STRICTER GILL NET LIMITS INTENDED FOR SEA TURTLE PROTECTION

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide


MOREHEAD CITY – N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Director Louis Daniel on Monday will implement stricter regulations on flounder gill net fishing in Core Sound, Back Sound and waters around Hammocks Beach State Park.

The action is being taken in an effort to avoid illegal takes of sea turtles that could lead to a statewide federal closure of the flounder gill net fishery and/or legal prosecution under the Endangered Species Act.

“It is unfortunate, but not unexpected, that the potential for interactions increases as sea turtle populations recover,” Daniel said. “By implementing these new measures, the state is trying to maintain protections for threatened and endangered sea turtles while continuing a traditional flounder fishery.”

Daniel issued a proclamation today that reduces the amount of gill net fishermen can use from a total 3,000 yards per operation to 1,000 yards per operation. The proclamation also eliminates net tie downs and continuous lines of net. Each gill net set must be no longer than 200 yards, and there must be at least 25 yards between sets. Nets can be no deeper than 15 meshes.

The new regulations pertain to waters in Carteret and Onslow counties from the mouth of the Wainwright Channel in Core Sound to the Atlantic Beach Bridge, including the North and Newport rivers and from the Emerald Isle Bridge to just west of the Hammocks Beach ferry channel, not including the White Oak River and Queens Creek.

A letter from National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Administrator Roy Crabtree described high levels of illegal sea turtle takes in the Core Sound flounder gill net fishery. Last month, the NMFS began a new six-month observer program of the Core Sound flounder gill net fishery that observed five fishing trips from June 17 to June 25. Sea turtle takes were observed in four of the trips. Eleven sea turtle takes were observed, including six green, three Kemp’s ridley and two loggerhead.

In the letter, Crabtree stressed the importance of taking immediate action to address these illegal takes, and he suggested the state evaluate other areas where inshore gill net fisheries may be interacting with sea turtles. The letter from Crabtree is attached.

--MORE--

Interactions have been reported between sea turtles in the flounder gill net fisheries in Back Sound and in the Hammocks Beach State Park area. No such interactions have been reported in Bogue Sound. South of Queens Creek, current regulations limit potential interactions.

DMF is working closely with NMFS to consider future alternatives. These new regulations will remain in effect through the end of August but may be extended or strengthened as NMFS observations continue.

Daniel will be available to answer questions from the news media by conference call from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Reporters may call Kelly Odom in the DMF Public Affairs Office at (252) 808-8028 for information on dial-in access.

###

This is a step in the right direction. But I think we need more.

Till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

Hot Southeast NC Fishing, "Weather and the Bite"

Hello from steaming HOT southeast North Carolina!! Has it been hot enough for y’all lately? Thanks God the fish has been just as hot. The last few weeks of fishing have been very good; let’s talk about that in this fishing report>>>

The Spanish mackerel bite has been very good lately. Spanish mackerel are feeding well in the mornings and afternoons. We are catching most of the Spanish around the inlets, shoals, and up & down the beach strands; in twenty to forty feet of water. Look for bluer and cleaner water; this is where we are catching most of the Spanish. Most of the Spanish are biting Clark spoons trolled behind #1 planner’s. The Clark spoons that are working the best for us are sizes; 00 and 0 in plan silver and pink flash. When the Spanish are on top feeding and jumping, Maria jig spoons have been the trick.

The King mackerel and Mahi fishing has been great last few weeks. We’ve caught from six to twelve kings and two to four Mahi’s on most trips lately. Running the down rigger has produced some very nice kings; we had a thirty five and a twenty five pound king this week. There has been a few Sailfish around as well; keep your eye out for jumping and feeding Sails! Most of the Kings and Mahi’s are hitting fast trolled small ballyhoo or slow trolled menhaden and cigars minnows. One trick that has worked very well for us lately has been Blue water Candy’s bling feather dusters in colors pink and light blue. We are fishing in the ten to twenty mile range off the beach; around wrecks and live bottom areas.

