FISH!

I was at the Jolly Roger for the majority of the day today and let me tell you, FALL FISHING is upon us. The brisk north wind and 60 degree temps felt really nice this morning, and the water temps have already dropped around 4-6 degrees in the last week. On the pier the nice sized (23-30inch) puppy drum bit throughout the day. I think there were at least a dozen already landed when I left the pier around mid-afternoon; thats not counting all the ones that got away though! Baits for these ranged from live mullet, to cut bait, to shrimp. A few nice black drum were also landed by someone who had some FRESH SHRIMP! I spoke with several people that braved the rather cool conditions last night and enjoyed really good virgina mullet fishing, although these fish weren't hugh, they were still nice sized fish. Another positive sign was the emergence of the speckled trout from there summer haunts. There were at least 5 quality fish caught with the majority coming early in the morning. The spots made a "spotty" showing throughout the day with just a few here and there; best bait to use was bloodworms. The big blues bit well first thing in the morning on gotcha plugs, but the water was just a tad bit murky for spanish. The flow of big jumping mullet subsided slightly over the last several days but the fingers continue to stream by. Flounder, pompano, and croaker were also present in mixed numbers. Someone caught and weighed in a 3+(I don't recall the exact weight) pompano at the pier yesterday.

I talked to a couple of people who have been fishing the surf for the last couple days and they reported good drum (puppy and black) and blue fishing. I ask about the bigger fall mullet but they don't seem to have shone in the surf quite yet. Shouldn't be long though!

As you may well be able to tell from the above report, the fishing is not as hot and heavy as we would expect to see it in mid-October. It is however a welcome relief from the dog days of summer. There is some really excellent UNCROWDED fishing to be had right now with a real smorgasbord of fish out there. The weather forecast looks favorable for the next several days with lots of NE winds. If everything holds it should be a really good weekend to fish!

Good luck and be safe!

Rob Orr

Jolly Roger Pier

803 Ocean Blvd.

Topsail Beach, NC

(910)-328-4616

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Mullet Run=Great Fishing around the area!

Hello folks, I hope everyone is well and enjoying the cooler weather we have had lately. I have not really liked the stiff Northeast wind from it, but I like the cool morning temps. The cooler weather has really started to change the fishing in good way! The fall mullet run has started and with that the fishing has really picked up in the last few weeks! Let’s go over all that in this fishing report>>>

Flounder have been a big part of our charters lately. We are catching numbers and there size is getting better too! We’ve caught a few Flounder in the last two weeks over five pounds. Most of the action is coming off grubs, in shrimp and sea shad patterns. The shrimp pattern is a new one I’ve just started to use. It’s made by Berkley power bait and it’s a 3” Rattle Shrimp in colors watermelon red gltr & pearl white. I think these are going to be a big hit for Flounder, Redfish and trout. In the sea shad’s Saltwater Assassin’s in colors chicken on a chain and chart-diamond. We’re rigging the sea shads with 1/4oz red jig heads.

We are also catching the Flounder on Carolina rigs with live mullets. Now that the mullets are everywhere it’s very easy to catch all you need for a day of fishing. The Carolina rigs we are using for Flounder fishing are very simple. Hook is a EC L42 1/0, leader fifth teen to twenty inches of forty pound mono and an ¾ to one oz egg sinker. We are pulling the rigs across the bottom very slowly; so that the rig stays on the bottom. If it comes off the bottom; slow down your pull or go with a heavier egg sinker. Take your time; it takes patience to catch Flounder!

My charters have had some great early Redfish morning and late afternoon bites. We are fishing mud flats and oyster flats in creeks and along the ICW. Top water plugs like the Rapala skitter-walk have done very well. Rattle and popping corks with live mullets have been working great! The best rattlin’ corks for me have been the Saltwater Assassin’s “Kwik-cork” this is one of the loudest corks on the market. When the water has been a little stained form rain water we are catching some Reds on spinner baits.

There are some Bull Reds starting to show up in the ocean on hard bottoms and around the inlets. You never know when you might hook one of these big fish might bite. When we try to catch these Bulls, we use fresh cut or live menhaden. We use fish finder rigs with 9/0, 10/0 and 11/0 circle hooks, keep your drag tight and the circle hooks will do there job.

There has been a few Trout starting to show up around. Most that we have found are in the creeks and channels running along the drop offs to deeper water. The trout that we have caught are hitting grubs in colors Chart. Diamond and sliver mullet and red jig heads. Hard baits getting the luck are Mirrolures redhead silver body and green back white belly. South of Wrightsville we are having some very good days with the Specks. Fishing on good days has produced twenty or more specks! Fall weather will equal more good fishing!!

Thanks so much for reading this report, if you would like a guided fishing charter; give me call or drop me a line. Don’t forget take a kid fishing and good fishing to ya!

Fishing gear we use:

Gear used: Redfish, Flounder and trout: reels Penn Sargus SG2000 and SG4000 Rods: Ugly Stick Lite 7'0" Med light and Med act. Line: Fire Line crystal in 10 and 20 pound test. Bull Redfish: Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) and Penn Torque 100TRQ. Rods: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class spinning and Torque 6’ 80-130 casting. Line: forty pound Spider wire Ultracast.

Captain Jot Owens

Ranger Boats and

Pure Fishing Pro Staff

http://www.captainjot.com/

910-233-4139

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Introduction & Report-9/4/09

Hello from the southern end of Topsail!

Let me start by extending my thanks to Jonny and Donna for the opportunity to contribute here. I look foreword to sharing stories and reports pertaining to the fishery in the Topsail area.

I guess an introduction is in order. My name is Rob Orr and I was born and raised on Topsail Island; more specifically the south end of Topsail and the Jolly Roger Pier. My Grandfather, Lewis Orr, built the Jolly Roger back in the early 50’s and it is currently owned and operated by my father and his siblings. Some of my earliest memories include landing my first solo bluefish from the pier, trolling for kings and Spanish along the beaches, and fishing for assorted bottom fish in the “croaker hole” on the sound side. You could make an argument that I was hooked from the start!

Time flies, I am now 18 years old and attending Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington. I work a number of different jobs including continuing to work at the Jolly Roger Pier & Motel. I fish at every opportunity, whether it be from the planks of the pier, the sand in the surf, the back bays of Old Topsail, or the blue waters of the gulf stream. I have a burning passion for the sport, and am very excited about the opportunity of sharing it with you!

Enough about me! On to the important stuff; the fish! I hope to bring you up to date pier reports from the Jolly Roger throughout the fall. This is in addition to keeping you up to date on the current fishing report(s) for the South End of Topsail and all of the offshore info..

Report-9/4/09:

The last several days have seen a DRAMATIC shift in the ocean conditions and fishing activity. With the air temps dropping and the first “noreaster” (a little one anyway) blowing for the last several days, the smell of fall (and fish!) is definitely in the air.

I fished on the pier this afternoon and there were streams of the jumping mullet going by all afternoon, both finger and corncob. The water was beautiful and there was a large variety of fish being caught. I saw several nice flounder and puppy drum come up down in the “suds”, and there were some nice pompano being brought in a little further out. The big (2-4lb) fall blues were everywhere along with a few really nice Spanish. The guys throwing gotcha plugs had a great afternoon with both the blues and Spanish. I personally spent most of the time with my eyes glued to my “king rig” bait. The tarpon have left the Pamlico and Neuse rivers and are beginning to make there southward migration. We sighted around 8 separate schools of tarpon come by the end of the pier just this afternoon. They didn’t seem to be in a very aggressive feeding mood until right before dark. That is when everything broke loose. I was on the NE Corner of the pier throwing a gotcha plug when I saw a silver streak flash under a friends bait. I hollered for him, and by the time he reached the rail the fish had circled back around and slurped the big mullet down. He set the hook and up jumped a BIG( 129-130lb) tarpon.. The fight didn’t last long but the fish put on an awesome aerial display by jumping 6-8 times in a matter of 45seconds before throwing the hooks. When the angler brought the rig back, both 1/0 Owner 4x Strong trebles were flattened… WOW, it really is amazing the amount of power those fish have. About 10 minutes after that fish hit, my mullet started acting frisky. All of a sudden the water around my bait turned white and I saw yet another tarpon go airborne after a bait; this time it was mine! Unfortunately this one only smashed the bait slightly and didn’t come back for seconds. So for this afternoon the tarpon won, 2-0.. That’s ok though, that just means there will be more out there tomorrow!

