!
Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.

Local Legends awarded NC Fishing Pier Society Awards

Congratulations to fishing legend Angelo DePaola from Topsail Island, and to Topsail Beach's Jolly Rodger fishing pier, for receiving North Carolina Fishing Pier Society awards. Read details below.


Fort Mill, SC—May 27, 2007—A dedication to both fishing and the community has led the North Carolina Fishing Pier Society (NCFPS) to the bestow two awards for achievement and community service to a legendary fisherman and a distinguished fishing pier, NCFPS founder and fishing advocate Al Baird said today.



The award ceremony is slated for June 16 at 1 p.m. at the Jolly Roger Pier, Topsail Beach.



At the ceremony, the NCFPS will recognize Angelo DePaola for lifetime achievement in pier fishing. This is the first Lifetime Achievement Award given by the organization.



"To fishing enthusiasts, Angelo DePaola is a living legend," Baird said today from NCFPS headquarters in Fort Mill, South Carolina. "DePaola's king mackerel total is equivalent to baseball's Cy Young record for total wins (511 wins). It will likely never come close to being broken by any fisherman at any pier in the near or distant future."



Since 1958 DePaola has dedicated himself to hauling the "big ones" and his 490 king mackerel's are counted in that record. DePaola once caught five of the trophies in one day. He also managed to bring in other species from the pier including red drum, amberjacks, tarpon, bluefish and cobia. DePaola also has a 400 pound lemon shark to his credit and in 1978 he made the rarest of catch—a 7-foot sailfish.



A second honor, this one the 2007 Community Service Award, is slated to be presented to the Jolly Roger Pier for its years of serving as a community fishing bulwark stretching out into the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean.



"The Jolly Roger Pier is a landmark in the community and rightly deserves the 2007 Community Service Award," Baird said. "This fisherman's bastion has stood proud and strong—serving North Carolina and the eastern seaboard fishing community for over fifty years."



The Jolly Roger is renowned for rebuilding quickly after hurricanes and is an extremely popular with local fisherman and others from all over the eastern United States. Lewis Orr built the pier in 1954 and it is still operated by the Orr family today.



The North Carolina Fishing Pier Society was founded in 2006 to promote the history and traditions of pier fishing in North Carolina. The organization seeks to preserve waterfront access and has submitted testimony to the North Carolina Waterfront Access Study Committee earlier this year.


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"


Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!
Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.

Someone caught another king from Jolly Rodger yesterday. (rumor) I think that is three this year. Still catching chopper blues and some spanish. Surf City anglers caught blues and a few spanish this week with a few sea mullets at night. The wind has been blowing, and fishing has been slow.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"


Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!
Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.


45905

Rod-Man Report May 23, 2007

Hello from Surf City.

Rod-Man Report May 23, 2007

Hi Folks, and a happy and safe Memorial Day. Be sure to give thanks and prayers for our troops.

I just got back from a fun filled 3 days at Harkers Island fishing for cobia. We did not catch cobia but we did catch some big blues and huge rays. On the home front, fishing in the Wilmington area has finally turned back on after the “blow”. Let’s keep it that way.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Red drum are biting well. Catch them on artificials including GULP or on bait. A 1/4 oz. jig head and a GULP curlytail will do the job. Some flounder are showing up and are being caught on live bait.

Near shore: Cobia have shown up near shore at the reefs. Nice spanish are back and pods of menhaden are cruising the beach. It’s all good.

Offshore: Kings are biting around 10 miles. More cobia are at the offshore reefs and mahi are in the 20-25 mile areas.

Gulfstream: When boats have gone out there has been a good morning and evening tuna bite. Big wahoo and lots of big mahi are biting as well.

Be safe this holiday weekend and have a good time on the water….now…

Let’s Go Fishing!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"


Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!
Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.

Spanish on Surf City Pier

Hello from Surf City.
There was a good run of spanish at Surf City Pier Tuesday morning. Most were keeper size, some up to 20 inches long were caught. They were mostly caught on gotcha plugs and diamond jigs. Bottom anglers caught several large pompano on cut shrimp. Hopefully this trend will continue. I still haven't been fishing. Family member is still in the hospital, so my time has been spent there. Hopefully she will get home soon and I can hit the beach!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"


Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!
Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.

Fishing Slows a Bit

Hello from Surf City.
Sorry I haven't posted. I have family in the hospital and just haven't got out to get any reports. I know it has been slow at Surf City Pier, but there are still some nice chopper blues taking the king anglers bait and gotcha plugs. Not much on the bottom fishing. Small flounder, small mullets at night with a few black drum mixed in. No Surf report, check Surf City Pier and East Coast Websites for their reports. Herrings Outdoor Sports are getting some really nice fresh local shrimp. Check 'em out. Fishing should pick up anytime now. If you can't catch any fish, check out Herring's kayak rentals and explore the waters inside the island. You may even see Wally, our resident three foot gater.


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"


Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!
Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.

May Fishing at Topsail Island

Hello from Surf City.
Still catching blues in the morning at Surf City Pier. Tonight, there were black sea bass caught, but they were too small to keep. Yea, I said black sea bass. Don't see those near the pier too often. At Seaview Pier, anglers pulled in five kings this week. Don't know the size, but this early, and from the pier, a king is a king! I am hearing some buzz about speckled trout near the turning bridge in Surf City at night. Can't confirm this. Rain predicted tomorrow, but shouldn't last too long. Chris at East Coast Sports has published his May fishing report. Click on this link to view it and their spring specials. Surf City Crab has been getting some fantastic bait shrimp, as well as plenty of eating seafood. Check them out on the water behind The Crabpot on Roland Ave, just after you cross the turning bridge on the left. Herrings Outdoor Sports has dozens of new kayaks, and a store full of spring and summer fashions, as well as their bait and tackle which is always great. Check out everything "Topsail" at www.topsail-island.info. Get on down and do some fishing!


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"


Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!

Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.

43124

More Cobia ..... Big Chopper Blues!

Hello from Surf City.
Another cobia was caught at Surf City Pier Sunday. Blues on gotcha plugs Sunday and Monday. Big blues, choppers up to 10 lbs were caught this morning. Bottom fishing still kinda slow. Inside still producing puppies and specks.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"


Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!
Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.


42777

King On!

Hello from Surf City.
Someones reel screamed today at Surf City Pier. They had a king on and lost it at the pier. Too bad. Still waiting for the first one to be landed. Looks like it's gonna be a good year. Blues and spanish are being caught in the morning by pluggers. No word on bottom fishing.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"


Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!
Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.

Kings, Chopper Blues, Blackfin Tuna

Fishing continues to get better along the coast. My charter on Saturday produced good catches of Chopper Bluefish-up to 8lbs, a nice Blackfin Tuna and a limit of King Mackerel. Water temps ranged from 71 in the morning to 76 in the afternoon.

Inshore, the flounder bite is improving and the redfish bite is good as well. The speckled trout have still been biting, but expect that to die with the the water getting hotter.

Call now and book you trip today!!

Capt. Brent Stanley

Current Adventure Charters

910.200.9959

Cobia Alert!

Hello from Surf City. I got an instant message from a friend J. Griffin who said a 50lb cobia was caught today on Surf City Pier. He got the tip from his fishing bud W. Tyndall. I checked out his tip, and Kenny, better know as "Bigun", at Surf City Pier and Kenny tells me that they caught not one, but two cobia today. James Helms caught a 45 pounder, and Nancy, (sorry, I don't know her last name) caught the big one, a 50 lb giant while king fishing at the end. Nothing much else going on today that I have found out about. I wasn't able to fish, or even make my rounds to the piers, so if I get anything else I will post it. Thanks to J. Griffin for the information about the cobia. Good detective work.


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"


Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!
Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.



24258

Rod-Man Report May 10, 2007

Hello from Surf City.

Rod-Man Report May 10, 2007

Hi Folks,
What can I say? The weather has been as lousy as it can get short of the “H” word. I have not fished since last Friday when we caught some very nice spanish. This storm has certainly made a mess out of a great start to spring fishing. Things will start calming down today and maybe by the weekend we will begin to see some semblance of normalcy.
Now here’s my report…from prior to last Saturday.