Flounder fishing is really picking up around the area. Most of the Flounder are eating little menhaden and Mud minnows on light Carolina rigs. The Flounder are mixed in size to just under keeper size to a few over five pounds. We have caught some Flounder on Artificial baits as well. We have had the best luck with Saltwater Assassin Blurp grubs in molting color and “Chicken on a chain” color grubs. Rig the grubs on a red or black jig head for best results. Flounder fishing should stay consistent right through the summer and fall.

I’m starting to see a few Tarpon around the inlets and off the shoals; I really start looking for the silver kings right around the 4th of July. The Tarpon should stay around till mid September. We fish for Tarpon on the bottom using, live and fresh dead baits like; spots, bluefish and Menhaden. We rig these baits on fish finder rigs, with three to five feet of 80 to 100 pound mono leaders. Circle hooks are the best bet for good hook ups and landings for Tarpon in hook sizes 7/0 to 9/0 depending what hook series you like.

Sheephead fishing is starting to pick up as well around the area. The best bet is fishing around bridges, docks and bulk-heads. Fishing in water from six to fifth-teen feet for Sheephead seems to work the best for us. We fish mostly using small Carolina rigs, with forty pound mono leader and small but strong live bait hooks. Baits we are using; fiddler crabs and sand fleas have worked just fine. Give it a shot, it takes time but you’ll get one; Hold-on tight!

Gear used: Spanish, Flounder and Sheephead: reels Penn Sargus SG2000 and SG4000 Rods: Ugly Stick Lite 7'0" Med light and Med act. Line: Fire Line crystal in 10 and 20 pound test. Tarpon: Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) and Penn Torque 100TRQ. Rods: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class spinning and Torque 6’ 80-130 casting. Kings and Mahi: Penn spinning reel 560L (Live liner) Rod: Penn Torque 7’ 20-50 class.

Thanks for taking the time to read this report, don’t forget to take a kid fishing!


Capt. Jot Owens
Ranger Boats and
Pure Fishing Pro Staff
http://www.captainjot.com/
910-233-4139

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Dialed in on Red Drum

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Red drum fishing in the Cape Fear River is really heating up, found the reds biting really hard yesterday,catching over 8 slot size red drum on the first stop along with flounder.Live bait was the key to the hot bite!
Capt.Mike Dennis
Cape Fear Guide
Capt.Mike@charter.net
910-619-0928

ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT:

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT: ALERT:

SEVEN KINGS HAVE HIT THE PLANKS AT SURF CITY PIER TODAY!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Children’s Fishing Competition and Celebration

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide



Sponsored by Surf City Ocean Pier
Phone (910) 328-3521

Hello from Topsail Beach!
A message from Surf City Ocean Pier.


Fishing for something to do with your children? This event is
scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2009 starting at 10 am and is over at
2 pm with the awards ceremony at 2:30pm. Lunch will be provided to all
of the registered youngsters. There will be games galore and awards
too . The way to win is to just show up. This event is free of charge
to all children ages 0-16 who participate and their adult assistant.
This event will expose youngsters under the age of 16 to the
excitement of fishing in a fun , educational and safe, family oriented
environment. Now there is nothing fishy about any of that.

We are going to attempt to try something a little different this year
by having a Children’s Fishing Competition and Celebration.
Our mission is to Educate, Protect/Preserve, and Enhance our
environment and love of fishing.

Educate our junior anglers on just how fragile our waters and sea life
are through educational signs and educating by example. The Choices we
make today can impact generations to come.

Protect/Preserve by making catch and release a religion, not just a
practice and returning all unwanted fish back to the water alive
including sharks and skates. Each sea creature has a purpose to its
environment and insuring its species’ survival in the circle of life
is essential. By using bronze hooks and other methods to reduce damage
to fish and all other sea creatures, anglers can help ensure their
survival.