Although I haven’t been able to get offshore in the last week or so, I have heard several reports that the kings are starting to move in close to the beach. Shouldn’t be long before we have those fall “leapers” in here thick. I can’t wait!

Have a great and safe Labor Day, and good luck fishing!

Rob Orr

Jolly Roger Pier

Topsail Beach, NC

(910)-328-4616

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Big Reds, Flounder and Trout are biting in local waters.

I hope everybody is doing well and catching a few fish! I have got to say I’m glad Bill did not make it up here, but his power was felt up this way. We’ve had some strong swells the last couple of days, which has kept me out of the ocean and in the back water areas. Before the swells we did some good ocean fishing for Flounder and Gray trout.

Most of the flounder inshore are mixed in size, but the fish in the ocean are a little better in size. Live bait and grubs are the best bet. Carolina rigs for the live bait and heavy jig heads for the grubs. I prefer bright grubs; Saltwater Assassin’s sea shads in colors chart/diamond and silver mullet work real well.

How bout’ those Gray trout, the trout bite has really picked up the last couple of weeks. We are catching most of the Grays the same way we’ve been catching the Flounder; Carolinas rigs and live bait. My favorite live bait for Grays is finger mullet. If you would rather use lures, small jigging spoons and grubs will work just fine. I like to put a shot of scent on my grubs; “Bang’s” shrimp, crab, and Taxes tea are some of my favorites.
The Flounder and Trout are holding on near shore live “hard” bottom, wrecks, and ledges.

When we are Flounder and Gray trout fishing in the ocean, I prefer to use Carolina rigs with heavier egg sinkers. We use one, one&½ and two ounce egg or “river” sinkers. River sinkers are the ones that are flat or pan caked sinkers. We still use a L42 EC 1/0 hook and thirty to forty pound mono leader. This rig works well for many different kinds of fish you can catch on the hard bottoms just off the beach.

My charters have had some good early Redfish morning bites. We are fishing mud flats and oyster flats in creeks and along the ICW. Multi fish hook-ups are not uncommon at all! Top water plugs like the Rapala skitter-walk have done very well. Rattle and popping corks with live mullets and little menhaden have been working great! The best rattlin’ corks for me have been the Saltwater Assassin’s “Kwik-cork” this is one of the loudest corks on the market they work!

The Speckled trout have decided to bite from time to time the last few weeks south of Wrightsville Beach. Most fish are coming out of creeks and channels around the waterway and flats. Best bet for the trout so far has been grubs, working the grubs slow in holes and drop-offs. The grubs I like in the summer mouths when the water gets hot are Saltwater Assassin sea shad in 4”. Colors silver mullet, chart diamond, and chicken on a chain. I like to use shrimp (Bang) scent to help those trout find that grub in dirty waters we get from some of the recent down pours! I don’t use a lot of scents for Trout, but in dirty and stained water it can really help.


There are some Bull Reds starting to show up in the ocean on hard bottoms and around the inlets. You never know when you might hook one of these big fish might bite. When we try to catch these Bulls, we use fresh cut or live menhaden. We use fish finder rigs with 11/0 and 12/0 circle hooks, keep your drag tight and the circle hooks will do there job.

Speaking of Bull Reds, I’m heading up to Oriental, NC this week to try my luck at some of those Bull Reds and maybe just maybe a Pamlico Tarpon. I’ll give you a report when I get back.

Thanks so much for reading this report, if you would like a guided fishing charter; give me call or drop me a line. Don’t forget take a kid fishing and good fishing to ya!

Fishing gear we use:

Gear used: Redfish, Flounder and Gary trout: reels Penn Sargus SG2000 and SG4000 Rods: Ugly Stick Lite 7'0" Med light and Med act. Line: Fire Line crystal in 10 and 20 pound test. Bull Redfish and Tarpon Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) and Penn Torque 100TRQ. Rods: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class spinning and Torque 6’ 80-130 casting. Line: forty pound Spider wire Ultracast.

I have recently tried a new landing net that I saw at ICAST this summer and I really like this net. Super light weight, floats and yet is still very strong! The net is an EGO made by http://www.adventureproducts.com/ I use the clear rubber net in the large size product # 71157. This net is great for Flounder, Trout and Reds! Try one, trust me you will love it!!!


Capt. Jot Owens
Ranger Boats &
Pure Fishing Pro Staff
http://www.captainjot.com/
910-233-4139

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Speckle Trout & Red Drum

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Red drum bite has been really good this week you just have to really hunt these fish down they have not really been in their normal spots but when you find them the bite is on! My charters are catching 10 -15 per day with most of the fish in the upper slot size,had one fish this week 33 " a really hard fighting fish.Speckle trout are beginning to show also had a really nice 5lb trout Tuesday of this week.
August is a great month to fish for the red drum,give the Cape Fear Guide a call,make a trip to Carolina Beach and you will see some great Red Fish action !
Capt.Mike Dennis
Capt.Mike@charter.net
http://www.capefear-guide.com/
910-619-0928

ETHICAL ANGLING ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN LATE SUMMER

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Email from N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries

[quote]
THICAL ANGLING ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN LATE SUMMER



MOREHEAD CITY – Recreational anglers can do a lot to help conserve marine fisheries resources by learning how to handle the fish they catch and release.



This is especially true in late summer, when, for the fish, it becomes more of a life or death concern.



Research has shown that as sea water temperatures rise, so do post-release mortality rates for many species, such as red drum, striped bass and trout. Also, the longer a fish is out of the water, the less its chance for survival.



Anglers should handle fish gently and as little as possible before returning them to the water. Prevent the fish from thrashing around and hurting itself by gently gripping its body, keeping your fingers away from the gills. Larger fish, such as tarpon, can sustain internal injuries from being dragged on board a boat.



Do not use a towel to hold the fish; it removes protective mucous from the fish’s skin.



Use a pair of long-nose pliers to grip the middle of the bend of the hook and gently pull the hook free of the fish. Do not try to twist the hook free. If the barb has gone through the fish’s mouth, cut it off and pull the remainder of the hook free.



If the fish has swallowed the hook, cut the fishing line. Sometimes a fish can survive with a hook inside its stomach. Also, using circle hooks instead of traditional J hooks will help prevent the fish from swallowing the hook.



Here are a few other tips for ethical angling:

· Learn and obey fishing size and creel limits. The best place to find current size and bag limits for saltwater fishing is on the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Web site, www.ncdmf.net.

· Report violations. Call the N.C. Marine Patrol at 1-800-682-2632.

· Know how to identify the fish you catch. You cannot properly apply size and bag limits if you do not know what fish is on your hook. Drawings and descriptions of many of the more popular recreational catches in coastal waters can be found in the North Carolina Coastal Recreational Angler’s Guide, available for free at many visitor’s centers and tackle shops and for download from the Division of Marine Fisheries’ Web site.

· Practice catch-and-release. Don’t take the entire bag limit of fish just because it is legal to do so. If you’ve already got more fish than you know you will eat, let the others go when you catch them. Studies have shown that many released fish do survive to be caught another day.



###

nr-39-09
[end quote]

I fish like this always. Most everyone I know does also. And the younger generation of anglers in this case is as interested in protecting our fisheries as I am. Recently, I went out past the boxcars fishing for grouper with a couple of guys in their early twenties, fishing friends Jonathon and Caleb. Another boat was throwing grouper (too small) back in the water without piercing the air bladder. Both guys got upset, and we spent a time netting the floaters and piercing the bladder, reviving the fish and releasing them. I was really impressed with their concern for the resource as well as their actions.

