Another week closer to the Fall Surf Fishing Tournament on October 7, 8, and 9. Fishing is starting to improve in the surf. Some bigger fish are moving in the surf. We are beginning to hear about some big Blue Fish being caught at night which means the big Reds are right behind them. The big Red Drum usually run from mid September through October; mainly at night. Both piers are still catching lots of Spanish Mackerel and Blue Fish during the day and Whiting at night. The North Pier is reporting Spots being caught at night along with some big Flounder landed on mullet minnows. The boats are still landing lots of Spanish Mackerel and Blue Fish while further out Dolphin are small but plentiful. I want to take a minute to talk about Katrina. We have had our share of storms here and we have recovered. Let me explain what Katrina has done to the life of commercial fishermen. Let’s start with Shrimp. Put a farm-raised shrimp next to a fresh shrimp and there is not much difference, but eat one of each and you will know the difference. It?s a hard life and costly. Most of those small shrimpers can’t afford insurance so repairing and starting over is the only option. The big boats have insurance, so sitting around is no problem for some and no matter where they are from, Vietnam or America; they are all the same on the ocean – commercial fishermen. As for the oysters you love so much in the fall and holidays, well, now you have to count on us North Carolina fishermen. The second largest area for oysters. Now those of you will say, well, they will raise the price! That’s probably wrong. I bet it won’t go up in price. This year when you toast your friends at the family gathering and thank the Lord for the food on your table, thank a commercial fisherman who lost possibly everything in Katrina. God Bless everyone affected by Katrina. Keep fishin’ and releasin’Steve and Karen Labanec Seagull Bait and Tackle 910-458-7135
Jay Argabright caught this Flounder at 5.25 pounds in the surf in Carolina Beach on August 10th, 2005.
Ricky Osborne caught this 11.5 pound 31 inch Red Drum on July 02, 2005.
Cody and Michael Scott holding a 9.25 pound Flounder caught last week in Carolina Beach.
Joe Faulkner caught this 49 pound Wahoo on August 20th, 2005.
[tags]wahoo, flounder, reddrum, red drum, Spanish Mackerel, blue fish, Carolina Beach Fishing[/tags]