Enhance our environment through cleanups and beach renourishments in
addition to working with other environmental and marine life groups to
address pollution and other issues that impact our fish and waters.

As is true with so many volunteer events we are looking for Sponsors.
Donations of merchandise and or money is always appreciated. We would
like to be able to offer all our youngsters who participate a prize
and our winners Savings bonds so that they might be able to use it for
their future education. Your contribution will help ensure the success
of our endeavor so that we might continue offering this wonderful fun
day to all the children visiting and from our community. Your support
will be greatly appreciated. Volunteers will also be needed to
supervise about, answer questions, cut bait, teach fishing basics such
as casting, knot tying and fish identification.

If you feel that you can help us in our mission please contact me. I
can be reached via phone at the Surf City Ocean Pier at (910) 328-3521
or via e-mail at pier_wi...@yahoo.com.

Thanks
Johnny

Topsail Island Beach Laws

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

I have received several requests for beach rules on digging holes. Here is what I have been able to find.


Topsail Island beach towns have ordinances regulating beach holes.

Surf City has a no-holes-allowed beach policy, and its ordinance allows police to issue a citation and $50 fine to violators.

Topsail Beach prohibits holes greater than 12-inches deep unless a responsible person attends the hole at all times. All holes must be filled in and leveled prior to leaving the beach. Those age 16 or older who abandon a hole are subject to a $25 fine per violation.

North Topsail Beach issues citations if a hole greater than 12-inches deep is left unattended. All holes must be filled in before leaving the beach and no later than 30 minutes prior to sunset.

Keep off the dunes ($500.00 fine)

Sand dunes act as a natural barrier against storms and waves.

More later.

Till next time....
tuight lines!
Johnny

NEW CIRCLE HOOK SEASON STARTS JULY 1

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

A note from N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission.

Contact: Patricia Smith

Date: June 25, 2009 Phone: (252) 726-7021

NEW CIRCLE HOOK SEASON STARTS JULY 1


MOREHEAD CITY – A new seasonal requirement for using circle hooks in the Pamlico Sound and its tributaries starts Wednesday.

From July 1 to Sept. 30, fishermen must use circle hooks, short leaders and fixed weights when fishing between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. with natural bait using large hooks (greater than 4/0) in the Pamlico Sound and its tributaries.

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission adopted the rule in November in an effort to reduce post-release mortality in the recreational catch-and-release red drum fishery. Research has shown that the use of large or intermediate sized circle hooks, combined with a short leader and a fixed weight, reduces the incidence of deep hooking (gut hooking) in the red drum fishery.

The regulation was recommended in a N.C. Red Drum Fishery Management Plan.

For the purposes of this regulation, a circle hook is defined as a hook with the point of the hook directed perpendicularly back toward the shank and with the barb either compressed or removed. The fixed sinker should weigh at least 2 ounces and be secured within six inches of the circle hook.

The exact wording of the rule, with GPS coordinates, can be found on page 24 of the 2009 North Carolina Rules for Coastal Fishing Waters, which can be downloaded from the DMF Web site at http://www.ncfisheries.net/download/2009_MFC_Rulebook.pdf. An illustration of the appropriate circle hook tackle can be found at http://www.ncdmf.net/download/circlehookreddrum.pdf.

For more information about the requirement, contact DMF biologist Lee Paramore at (252) 473-5734 or Lee.Paramore@ncdenr.gov.

###

nr-28-09


Donna and I went for a swim this morning. We didn't fish, just swimming and beach combing. There was a huge pod of bottle nose dolphins playing in the surf, in less than four feet of water. They were jumping and playfully "surfing" the waves. What a treat!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna
266155

Red Drum Fishing

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Julio Garcerar caught a 27 1/2″ red drum on 06/25/2009 while,vacationing at Bald Head Island,he was fishing with the Cape Fear Guide.Red drum are beginning to show up,and are fighting hard !
Capt.Mike Dennis
Capt.Mike@charter.net
www.capefear-guide.com
910-619-0928

July 4th Children's Fishing Competion

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide




Sponsored by Surf City Ocean Pier
Phone (910) 328-3521

Hello from Topsail Beach!
A message from Surf City Ocean Pier.


