Water temperatures have continued to rise and earlier this week were reading in the lower 60s, a tad warmer than in years past. However, some cooler weather at the beginning of the week probably will have a slight effect on the water temps, while the above-normal temperatures during the middle of the week will bring everything back into perspective. And in the ever-changing conditions, a forecast cold front and wet weather predicted for the upcoming weekend will again throw in another twist. Once this weather system vacates the area early next week, then things should really start to progress and the fishing and catching shouldn’t be too far behind. As a matter of fact, the fishing has already started to significantly improve although there have been a few hiccups here and there, and some anglers are even commenting that they expect an earlier season than normal. What the future fishing holds will not be known until someone starts talking about it, but rest assured, you’ll definitely want to be prepared.
Offshore, the fishing was limited to a couple of days last week due to some strong winds and highs seas over the weekend. This weekend doesn’t look much better so those wanting to head offshore will unfortunately have to wait for some better forecasts. Wahoo in the Gulf Stream with a few blackfin tuna were the main reports of fish with some snapper, black sea bass and triggerfish being found in shallower waters around the 30-mile mark.
Inshore, the fishing has really started picking up and while not on fire, there has been a very noticeable uptick in the fishing and catching. Red drum is one of the species that has started making an improved appearance with lots of fish being found in the creeks and around the docks. Some anglers are still finding good bites from the drum in the surf as well but rough ocean conditions have made that a little more difficult lately. The speckled trout fishing is still fairly good, but with added boat traffic around Wrightsville Beach, those fish have become a little more skittish. While there are still some fish being caught around Wrightsville, the areas in the Cape Fear River and around Surf City and Topsail beaches are less traveled and provide a little better speckled trout fishing this time of year. Anglers are also reporting an increase in black drum and while they aren’t being encountered every trip, it’s a sure sign that the fishing is really about to amp up.
The surf fishing has also started to increase in catches and whether it’s improved weather and therefore more anglers fishing or that the fish are starting to bite better, you won’t hear many complaining. The Virginia mullet fishing has improved drastically from last week and while still not being described as excellent, it’s well worth it to head out with some fresh shrimp and fish the deeper holes and sloughs along the beach. The normal areas in the lower Cape Fear River are also producing better than one week ago and in both spots there are plenty of blowfish, aka puffers, being found. One other catch of note is the arrival of bluefish around the Masonboro Inlet jetties. While not big and not plentiful, they are bluefish, a sure sign that fishing is about to fire off.