Fishing on Topsail is still slow. Early morning and late evening into the night seem to be the best times to wet a hook, pier or surf. No reports from the sounds.

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

274449

Hot Carolina Fishing; Flounder, Reds, Spanish and Tarpon

Hello Folks, is this summer going by fast for you? It sure is for me, they say time flies when you’re having fun. I guess I’m having a fun summer, fishing that is. Hey thank God we are not paying four+ dollars a gallon of gas like last year at this time!! Let’s talk some good fishing!

The last couple of weeks the fishing has been pretty good just off the beach. The Spanish Mackerel have been biting very good most days and the fish are a really nice grade. Some fish over six pounds, that’s a good pull on light tackle! Early morning seems to be the best bite, but some fish have stayed around all day on some days.

Most of the Spanish are biting Clark spoons trolled behind #1 planner’s. The Clark spoons that are working the best for us are sizes; 00 and 0 in plan silver and pink flash. When the Spanish are on top feeding and jumping, Maria jig spoons have been the trick. The colors that seem to be working are pink, green and blue in sizes seven & fourteen gram. We have also caught a few very nice Spanish on the fly rod too.

We are starting to catch Flounder pretty good; we are seeing a few fish inshore as well on the near shore reefs and wrecks. Most of the flounder inshore are mixed in size, but the fish in the ocean are a little better in size. Live bait and grubs are the best bet. Carolina rigs for the live bait and heavy jig heads for the grubs. I prefer bright grubs; Saltwater Assassin’s sea shads in colors chart/diamond and silver mullet work real well. Watch out when fishing in the ocean for the flounders; we’ve had some very nice fish eaten by Barracudas just under the boat. It’s not a fun thing!!

I’m still seeing a few Tarpon around the inlets and off the shoals; the Tarpon should stay around till mid September. We fish for Tarpon on the bottom using, live and fresh dead baits like; spots, bluefish and Menhaden. We rig these baits on fish finder rigs, with three to five feet of 80 to 100 pound mono leaders. Circle hooks are the best bet for good hook ups and landings for Tarpon in hook sizes 7/0 to 9/0 depending what hook series you like. We’ve caught some very nice bluefish and Spanish while Tarpon fishing lately.

The Shark fishing is still going very strong most days. Very nice sharks in the forty to over two hundred pounds are mostly what we are seeing. We’ve been using light tackle and fly rods to catch these powerful sharks. When we use spinning reels we use; 300+ yards of thirty and forty pound Spider wire super line and a good fast tipped rod. They are a lot of fun on spinning tackle!

We’ve caught a few Reds this last two weeks, not as good as I would like it to be but still getting a hand full. One thing we have in this area is a lot of pressure on the Redfish. So how do you catch them when lots of other people are out there doing the same thing?? (Time) put it in, get out and look for them, don’t go to the same old spots you always go, go look for new spots. Put in the time and you will catch Reds! “Tip of the week”

Thanks so much for reading this report, and don’t forget to take a kid or someone new fishing! Good fishing to ya!

Fishing gear we use;

Gear used: Redfish, Flounder and Sheephead: reels Penn Sargus SG2000 and SG4000 Rods: Ugly Stick Lite 7'0" Med light and Med act. Line: Fire Line crystal in 10 and 20 pound test. Sharks and Tarpon Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) and Penn Torque 100TRQ. Rods: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class spinning and Torque 6’ 80-130 casting.

Capt. Jot Owens
Ranger Boats and
Pure Fishing Pro Staff
www.captainjot.com
910-233-4139

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

River Redfish

The Redfish fishing near area rivers has been very good this week. Friday I fished the New River area of N. Topsail Beach with good friends Boyd and Will. These two have been trying to catch a Redfish on the fly for a couple of years now, but it seems that every time they come, the wind blows. Well, this trip was no exception, but it was not howling as it usually is and we had plenty of chances. I poled the new Vantage into the skinny water and worked three different schools of Redfish for a couple of hours, but Boyd and Will just couldn't seem to get the fly in front of the fish. After watching reds push, role and tail all around us, they couldn't stand it any more and picked up the spin tackle and immediately hooked up.
We worked the fish for a little longer then called it a day and headed home. Baits for the day were grubs fished on weighted hooks.

Today, I had Tanner from East Cape Canoes and Skiffs join me on the Cape Fear River looking for the Reds. Tanner, who has family in Holden Beach, worked on building my new Vantage and it was a pleasure to have him aboard. We fished for several hours poling the flats and working some areas that I hadn't fished in awhile. We ended up with six Redfish for the morning and missed a few others.
Gulp shrimp fished on weighted hooks and bucktail jigs were the baits of choice today.

The Redfish fishing is hot so call and book your trip today!!

Tight Lines!!!

Capt. Brent Stanley
Current Adventure Charters
910.200.9959

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Hot Red Drum Bite

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
The red fishing bite has been really hot this last week for the Cape Fear Guide, every charter has caught their limit of red drum with most fish running from 20 " to 27".Flounders are also being caught,the last couple of days we caught from 10 to 15 red drum per charter releasing most of the fish.
August is a great month to fish for the red drum in the Cape Fear river,lot's of fun on the light tackle spinning rods !
Capt.Mike Dennis
Capt.Mike@charter.net
www.capefear-guide.com
910-619-0928

New Contributor

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

We would like to welcome new contributor Rob Orr of Jolly Roger Pier in Topsail Beach to our group. We are looking forward to Rob's posts and updates on fishing at Jolly Roger as well as other Topsail Beach fishing. Welcome Rob!

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

NOTICE: NEW RESTRICTIONS ON SEA BASS, GROUPER AND SNAPPER GO INTO EFFECT TODAY, JULY 29,2009

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Everyone who fishes offshore for black sea bass, grouper and snapper, be aware of these new rules and restrictions which go into effect today.

[quote]
Contact: Patricia Smith

Date: July 27, 2009 Phone: (252) 726-7021



NEW RULES FOR SNAPPER/GROUPER FISHERMEN

MOREHEAD CITY – New rules go into effect next week that impact the commercial and recreational snapper/grouper fisheries in North Carolina.

Beginning Wednesday, the grouper aggregate bag limit for recreational fishermen will decrease from five to three fish per person per day. Only one of the three fish limit may be a gag or black grouper. The recreational bag limit for vermilion snapper, also known as beeliner, will drop from 10 to five fish per fisherman.

Additionally, all fishermen – commercial and recreational – must possess a de-hooking tool onboard the vessel when fishing for snappers and groupers.

New commercial quotas for the snapper-grouper fisheries begin Wednesday, as well.

A federal annual gag quota for waters from North Carolina to the Florida Keys is set at 352,940 pounds. Once that quota is met, there will be a commercial closure of all groupers in the shallow water grouper complex until May 1 in the following calendar year.

A commercial vermilion snapper quota is being separated into two seasons. The first season runs from Jan. 1-June 30 and allows for 315,523 pounds. The second season, which impacts North Carolina fishermen, runs from July 1-Dec. 31 and allows for 302,523 pounds. Once the quota is met, the commercial fishery will close until the beginning of the next season. Should there be quota left at the end of the season, the remaining quota will not roll over into the next season.

The director of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries implemented these rule changes by proclamation to comply with a federal fishery management plan. Recent stock assessments of gag and vermilion snapper indicate that overfishing is occurring, and the stricter regulations are meant to protect the fish from harvest during their spawning season and to help the stocks return to a viable status.

The proclamation can be found on the DMF Web site at http://www.ncfisheries.net/procs/procs2k9/FF-48-2009.html. Other rules implemented by this proclamation that will take place later include:

.....A recreational vermilion snapper closed season from Nov. 1 through March 31 each year;

.....A four-month recreational and commercial closure, from January through April each year, on shallow water groupers, including gag, black, red, scamp, rock hind, red hind, coney, grasby, yellowfin, yellowmouth and tiger groupers.