Fishing for something to do with your children? This event is
scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2009 starting at 10 am and is over at
2 pm with the awards ceremony at 2:30pm. Lunch will be provided to all
of the registered youngsters. There will be games galore and awards
too . The way to win is to just show up. This event is free of charge
to all children ages 0-16 who participate and their adult assistant.
This event will expose youngsters under the age of 16 to the
excitement of fishing in a fun , educational and safe, family oriented
environment. Now there is nothing fishy about any of that.

We are going to attempt to try something a little different this year
by having a Children’s Fishing Competition and Celebration.
Our mission is to Educate, Protect/Preserve, and Enhance our
environment and love of fishing.

Educate our junior anglers on just how fragile our waters and sea life
are through educational signs and educating by example. The Choices we
make today can impact generations to come.

Protect/Preserve by making catch and release a religion, not just a
practice and returning all unwanted fish back to the water alive
including sharks and skates. Each sea creature has a purpose to its
environment and insuring its species’ survival in the circle of life
is essential. By using bronze hooks and other methods to reduce damage
to fish and all other sea creatures, anglers can help ensure their
survival.

Enhance our environment through cleanups and beach renourishments in
addition to working with other environmental and marine life groups to
address pollution and other issues that impact our fish and waters.

As is true with so many volunteer events we are looking for Sponsors.
Donations of merchandise and or money is always appreciated. We would
like to be able to offer all our youngsters who participate a prize
and our winners Savings bonds so that they might be able to use it for
their future education. Your contribution will help ensure the success
of our endeavor so that we might continue offering this wonderful fun
day to all the children visiting and from our community. Your support
will be greatly appreciated. Volunteers will also be needed to
supervise about, answer questions, cut bait, teach fishing basics such
as casting, knot tying and fish identification.

If you feel that you can help us in our mission please contact me. I
can be reached via phone at the Surf City Ocean Pier at (910) 328-3521
or via e-mail at pier_wi...@yahoo.com.

Thanks
Johnny

Topsail Beach Update

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Hello from Topsail Beach! Early mornings have been producing spanish mackerel and blues from the piers using gotcha plugs or diamond jigs. Later in the day, live bait, (shrimp, finger mullet, mud minnows) fished on a carolina rig under the pier is getting a few flounder. Not many keepers, but a few. Later in the evening, you could catch some spots, pompano, or sea mullets on sand fleas, cut shrimp or blood worms. Live finger mullet or cut mullet fished in the suds could net you a red drum. There are also a few speckled trout being caught on live shrimp fished under a cork. Sea mullets, spots, pompano and red drum are in the surf, I like sand fleas or really fresh cut shrimp for bait. Kings are being caught from the end of the piers, not in big numbers, but the big numbers could be in any time. They are catching big kings, up to 35 lbs just off the beach trolling live menhaden from boats, so they are close. There should be some tarpon moving in any day now. On the sound side, you have specks, red drum, and flounder. Use the same carolina rig and live bait for the red drum, and flounder, and a popping cork and live shrimp for the specks. Summer fishing is here, there are not a lot of anything, but there are some of everything around.

News Brief from N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Boaters Reminded to Boat Safe, Boat Sober This Summer

As part of Operation Dry Water on June 26-28, wildlife officers and cooperating law enforcement agencies will conduct saturation patrols, checkpoints and educational efforts throughout the state's waterways. For more information, click here. Operating a recreational vessel while under the influence of an impairing substance or with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08 or higher is illegal. Penalties may include fines up to $1,000 and jail.

