51.7 F
Wrightsville Beach
Friday, March 29, 2024

Hook, line and sinker

Must read

While it might be short lived, the frigid weather of winter has finally arrived in our area. Highs in the 30s and 40s with water temperatures reaching the middle 50s have certainly had an impact on the local fishing. But these conditions don’t normally stay around for any length of time, so if you pay attention, there may still be an opportunity or two during the month of January to have some success with wetting a line and trying some fishing.

As is normally the case this time of year, winds and sea conditions are affecting those who want to head offshore and even those who want to fish the beach. Ocean conditions have not been favorable for those wanting to fish these waters and they don’t appear they will be that fishable for anglers any time in the near future.

For those absolutely intent on fishing, your best bet will be the inshore waters — some anglers have actually had some luck here and there. Speckled trout are the main target and areas in the lower Cape Fear River are the best locations close to home. If you want to travel a little bit, some larger fish are being found around New River. Elsewhere, the striper fishing in the upper Cape Fear River has been fairly steady. Remember, when fishing these waters for stripers, they are strictly catch and release. Once ocean conditions subside, there should still be some puffers  caught from the piers and surf along with an occasional trout or two. Now that water temperatures have finally receded into the 50s, the mullet fishing is probably over for the season, although it wouldn’t be surprising to see a fish or two caught here or there.

As mentioned last week, this is normally the time of year that anglers are prepping for the upcoming season and one way to do this is to attend a local fishing school or seminar. Not only will these seminars refine your skills, but you might also learn a new tactic while stalking your favorite prey.

The Fisherman’s Post Full Day “Hands On” Fishing School, held at the Coastline Conference and Event Center on Saturday, Feb. 6  is the largest in our area and gives the most bang for your buck. Registration fees are $100 by Jan. 30 and $110 after. That fee includes breakfast and a barbecue chicken lunch, drinks and snacks, a fishing school T-shirt, rigging materials, a goodie bag and a chance at door prizes. The schedule for the day is varied but provides lots of opportunities to attend different sessions that appeal to you rather than having to endure something that you might not be interested in.

If you can’t get there on Saturday, then maybe the Half Day School on Sunday, Feb. 7 might be more appealing. This event is basically the same and includes just about everything the full day school does except the lunch, and of course the amount of seminars and stations available is reduced and ends around 1:30 p.m. Cost for this event is $70 by Jan. 30 and $75 after.

For tickets and more information for either event, visit Fisherman’s Post on the web or stop by Tex’s Tackle or West Marine.

- Advertisement -spot_img

More articles

- Advertisement -spot_img

Latest articles