Carolina Beach August 19, 2004
Harry G, of Seagull Bait and Tackle, reports that the surf fishing has been good since the storm. Charley created several new holes off the surf, so scout for them at low tide and then go back at high tide. Saturday night after the storm guys did well with blues and reds at the north end of the island. On Sunday people were doing really well off the Carolina Beach and the Kure Beach surf, with a blue, spot, or pompano getting hooked on just about every cast.
The effects of Charley could be that some of the flounder could be pushed inside. Before the storm there had been a fantastic flounder bite at John’s Creek and at the buoy off of the Marriot. The storm may have moved these fish inside. The high levels of freshwater, however, may work to push fish outside to the deeper water. The shrimp may move outside, which will mean more bites inside on finger mullet.
Capt. Fisher, of Capture Charters, reports that before the storm there had been a good speckled trout and flounder bite at the hole in the wall at Fort Fisher. There had also been guys finding big red drum (10 to 20 lbs.) in Carolina Beach Inlet on the falling tide. The action had been better on the Masonboro side of the inlet. And at Sheepshead Rock there were catches of flounder and gray trout (1 to 3 lbs.).
Barry, of Cape Fear Marine and Tackle, reports that before the storm the flounder bite had continued to be strong. Guys were doing well by fishing structures, up and down the waterway, and in the river. The offshore flounder bite had also stayed hot in the John’s Creek area. The Virginia mullet and pompano bite out of the surf was strong before the storm and continued to do well right after Charley passed. The Kure Beach surf has been where the heaviest catches are coming from. Anglers on the Carolina Beach Pier reported large schools of kings working bait in the area after the storm. They are right on the beach in numbers, so some good fishing should come from their presence. The water’s murky, but it seems to be settling down quickly.
Capt. Dave, of Musicman Charters, reports that it will take a few more days for the seas to settle and the offshore fishing action to return. When it does settle, look for the usual August action of spanish, kings, and amberjacks.