– More –

The rule changes above should not be confused with proposals for other snapper-grouper species that could go into effect this fall. The National Marine Fisheries Service is taking public comments on proposals that would require all fishermen to participate in an observer program, if selected; and prohibit fishermen from selling snapper and grouper species caught in federal waters unless they have an active federal snapper grouper permit. A copy of the federal register listing for these proposed rules and how you can comment on them can be found online at http://www.safmc.net/Portals/6/Library/FMP/SnapGroup/SNG15B_PR.pdf.

For more information about the new regulations or the proposed federal regulations, contact Jack Holland in DMF’s Wilmington office at (910) 796-7227 or
Jack.Holland@ncdenr.gov.

nr-36-09
[end quote]

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

Great Summer "trend" Fishing around the Area.

Hello, I hope everybody is doing well. I can’t complain; fishing has had some consistence for the most part. We’ve had some heavy storms lately in the afternoons. I’ve found that the areas where the rain has falling hard, the fishing is a little harder as well. Remember when water colors change you need to change your color patterns as well.

The summer trend of local fishing is really starting to show. One of my favorites has started to show this last week; the always fun Tarpon! I have only Tarpon fished once in the last two weeks. We saw a few fish, but no luck getting one. Always good to see them around the boat; gets my blood pressure up every time!

We fish for Tarpon on the bottom using, live and fresh dead baits like; spots, bluefish and Menhaden. We are rigging these baits on fish finder rigs, with three to five feet of 80 to 100 pound mono leaders. Circle hooks are the best bet for good hook ups and landings for Tarpon in hook sizes 7/0 to 9/0 depending what hook series you like. I have also had a fair share of Tarpon on my kite rig with live baits like greenies and menhaden. Nothing like seeing a Tarpon hit kite baits!

When the Tarpon start to show up, the sharks are already here! I’m not talking about one to three footers; I’m talking about four to seven plus footers, running fifty to two hundred pounds; on light tackle and fly rods. Don’t knock it till you have tried it! It’s a lot of fun most of the sharks come right up to the boat and take the bait or fly. We catch Lemon, Dusky, and Black tips and a few Hammerheads from time to time as well.

Best baits for the near shore sharks are, fresh and live Menhaden. When we use bait to catch the sharks we use spinning reels, with 300+ yards of thirty and fifty pound Spider wire Ultracast braid. Rigging the baits; eight feet of 80 pound mono leader; some will wind on to the reel. Connected the 80 pound mono to a fifty pound swivel, then to Two to three foot of #9 SS wire and an 8/0 or 9/0 off set J hook. If you prefer Fly fishing, I like Striped bass flies in Menhaden patterns with 4/0 and 5/0 hook sizes. We use ten to twelve weight set ups; have lots of extra flies with you!

The Redfish are still picking good, you just have got to get out there and find some fish that have not been fished too much. Live, fresh cut bait and scented grubs “Blurp” have been the ticket. When your fishing early don’t forget to try a good ole’ Rapala Skitter walk for some top water action with the Redfish. Spanish mackerel are biting as well, casting and trolling are best bets for these speedsters. Don’t forget that great hot summer fish; the Sheephead, the hotter the better for those guys. One-armed bandits seem to be one of best baits for me. Fish them around docks and bridges.

Gear used: Redfish, Spanish and Sheephead: reels Penn Sargus SG2000 and SG4000 Rods: Ugly Stick Lite 7'0" Med light and Med act. Line: Fire Line crystal in 10 and 20 pound test. Sharks and Tarpon: Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) and Penn Torque 100TRQ. Rods: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class spinning and Torque 6’ 80-130 casting. Line: Spiderwire Ultracast in 30 to 50 pound.

ICAST News: I was in Orlando FL last week for ICAST: International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades. All the new tackle for 2010 is released here. I saw some really cool stuff that will be in the local tackle shops very soon. A few of my favorites were; Penn’s new lines of spinning reels. The new Penn Conquer spinning reel is my new favorite Redfish stopper, trust me it will stop’em! I was on the field research team for this reel and it really impressed me! This reel is made for super lines. Specifications: Sizes 2000, 4000, 5000 and 7000. Drags: 2000 12 lbs, 4000 19 lbs, 5000 22 lbs and 7000 32 lbs.

Next on the list that caught my eye, Penn’s new Torque spinning reels. If you like hardcore jigging, bottom fishing or catching big pelagic on spinning tackle this is the spinning reel for YOU!!! Specifications: Sizes TRQS5: 400 yards 30# braid, TRQS7: 470 yards 50# braid and TRQS9: 490 yards 80# braid. Drags “watch out” there hot: TRQS5: 38 lbs, TRQS7 41 lbs and TRQS9 50 lbs yes 50 lbs “that is a lot of drag for a spinning reel. The Torques comes in Black/gold and Gold/silver. Check them out soon at Pennreels.com

Thanks for taking the time to read this report, don’t forget to take a kid fishing!


Capt. Jot Owens
Ranger Boats and
Pure Fishing Pro Staff
http://www.captainjot.com/
910-233-4139

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Off Shore King Mackerel

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Hello from Topsail Beach! I received an invitation to go offshore fishing with friends Caleb and Jonathon in Jonathon's boat. We left out Monday morning about 8am with our partner boat for the day owned by our friends Don and his son Donny, along with a couple more guys. To my new friends that fished with my friends Don and his son Donny, I enjoyed meeting and talking with you. I apologize, but your names escape me at the moment. We had a wonderful day on the water. Weather was beautiful, overcast just a bit, so not to hot. There were fronts visible but all were going away from our location. We trolled just a short bit before hooking up with a nice barracuda. I had the privilege of fighting the 15 pounder and bringing it to the boat, and releasing the beauty alive. Did I mention this was my first barracuda? After a short time, we hooked up again, and my friends insisted I fight this one also. It was a glorious fight, finally resulting in a 12 to 15 lb king. This also was my first king. Later we moved on to a spot, (I couldn't say where. LOL) and bottom fished where we caught black sea bass, grouper, and grunts. There was some beautiful scenery. Water was wonderfully clear, and we saw many jellies, all kinds of bait fish, and a huge king almost kissing our boat while we were bottom fishing! As you may know, most of my fishing is done locally in the surf and piers. So this trip was a real treat for me. The trip also made me realize my limitations, being these guys wore me out! I am sore from the tips of my fingers to the ends of my toes, but the experience was well worth the little bit of suffering. Oh, one more thing...... I DIDN'T GET SEA SICK!!!!!!!

My picture software is down, so I will post pictures when (if) I can.

Thanks again to my good friends Caleb, Jonathon, and Don for a wonderful day on the water.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Military Wildlife Exemption Clarification

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Got this from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission:

[quote]
Media contact: Jodie Owen,
Public Information Officer
(919) 707-0187
jodie.owen@ncwildlife.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission wants all military personnel, their families and friends to be aware of information regarding a new law establishing a hunting and fishing license exemption for resident North Carolinians serving full-time military duty outside of the state. The new law (House Bill 97) was incorrectly interpreted in an article in North Carolina Sportsman magazine’s August issue.

The inaccuracy of this interpretation of the law could create circumstances that place our military servicemen and women in violation of the law and compromise their rights. The Commission wants to make sure no hardship is caused to the men and women of North Carolina in dedicated service to our country.

The new law states that a resident of North Carolina who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including reservists, serving full-time military duty outside the state is exempt from hunting, inland and coastal fishing license requirements while on leave in this state for 30 days or less . Individuals must have military identification and a copy of the official authorized leave notice from a duty station outside the state with them while hunting or fishing to take advantage of this exemption.