Inshore: We are getting some good red drum action both on artificials and on bait. Best action is on a falling tide and around heavy structure or oyster banks. Some live bait (small menhaden) have shown up and that means the flounder bite is about to begin in earnest.

Near Shore: The large spanish mackerel have been chomping pretty well. They can be caught on Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow Deep Divers, clarkspoon rigs with small #1 planers, and bird rigs. The bonito were thinning out late last week as the spanish came in, but they may make another brief showing after the storm. Plenty of bluefish are around.

Offshore: Spring kings have been caught at the 10 mile areas, a great sign. Larger fish are still hanging a bit further out in the 23 to 45 mile areas.

Gulfstream: When boats can get out, wahoo, tuna and mahi are biting well.

We have had to do some rearranging of charter schedules due to the storm. This has been necessary to try to insure the best possible opportunity for a good day of fishing. We appreciate your cooperation. Hopefully things will be back to normal soon. It’s been a while since the fish have had a good meal, so maybe they will be hungry and willing.

Be sure to check out our new bonito fishing video!

Let’s Go Fishing!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120



Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"

Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!
Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.

42288

Salt Water LIcense

Hello from Surf City. Here are a few facts about the new NC Salt Water Fishing License that was emailed to me by Al from the NC Pier Fishing Society. Thanks Al, interesting information.

A few other facts about the new saltwater fishing license.

The state has sold 91,560 licenses so far. Residents of New Hanover
County have bought the most licenses - 5467, Dare county has
purchased 3167. People from out of state have purchases 7154 annual
licenses and 7117 short term licenses.

Virginia has bought the most followed by Pennsylvania and Maryland.




Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"

Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!
Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.

Bite Slow

Hello from Surf City.
Nothing much has been biting since Friday, which was a good fishing day with sea mullets, spanish, and lots of blues from the piers. Still no flounder being reported from the piers or surf. Inside, it's more of the same. Everything came to a screeching halt Friday night as the front moved in. Winds have been high, and beach erosion is extensive, especially on each end of Topsail Island. Hope I will have good news soon.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"

Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!
Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.

Current Adventure Fishing Report-5/7/07

Fishing along the coast from Topsail Beach down to Southport is really turning on. The water has continued to warm and the fishing is just getting hot.

Inshore, Redfish, Bluefish, Flounder and Speckled Trout fishing continues to get better and better. Topwater action has really picked up this week as the fish are getting more aggressive with more and more baitfish showing up in the local waters. Capt. Lewis reported a great day of Speckled Trout fishing this past week with 17 Trout being caught,

six of which were citation sized fish.

Spanish Mackerel up to 6lbs have been reported as well as King Mackerel up to 30lbs. One of piers in the Southport area reported the first Cobia of the year with a 60lber being put on the deck!!! Atlantic Bonito are still being caught around the nearshore wrecks along with a ton of Bluefish and some nice Spanish Mackerel.

Offshore, the King Mackerel bite has been great and the Gulf Stream is producing catches of Tuna, Dolphin and Wahoo.

It's time to go catch some fish so call and book your trip today.

Capt. Brent Stanley

Current Adventure Charters

910.200.9959

www.currentadventurecharters.com

Hello from Surf City.
Fishing at Topsail Island is picking up. The first king of the year was caught at Sea View Pier yesterday. It was small, but everyone is excited to see the first one. Surf City Pier caught spanish yesterday, as did Jolly Rodger and Sea View Pier. It is early for kings and spanish, and hopefully the early bite will continue. There are still a lot of snapper blues in the water, and are biting gotcha plugs as well as bottom rigs. The mullet bite has slowed a bit, but some are still being caught. There was a few spots in coolers yesterday also. The pluggers are out and beating the water with gotcha plugs looking for that spanish or blue. All the tackle shops, East Coast Sports, Herrings Outdoor Sports, Thomas Bait and Tackle, and Dougs Tackle on Hwy 50 in Holly Ridge, have new tackle and are ready for the seasons spanish blitz. Pack up those plugging rods and head down to the coast for some good fishing.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"

Everyone has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!
Freedom isn't free! Someone has paid, for you and for me.

Mullet from Piers, Speckled Trout Inside

Mullets and blues are still biting from the area piers. Blues are hitting gotcha plugs and grubs early morning and late afternoon. Sea mullets are biting fresh cut shrimp after dark. There have been some nice black drum from all piers, but the bite is slow. The inside waters have been producing some nice specks on grubs, mostly Berkley Gulp baits. Fishing from the surf is still slow with a few sea mullets and black drum showing up here and there. I still haven't found any sand fleas. Not sure when they should show up. Maybe someone has an idea and can let us know.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Everybody has to be somewhere ..... I'll be fishing!

Errors on Blog

Hi everyone, I have had a glitch in the blog, and all of my favorite links have disappeared. I am working to restore all the links. If you had a link (fishing related) or would like to add a link (fishing related) please contact me via email. The email link is at the top of this page, "Send Johnny an Email"
Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Brother Jess withBIG LARGEMOUTH BASS !!!!!!

While Dad and I were catching ..... skates ....... sharks ...... stingrays.... and snapper blues, my bass fishing brother, Jesse was catching the big bass in the picture above. Don't know the weight, any guess? I say at least 7 pounds. But it's been so long since I have seen a bass this big, I may be wrong. Don't know what the bait was, maybe I can get some details later. Jess lives in Toano, Virginia. Man they grow 'em big up there! Good job Jess!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Everybody has to be somewhere..... I'll be fishing!

Surf City Pier Update

Still getting blues on gotchas in the morning and evenings. Plenty of sea mullets at night with a few black drum mixed in. A black drum weighing 28 lbs (yea, t w e n t y - e i g h t pounds) was caught this week. Some small crokers and small flounder. Still not many keepers. Spanish still not showing up, but I am hearing there are a few being caught offshore, so just waiting for the water to warm a bit more. Weather is nice, although a little windy, and no rain is forcast until Thursday afternoon.

Till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny

Surf City Pier Report

Blues are biting gotchas and grubs in the mornings. Some up to two pounds have come over the rail. No spanish yet, probable at least two more weeks before they show up. Sea mullets are here! As you may know, the sea mullets usually follow the giant manta rays, and there are hundreds of these giants cruising the beach. There have been sea mullet catches of more than fifty fish most nights at the pier. The bite seems to start about 11:00 pm. A few black drum and one speckled trout was caught this week. The occasional flounder that bite are still small. Bigger ones should be showing up anytime. The surf still isn't producing much. An occasional mullet or black drum, but it seems that most of the fish are still beyond the sand bar, hard to reach from the shore. Better go get you some before the crowds show up and the pier gets crowded.

NOTE: East Coast Sports, Herrings Outdoor Sports, Surf City Pier, Thomas Bait and Tackle, and One Stop Bait and Tackle have all just received their spring shipments of merchandise. From tackle to clothing, the selections are great! Visit these dealers and support the local businesses. Thank you for your support.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Everybody's got to be somewhere..... I'll be fishing!

Rod-Man Charters Fishing Report

Hi Folks,
The past week has seen the fishing really taking off. We have had good catches of bonito, bluefish, red and black drum and more. As the weather continues its spring progress, more and more fish will be in the area.
Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Red and black drum are still biting on the falling tide. Fresh shrimp or GULP fished on a carolina rig have both produced fish. The red’s are biting, but look for the bite to improve quickly over the next few days.

Near shore: Bluefish and gray trout continue to bite well at the 3 and 5 mile AR’s. Also, and very important are the good numbers of Atlantic bonito we are catching. Yesterday we had a catch of several bluefish and six bonito in right at two hours. We have caught them trolling slow with Yozuri Crystal Minnow Deep Divers and with jigging spoons, either sight casting or deep jigging.

Offshore: King mackerel continue to hold in the 23 to 35 mile areas. I am getting many reports of folks limiting out EARLY.

Gulfstream: The wahoo bite is strong. Yellowfin are starting to bite well.

FYI: The season is really starting to get busy. If you do not receive a weekly report in your email, please check my fishing reports page: http://www.rodmancharters.com/fishingreports/I will do my best to at least post a report here weekly. And you can always check this page and the Photo Gallery for the latest photos.