Fish for Free on July 4

On July 4 from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m., anyone—resident and non-resident—can fish in any public water in North Carolina, including coastal waters, without a fishing license or trout privilege license.

All other fishing regulations, such as fish length and daily possession limits, as well as bait and tackle restrictions and park-use fees, apply. For more information, click here.

Purchase a License

Headed to your favorite fishing hole this summer? If so, be sure to check your license before leaving home to make sure that it hasn't expired. Annual licenses are good for one year from the date of purchase.

The Wildlife Resources Commission offers licenses to accommodate a variety of needs and situations. Click here for a full list of licenses, including lifetime, and prices. To purchase a license quickly and easily, click here; or call 1 (888) 248-6834 (hours of operation are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., 7 days a week; or visit your local wildlife service agent.

2009-2010 Regulations Digest

The 2009-2010 North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Regulations Digest is now available free to the public here, by visiting a licensed service agent or by writing to the following address: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, 1722 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1722. For questions, call customer service.

Have a safe and blessed holiday!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Topsail Update

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Migraines have kept me sidelined for much of the last week or so. I did get out yesterday evening for about an hour. I have never seen the Atlantic Ocean so calm. Absolutely no whitecaps, not even any waves except right on the shore. I was standing in shoulder deep water, and the waves would just barely cover my head as they rolled in. Fishing was a bust. The water was so clear I could see my feet standing in four feet of water.

Sea View Fishing Pier reports there were Trout caught with live shrimp, some Spots, Mullets, White Perch and Blues. The King fishermen lost a nice Tarpon after a 40 minute battle. Surf City Pier reports spots, blues, spanish, which to me seems unusual. My experiences have told me that spots bite when the water is dingy, or even muddy. Spanish on the other hand seem to bite for me when the water is clear. I haven't been to the pier in a couple of weeks, but I am guessing the water was dingy close to the surf, and maybe clear towards the end. That's one explanation anyway.

Don't forget the Youth Fishing Tournament at Surf City Pier on July 4th this year. There is more info on the Surf City Pier website, or you can read it below.



[quote]

"Fishing for something to do with your children? This event is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2009 starting at 10 am and is over at 2 pm with the awards ceremony at 2:30pm. Lunch will be provided to all of the registered youngsters. There will be games galore and awards too . The way to win is to just show up. This event is free of charge to all children ages 0-16 who participate and their adult assistant. This event will expose youngsters under the age of 16 to the excitement of fishing in a fun , educational and safe, family oriented environment. Now there is nothing fishy about any of that."

"We are going to attempt to try something a little different this year by having a Children’s Fishing Competition and Celebration. Our mission is to Educate, Protect/Preserve, and Enhance our environment and love of fishing.

"Educate our junior anglers on just how fragile our waters and sea life are through educational signs and educating by example. The Choices we make today can impact generations to come. Protect/Preserve by making catch and release a religion, not just a practice and returning all unwanted fish back to the water alive including sharks and skates. Each sea creature has a purpose to its environment and insuring its species’ survival in the circle of life is essential. By using bronze hooks and other methods to reduce damage to fish and all other sea creatures, anglers can help ensure their survival."

"Enhance our environment through cleanups and beach renourishments in addition to working with other environmental and marine life groups to address pollution and other issues that impact our fish and waters."

"As is true with so many volunteer events we are looking for Sponsors. Donations of merchandise and or money is always appreciated. We would like to be able to offer all our youngsters who participate a prize and our winners Savings bonds so that they might be able to use it for their future education. Your contribution will help ensure the success of our endeavor so that we might continue offering this wonderful fun day to all the children visiting and from our community. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Volunteers will also be needed to supervise about, answer questions, cut bait, teach fishing basics such as casting, knot tying and fish identification."

"If you feel that you can help us in our mission please contact me. I can be reached via phone at the Surf City Ocean Pier at (910) 328-3521 or via e-mail at pier_witch@yahoo.com. "

[end quote]



As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, remember to be safe, and arrive safe at your destination. Keep the beer cold until you are here, don't risk your family or freedom by driving while drinking.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

King Mackerel

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
Nearshore fishing around Carolina Beach is really picking up now,lots of menhaden in the yacht basin,river and waterways,makes catching live bait easy.King mackerel have moved right on the beach with the piers reporting catches of king mackerel,anglers are finding some smoker kings at Carolina Beach Inlet,I fished yesterday finding kings about 2 miles off the beach,mornings have been the best time to fish just because of the heat factor the last several days tempertures have been around 95 degrees,drink plenty of water,wear sunscreen,remember to be safe.
Capt.Mike Dennis
Cape Fear Guide
Capt.Mike@charter.net
www.capefear-guide.com
910-619-0928

SC Pier Youth Fishing Tournament

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Hello from Topsail Beach. Surf City Ocean Pier is having a Children's Fishing Competition and Celebration on Saturday, July 4 with prizes, games and awards. This event is free and will expose youngsters under the age of 16 to the excitement of fishing in a fun, educational, and safe family oriented environment. 10am to 2pm with awards at 2:30pm. All children will receive a certificate of participation. For more info go to www.surfcityoceanpier.com

Fishing offshore continues to be very good. Huge Bull Dolphin and nice kings are being caught in the six to ten mile range. Surf fishing is picking up on Topsail Island. Virginia mullet, spot, croaker, flounder, pig fish, and red drum are biting in the surf, just behind the breakers. I like to fish high tide, two hours before and two hours after peak high tide. There are lots of sand fleas in the surf for bait, even at Topsail Beach, where they have been scarce for the last couple of years. On the piers, anglers are catching spots, mullets, croaker, flounder, sheepshead, pig fish and sharks on bottom rigs. Spanish and blues are hitting gotcha plugs and diamond jigs all along the pier. I talked to one angler, Linda, who caught an eight pound chopper hatteras blue just behind the breakers at Surf City Pier. On the inside, it's much the same as the last couple of weeks. Scattered speckled trout and red drum are being caught near the docks on the falling tide, and along grass lines near oyster beds on the rising tide. Some nice flounder are being caught in Banks Channel behind Topsail Beach. Live finger mullets and live pogies seem to be producing best. Fish these live baits on a carolina rig with a large enough weight to keep the bait near the bottom in the current. I am hearing sheepshead are biting near the turning bridge, and near the high ridge bridge, and also around docks off the waterway. Forecast is looking good, so good fishing.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny

Boating Safety

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

With the biggest beach holiday of the year fast approaching, I am passing along some information that was sent to me by Jim at Surf City IGA.
Be prepared, be safe!



http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_05_boating.htm


Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

NOAA Fisheries Service; Sea Turtle Conservation

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Strategy for Sea Turtle Conservation and Recovery in Relation to Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico Fisheries

Public Scoping Meeting on an Environmental Impact Statement

NOAA Fisheries Service is holding public scoping meetings on a range of alternatives for the Phase I of the rule for the Strategy for Sea Turtle Conservation and Recovery in Relation to Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Under this regulation, NOAA Fisheries Service will begin to regulate those trawl fisheries known to interact with sea turtles in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The public will be asked to comment on the trawl fisheries to be affected, the temporal and spatial aspect of the regulation and the mitigation measures to be taken, such as Turtle Excluder Devices. The public comment period will close on July 10, 2009.

Manteo, North Carolina

June 20, 2009 2-4pm

Roanoke Festival Park,

Small Auditorium, One Festival Park,

Manteo, NC 27954




For a copy of the Notice of Intent and Scoping Document Information Please Visit --
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/regulations.htm

or call Ms. Alexis T. Gutiérrez at 301-713-2322.

NCDMF Study

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Hello from Topsail Beach! Beautiful day! Sunny with a little breeze. Below is a NCDMF survey study I found interesting.