The full text of the law can be viewed by clicking the following link:
Active Duty Hunting and Fishing License Exemption

If further clarification is needed, please contact the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
[end quote]

Sounds kind of confusing to me. They should have exempted them altogether. My 2 cents

Below is the law as written in the NC Code
[quote]

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2009

SESSION LAW 2009-25

HOUSE BILL 97

AN ACT to provide that residents of this state who are serving on full‑time active military duty outside this state in the armed forces of the united states or a reserve component of the armed forces of the united states may hunt or fish while on leave in this state without obtaining a license.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1. G.S. 113‑276 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:

"(l2) A resident of this State who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States serving outside the State, or who is serving on full‑time active military duty outside the State in a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States as defined in 10 U.S.C. 10101, is exempt from the hunting and fishing license requirements of G.S. 113‑270.1B, G.S. 113‑270.3(b)(1), G.S. 113‑270.3(b)(3), G.S. 113‑270.3(b)(5), G.S. 113‑271, G.S. 113‑272, G.S. 113‑272.2(c)(1), and the Coastal Recreational Fishing License requirements of G.S. 113‑174.2 while that person is on leave in this State for 30 days or less. In order to qualify for the exemption provided under this subsection, the person shall have on his or her person at all times during the hunting or fishing activity the person's military identification card and a copy of the official document issued by the person's service unit confirming that the person is on authorized leave from a duty station outside this State.

A person exempted from licensing requirements under this subsection is responsible for complying with any reporting requirements prescribed by rule of the Wildlife Resources Commission, complying with the hunter safety requirements of G.S. 113‑270.1A, purchasing any federal migratory waterfowl stamps as a result of waterfowl hunting activity, and complying with any other requirements that the holder of a North Carolina license is subject to."

SECTION 2. This act becomes effective July 1, 2009.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 5th day of May, 2009.

s/ Walter H. Dalton President of the Senate
s/ Joe Hackney Speaker of the House of Representatives
s/ Beverly E. Perdue Governor

Approved 6:15 p.m. this 13th day of May, 2009
[end quote]

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

Mullets in the surf

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Migraines. Sea mullets are biting pretty well in the surf for summer. Fresh cut shrimp and sand fleas are doing the job for surf anglers. The piers are about the same. Spanish and blues in the mornings and evenings, spots and mullets after dark, with a flounder and speckled trout mixed in here and there. King anglers are catching enough to keep them interested. Don't have a report for the sounds. Hope to have more soon.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny


269671

Great Inshore and Offshore Fishing

It has been a while since I have made a report as I have been awaiting delivery of my new flats skiff. Well, the new Vantage from East Cape Canoes & Skiffs has finally arrived and I am back on the water in full force.

The heat of July is here and the fishing is hot. King Mackerel, Mahi, Little Tunny Baracuda, Redfish and more are some of the species caught aboard the Current Adventure boats over the last couple of weeks.

Recently I had repeat customers David, Rhonda and their daughters Payton and Addison for a day of offshore Mahi fishing. Well the day started out with the winds blowing 10 knots stronger and 180 degrees opposite of what was forecast. Needless to say, it was sloppy, but the girls didn't seem to mind so we put lines in and trolled our way offshore. I had a location in mind to find the fish, the question was whether or not the seas would lay down as predicted and let us get there. It took about 4 hours to get to where we wanted to be, but once there, the seas were laying down and the fish were starting to bite. The girls spent the next couple of hours catching Mahi, King Mackerel, Baracuda, Little Tuny, sharks and remoras.

The following day I had Jay and Todd from Charlotte aboard for another day of Mahi fishing. This time, the weather man got it right and we made the run offshore in calm seas at 20 knots. Once we reached the ledges that i wanted to start fishing, it didn't take long for the bites to begin. Jay and Todd stayed busy all day catching Mahi, Little Tuny's, 40lb Baracuda and yes, another remora. Jay and Todd ended up with 9 Mahi for the day that they were planning to take back home to their families for some great eating.

Sunday, I had the opportunity to take family out for a day of inshore fishing. Kenan and I left the docks around 0600 and hit the flats for some top water Redfish action. The new Vantage made short work of the time between the landing and the fishing grounds. Once on the flats, we threw Zara Spook top water plugs looking for a topwater bite. The first strike that Kenan had came from a 3 foot Blacktip Shark that was feeding on bait fish in the shallow water. The fight lasted a few minutes till the sharks teeth severed the leader and the shark and our plug swam away. I tied on another plug for Kenan and it was back to fishing. Soon, Kenan was hooked up again with a nice Redfish only to have the fish cut the leader on the marsh grass and swim away with yet another plug. Finally, Kenan hooked up again on a smaller fish and this one he got to the boat. This was his first Redfish.

Next it was my time for a first. It was time for me to catch my first Redfish in the new East Cape Vantage. I cast out a Black and Yellow Top Pup and had a 30-inch brute inhale the top water plug. The fish tried several times to take me into the grass and oyster rocks, but in the end, I was victorious as Kenan netted the big fish.

Kenan and I spent the rest of the morning catching a few more Reds before calling it a day and heading in to spend the last of the Holiday weekend with family and friends.

Saturday, I fished the skinny water of the Topsail Island area with Rob aboard. We boarded the Vantage and headed up the ICW in search of Redfish. We found a little bay that I had not fished before, but it had the look of promise, so we decided to give it a shot and were not disappointed.

I took my perch atop the poling platform and quietly poled Rob around in the clear, skinny water. We eased the boat up to a point that had a couple of oyster bars leading off of it and soon Rob had set the hook into the first fish of the day. After releasing the first fish we proceeded up a creek only to find a bunch of bait, but no Reds willing to eat.

We decided to go back into the larger bay and give it another look. As the tide had risen since we first arrived at our location, I put the trolling motor in the water and joined Rob on the bow. As we worked down the shore line, we spotted a large oyster bar leading off another point. As we got close to the bar, I saw a large school of Redfish spook and start to move off, but instantly both Rob and I were hooked up!!! I hook and landed a nice slot sized fish on a jig, but Rob had hook a much larger fish on a gold spoon. Since we were both hooked up, I lowered the Power Pole into the bottom to hold our position. After a good fight, Rob slid the fish into the net.

We maintained our position for a short time to see if the fish would settle back around the bar, but soon decided to make a move and see if we could located them again. This area looked like it would be a great place to throw top water plugs, so we both switch lures to cover more water. We set course for a couple more oyster bars and found fish holding on just about everyone that we fished. Though we missed several fish, the top water strikes really got the adrenaline flowing as it always seems to do. In all, we landed 5 nice Reds for the morning and missed hookup on as many.

It was a great morning of fishing and I can't wait to go fish this area again!! If you are in the Topsail area or anywhere in the Cape Fear area and you would like to get into some of the great fishing the we have to offer, both inshore and offshore, give me a call and book a trip today.

As always, tight lines and practice catch and release!!

Tight lines!!

Capt. Brent Stanley
Current Adventure Charters
910.200.9959

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Mid Summer Fishing is Great around the area!

Hello Folks, I hope everybody is enjoying the summer so far. Fishing for the most part has been very good this year for me and my charters. We are starting to see more people on the water, in the last couple of weeks. Which I guess is a good thing, “tip”: if you want to beat the crowds; go earlier! To the fishing report!

We’ve had some good Speckled trout, Redfish and Flounder fishing lately south of Wrightsville beach. The trout are hitting grubs and shrimp pattern lures. The grubs that are working well are Saltwater assassin sea shad pattern. In colors chicken on a chain, pumpkinseed chart tail and morning gory; we are rigging them with 1/8 oz red & black jig heads. Live shrimp are also working well for the trout and flounder. Light float rigs when we are using the live shrimp. It you would rather use artificial, you can use a SWA rattling Kwik-cork and a shrimp pattern lure under it.

The Redfish are hitting top water plugs and spinner baits. The best top water plugs we are using is the Rapala skitter walk, size 4-3/8” in colors hot chartreuse, red/white and black/gold/orange. Spinner baits we are throwing; SWA Red daddy and the Mac daddy. These spinner baits are some of the best on the market they hold up well and they swim great too.

