It didn’t take long for Old Man Winter to arrive and totally throw what little fishing and catching there was into disarray. Fortunately our area was spared the brunt of the latest winter storm, only bringing us some rain and chilly temperatures. Now as we look toward the end of the month, things are already looking up as temperatures this weekend are forecast to be pushing the mid-to-upper 60s with sunny skies — no doubt a nice reprieve. Water temperatures have managed to dip into the lower 50s, subsequently shutting off what little fishing there was, but with those warmer conditions on the horizon, there will be some fish caught by those who get out there and enjoy the last few days of January.
Reports continue of keeper speckled trout being caught by those who get out there and work hard to find them. Some anglers are having better luck back in the creeks while other have been finding success around the Masonboro Inlet jetties. Whatever location you choose, presentation is paramount in what, if any, success you’ll have. Obviously with the cold water, slowing down your retrieve should help draw the sluggish fish to have a little more interest in your offering. Using scented bait will also help your cause and even adding some of the bottled scent in addition won’t hurt anything either. Anglers who are finding the fish are also reporting quite a few small fish around, so patience will help your cause.
If speckled trout fishing isn’t your forte, then maybe try some shark fishing in the 11th Annual Johnnie Mercer’s Pier Dogfish Tournament held this Saturday, Jan. 30. Fishing will be held from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. with awards immediately following. Entry fee is $5 per rod in addition to the pier fee of $8 per rod. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three fish weighed in addition to door prizes. This event normally draws a crowd from all over the United States and with nice weather forecast, the fishing crowd could be even larger. Registration will be held at the pier prior to the start of fishing so make sure to get there early and claim your spot. For more information, contact Al Baird at 704-293-5524.
Elsewhere, there is not much happening as rough conditions have hampered those fishing offshore as well as those trying to fish the surf. As ocean conditions subside, things should start picking up, although slowly. But on the bright side, once we get through the month of February, it won’t take long for the fishing to really get cranking and before you know it, complaints of heat and humidity will start to be heard.