STUDY FINDS DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN OCEAN AND ESTUARINE FISHERMEN


MOREHEAD CITY – Commercial fishermen that work in the Atlantic Ocean tend to make more money and express more optimism about the future of the industry than their estuarine counterparts, according to an economic analysis of a survey by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries.

Although 29 percent of the fishermen in this study reported breaking even or losing money in the previous fishing year, 20 percent made more than $30,000.

“While a $30,000 annual income is no fortune in today’s economy, it is higher than was seen in previous surveys of estuarine fisheries in Albemarle, Pamlico and Core sounds,” said Scott Crosson, the division’s Socio-Economics program manager.

A few, 4 percent, reported fishing income in excess of $75,000 per year.

Consequently, the number of active oceangoing fishermen has increased while the overall number of active commercial fishermen has declined in the past decade, and 58 percent of those surveyed said they expect to still be commercial fishing in 10 years.

The study surveyed 177 North Carolina commercial fishermen who reported landing at least $1,000 worth of seafood from the ocean in 2007. Fishermen were asked various questions concerning demographics and their perceptions of the fishing industry.

The survey found that fishermen who work in the Atlantic Ocean were the most diverse group of commercial fishermen surveyed to date, but also the most specialized, focusing on one type of fishery. Estuarine fishermen in North Carolina often move between different fisheries throughout the year. Oceangoing fishermen also own fewer, but more valuable boats.

When asked their level of concern on a variety of issues impacting commercial fishermen, the oceangoing sector ranked fuel prices at the top of the list. The same was true for the estuarine fisheries surveyed in the past several years. The survey was administered in the summer of 2008, when fuel prices exceeded $4 per gallon. Inability to predict the business future ranked second, followed by development on the coast, weather and loss of working waterfronts.

A copy of the economic analysis can be downloaded on the division Web site at
http://www.ncdmf.net/download/2009AtlanticOceanReportCrosson.pdf.
For more information, contact Crosson at (252) 808-8107 or Scott.Crosson@ncdenr.gov.

###

nr-25-09

Sailfish Ranger Bay Boat Style-Fishing Report

Hello folks, I hope everyone is doing well. The weather has really turned to the summer trend in the last few days. We’ve had some good fishing weather; hot temps and light winds. The fishing has been pretty hot it’s self! With that said; here is the fishing report>>>

We have been looking for Cobia on a lot of my trips lately and we’ve had some success. This last week we caught three, kept one and released two. They were not the biggest cobia I’ve seen around lately but, still very good eating! Most cobia that we are seeing are sight casting fish; we just cruise up and down the beach looking for them. We are throwing big jigs, swim baits and live bait to the Cobia. Color really does not seem to matter; “go bright”! When I’m not sight casting for them, we are fishing around inlets, shoals and near shore artificial reefs.

The Shark fishing is really starting to pick up as well with the warm weather we are having. My charters this week have caught ten to twenty sharks a day. The sharks are in the ten to a few over 150 pounds; we released one around 150 to 175 on Tuesday this last week. We are fishing with live and dead menhaden; light lining and bottom fishing. The shark rigs are ten inches of number nine or ten single strand wire, with a 9/0 or 10/0 J off set hook. To six to ten foot of eighty pound Berkley bid game mono (wind-on leader). Some people don’t like fishing for sharks; but it can be a lot of fun with kids who have never seen a shark before.

Spanish mackerel are feeding well in the mornings and afternoons. We are catching most of the Spanish around the inlets, shoals, and up & down the beach strands; in fifth teen to thirty feet of water. Most of the Spanish are biting Clark spoons trolled behind #1 planner’s. The Clark spoons that are working the best for us are sizes; 00 and 0 in plan silver and pink flash. When the Spanish are on top feeding and jumping, Maria jig spoons have been the trick.