Some Sheephead and black drum are biting around docks and bulkheads. There has been a few very nice black drum caught lately, some fish over twenty pounds reported “that’s a good pull”! These fish are hitting fiddler crabs, live shrimp and fresh shrimp. We fish mostly using small Carolina rigs, with forty pound mono leader and small but strong live bait hooks. Sheephead and smaller black drum make great table fare.

The King mackerel and Mahi fishing has been great last few weeks. We’ve caught from six to twelve kings and two to four Mahi’s on most trips lately. There has been a few Sailfish around as well; keep your eye out for jumping and feeding Sails! Most of the Kings and Mahi’s are hitting fast trolled small ballyhoo or slow trolled menhaden and cigars minnows. One trick that has worked very well for us lately has been Blue water Candy’s bling feather weight dusters in colors pink and light blue. We are fishing in the eight to twenty mile range off the beach; around wrecks and live bottom areas.

Shark fishing is really starting to pick up just off the beach. I’m not talking about one to three footers; I’m talking about four to seven plus footers, running fifty to two hundred pounds; on light tackle and fly rods. Don’t knock it til you have tried it! It’s a lot of fun most of the sharks come right up to the boat and take the bait or fly. This is always a lot of fun for the young and the new to the sport of fishing. We are catching Lemon, Dusky, and Black tips with a few Hammerheads from time to time as well.

Gear used: Redfish, Trout, Flounder and Sheephead: reels Penn Sargus SG2000 and SG4000 Rods: Ugly Stick Lite 7'0" Med light and Med act. Line: Fire Line crystal in 10 and 20 pound test. Sharks: Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) and Penn Torque 100TRQ. Rods: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class spinning and Torque 6’ 80-130 casting. Kings and Mahi: Penn spinning reel 560L (Live liner) Rod: Penn Torque 7’ 20-50 class.

* I will be heading to Orlando, FL this next week for ICAST: International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades. This is the biggest fishing tackle show in the world; all the new tackle for 2010 is shown at this show. I know that there is some very cool tackle coming out from Penn at the show. I will have all the details for y’all as soon as I get back!

Thanks for taking the time to read this report, don’t forget to take a kid fishing!


Capt. Jot Owens
Ranger Boats and
Pure Fishing Pro Staff
www.captainjot.com
910-233-4139

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

STRICTER GILL NET LIMITS INTENDED FOR SEA TURTLE PROTECTION

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide


MOREHEAD CITY – N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Director Louis Daniel on Monday will implement stricter regulations on flounder gill net fishing in Core Sound, Back Sound and waters around Hammocks Beach State Park.

The action is being taken in an effort to avoid illegal takes of sea turtles that could lead to a statewide federal closure of the flounder gill net fishery and/or legal prosecution under the Endangered Species Act.

“It is unfortunate, but not unexpected, that the potential for interactions increases as sea turtle populations recover,” Daniel said. “By implementing these new measures, the state is trying to maintain protections for threatened and endangered sea turtles while continuing a traditional flounder fishery.”

Daniel issued a proclamation today that reduces the amount of gill net fishermen can use from a total 3,000 yards per operation to 1,000 yards per operation. The proclamation also eliminates net tie downs and continuous lines of net. Each gill net set must be no longer than 200 yards, and there must be at least 25 yards between sets. Nets can be no deeper than 15 meshes.

The new regulations pertain to waters in Carteret and Onslow counties from the mouth of the Wainwright Channel in Core Sound to the Atlantic Beach Bridge, including the North and Newport rivers and from the Emerald Isle Bridge to just west of the Hammocks Beach ferry channel, not including the White Oak River and Queens Creek.

A letter from National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Administrator Roy Crabtree described high levels of illegal sea turtle takes in the Core Sound flounder gill net fishery. Last month, the NMFS began a new six-month observer program of the Core Sound flounder gill net fishery that observed five fishing trips from June 17 to June 25. Sea turtle takes were observed in four of the trips. Eleven sea turtle takes were observed, including six green, three Kemp’s ridley and two loggerhead.

In the letter, Crabtree stressed the importance of taking immediate action to address these illegal takes, and he suggested the state evaluate other areas where inshore gill net fisheries may be interacting with sea turtles. The letter from Crabtree is attached.

--MORE--

Interactions have been reported between sea turtles in the flounder gill net fisheries in Back Sound and in the Hammocks Beach State Park area. No such interactions have been reported in Bogue Sound. South of Queens Creek, current regulations limit potential interactions.

DMF is working closely with NMFS to consider future alternatives. These new regulations will remain in effect through the end of August but may be extended or strengthened as NMFS observations continue.

Daniel will be available to answer questions from the news media by conference call from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Reporters may call Kelly Odom in the DMF Public Affairs Office at (252) 808-8028 for information on dial-in access.

###

This is a step in the right direction. But I think we need more.

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

Hot Southeast NC Fishing, "Weather and the Bite"

Hello from steaming HOT southeast North Carolina!! Has it been hot enough for y’all lately? Thanks God the fish has been just as hot. The last few weeks of fishing have been very good; let’s talk about that in this fishing report>>>

The Spanish mackerel bite has been very good lately. Spanish mackerel are feeding well in the mornings and afternoons. We are catching most of the Spanish around the inlets, shoals, and up & down the beach strands; in twenty to forty feet of water. Look for bluer and cleaner water; this is where we are catching most of the Spanish. Most of the Spanish are biting Clark spoons trolled behind #1 planner’s. The Clark spoons that are working the best for us are sizes; 00 and 0 in plan silver and pink flash. When the Spanish are on top feeding and jumping, Maria jig spoons have been the trick.

The King mackerel and Mahi fishing has been great last few weeks. We’ve caught from six to twelve kings and two to four Mahi’s on most trips lately. Running the down rigger has produced some very nice kings; we had a thirty five and a twenty five pound king this week. There has been a few Sailfish around as well; keep your eye out for jumping and feeding Sails! Most of the Kings and Mahi’s are hitting fast trolled small ballyhoo or slow trolled menhaden and cigars minnows. One trick that has worked very well for us lately has been Blue water Candy’s bling feather dusters in colors pink and light blue. We are fishing in the ten to twenty mile range off the beach; around wrecks and live bottom areas.

Flounder fishing is really picking up around the area. Most of the Flounder are eating little menhaden and Mud minnows on light Carolina rigs. The Flounder are mixed in size to just under keeper size to a few over five pounds. We have caught some Flounder on Artificial baits as well. We have had the best luck with Saltwater Assassin Blurp grubs in molting color and “Chicken on a chain” color grubs. Rig the grubs on a red or black jig head for best results. Flounder fishing should stay consistent right through the summer and fall.

I’m starting to see a few Tarpon around the inlets and off the shoals; I really start looking for the silver kings right around the 4th of July. The Tarpon should stay around till mid September. We fish for Tarpon on the bottom using, live and fresh dead baits like; spots, bluefish and Menhaden. We rig these baits on fish finder rigs, with three to five feet of 80 to 100 pound mono leaders. Circle hooks are the best bet for good hook ups and landings for Tarpon in hook sizes 7/0 to 9/0 depending what hook series you like.

Sheephead fishing is starting to pick up as well around the area. The best bet is fishing around bridges, docks and bulk-heads. Fishing in water from six to fifth-teen feet for Sheephead seems to work the best for us. We fish mostly using small Carolina rigs, with forty pound mono leader and small but strong live bait hooks. Baits we are using; fiddler crabs and sand fleas have worked just fine. Give it a shot, it takes time but you’ll get one; Hold-on tight!

Gear used: Spanish, Flounder and Sheephead: reels Penn Sargus SG2000 and SG4000 Rods: Ugly Stick Lite 7'0" Med light and Med act. Line: Fire Line crystal in 10 and 20 pound test. Tarpon: Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) and Penn Torque 100TRQ. Rods: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class spinning and Torque 6’ 80-130 casting. Kings and Mahi: Penn spinning reel 560L (Live liner) Rod: Penn Torque 7’ 20-50 class.

