Boats making trips with warmer weather

Area anglers are in fish mode due to the warming trend we have been experiencing. Boats that are getting out are reporting decent catches of fish. Inshore fishing is producing catches of red drum, black drum and speckled trout. Striped bass are being caught in the upper part of the river and along the downtown waterfront. Surf fishing is producing catches of red drum. Fishing at the nearshore reefs and ledges is producing catches of dogfish. Bottom fishing is producing catches of black sea bass and king mackerel are being caught in the vicinity of Frying Pan Tower.

TOPSAIL ISLAND

Joe Johnston reports large schools of red drum are in the deeper holes and along the surf zone. Best baits have been fresh shrimp and Gulp soft plastics. Source: Eastern Outfitters.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH

Tex Grissom reports inshore fishing is producing catches of red drum and black drum. Ocean going vessels are reporting catches of black sea bass and dogfish. Source: Tex's Tackle.

PLEASURE ISLAND

Captain Lewis Emery reports water temperatures are on the rise with the recent warming trend. Red drum and some speckled trout are being caught in the river. There have also been red drum caught in Snow’s Cut over the past week. Striped bass are being caught in upper part of the river. Dogfish are being caught at the nearshore wrecks. Bottom fishing is producing nice catches of black sea bass. King mackerel are being caught at Frying Pan Tower. Source: Island Tackle and Hardware.

LOWER BRUNSWICK COUNTY

Captain Chris Foster reports fishing in the backwater is producing catches of red drum and speckled trout. Fishing at the nearshore reefs is producing catches of spiny dogfish. Black sea bass are being caught a little further offshore. King mackerel should be found around schools of bait in the warmer waters. Source: Yeah Right Charters, Southport.