The pictures tell only part of the story. Come join us for a great day of fishing fun.

Let’s Go Fishing!!!
Captain Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120

Current Adventure Fishing Report-4/22/07

Fishing on Sunday was awesome. I had Randy and his Dad Dean aboard and we just flat wore the fish out. Our original goal was to catch some Bonito's, but when they didn't appear, we changed tatics and it paid off.

We went to some nearshore ledges and caught Bluefish, Black Bass, Flounder, Bontio, Grunts, Tautog and assorted other bottom dwellers. All fish were caught vertically jigging metal spoons. The ocean was beautiful and the fishing was just great!!!!

It's time to go fishing so give me a call and book you trip today!!!

Capt. Brent Stanley

Current Adventure Charters

910.200.9959

www.currentadventurecharters.com

Fishing at Topsail

There isn't much going on from the surf, but the piers are doing OK. Small blues in the morning and evening on gotchas, sea mullets and black drum on bottom rigs and cut shrimp. A few flounder mostly undersized, and the occasional speckled trout. I have seen some big sea mullets, about two pounds, and up to four pound black drum. Good luck!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Everybody has to be somewhere..... I'll be fishing!

Freedom isn't FREE! Someone has paid for you and for me.
Pray for our troops and their families.

Surf City Pier Today

Went fishing to Surf City Pier today. I didn't do well, but I saw some nice fish. I saw two almost keeper flounder, several large black drum, some really nice two pound sea mullets, and lots of snapper blues. All except the blues were caught on bottom rigs and shrimp. Most of the snapper blues bit gotcha plugs and grubs fished close to the surface. There were a few blues on bottom rigs also.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"

Every has to be somewhere..... I'll be fishing!

Freedom is NOT FREE!!!
Someone has paid for you and for me.

Rod-Man Report April 19, 2007

Rod-Man Report April 19, 2007:

Hi Folks,
High wind and cool temperatures and rain and basically just plain tough weather have hampered fishing somewhat. But, in-between gust and showers, we have managed some good catches nearshore and inshore. As the weather “normalizes” expect all over action to heat up fast.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: We have had some nice catches of black drum and a few reds as well. Most action has been on shrimp, but that will cease soon as the pinfish are starting to show up…ugh.
Near shore: Bluefish have been strong at the mouth of the inlets as well as on the near shore artificial reefs. They have been biting squid and jigging spoons. Some gray trout are still biting. Have not seen much in the way of bonito yet, but then have had few days this past week when I could get out. Expect them any day when things calm down a bit.
Offshore: Again weather has hampered fishing in this area. I have heard reports of kings in the 23 mile rock area as well as around Frying Pan Tower.
Gulfstream: We all know the fish are there this time of year, but no reports due to high winds.

Be sure to take a look at my video section. We have added one on black drum and will be adding throughout the year. The videos may be accessed from my home page at www.rodmancharters.com. And, see new pics at http://www.rodmancharters.com/fishingreports.

Let’s Go Fishing!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120

RECREATIONAL LICENSE SPENDING PLAN ON AGENDA

Below is a notice I received from the NC Marine Fisheries. A meeting has been scheduled to discuss alocation of funds from the NC Saltwater Fishing License. This is our voice. A voice that we as saltwater sports enthusiasts have never had. Please plan to attend this meeting if you can arrange it. The more of us that are there, the louder the voice. Lets don't let "them" throw these funds away. Make them count. Make your voice and opinions count. Attend this meeting.

Till next time...
Tight lines!
Johnny "FishinTopsail"
Everybody has to be somewhere..... I'll be fishing!
FREEDOM isn't FREE! Someone has paid for you and for me.


N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources


Release: Immediate Contact: Patricia Smith
Date: April 17, 2007 Phone: (252) 726-7021




RECREATIONAL LICENSE SPENDING PLAN ON AGENDA

MOREHEAD CITY – The state would name the first recipients of grants funded by
Coastal Recreational Fishing License revenues early next year under a plan that
goes before the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission at its April 25-27 meeting in
Kill Devil Hills.

The MFC is scheduled to vote on funding priorities and a funding process
time line. The time line calls for requesting grant proposals this summer.
Accepted proposals would then go through peer reviews in the fall and the MFC
and Wildlife Resources Commission would decide on them by Feb. 15, 2008.

Grant recipients would be notified in the spring with the funding cycle
beginning July 1.

Both the MFC and WRC must approve all spending of license revenues.

A committee consisting of three MFC members and three WRC members endorsed the
draft priorities and time line April 4. The full WRC is expected to consider the
draft plan at its May 18 meeting.

Revenues from license sales go into two different funds, depending on the type
of license. Expenditures from both funds must be used to manage, protect,
restore, develop, cultivate, conserve and enhance the marine resources.

Revenues from the sale of all lifetime coastal fishing licenses and a portion of
the lifetime unified hunting and statewide fishing licenses go into a N.C.
Marine Resources Endowment Fund. Only the interest of this account may be spent.

Revenues from the sale of annual and 10-day coastal fishing licenses and a
portion of the annual unified hunting and statewide fishing licenses go into a
N.C. Marine Resources Fund. The MFC and WRC may authorize spending the principal
of this account.

The MFC business meeting begins at 9 a.m. April 26 and 8:30 a.m. April 27 at the
Ramada Inn in Kill Devil Hills. The commission will hear public comments at 7
p.m. April 25 at the same location.

For more information about this meeting, or the attached agenda, contact
Patricia Smith by e-mail at tricia.smith@ncmail.net or by calling (800) 682-2632
or (252) 726-7021.

# # #
nr-11-07

Fishing at Surf City

If you want to fish at Surf City or Topsail Island today, especially in the surf, better tie your boat anchor to the bottom rig. Wind is fierce! Tides are extremely high, and the surf is as rough as I have seen it in a while. Almost reminds me of a hurricane surf. ssshhhhh! Did I say hurricane out loud? This will be good for fishing I think, because the surf has been so calm, that the bottom has flattened out and there wan not many holes or troughs. This rough surf should create some new holes to fish in. We just have to get out and find them. Up until this weekend, the fishing has been pretty good. Sea mullets and black drum have been caught from all the piers. Black drum and speckled trout are in the backwaters off the ICW. Get your tackle ready, and after the storm passes, get out and get some fish! Just a note, you might want to consider calling in sick at work and coming during the week. It's been bad weather every weekend this month. Just a thought.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Everybody's got to be somewhere..... I'll be fishing!

Freedom isn't FREE!
Someone has paid for you and for me.

Topsail Angler Column

Hi, My fishing bud Mike at Topsail Angler Blog, has published this weeks fishing column. Mike writes a fishing report column for the Topsail Advertiser newspaper. Mike also publishes it on his blog. Click this link to read it. www.hampsteadfishing.blogspot.com Thanks Mike, we enjoy your weekly column.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

News Flash! Speckled Trout!

Speckled trout were being caught yesterday in the ICW around structure. Nice trout in the two pound range were being caught on white grubs with blue split tail. (Don't know the brand name) Neighbor and fishing bud Tommy caught his trout on Gulp Saltwater white shrimp, 4 inch. Go gettum while they are out there!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Rod Man Fishing Report

Thanks Capt. Rick for this report.
Till next time....
Tight Lines!
Johnny


Rod-Man Report April 12, 2007

Hi Folks,
Fishing is picking up daily now. From bluefish to bonito, to black drum, action has been strong this past week. The weather is still a bit wild, but on the good days we have had some very nice catches.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Water temps are still in the 61-64 degree range. Black drum have been biting fresh shrimp fished on carolina rigs on the falling tide. We had one trip where we caught 22 between 2 and 5 pounds(see pics below). A few reds are making the sceen, but nothing large yet. Some trout are around and are best caught on artificials with GULP providing the best action.
Near shore: Bluefish are biting very well and with some good size too. Around the inlets you can catch them jigging or on bait, with some ranging up to five pounds. At the near shore reefs they are plentiful and an occasional bonito can be had too. Again, using jigging spoons is working well.
Offshore: Kings are still biting well in the 30-40 mile range (at the 69 degree break), with Frying Pan Tower being one of the hot spots.
Gulfstream: Wahoo continue to be very strong here. Yellowfin are starting to show very well also. The only problem has been the weather and the winds too high for many gulfstream trips.