Thanks for taking the time to read this report, don’t forget to take a kid fishing!


Capt. Jot Owens
Ranger Boats and
Pure Fishing Pro Staff
http://www.captainjot.com/
910-233-4139

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Dialed in on Red Drum

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Red drum fishing in the Cape Fear River is really heating up, found the reds biting really hard yesterday,catching over 8 slot size red drum on the first stop along with flounder.Live bait was the key to the hot bite!
Capt.Mike Dennis
Cape Fear Guide
Capt.Mike@charter.net
910-619-0928

ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT:

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT:

SEVEN KINGS HAVE HIT THE PLANKS AT SURF CITY PIER TODAY!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Children’s Fishing Competition and Celebration

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide



Sponsored by Surf City Ocean Pier
Phone (910) 328-3521

Hello from Topsail Beach!
A message from Surf City Ocean Pier.


Fishing for something to do with your children? This event is
scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2009 starting at 10 am and is over at
2 pm with the awards ceremony at 2:30pm. Lunch will be provided to all
of the registered youngsters. There will be games galore and awards
too . The way to win is to just show up. This event is free of charge
to all children ages 0-16 who participate and their adult assistant.
This event will expose youngsters under the age of 16 to the
excitement of fishing in a fun , educational and safe, family oriented
environment. Now there is nothing fishy about any of that.

We are going to attempt to try something a little different this year
by having a Children’s Fishing Competition and Celebration.
Our mission is to Educate, Protect/Preserve, and Enhance our
environment and love of fishing.

Educate our junior anglers on just how fragile our waters and sea life
are through educational signs and educating by example. The Choices we
make today can impact generations to come.

Protect/Preserve by making catch and release a religion, not just a
practice and returning all unwanted fish back to the water alive
including sharks and skates. Each sea creature has a purpose to its
environment and insuring its species’ survival in the circle of life
is essential. By using bronze hooks and other methods to reduce damage
to fish and all other sea creatures, anglers can help ensure their
survival.

Enhance our environment through cleanups and beach renourishments in
addition to working with other environmental and marine life groups to
address pollution and other issues that impact our fish and waters.

As is true with so many volunteer events we are looking for Sponsors.
Donations of merchandise and or money is always appreciated. We would
like to be able to offer all our youngsters who participate a prize
and our winners Savings bonds so that they might be able to use it for
their future education. Your contribution will help ensure the success
of our endeavor so that we might continue offering this wonderful fun
day to all the children visiting and from our community. Your support
will be greatly appreciated. Volunteers will also be needed to
supervise about, answer questions, cut bait, teach fishing basics such
as casting, knot tying and fish identification.

If you feel that you can help us in our mission please contact me. I
can be reached via phone at the Surf City Ocean Pier at (910) 328-3521
or via e-mail at pier_wi...@yahoo.com.

Thanks
Johnny

Topsail Island Beach Laws

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

I have received several requests for beach rules on digging holes. Here is what I have been able to find.


Topsail Island beach towns have ordinances regulating beach holes.

Surf City has a no-holes-allowed beach policy, and its ordinance allows police to issue a citation and $50 fine to violators.

Topsail Beach prohibits holes greater than 12-inches deep unless a responsible person attends the hole at all times. All holes must be filled in and leveled prior to leaving the beach. Those age 16 or older who abandon a hole are subject to a $25 fine per violation.

North Topsail Beach issues citations if a hole greater than 12-inches deep is left unattended. All holes must be filled in before leaving the beach and no later than 30 minutes prior to sunset.

Keep off the dunes ($500.00 fine)

Sand dunes act as a natural barrier against storms and waves.

More later.

Till next time....
tuight lines!
Johnny

NEW CIRCLE HOOK SEASON STARTS JULY 1

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

A note from N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission.

Contact: Patricia Smith

Date: June 25, 2009 Phone: (252) 726-7021

NEW CIRCLE HOOK SEASON STARTS JULY 1


MOREHEAD CITY – A new seasonal requirement for using circle hooks in the Pamlico Sound and its tributaries starts Wednesday.

From July 1 to Sept. 30, fishermen must use circle hooks, short leaders and fixed weights when fishing between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. with natural bait using large hooks (greater than 4/0) in the Pamlico Sound and its tributaries.

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission adopted the rule in November in an effort to reduce post-release mortality in the recreational catch-and-release red drum fishery. Research has shown that the use of large or intermediate sized circle hooks, combined with a short leader and a fixed weight, reduces the incidence of deep hooking (gut hooking) in the red drum fishery.

The regulation was recommended in a N.C. Red Drum Fishery Management Plan.

For the purposes of this regulation, a circle hook is defined as a hook with the point of the hook directed perpendicularly back toward the shank and with the barb either compressed or removed. The fixed sinker should weigh at least 2 ounces and be secured within six inches of the circle hook.

The exact wording of the rule, with GPS coordinates, can be found on page 24 of the 2009 North Carolina Rules for Coastal Fishing Waters, which can be downloaded from the DMF Web site at http://www.ncfisheries.net/download/2009_MFC_Rulebook.pdf. An illustration of the appropriate circle hook tackle can be found at http://www.ncdmf.net/download/circlehookreddrum.pdf.

For more information about the requirement, contact DMF biologist Lee Paramore at (252) 473-5734 or Lee.Paramore@ncdenr.gov.

###

nr-28-09


Donna and I went for a swim this morning. We didn't fish, just swimming and beach combing. There was a huge pod of bottle nose dolphins playing in the surf, in less than four feet of water. They were jumping and playfully "surfing" the waves. What a treat!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna
266155

Red Drum Fishing

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Julio Garcerar caught a 27 1/2″ red drum on 06/25/2009 while,vacationing at Bald Head Island,he was fishing with the Cape Fear Guide.Red drum are beginning to show up,and are fighting hard !
Capt.Mike Dennis
Capt.Mike@charter.net
www.capefear-guide.com
910-619-0928

July 4th Children's Fishing Competion

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide




Sponsored by Surf City Ocean Pier
Phone (910) 328-3521

Hello from Topsail Beach!
A message from Surf City Ocean Pier.


Fishing for something to do with your children? This event is
scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2009 starting at 10 am and is over at
2 pm with the awards ceremony at 2:30pm. Lunch will be provided to all
of the registered youngsters. There will be games galore and awards
too . The way to win is to just show up. This event is free of charge
to all children ages 0-16 who participate and their adult assistant.
This event will expose youngsters under the age of 16 to the
excitement of fishing in a fun , educational and safe, family oriented
environment. Now there is nothing fishy about any of that.

We are going to attempt to try something a little different this year
by having a Children’s Fishing Competition and Celebration.
Our mission is to Educate, Protect/Preserve, and Enhance our
environment and love of fishing.

Educate our junior anglers on just how fragile our waters and sea life
are through educational signs and educating by example. The Choices we
make today can impact generations to come.

Protect/Preserve by making catch and release a religion, not just a
practice and returning all unwanted fish back to the water alive
including sharks and skates. Each sea creature has a purpose to its
environment and insuring its species’ survival in the circle of life
is essential. By using bronze hooks and other methods to reduce damage
to fish and all other sea creatures, anglers can help ensure their
survival.

Enhance our environment through cleanups and beach renourishments in
addition to working with other environmental and marine life groups to
address pollution and other issues that impact our fish and waters.

As is true with so many volunteer events we are looking for Sponsors.
Donations of merchandise and or money is always appreciated. We would
like to be able to offer all our youngsters who participate a prize
and our winners Savings bonds so that they might be able to use it for
their future education. Your contribution will help ensure the success
of our endeavor so that we might continue offering this wonderful fun
day to all the children visiting and from our community. Your support
will be greatly appreciated. Volunteers will also be needed to
supervise about, answer questions, cut bait, teach fishing basics such
as casting, knot tying and fish identification.

If you feel that you can help us in our mission please contact me. I
can be reached via phone at the Surf City Ocean Pier at (910) 328-3521
or via e-mail at pier_wi...@yahoo.com.

