Well, we made it through February, one of the most difficult months for anglers, and even though it had an extra day, we’ve finally made it to March and now the waiting becomes shorter and the fishing becomes better. Water temperatures are reading in the mid-to-lower 40s and it appears that the brief encounter we had with temperatures falling into the 40s is a thing of the past. The warm-up should continue, especially if we continue having days like earlier this week. Unfortunately, though, we’re not quite out of winter yet, as another cold front this week has brought rain and cooler, but not freezing, temperatures. It’s just a matter of time, maybe just days or maybe a week or two, before the fishing really starts progressing, but it’ll be here before you know it. If conditions persist, I anticipate an active April fishing season.
The last couple of days of February provided those anglers wanting to fish offshore just enough of an opportunity for them to give it a whirl and those that did found some hungry fish around the Gulf Stream. The area around the Same Ole Hole seemed to produce the best, with several reports of boats managing to boat multiple wahoo. Those fishing closer to the beach reported some very good bottom fishing in the 25-mile range with black bass being the main haul. Some anglers fished a little closer and also found the black bass, although those anglers had to fish between the small ones and those that were of legal size were much smaller than those caught in deeper water.
Inshore, the speckled trout fishing is showing some signs of life again as some fishermen found them biting in the creeks around Wrightsville Beach, although, while there were a few keepers, the majority of these fish were on the small side. The lower Cape Fear River produced some small fish also but there was a better quality of fish reported. The same goes for areas around New River Inlet, but this fishery always produces good results if you know where to fish. Those looking for red drum were able to find fish in the warmer, shallow waters of the Cape Fear River with a few fish reported coming from the docks around Figure Eight Island.
With water temperatures steadily warming up now, those anglers that target sea mullet are once again getting themselves ready for their arrival. Barring any significant and lengthy cold snap, those fish should start arriving when water temperatures get into the upper 50s. While you’ll be able to catch them from the surf, one of the best locations, if you have access to a boat, is the area of the Cape Fear River where it meets the ocean. There are some areas that anglers like better than others but once these fish arrive, those that fish for them can manage to catch plenty of fish for the freezer in just a few hours’ work. Both fresh shrimp and bloodworms on bottom rigs work the best and all you have to do is look for the boats anchored up in groups and you can sure bet the fish are close by. Just be sure to show some etiquette and find your own spot to fish.