Be sure to check out our latest pics t http://www.rodmancharters.com/fishingreports/

Look for a new video coming soon on one of our black drum trips. We will be publishing videos on various fishing trips all through the season. We will also be doing some instructional videos as the year goes along. You’ll be able to “catch” them all in the video section listed on our home page. Stand by for more.

Let’s Go Fishing!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120

Tuesday Night

I haven't fished in several days, but I am excited about going when I can get out. The blues are biting gotcha plugs from Surf City Pier. Sea mullets, small croakers, small spots, and puffers are all biting cut shrimp. There is even an occasional small flounder. In the surf it's much of the same. The bite is kinda slow with the weather moving in, but should improve later in the week. Calling for rain all day Wednesday, 80% chance, so it will probably be Thursday before I can go. But that's OK, I am allowed to fish that day, since it ends in a "Y"!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Everybody has to be somewhere.... I'll be fishing!

Freedom isn't FREE! Someone has paid for you and for me.
Pray for our troops and their families.

Computer Problems, Migraine

Sorry I haven't posted recently. I have had a bad migraine, in the bed since Thursday night. Also my main computer crashed, I can't even get it to boot. My old computer is not running very well. I will post when I can. Sorry for the problems.
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Opening Weekend at SC Pier, Pretty Good!

Surf City Pier opened officially Friday morning at 6 am. They have been open off and on for a couple of weeks, but nothing regular. I arrived at the pier at 5:45 am, accompanied by my grandson Zack and son-in-law Ryan, and had bait in the water before 6. The free season pass eluded us once again, as pier fishing friend Alan snagged the first mullet at about 6:30 am or so. As you probably know, I was supposed to win the free season pass by catching the first mullet. I have been bragging on some message boards that I had it in the bag. Oh well, maybe next year. I knew it wouldn't take long the way we have been catching mullets before Friday. Alan in an avid king fisherman, so he paid the difference and got his season king pass. Alan is still in school, so he had to leave for classes just as soon as he got the pass out of the way. So now Alan is all set for the coming king season. Alan is such a nice guy, that I must say that if I couldn't win the pass, I am glad Alan did win it. It couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy. During the day Friday, there were several nice sized mullets caught, I'm estimating some about 2 lbs or more and a few puffers. Speaking of puffers, could anyone tell me the difference between a puffer and a toad fish? A pier angler told me he ate puffers, but didn't eat toads. I thought they were the same. OK, back to the fishing. We fished until late Friday afternoon, and caught a few fish, which we promptly devoured for supper Friday night. Saturday morning was spent eating breakfast with Donna's mom Bernice, better known locally as Ms. Lee, at Batt's Grill. After a wonderful breakfast of country ham, scrambled eggs, grits, and a pancake, it was off to the pier for Zack, Ryan and myself. We set lines about 11 or so, and soon had the first puffer in the cooler. Following the puffer was a variety of puffers, sea mullets, spots, and even a bluefish. Of course there were the skates and stingrays. They seem to always be around. I saw a lot of nice Va. mullets pulled over the rail Saturday and on into Saturday night. Zack and Ryan and I had a wonderful day on the pier, we got a bit red, but no serious sunburn, and we caught a lot of fish. Zack was happy. They had to return home to Burlington, NC. Sunday morning, and with them they took four quart freezer bags full of fish fillets. I talked to Ryan about 7 Sunday evening and they were about to eat their fill of fresh fish. First of the season.

I want to say hello to our new pier fishing friends, Jim and Susan, and Jeff and Jamey. We really enjoyed the evening of fishing and conversation. Hope to see you soon!


Keep in mind, that...
Freedom isn't Free!
Someone has already paid for you and for me.

Everybody has to be somewhere. I'll be fishing!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Afternoon at the Pier

Neighbor Tommy and I spent the afternoon on Surf City Pier today. There were some big sea mullets being caught, along with puffers, skates, and even a couple of small spots. The mullets were really big for this time of year. Most of the toads were large and made Big Tim really happy. Tim loves toads and was one of the guys I would give puffers to before I had a sample of this fine tasting fish. I didn't keep the ones I caught today, but I just wasn't up to cleaning them. This week at the pier, there was a 2lb 13 oz speckled trout caught on a bottom rig and cut shrimp by Mr. Nick. Sea mullets have been biting all week long. At Sea View Pier, there is more of the same. Big sea mullets, big puffers, and big black drum are coming up most every day. Last night a few small red drum were caught. Fishing is getting good. Don't forget about the official opening of Surf City Pier Friday March 30 at 6 am. First mullet wins a free 2007 season pass. The way they have been biting recently, I don't think it will be very long after 6 when the first mullet is caught. See you there.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Weekend Blues at Wrightsville

I'm still down with the migraine, but I did hear a report from Wrightsville Beach today. Blues were biting gotchas from Johnny Mercers pier Saturday and this morning. Won't be long until we see them at Surf City Pier. Get those new hooks on the gotchas! Times a wastin'!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Puffers, Toads, Blowfish

Some call them puffers, some call them toads. Still others call them blowfish. Whatever you prefer to call this ugly little fish........ they taste wonderful! I had never eaten puffers, never really had the urge to. I had heard all my life they were poisonous. Whether that was true or not, they surely were not appealing to the eye, so I never thought about eating one. But when I moved to the coast of North Carolina from the piedmont area several years ago, I started hearing about folks eating this ugly trash fish that made me so upset me every time one bit my hook. They are hard to get off the hook, those sharp protruding teeth sometimes bending my hooks or breaking them in half. But after a couple of years hearing things like, "Best fish you ever ate!", "Nothing better!", "Chicken of the sea!", I finally decided I would have to give this nasty looking fish a try. So when I caught two really nice ones today, (one over a pound, the other close to a pound), I had my chance. I held the fish in the palm of my hand facing me, and inserted my fillet knife sharp side up, into the skin just behind the fishes eyes. I gently made a slit along the back bone, (which isn't really bone, but cartilage), all the way to the tail. Then I inserted my fingers under the loose skin and pulled it apart exposing some of the prettiest white fish meat I have ever seen. I carefully sliced down each side of the back cartilage, since I have been told that if I puncture the innards of this critter I needed to throw the whole thing away. I worked my fingers between the little fillet and the skin and seperated the fillet from the skin and back cartilage. I then cut it at the head and tail, again being very careful not to cut anything nasty. I cleaned up the fillets, which weren't a bit bloody, and threw them into my cleaning basket. I breaded them with cornmeal and a little salt and pepper, and fried them up over medium heat in a little veggie oil. I ate them up along with some slaw and pork and beans, all the while wishing I had some good ol fried grits to go along with the meal. Anyway, it was really good, and I will never again make fun of the folks that run up and down the pier saying, "You gonna keep that?" every time a toad fish comes over the rail. Because now, I will be one of these folks. MMMMMMMM GOOD!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Contaminated Fish Extended in Wake County, NC

Here is a story posted on the WRAL-TV website. http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/1232917/

It seems this is not a new problem, and nothing much is being done to remedy this situation. All anglers, men and women, as well as boaters and anyone who uses water from the Neuse River should be concerned about situations like this. It may not be in your neighborhood right now, but it could be tomorrow! What can we do to help get this cleaned up and prevent these occurrences in the future?

Warning of Contaminated Fish Extended in Wake County
Fish In Lake Crabtree

Posted: Mar. 13, 2007

MORRISVILLE, N.C. — Toxic chemicals have been found in fish upstream of Lake Crabtree in Wake County, and signs have been posted to warn people of the contamination, health officials said.

The warning was extended from Lake Crabtree County Park upstream on Crabtree Creek to the Cedar Fork District Park in Morrisville.

The chemicals are industrial compounds calls PCBs that leaked from a contaminated site near Raleigh-Durham International Airport. PCBs have collected in largemouth bass, catfish and carp that swim up the creek from the lake, said toxicologist Luanne Williams with the state Department of Health and Human Services.