Thanks
Johnny

Topsail Beach Update

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Hello from Topsail Beach! Early mornings have been producing spanish mackerel and blues from the piers using gotcha plugs or diamond jigs. Later in the day, live bait, (shrimp, finger mullet, mud minnows) fished on a carolina rig under the pier is getting a few flounder. Not many keepers, but a few. Later in the evening, you could catch some spots, pompano, or sea mullets on sand fleas, cut shrimp or blood worms. Live finger mullet or cut mullet fished in the suds could net you a red drum. There are also a few speckled trout being caught on live shrimp fished under a cork. Sea mullets, spots, pompano and red drum are in the surf, I like sand fleas or really fresh cut shrimp for bait. Kings are being caught from the end of the piers, not in big numbers, but the big numbers could be in any time. They are catching big kings, up to 35 lbs just off the beach trolling live menhaden from boats, so they are close. There should be some tarpon moving in any day now. On the sound side, you have specks, red drum, and flounder. Use the same carolina rig and live bait for the red drum, and flounder, and a popping cork and live shrimp for the specks. Summer fishing is here, there are not a lot of anything, but there are some of everything around.

News Brief from N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Boaters Reminded to Boat Safe, Boat Sober This Summer

As part of Operation Dry Water on June 26-28, wildlife officers and cooperating law enforcement agencies will conduct saturation patrols, checkpoints and educational efforts throughout the state's waterways. For more information, click here. Operating a recreational vessel while under the influence of an impairing substance or with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08 or higher is illegal. Penalties may include fines up to $1,000 and jail.

Fish for Free on July 4

On July 4 from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m., anyone—resident and non-resident—can fish in any public water in North Carolina, including coastal waters, without a fishing license or trout privilege license.

All other fishing regulations, such as fish length and daily possession limits, as well as bait and tackle restrictions and park-use fees, apply. For more information, click here.

Purchase a License

Headed to your favorite fishing hole this summer? If so, be sure to check your license before leaving home to make sure that it hasn't expired. Annual licenses are good for one year from the date of purchase.

The Wildlife Resources Commission offers licenses to accommodate a variety of needs and situations. Click here for a full list of licenses, including lifetime, and prices. To purchase a license quickly and easily, click here; or call 1 (888) 248-6834 (hours of operation are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., 7 days a week; or visit your local wildlife service agent.

2009-2010 Regulations Digest

The 2009-2010 North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Regulations Digest is now available free to the public here, by visiting a licensed service agent or by writing to the following address: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, 1722 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1722. For questions, call customer service.

Have a safe and blessed holiday!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Topsail Update

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Migraines have kept me sidelined for much of the last week or so. I did get out yesterday evening for about an hour. I have never seen the Atlantic Ocean so calm. Absolutely no whitecaps, not even any waves except right on the shore. I was standing in shoulder deep water, and the waves would just barely cover my head as they rolled in. Fishing was a bust. The water was so clear I could see my feet standing in four feet of water.

Sea View Fishing Pier reports there were Trout caught with live shrimp, some Spots, Mullets, White Perch and Blues. The King fishermen lost a nice Tarpon after a 40 minute battle. Surf City Pier reports spots, blues, spanish, which to me seems unusual. My experiences have told me that spots bite when the water is dingy, or even muddy. Spanish on the other hand seem to bite for me when the water is clear. I haven't been to the pier in a couple of weeks, but I am guessing the water was dingy close to the surf, and maybe clear towards the end. That's one explanation anyway.

Don't forget the Youth Fishing Tournament at Surf City Pier on July 4th this year. There is more info on the Surf City Pier website, or you can read it below.



[quote]

"Fishing for something to do with your children? This event is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2009 starting at 10 am and is over at 2 pm with the awards ceremony at 2:30pm. Lunch will be provided to all of the registered youngsters. There will be games galore and awards too . The way to win is to just show up. This event is free of charge to all children ages 0-16 who participate and their adult assistant. This event will expose youngsters under the age of 16 to the excitement of fishing in a fun , educational and safe, family oriented environment. Now there is nothing fishy about any of that."

"We are going to attempt to try something a little different this year by having a Children’s Fishing Competition and Celebration. Our mission is to Educate, Protect/Preserve, and Enhance our environment and love of fishing.

"Educate our junior anglers on just how fragile our waters and sea life are through educational signs and educating by example. The Choices we make today can impact generations to come. Protect/Preserve by making catch and release a religion, not just a practice and returning all unwanted fish back to the water alive including sharks and skates. Each sea creature has a purpose to its environment and insuring its species’ survival in the circle of life is essential. By using bronze hooks and other methods to reduce damage to fish and all other sea creatures, anglers can help ensure their survival."

"Enhance our environment through cleanups and beach renourishments in addition to working with other environmental and marine life groups to address pollution and other issues that impact our fish and waters."

"As is true with so many volunteer events we are looking for Sponsors. Donations of merchandise and or money is always appreciated. We would like to be able to offer all our youngsters who participate a prize and our winners Savings bonds so that they might be able to use it for their future education. Your contribution will help ensure the success of our endeavor so that we might continue offering this wonderful fun day to all the children visiting and from our community. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Volunteers will also be needed to supervise about, answer questions, cut bait, teach fishing basics such as casting, knot tying and fish identification."

"If you feel that you can help us in our mission please contact me. I can be reached via phone at the Surf City Ocean Pier at (910) 328-3521 or via e-mail at pier_witch@yahoo.com. "

[end quote]



As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, remember to be safe, and arrive safe at your destination. Keep the beer cold until you are here, don't risk your family or freedom by driving while drinking.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

King Mackerel

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Nearshore fishing around Carolina Beach is really picking up now,lots of menhaden in the yacht basin,river and waterways,makes catching live bait easy.King mackerel have moved right on the beach with the piers reporting catches of king mackerel,anglers are finding some smoker kings at Carolina Beach Inlet,I fished yesterday finding kings about 2 miles off the beach,mornings have been the best time to fish just because of the heat factor the last several days tempertures have been around 95 degrees,drink plenty of water,wear sunscreen,remember to be safe.
Capt.Mike Dennis
Cape Fear Guide
Capt.Mike@charter.net
www.capefear-guide.com
910-619-0928

SC Pier Youth Fishing Tournament

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Hello from Topsail Beach. Surf City Ocean Pier is having a Children's Fishing Competition and Celebration on Saturday, July 4 with prizes, games and awards. This event is free and will expose youngsters under the age of 16 to the excitement of fishing in a fun, educational, and safe family oriented environment. 10am to 2pm with awards at 2:30pm. All children will receive a certificate of participation. For more info go to www.surfcityoceanpier.com

Fishing offshore continues to be very good. Huge Bull Dolphin and nice kings are being caught in the six to ten mile range. Surf fishing is picking up on Topsail Island. Virginia mullet, spot, croaker, flounder, pig fish, and red drum are biting in the surf, just behind the breakers. I like to fish high tide, two hours before and two hours after peak high tide. There are lots of sand fleas in the surf for bait, even at Topsail Beach, where they have been scarce for the last couple of years. On the piers, anglers are catching spots, mullets, croaker, flounder, sheepshead, pig fish and sharks on bottom rigs. Spanish and blues are hitting gotcha plugs and diamond jigs all along the pier. I talked to one angler, Linda, who caught an eight pound chopper hatteras blue just behind the breakers at Surf City Pier. On the inside, it's much the same as the last couple of weeks. Scattered speckled trout and red drum are being caught near the docks on the falling tide, and along grass lines near oyster beds on the rising tide. Some nice flounder are being caught in Banks Channel behind Topsail Beach. Live finger mullets and live pogies seem to be producing best. Fish these live baits on a carolina rig with a large enough weight to keep the bait near the bottom in the current. I am hearing sheepshead are biting near the turning bridge, and near the high ridge bridge, and also around docks off the waterway. Forecast is looking good, so good fishing.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny