Topsail Angler

The old adage that the month of March "comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb" was only half true this year. March roared all the way into April in these parts, at least as far as the marine weather went. Lots of wind, then just as we were sure there could be no more, it blew again. 

I spoke to one charter captain that had already canceled 16 trips this year - all in March and early April. It's a hard way to make a living with weather like we've had.

April started the same way; but the past couple of weeks have offered us a few days here and there to get out in the ocean and chase some fish! We have had some "blue bird" days for sure, sunny skies, warm days and little wind! 

When the fleet was finally able to get out to the Gulf Stream, they found the Black Fin Tuna chewing and had some nice catches of Wahoo too. Lately the catches have included some nice sized Yellow Fin Tuna and some gaffer size Mahi. I have had good reports from the more southern areas like the Steeples and Black Jack hole. The Reports from the Big Rock area have indicated a lot of grass and green water but that should change as the trade winds shift to be more from the south and southeast. 

The grouper bite has been good in the 30 to 40 miles range with plenty of red grouper and some good size gags being taken. The usual mix of bottom fish, pinkies, b-liners, black bass and grunts have been biting as well. 

Closer to shore the Bonito have been running strong on the north end of the island with the southern end being left behind so far. The bite has been the best at Diver's Rock and just south of there. Diver's rock is about four nautical miles from New River inlet on a southeast heading. The action has been more in mid water column so far than on top.  Anglers have had the best results from fishing on number two planers or using their downriggers to get their lures into the 25 to 30 foot range. A few Spanish mackerel have made an appearance as well. More should be on the way soon.

On the piers and from the surf, the mullet and blues action has been steady. Lots of snapper and taylor sized blues but I heard one report of a nice chopper blue being caught.  To get the best results of mullet catches, try to find fresh, local shrimp. By fresh I mean not having been frozen and caught within the past day or two.  Sand fleas are working well but to find them you will have to visit the beach areas that were not renourished this past winter. On the other hand, the blues will bite about anything you put out there.

Inside the trout are still chewing with the New River producing some nice sized fish. The creeks and waterway are also holding some specks. The reds have moved onto the marsh banks but the bite has been spotty so patience and stealth are the keys.

Spring fishing has SPRUNG! Get out here and catch a few!

Tight lines to all!

Mike Becker is an area angler who publishes a fishing blog on-line at topsailangler.com