Williams said she is seeking funding to test six other sites where officials suspect elevated levels of PCBs. Previous tests have found some contaminated fish where Crabtree Creek enters the Neuse River, but there wasn't enough testing to warrant a health advisory.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press.

Landing that Big Red Drum

Hi Folks, I have been seeing lots of pictures posted on the various east coast fishing websites. I am distressed at what I am seeing. Lot's of anglers, after battling a giant red, grab the fish by the gill plate with one hand, or sometimes a hand in each gill plate. Anglers......the gills are a fishes lungs! PLEASE, PLEASE, don't stick your fingers into the gill to pick up your fish. How would you feel if someone reached in and grabbed your lungs? These fish are already stressed by the battle that has just taken place. The extra trauma caused by someone sticking their fingers into the gills of the red drum could be deadly for the fish. Please, grab your catch in the mouth, or use both hands to lift the fish for that picture. Or better yet, get a grappler, you know what I am talking about. One of those items used to grab the fish while you hold the handle. The unidentified angler in the picture above, seems to know the correct way to hold a huge drum. Please treat these creatures with care after they provide you with the thrill of a ten to twenty minute battle between fish and angler. They deserve no less!
Thanks for listening.
Till next time....
Tight Lines!
Johnny

Sea Mullets

I heard today, (although I didn't see them) that a few anglers have caught several nice sea mullets from Surf City Pier. Don't forget SC Pier opens March 30, and the first sea mullet caught wins a free 2007 season pass. Plan to be there. Jolly Rodger Pier, at Topsail Beach, is reporting sea mullets up to two pounds each. Also coming in are puffers, or toads, which some anglers hunt with a passion. They call the two fillets that run down each side of the puffers backbone "chicken of the sea." I have never tried them, but if I can catch a few, I will try them this year. I'll let you know. Also in the ocean now are sharks, and plenty of skates and stingrays. Some folks tell me that skate wings are delicious. "Taste like scallops." If I try skate wings, you will never hear about it! I couldn't take the hassle I would get from my fishing buds. Fishing on the inside has slowed a bit the last couple of days. But the flounder, reds, and occasional trout are still around if you can find them. (hint; deep holes for specks) Fishing is picking up. So get on down here and quench that angling thirst!

I have just became aware of an organization trying to save the fishing piers in the Carolinas. The North Carolina Fishing Pier Society is trying make folks aware that the fishing piers in the Carolinas are dissapearing. You can get information from their website, at www.ncfps.com. Or you can reach them at ncfps@ncfps.com Check it out and learn what we can do as individuals and members to save this vanishing resource. Thanks

Until next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Sea Mullets for Mr. Nick

My pier fishing bud, Mr. Nick, caught some nice sea mullets from the pier Thursday morning. Nick said they bit "big ol' fresh ocean shrimp." Some were "pretty good size". I went out Thursday afternoon with neighbor Tommy. We didn't catch anything. Windy!
Off shore reports are good for grouper and snapper. Inshore, trout, flounder, and a few small red drum are being caught. The reds "are out there" according to a couple of sources, but they aren't hungry. Lots of "big schools" have been reported cruzin', but just not hungry. Some keeper flounder are coming out of the sounds near the mouths of creeks.

Don't forget about opening day at the Surf City Pier, March 30. First mullet wins a free season pass! See you out there!

Go by Herrings Outdoor Sports and see the new kayaks they have in stock. Rent one and do some fishing on the inside.

Remember the big sale going on at East Coast Sports. There is a coupon in the blog worth 20% off some items. Scroll down this page and check it out.

You had better get your Berkley Gulp Saltwater baits while supplies are good. I haven't forgotten how fast they disappeared from shelves last year.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Nice Speckled Trout Today

I met a very nice young man at Batt's Grill in Surf City today that was having fresh caught speckled trout for his supper. The 16 year old young man's name is Bentz Overstreet. Bentz and his party caught 15 keeper specks today in the backewaters near Jacksonville. The fish were all 2 lb to 3 1/2 lbs, and all ate pink plastic shrimp. Although Bentz was excited about catching the trout, he really wanted to catch a red drum. But the reds were scarce today, so Bentz will have to catch his first big red another day. Bentz is from Mississippi, where he says he catches 5 and 6 lb speckled trout "all the time". He has also caught some nice sea mullet this week fishing from Surf City Pier with friends. Bentz said he caught "some nice ones" on fresh cut shrimp, fishing just behind the breakers. Congratulations to Bentz and his fishin' buds for a nice day on the water. Bentz, it was nice talking with you today. I hope you will stay in touch and let us know what you are catching back in Mississippi. Send digital pictures and I can post them to the blog.

I have heard of several anglers who have been catching a few sea mullets as well as small keeper speckled trout in the surf and from the Surf City Pier. So, it's time for me to get some nice white ocean shrimp, and hit the pier. Bandages come off my healing finger tomorrow, so I can get my hand wet without having to worry about infection.

Ok, everyone, get out there and get to fishing! It's time! Let us know what you catch! Inquiring minds want to know!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

East Coast Sports Coupon..Good Deal!

Click on the coupon for a larger version.

Chris at East Coast Sports has just notified me that East Coast Sports has a big sale going on now! Check out the ad above, then print it out and take it by East Coast Sports to receive your discount. Don't wait, check out all the good stuff now!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

World Record Sea Trout

Here are a couple of pictures of a potential world record sea trout caught on a fly rod. The angler caught the 10 lb. fish on a home tied fly. I think the deed was done in Florida. What a HAWG!


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Another Good Day for Caro17

Another email from fishin' bud Caro17. Here is his email.......

IF YOU DIDN,T GET OUT AND ENJOY TODAY . I AM SORRY FOR YOU . IT WAS PERFECT. EVEN THE WIND COOPERATED WITH JUST ENOUGH TO CAUSE ALITTLE RIPPLE ON THE WATER FOR GOOD FISHING . I FISHED FOR 6 1/2 HRS TODAY, JUST COULDN,T COME IN IT WAS SO NICE. ENDED UP WITH . 4 NICE TROUT. 3 PUPPIES . ONE OVER THE SLOT . 1 BLACK DRUM ABOUT 2 LB.S . AND 11 FLOUNDER. ALL UNDER THE SLOT . HAD 6 GOOD LEGAL FISH BUT RELEASED ALL . GOT PLENTY IN THE FREEZER. MISSED THE GRAND SLAM AGAIN THIS TIME BY 1/2 " SO GETTING CLOSER. GO GET UMMMMM.

end email

Wow, this dude can fish! Congratulations Caro17 for a job well done.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Trout in Surf

I heard from Mr. Nick this morning that a couple of his friends had caught a few specks in the surf this week. "They caught them right in the suds." said Nick. Many of you may know Mr. Nick. He fishes daily from Surf City Pier and is known for finding the fish when action is slow.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Jumping Mulet

The water behind our home is absolutely FULL of jumping mullets. School after school pass through. It's fun watching them jump.I am catching plenty of mud minnows, and there are always small shrimp in the trap. The water is waking up after a winter hibernation. Life is good.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Got to breath.....Got to fish!
Everybody has to be somewhere......I think I will go fishing.

Cruzin Reds

I went to the free pier at Surf City's Surfside park. I didn't catch anything, but I observed a school of reds cruising the water right in front of the pier. The water was very clear, so I could see them clearly. There were about 20 or so fish, estimated size around 15 to 20 inches. Some would charge my lure when I drug it near the school, but there were no takers. Could it be that the water was so clear? Did they see my line and get spooked? Don't know, but I had fun watching and aggravating the puppies.

Till next time....
Tight Lines!
Johnny
Got to breath....Got to fish!

Not Wabbit Season, Fishing Season!

"Be Vewy, Vewy, Quiet.....We're Hunting Muwwets!"

I saw the first sea mullet of the season today. It was caught on fresh shrimp in the surf. The angler said he had just begun fishing, and was looking for puffers. He had a bite while we were talking, and started reeling in his catch. He commented that he didn't think it was a shark, "Don't feel like a shark." We thought it was a puffer. Imagine our surprise when we saw a 8 inch sea mullet on the hook. Gotta go fishin'!

