Although the water temperatures have remained in the lower-to-mid 80s, the fishing has been relatively good. Those water temperatures, however, should start to be a thing of the past as we now enter the month of September, a month frequented by cold fronts and tropical systems, both of which our area will encounter this weekend. As of press time, there are a lot of questions as to what impact the systems will have on our area but early indications are it will be gone once we get into the holiday weekend and the cold front will bring some much-needed cooler air and lower humidity.
Once the seas subside, there are some important regulations to be aware of. The recreational harvest of some bottom species in federal waters will close Sept. 3. Those species will include jolthead porgy, knobbed porgy, whitebone porgy, saucereye porgy and scup. This is in addition to the closure that went into effect Aug. 9 of the Jacks Complex Species that prevents the possession of almaco jack, banded rudderfish and lesser amberjack. The proclamation states this fishery will reopen Jan. 1, 2017. This is why it’s imperative for every angler to review the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries website for up-to-date fishing information before every trip, as the regulations can change from one week to the next and the angler if responsible for knowing and being up to date on any rule changes.
Inshore, the fishing has continued to be good with lots of over slot red drum being reported from both the inshore waters as well as the nearshore waters. The fish have taken up residence in the deeper creeks and around the area docks as well as in the inlets, specifically around the jetties at Masonboro Inlet. If targeting these fish, please make sure to use stout tackle so the fish can be caught and released in quick order as a lengthy battle on light tackle can be very detrimental for the fish’s chances of a healthy release. The flounder fishing has also been strong with lots of fish in the 2- to 4-pound range being reported as well as some pushing 6-8 pounds. The area creeks are holding fish as are the inlets. The lower Cape Fear River and areas around Carolina Beach seem to be the better locations to target the larger fish although some are coming from the Wrightsville, Topsail and Surf City areas. Live finger mullet, which are very plentiful, fished on a Carolina Rig are responsible for the majority of the large fish, but larger artificial baits will also work. Unfortunately, what looked like it was going to be a banner fall for flounder will soon come to an end. Starting Oct. 16, the flounder fishing will be closed to all harvest, so go out there and get them while you can.
