Saturday, September 20, 2008
Catching update
If you went by my boat, the title for today’s entry should be “no catching report”. My friend Alan and I were entered in the NC Flatfish Championship hosted by the Fisherman’s Post. We went all out to catch big flounder. Using big live baits and fishing only in spots where one or both of us had caught a “doormat” sized flounder before, it was all or nothing. Turned out to be nothing. Well we did catch some small flounders, lost a couple nice size ones and caught a full range of bait stealers from lizard and toad fish to baby groupers.
We heard reports from some of our friends of some nice flounder being caught at Sea View pier as well as some nice reds in the surf. We also spoke to some folks that caught some a few sheepshead and black drum. The water is very clear and the temperatures are dropping so the fishing will just get better and better.
More as the reports trickle in................
Thursday, September 18, 2008
State Record Tarpon
A new North Carolina state record for Tarpon was set yesterday by Malcom Condie. He was fishing off the end off Sea View Pier at North Topsail Beach when he landed the 193 pound fish. Condie was using 30 pound test line with a pop-eye mullet as bait. It took him under an hour to land the Tarpon. The previous state record was a 175 pound fish caught in 2005 by Jesse J. Lockowitz.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Fishing report Sept 16
The inshore water clarity is about normal for this time of year but the water in the first few miles off the beach is a milky green but is improving. Offshore the water is clear and very blue!
Up at the north end of the island, the specks and drum are chewing and some nice flounder too. There is plenty of bait in that water which usually means your best bet is to use some live mullet, menhaden or shrimp for bait. The specks in the river are running in the 1-3 pound size and are around the mouths to the creeks and on up to Wilson Bay. A few larger ones have also been caught this week. The reds have been hitting on top water plugs in the shallow grassy areas on the flood tide as well as on live bait about anytime.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Red Drum Fishing in Oriental
My freind Randy (owner of NCAngler.com) and I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Oriental fishing on the Nuese river for old red drum. We met up there on Tuesday afternoon.
I knew before I left that it would be a good trip cause the day did not start out well. I figured the fish had conspired to keep us off the water. I noticed both of my trailer tires were a little low on air so I went to remove the cap and fill them. As soon as I twisted the cap the metal part of the stem came flying out and the tire went flat as a pancake. Same thing on the other side. I couldn’t remove the lugs because of rust, so I had to go borrow an impact wrench and compressor to get them off. Then I had jack problems and had to borrow another jack. After 3 hours, I finally got the tires fix and was on my way.
Randy and I met up there around 4:30 and launched the boat. I had stopped at Dave’s (Minnesott Bait & Tackle) to pick up some bait and get the latest fishing report. Soon we were at our desired spot and had our baits and chum out. Not too long latter and the storm clouds started appearing. When the lightening and clouds headed our way we left and pulled out of the water. Day 1 - fish 1, us nothing.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Post Hanna fishing report
Everyone I have heard from this week-end wants to know “did Hanna affect the fishing?” Well they say a picture tells the story and that is true in this case. Pictured is my buddy Alan with a one of many red drum he caught today.
He was fishing up at the north end of Topsail in some creeks and marsh just off the ICW. He said the water clarity was decent and the fish were definitely hungry. They fished this afternoon till dark and caught 5 keeper flounder and a whole slew of red drum, most of them in the slot. They had one about 30” long break off at the boat.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Mark’s King
My buddy, Mark who hales from Sanford, is an avid king fisherman. His screen name, pier dweller, is a good indication of where he spends much of his free time. I really enjoy having him on my boat when ever possible and he has entered several tournaments with me. But on the pier is where he is most “at home”. He comes down to Topsail Island for a few days at a time and sits on the end of the pier fishing for kings.
This week was no different. He came down for the week and planned to fish in the Topsail Offshore KMT with me and Gery on my boat as well as fish from his usual position on the pier. Hanna has caused the tournament to be postponed but Mark was able to land the nice 24 pound king shown. He caught it off of Surf City Ocean Pier using a live bluefish! Way-to-go Mark!