On the inside, a few keeper flounder have been caught from the free pier at Surf City' Surfside Park. They have been caught on cut shrimp, gulp soft baits, and mud minnows. Gotta go fishin'!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Help Stop the Senseless Slaughter of Dolphins!

Dear Friends, We need to do something to stop this tragedy. The resource is being deleted at an alarming rate. This petition is one small way we can do something. Please consider taking action, as I have done.


Email from Capt. Chris Medlin...East Coast Sports
I got this e-mail from Dick Henry (former owner of Henry’s tackle and Penn) I shows a sad side of man. If you are the least bit squeamish about blood do not watch the video. I am a rough and tumble kind of guy but it almost brought tears to my eyes.

Please Sign the Petition. This is wrong in every way.

Capt. Chris Medlin



Dear Friends and lovers of the ocean. Sometimes the ocean needs our help, and this is one of them

To view the video is very disturbing, to not act in stopping such behaviour would be a travesty ...

At the very least please sign this online petition. Lovers of the ocean and it's inhabitants - this is a clear call to action. To do nothing is to approve of it.

Please take the time to look at the video and sign the online petition. >From little things, big things grow........

And then send it on to as many like minded people that you know. If we build the numbers, we will be heard eventually and things will change, one way or the other

Please help! We must change the way people think about their oceans and inhabitants for the good of us all.

Click on links below

The video - http://www.glumbert.com/media/dolphin

The petition - http://www.petitiononline.com/golfinho/

Captain Tim Dean

Calypso Fishing Adventures

www.marlinfishingaustralia.com
end email


Till next time....
Tight Lines!
Johnny

Signing off a little sad after viewing part of the video above. I just couldn't watch it all.

Comments Enabled......Finally!

I think I have finally succeeded in getting the comments options to work. Please feel free to leave comments if you wish. Just click on the comments link under the post on the left side. However in the process of working on the blog, I have lost several links that were posted. I will get these back up asap. Thanks for your patience.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

PS.....I get the stitches out of my finger Monday.....GOING FISHING!


31453

Another good day on the water for Caro17

BEAUTIFUL DAY. WINDS LAID DOWN SOME. THOUGHT I WOULD FISH SOME OF THE INCOMING TIDE. 2ND CAST BEAUTIFUL 23" TROUT. 5TH CAST 17" FLO. OH BOY GOING TO DO IT AGAIN TODAY[WRONG]. BUT NOT A BAD DAY AT ALL . ENDED UP WITH 4 FLO ONE 17" 3 JUST UNDER THE SLOT. LOST 3 MORE AT THE BOAT. 2 TROUT ONE 23" OTHER 15" [RELEASED]. HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PUPPIES. NOT A ONE . WATER TEMP 60. THEIR WAS NO BITE AT ALL ON SLACK TIDE. SO IT APPEARS YOU NEED MOVING WATER , ONLY GOT 2 MORE HITS AFTER THE WATER STARTED MOVING OUT .
ENDED THIS DAY EATING WHOLE FRIED FLO WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS. FILLET FLO IS GOOD BUT YOU CAN,T BEAT WHOLE FRIED. THEY SAY THE CLOSER THE BONE THE SWEETER THE MEAT. MUST BE SOMETHING TO IT . WHAT A LIFE. GO GET UMMMMM.

Thanks for sharing.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Flonder in the Inside!

Flounder Pictured Caught By Fishin Bud and Blog Reader Caro17







Got this email today from fishin bud Caro17. Read it below.

Caro 17 wrote:

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY ON THE WATER. A LITTLE BREEZY BUT WAS ABLE TO GET UP THE CREEK OUT OF MOST OF IT . STARTED FISHING AT 12.30. TIDE HAD JUST STARTED TO FALL.. WATER TEMP 59 . WAS USING 1/16TH JIG AND 3" NEW PENNY GULP SHRIMP. FISHED CREEPY SLOW. DID MANAGE TO FIND THE FISH EARLY TODAY. AND THE BITE WAS ON . I STOPPED COUNTING THE NUMBER OF HOOKUPS AT 20. MOST SMALL UNDER THE SLOT FISH , BUT DID MANAGE 2 NICE FLOUNDER ONE 17 1/2 , ONE 14 1/2 AND ONE LEGAL PUPPY JUST IN THE SLOT. STAYED IN THE SAME SPOT TILL 3.30 AND THE BITE STOPPED. BOATED 11 FLOUNDER AND 10 PUPPIES. A GREAT DAY FOR ME. SO GO GET UMMMMM.

end message:

Congratulations Caro17 for a good day on the water! Of course to me any day on the water is a good one.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Flounder Bite Picking Up Inside

Hello, Thanks for hanging around while I have been sick. I am feeling much better now. Thanks to all who sent emails of concern. I received a message from a friend, Caro17, who says the bite is picking up in the creeks. The water has warmed up dramatically, and the bite is good. Caro17 caught the grand slam, (flounder, trout, red drum) this week, although the red was an inch short of the slot. The flounder were nice, 16 inches.

I am starting to see jumping mullets in the tidal creek behind our home. I have seen a couple of really big schools of hand size fish, and some schools of larger fish. They are still moving kind of sluggish, but the fact that they are moving in and out of the creeks is a sign to me that the game fish will soon follow. I have cut my middle finger on my right hand. (five stitches) So I won't get to fish anytime soon. So if you go out, send an email and let us know how you did. Good Luck!
Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Trout Street Access, Wrong Information

It seems that I have posted some erroneous information concerning Trout Street. My source was sure he was correct, but I failed to verify this with the town of Topsail Beach before I posted the information. A message on the message board this morning posted by Laurel King denies that Trout Street has been considered for closure. I have included her response below. I apologize for any inconvenience I have caused the town of Topsail Beach.


begin post:

Trout Ave
Posted on February 14, 2007 at 09:39:40 AM by Laurel King

Please let it be known that The Town of Topsail Beach is NOT considering, and never has considered, closing the Trout Ave. sound access. Plans are under consideration for improving the access, but there is nothing about it on tonight's Board of Commissioners' meeting agenda. AGAIN, THE TOWN IS NOT GOING TO CLOSE THE TROUT AVE ACCESS!

end post:


I am happy this fishing spot will still be open to the public. I am sure the other anglers that fish there will be happy to hear this good news.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Trout St. Fishing Hole Closure

I received an email from Chris at East Coast Sports today concerning the closure of one of my favorite trout holes...It seems that the city of Topsail Beach is considering closing access to the end of Trout St. Those of you who fish there, and even you anglers that have never fished there, need to speak up and let them know how you feel about all the closures that are taking place now. It is getting harder and harder to find a place to fish if you don't have access to a boat. Please call or email the powers that be, and let them know how you feel about this situation.

Here is the email........


"All Fishermen,

It has come to our attention that the town of Topsail Beach is attempting to close off the end of Trout Street to any and all access to the public. Most people know this as a great fishing spot for land based fishermen and is located close to the inlet. If some opposition is not put before the town this public fishing access will be closed for good. The town of Topsail Beach will be voting on the ordinance on Wednesday night. If you wish to speak out and let the town know how you feel. Please e-mail the town manager Jim Carter at townmanager@topsailbeach.org or call the town hall at (910) 328-5841. You may also want to go to the town meeting which will be at the Topsail Beach Town hall at 7:00 pm on Wednesday the 14th. Please help us keep this wonderful fishing opportunity open to the public.



Thank You for your Time

Capt. Chris Medlin

East Coast Sports

(910) 328-1887"
end quote


Thanks to Chris for bringing this to our attention. I have been sick, but I am going to try to be at this meeting Wednesday night. Please join us and let your feelings be known.


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Reds Still Here

I heard from an angler who was fishing in the inside. From what he told me, the reds are still here. This angler made a "statement". And what a "statement" it was. He and his fishing partner caught 48.... that's 40 plus 8, reds in, get this, only two and a half hours! That's almost a fish every three minutes. And another thing that makes this a fantastic fishing trip, was the fact that 47 of these reds were in the slot! That means that they were all over 18 inches long! (except one) Wow! I have got to get the kayak out. Fish in the afternoon in shallow water flats. that's all the information I could get. Go get them!

