Fishing Report 02/05/2014

The Speckled Trout fishery closes today to commercial and recreational. It won't re-open until June 15th. With the major winter storm we had last week that brought freezing rain,sleet, snow and freezing temperatures to the whole North Carolina coast the NC Marine Fishery made this decision. The only major kill I've heard of has been in the Pungo River in Pamlico County. The rest of the counties are reporting a minor fish kill. A lot of the fish were stunned in hope they would come back being we were back in the 60’s within just a few days of the freeze.

There will be some that won't like the closure but it's to better our fishery. The closer still allows you to fish for trout but you can't keep them. It's a catch and release. Anglers may enjoy some topwater action even though you have to turn them back to swim another day. The great thing about this closure is the Speckled Trout will get a good spawn this spring since none will be taken from the waters. So, that could be huge for us this fall. The last time we had a closer of this kind we were rewarded with a great fall.

Fishing Report

As far as fishing goes it's been slow but we're in the middle of winter but there has been some Red Drum action over the last few weeks. Tim the Trout Man from the shop went out the day before the storm in Schoolhouse Creek and caught around 20 Red Drum all in the 20 to 24 inch range. His fish were caught on Live Mud Minnows and the new Mirrolure “Paul Brown's Soft Dines”. Really, any creek this time of the year could be holding schools of Red Drum it's just trial and error plus finding a good weather day to fish. This past weekend a few anglers had great luck at the Fort Macon Park from the beach. I heard some good numbers of fish were caught with some pretty steady action plus nice sized fish. Cut Mullet, Bait Shrimp and Live Mud Minnows are all great choices when trying the rocks for Reds in the winter. Also, you probably will catch some Spiny Dogfish this time of the year fishing in the surf zone. They aren't a real sought after fish but they will give you a good pull and it's wintertime.

Before the winter storm hit the Speckled Tout action was still pretty good around the North River and Neuse River areas with good amounts of fish being caught. There were lots of small fish but some good action. Since the winter blast not many anglers have ventured out but there has been a few trout caught in the rivers. Just keep in mind if you do catch any make sure you release them back because I've been told by the Marine Fisheries they are going to be watching everyone very close during the closure.

A few boats made it offshore last weekend and just killed the Trigger Fish off the bottom structures out around the ledges. They were good numbers caught and some were very nice sized fish at that. There's not many other fish that you can keep but triggers are great to eat.

There's not very much more to report with all the bad weather we've been having but there's been some action. So, if you catch a good weather day get out and see what you can come up with. Just remember March is around the corner and the water will start to warm up plus the fish will be ready for action!!!

Fishing School

Don’t forget we have the Fisherman's Post Fishing School coming up on the 22nd of this month at the Civic Center in Morehead City. It's a great “HANDS ON” school including making rigs and some great fishing seminars on Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, Neuse River, Artificial Reefs and out to the Blue Water will all be covered. SO DON’T MISS OUT!!!!