NCsaltaire

Fall Fishing on the “Banks”

October 14, 2012 at 6:34 am 1 comment

The fishing season has been an exciting one for me. I started in September in Southwest Florida. I hunted big gator trout and redfish with my friend Capt. CA in Tampa. And I caught trout and snook in the Charlotte Harbor area near Punta Gorda with my first mate.

Back home in North Carolina, I caught dozens of “specs” from both the bridges and surf. Seems the Trout fishery might just be the best it’s ever been in eastern Carolina.

I traveled up to Ocean City, Maryland for my annual off-shore charter out of Sunset Marina. This trip produced dozens of dolphin – “mahi-mahi” and a 35 pound yellow fin Tuna.

Work travel allowed me to give the rods and reels a chance to “cool off”.

October brought me more time on the water and it was almost like the light switch was never turned off. I caught puppy drum (southern anglers call them “redfish”), speckled trout, blues, black drum, and spot. It did not matter which bait I used. I caught specs on cut bait and spot on lead head with a twister tail. Just amazing for this area.

I am off for another short trip but plan to get back on the surf soon.

My best bet for success this week would be to use a standard bottom rig, #2 or #4 circle hooks, light pyramid sinker and cast into the wash from any pier or the surf. If you are fishing from a pier, try the north side in fall. It seems the old guys tell me that the north side in fall and south in spring and summer works best. Cast just past the white foam as the wave crest passes. You should find plenty of puppy drum and specs.

Remember the regulation – puppy drum 18-27 and speckled trout – 18 inches or larger.

I would also keep a light spinning set ready for those occasional runs of tailor blues or heavy trout during their migration south.

Until next time, Tightlines. Capt. Tony

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