Till next time....
Tight Lines!
Johnny

New Flounder Size Limit

Attention everyone! NCDMF has enacted an new size limit for flounder caught in the ocean. The new size limit is now 14 1/2 inches effective immediately. If you are luck enough to catch one in this cold snap we are having, don't get caught short. The old 14 inch limit is still in effect for inside waters. Creel is still limited to 8 fish per day. Personally, I am glad to see this increase. I tried all year to catch a flat fish that was over 14 inches. This year it won't be a problem. The only thing is they will all be 14 3/8 inches long. (humor)




Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Speckled Are Still Around

I talked with a friend today and he told me that speckled trout are still in the creeks. He found some deep holes today and caught several using Gulp Saltwater Shrimp (new penny), fished very, very, slowly. He also caught a few red drum, all within the slot. All the reds were released. There are still some fish around, and they can be enticed into biting. So if you are tough enough to stand these cold Northeast winds, get out on the water and do battle with the elements as well as the fish.

The weather looks good for a fishing trip. Clear skys and lows in the 20s and highs in the low 50s are forecast through the weekend. Winds will be out of the North at 3 to 9 mph. This wind isn't too bad, and I may take the kayak out. Wish me luck!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Weather Improving

The weather is better, it's warm today. Donna and I got out on the beach for about an hour this morning for a walk. I had on a light jacket, but would have been comfortable in shirt sleeves. Donna's mom is still under the weather, requiring daily visits, so I haven't had time to fish any. I haven't seen anyone on the pier or the surf, and no one has been out behind the house in a kayak. I hope to make it out soon.

It's 57 degrees outside now, and the week ahead looks good with no rain through Sunday. The lows should be in the middle to low 30's, and highs in the high 40's to low 50's. Winds are out of the west at about 5 mph. Surf temps are in the low 50's, depending on where you check it.

Hopefully, I will be able to get out in the kayak soon, before the weather turns bad again. If anyone out there has been fishing on the inside lately, drop me an email and let me know what you caught.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Cold and Windy

I still haven't been fishing. But from what I have been able to find out, there isn't much going on in the surf. Too cold, too windy. Fishing on the inside has slowed a bit also. I hope to get out in the kayak soon. Still dreamin'! LOL

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Slow

I haven't fished since last post. Donna's mom Ms. Lee is still in the hospital and migraines have been bad. I have heard that fishing in the surf is dead. Fishing in the inside has slowed a bit, although a few specks are still being caught in deep holes. Puppy drum, small ones, can sometimes be found in the early afternoons after the shallows have been warmed by the sun. I have had at least three dozen mud minnows in a cooler on the back porch for at least three weeks. I didn't know they would live that long. I read today that live shrimp can be kept alive out of water, if they are put on a cloth covered platform in a cooler with ice in the bottom. Article said they would live throughout the day as long as they didn't fall into the ice. Once they are removed and hooked they will become active in just a few seconds. This is the way I keep mud minnows in the summer time and it works well with them. I am going to try this technique with shrimp this summer.

Till next time....
Tight Lines!
Johnny


29053

Ain't No Fish in This Pond!

I talked to a surf angler recently, and he said "Ain't no fish in this pond!" I guess that says it.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny


28534

Bad Weather

Wind is blowing, rain is falling. I haven't heard of anything coming from the surf, or inside. None of my fishin buds are fishing, and it's too nasty for me to go out and check. Way to windy for a kayak. Weather man on www.topsailweather.com is calling for rain tonight and Monday, ending Tuesday morning. High temps are in the middle 50's, lows in the low 30's. Maybe Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning I will be able to get out. I have been catching mud minnows, so I have the bait ready. Planning to hit the ICW in my kayak and see what's biting.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
"FishinTopsail"

South Brunswick High School Flounder Release Program

I read this story in the North Carolina Sportsman's Magazine email newsletter. I recommend reading this article. I am proud of these young folks for taking an interest in our fishery.


School goes to bat for flounders
By Jerry Dilsaver

Everyone probably has his own definition of a project that has “come a long way.” Here’s an example that definitely fits:
On Nov. 9, 2006, the students of a high school aquaculture class that 20 years ago raised bass and catfish in a flooded ditch at school property became the first group to release hatchery-raised southern flounders into North Carolina waters and the second group to release flounders into U.S. waters.

The aquaculture class at South Brunswick High School, located near Boiling Springs Lakes, has been an exceptional group since its humble beginnings. Students have led the way in a number of local fish-stocking endeavors and research projects.

Click on the link below to read the complete story. This teacher and his students are really concerned with their environment. It’s a good read and worth your time.


http://www.northcarolinasportsman.com/details.php?id=310


Till next time….
Tight Lines!
Johnny

Fishing a Distant Memory

I haven't been fishing recently because of a lot of different reasons. But I am itchy to go, and I will as soon as I can. A few trout are still being caught in the surf, although they are small and scattered. Specks are coming over the boat rails on the inside in the creeks and deeper holes off the banks of the ICW. Puppy drum are in the shallows and flats after the water is warmed by the sun. So get out there if you can. And let me know what you are catching.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Another great day on the inside. The angler also caught four more trout that were released, and four red drum. Two OVER THE SLOT! Way to go Caro17. I think gulp shrimp was the bait.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Inside Report

Got an email from fishin bud Caro17 tonight. He had a good day on the water behind Topsail Island. Here is some of his comments.

"HAD A PRETY GOOD DAY TODAY . MADE IT OUT FOR 4 HRS ENDED UP CATCHING 11 SMALL DRUM, MOST ABOUT 16 " 4 TROUT LARGEST 20" AS PICTURED AND ONE 13" FLOUNDER. SO ANOTHER GREAT DAY OF WEATHER AND FISHIN IN EASTERN N.C. LOVED IT , GO GFET UMMMM."

So, the fish are still here. We just have to get up and get out there. Congratulations to Caro17 for a great day of fishing, or should I say catching. Thanks for the report. Keep'em coming!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Migraine

I've had a bad migraine this week. Haven't been out to get any fishing info. Hope to be back in action soon.

Till next time....
Tight Lines!
Johnny

Cold Front

Haven't been able to fish for a couple of days, but I heard from a friend that Mr. Nick caught a couple of small trout from Surf City Pier Monday. No keepers. The water temps are in the mid 50's with west winds at about 5mph. The current temperature is 33 at 8:23 am. Should be a good day for casting those jigs and mirrolures in the surf. Inside, the small specks and puppy drum are still in the creeks and drum in the flats after the water warms. Good Luck!

Till next time....
Tight Lines!
Johnny


27680

Surf Bottom Fishing

Went bottom fishing in the Surf City surf Saturday with my cousins RiverJoe and Terri. Nothing was biting, but we had a wonderful day on the beach, even got a little sunburned. With temps in the middle 70's, it didn't seem much like Janurary. We tried cut shrimp and cut mullet. Didn't even get a bite. I am hearing that there are still some trout in the surf, mostly on high falling tide. On the inside, the creeks and flats are still holding nice specks and puppy drum. Fish light jigs with Berkley Gulp Jerk Shad, 4 inch, or Gulp shrimp 3 ro 4 inch. Best color seems to be new penny or watermellon. Anglers in the know say that this mini cold front that is coming through Monday should help the trout to school up and be easier to catch. Hope that is the case.

PS. Hey Cuz Riverjoe and Terri, we really enjoyed your visit. Come back soon.

Till next time....
Tight Lines!
Johnny

New Years Eve Trout

I didn't fish for the last couple of days, migraine. Speck fishing in the surf may be slowing down, but the speckled trout are still around. Friend Tommy caught a trio of nice keeper trout on an outing to the surf on New Years Eve. All were caught on grubs. Tommy released several smaller trout. Sorry I don't have a pic, my camera is out of order.
Good job Tommy!

