Fishing in May is Golden

Article by: Capt. Charlie Schoonmaker

As winter ebbs into spring, May arrives and one can feel the summer months coming on,…finally. Today the SENCLAND area is warming rapidly, water temps are approaching the 70 degree mark, and the Pogeys (a favorite spring time baitfish) are signaling the arrival of spring are thick in the River basin, just the right size for those lurker flounder and redfish that will be following these baits inshore for their season too. Local fishermen have worked and gotten their boats and fishing gear tuned, greased the bearings on the boat trailers, respooled fresh line on the reels, and are itching to go, especially now since many beaches and recreation areas are reopening to the public from the Chinese Wuhan virus situation, and not one day too soon for many a haggard fisherman! Yes, Spring is in the air and fishing can once again may relieve many a pent up energy and quarantine caused blues! 

So now the springtime question is which fish do you want to chase? Where’s the bigguns’! What are they biting on? And the answer is Everywhere! 

Presently for the open ocean Offshore fisherman, there have been some nice Wahoo and Dolphin reported and the boats who have ventured out to the Gulf Stream areas have been happy with their results..closer in the King Mackerel fishing has started and the Bonitos and other species have been plentiful around most of the wrecks and ledges. Cobia too are now in season and should provide a good pull on the lines for many anglers…. be aware of the new limits on Cobia though, 1 Cobia per fisherman per day not to exceed 2 Cobia per boat during May, 2020, then reducing to 1 Cobia per boat from June to December 2020! It is not that far a boat run and there has been ample action to tempt most small boat anglers. 

Trolling the nearshore waters for Spanish Mackerel has been productive when the weather cooperates and there have been some pleasant surprises on the larger sizes of fish that are caught. Standard Clark Spoons on planners and lead lines seem to be working best for the Spanish but some schools of fish south of the Carolina Beach area  have been “surface busting” allowing the angler to cast to the schools and with a high speed retrieve has provided a lot of exercise and fish catching enjoyment. Bluefish are in on the action also, but just be aware of the new federal and state limits on the Blues!… three per day per angler! 

The Ocean piers and surf casters when allowed to fish have reported some mixed bags of black drum, red fish, croakers, puffers, mullets and other species to help satisfy your fishing experience. All fresh baits from local shrimp to imported bloodworms seem to work well and the “Greedy Rig” or standard two hook bottom rig is the choice of the day….the ICW (Intercoastal Water Way), All Inlets, and the Snows Cut area are producing some fish and there are even reports of  some nice Spots coming from the Snows Cut area along with Speckled Trout, Black drum, Red Fish and even a few large Flounder have been caught, but please learn and know your current N C State regulations as flounder are still out of season!  And Please take your time when releasing these fish back to the water alive for future harvesting!  

The Cape Fear River, lower bay areas and its tributaries are producing lots of Virginia Mullet still and there are many other species being reported to help fill the pan! Black drum and trout are hitting well and red drum are in the mix also! 

So Overall, the 2020 Spring fishing season is off to a very good start and with the opening of the country after fighting this Wuhan Chinese Virus by quarantine, what better way to get some fresh air, practice social distancing, and enjoy the day and eating some fresh caught fish you know personally? A little sunshine (Vitamin D) on your face and fr3sh air in your lungs couldn’t hurt anyone! Take some deep breaths and breathe! Be safe and courteous out there and remember,

Take a youngster with you! He’ll learn something and remember,…..more tackle boxes, less X-boxes!

About the Author: Captain Charlie Schoonmaker grew up on the waters of North Carolina which has given him experience in all water sports from freshwater canoeing to deep sea “bluewater” fishing. Having seen all aspects of the ocean world Capt. Charlie can appreciate all the fishing and water communities. Capt. Charlie has over 50 years of local knowledge and experience fishing the Beautiful Southeastern Coast of North Carolina (SENCland). He continues operating his charter fishing business “Back Bay Fishing Charters” and his new family oriented excursions “Capt. Charlie’s Adventures” in Carolina Beach, N C. Ready to fish, Call: 910-262-3474