Inside, the trout are still biting grubs and live bait. You can find them in the deeper holes off the bank. Live shrimp are getting hard to find, but other minnows including the hardy mud minnow will entice a bite. Med size puppy drum, a few in the slot, are also being caught in the shallows around grass beds and oyster beds off the intracoastal. Be sure to use a stout shock leader, to keep the drum from cutting your line in the oyster beds. I use at least a 15lb leader about 10 feet long, and everytime I come in, it is nicked up really bad. I change the leader every trip. I would rather take the few extra minutes changing it than have a nice puppy drum break it off.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Specks at South Topsail

Just got back in from a two hour walk on the beach with Donna. Beachcombing, not fishing. There were several different groups of anglers, some bottom fishing, some throwing plugs or grubs. One was fishing with a carolina rigged shrimp, whole but not alive. I didn't see a fish. None of the anglers I talked to had caught fish or even had a bite. I talked to Mr. Nick who had fished at Surf City Pier about everyday this week, and caught small trout, a few keepers, all on grubs. He said that bottom anglers were catching a few sharks and rays. Got word from Tommy that an angler limited on speckled trout south of Jolly Rodger Pier at Topsail Beach early this morning. No word on size, but this time of year, I would settle for ten 13 inchers for supper. Don't have any information on anything inside at this time. I am expecting word from fishin bud Caro17. I think he had planned to head out this morning, and he usually lets me know what he catches. I talked to a guy this afternoon that has just bought a kayak at Herring's Outdoor Sports. Jason is taking her out for her maiden voyage right now. He has his fishing rod, and hopefully he will bring back something to brag about. If you have never ridden or fished from a kayak, you are missing one of my favorite experiences. Go by Herrings Outdoor Sports and talk to Steve or Jesse, and check them out. You can rent a kayak and try it out before you buy. I am sure you will enjoy the time on the water.

The sun is shining, and it's almost 70. Might be 70 by now. Donna and I started our walk wearing sweatshirts, but were down to short sleaves before the walk was finished. So, it appears that fishing is slowing, but what a wonderful day for a walk on the beach.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

What I Did, What I Heard

What I Did

I went out in the kayak today. I fished grass banks on the west side of the ICW. I caught five puppy drum from 17 to 22 inches. Released all. I was hoping to find some speckled trout, but they gave me the slip today. I caught the reds on a 1/16 oz jig and Berkley Gulp Shrimp (new penny). All were in relatively shallow water. I saw a nice speck caught in a creek mouth that was about 2 1/2 or 3 pounds. I think the bait was live minnows.

What I Heard

I heard that there were a couple of nice specks caught from the surf today along with a keeper flounder, don't know the size. I heard that Chuck, from East Coast Sports caught a nice speckled trout in the surf today. Good job Chuck. Also, a big sea mullet was beached before noon today on cut shrimp. I heard that a few small specks were caught from Surf City Pier in the AM.

And that's about the information I have today. I am thinking about giving surf fishing another try in the morning. The water temp is still hovering in the upper 50's, and I haven't given up on trout in the surf yet. Think I will take some fresh shrimp and give bottom fishing another try.

Is anyone getting live shrimp with cast nets now? I haven't seen any in a while. Are they all gone out or burried? Do they stay around all winter?

Till next time....
Tight Lines!
Johnny

Inside Fishing Report and Gulp Tips

I went out to the surf today, but there was nothing out there. I didn't hear of anything being caught, surf or pier. The bottom has changed a lot from before the latest front. So if you are headed out in the next few days, better scout your locations so you won't be fishing in unproductive territory.

Got an email from fishin bud and blog reader Caro 17 today. I have posted it in full. Give it a read. It has some good tips about Berkley Gulp.

email follows:

> WAS HAVING WITHDRAWL SYMPTOMS FROM NOT FISHING FOR 5 DAYS HAD TO GET
> OUT THIS AFT FOR 3 HRS, FISHED SOME OF MY HOLES AND THE RESULTS WERE 4
> LITTLE DRUM AND 3 FLOUNDER ALMOST LEGAL, DON,T THINK FLO GROW PAST 13 1/2
> ".
> BUT IT WAS FUN ,STARTED OUT WITH 3" NATURAL SHRIMP. NOTHING ON IT WENT TO
> 3"
> NEW PENNY THAT IS WHAT I CAUGHT THEM ALL ON .
> TIP FOR YOUR READERS IF YOU WANT TO PRINT IT. GULP SHRIMP IS VERY
> EXPENSIVE, AND WHEN YOU CATCH A COUPLE OF FISH ON ONE IT STARTS TO PULL
> DOWN
> ON THE JIG AND WON,T STAY UP, SO I HAVE BEEN CUTTING THE HEAD OFF AND
> USING
> ABOUT 3/4 OF IT , THE FISH HIT IT JUST AS IF IT WERE A WHOLE ONE . ALSO
> WITH
> THE GULP SHRIMP THEY SAY THE SCENT IS WATER ACTIVATED AND NOT TO PUT A
> USED
> SHRIMP BACK IN THE PACK AS IT WILL ACTIVATE THE WHOLE PACK, SO I HAVE BEEN
> PUTTING MY USED ONES IN A SEPERATE PACK AND USING THEM LATER. THIS ALWAYS
> WORKS I HAVE CAUGHT FISH ON ONES THAT HAVE BEEN IN MY USED BAG FOR A WEEK
> .
> PLUS WHEN I EMPTY A BAG OF GULP BAIT I PORE ANY LIQUID INTO MY USED BAG.
> JUST FOR THOUGHT USE IT IF YOU WANT . LATER CARO 17


Thanks to Caro 17 for this fishing report and tips on saving money on Berkley Gulp. It is a great bait, but a bit pricy. So we need to save all we can.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Surf Still Rough

A morning trip to the Surf City Pier proved to be fruitless. The surf is still churning and a steady 15 mph wind is blowing from the southwest. The sun is out, and the temp is comfortable, so we are just waiting for the wind to lay down. There were several folks fishing from the pier and no one was catching anything or getting any bites. I didn't see anyone fishing from the surf in the Surf City area. I haven't heard anything from inside today, if I get word I will post asap.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Wonderful Christmas Day, But Not for Fishing

Christmas is always a wonderful day, celebrating the birth of Jesus. But the weather today was anything but wonderful at Topsail Island and Surf City. Windy with gale warnings and bands of heavy rain throughout the day, and surf breaking eight or nine hundred feet from shore. Not ideal conditions for fishing. Not even ideal conditions for ducks! The couple of times I went out and looked at the surf, there weren't even any surfers out in the ocean. Now, if it's too rough for Surf City surfers, it's rough. The rain is supposed to stop tonight, but it will still be windy tomorrow and tomorrow night. Wednesday hopefully, will be a better fishing day. Maybe the speckled trout will still be around. I am not finished catching trout this year. I try not to be greedy, but I just love them. I don't take more than a couple a day when I fish, if I catch any. On occasion I will keep my limit, but not often. We will see if the specks are still out there as soon as the weather clears. Dad is here and we will be hitting the beach, or maybe the pier, as quick as the wind and rain will cooperate.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny
Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I would like to wish all the blog readers a very Merry Christmas! Thanks for all your prayers and kind notes of support throught the year. I started this blog as a record for myself of my fishing trips. It has grown larger than I ever imagined. We had over 25,000 unique hits this year, and the number of hits are growing daily. I really enjoy the feedback from you readers, and I am glad when I can answer questions and help out a bit. Please feel free to continue to send the emails, questions, and comments, as these help fuel the blog fire! Thanks for your continued support, and Merry Christmas!

I didn't fish today, I was getting ready for Christmas Eve suppper. But I talked to several folks that did fish, and the news isn't too good for surf casters. I haven't heard of anything at all coming from the surf. "Not even a bump." As my fishing bud Tommy put it. My dad who is visiting for Christmas, fished in the surf for trout for a couple of hours this afternoon and he had no luck either. However, on Surf City Pier, the few who ventured out there were catching small throw back speckled trout. Fishing bud Tim hung onto a nice trout, but was on the pier alone and couldn't get the beast into a net before it pulled loose. Tomorrow doesn't look too good because of the weather. It's already windy, and it's only going to get worse. The rain is coming in the morning, and from what I hear, a lot of it. But hopefully, it will be gone Tuesday. Maybe we will be able to get back on the beach soon before the specks and sea mullets move out.

Till next time....
Tight Lines!
Johnny
Merry Christmas!