The King mackerel and Mahi fishing has pick up nicely the last few weeks. There has been a few Sailfish around as well; we released a Sail on Wednesday 6-10. We were fishing around the school house area, when we saw the sail jumping on some bait. We ran over to the area we thought we saw the sail and threw out two live menhaden. It took about ten seconds and bam she was jumping and running. Most of the Kings and Mahi’s are hitting fast trolled small ballyhoo or slow trolled menhaden and cigars minnows. One trick that has worked very well for us lately has been Blue water Candy’s bling feather dusters in colors pink and light blue. We are fishing in the ten to twenty five mile range off the beach; around wrecks and live bottom areas.

Redfishing is still going good on most days. The best fishing has been earlier in the day or later in the day (lower light). We are catching the reds on top water lures and rattling corks (SWA kwik-croks) with live bait in shallow water (one to three foot). When we fish docks and channels (deeper waters); we are using live bait, fresh cut bait and scented grubs. The scented grubs we are using are Saltwater Assassin Blurps in colors molting and good penny; patterns shrimp and sea shad.

Sheephead fishing is starting to pick up as well around the area. The best bet is fishing around bridges, docks and bulk-heads. Fishing in water from six to fifth-teen feet for Sheephead seems to work the best for us. We fish mostly using small Carolina rigs, with forty pound mono leader and small but strong live bait hooks. Baits we are using; fiddler crabs and sand fleas have worked just fine. Give it a shot, it takes time but you’ll get one; Hold-on tight!

Gear used: Spanish, Blues, Reds and Sheephead: reels Penn Sargus SG2000 and SG4000 Rods: Ugly Stick Lite 7'0" Med light and Med act. Line: Fire Line crystal in 10 and 20 pound test. Cobia and Sharks: Penn spinning reel 760L (Live Liner) and Penn Torque 100TRQ. Rods: Penn Torque 6’6” 30-80 class spinning and Torque 6’ 80-130 casting. Line: This is a new super braid I’m trying; so far it’s been a real good braid: Spider Wire Stealth Camo in 50#.

Thanks for taking the time to read this report, don’t forget to take a kid fishing!


Capt. Jot Owens
Ranger Boats and
Pure Fishing Pro Staff
http://www.captainjot.com/
910-233-4139

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Catching Sharks!

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Hello from Topsail Beach, North Carolina! I have just had a cyber conversation with a friend about catching sharks. He feels much the same as me about sharks. Here is my response to his last email.

[quote]
"Catching sharks, sometimes rather annoying, can be a real blast of fun at the right time. Fishing with someone you love is the right time. I hate catching them when I am looking for table fare, but when I am fishing with one or more of my grandchildren, it's just the best! They love pulling them in! Congratulations on a good weekend of fishing. If you really want to eat some fish, the local fish market has plenty of them."
[end quote]

Beautiful sunny day at Topsail Beach today. Not much breeze during the day, and high humidity. I know, what's new bout that? Nothing, that's just the way it is when you live at the coast. We had a nice rain this afternoon, cooling everything off and making a nice day. Not much going on fishing. I am reading and hearing reports of some good catches inside, but slow from the piers and surf. Personally, I have only caught a couple of small mullets the last few days. I'm not saying the reports I have read are false, just that I haven't seen any fish caught personally. Wish I had a better fishing report, but the "life" report is good. It's great to be alive, and Donna and I are so blessed to live on this great island!

Till next time....
tight lines!
Johnny

Topsail Update

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Hello from Topsail Beach. My Dad and brother fished Surf City Pier yesterday, but had no luck except a couple of small sharks. Tuesday morning, they we caught blues, and saw a couple of spanish. Only small sea mullets in the surf. I got an inside report from friend Rennie that I am posting below.

[quote]

Got on a good topwater bite this morning while filming an episode of Carolina Fishing TV. We got some good action shots of redfish crashing topwater in the skinny. The backs of the fish were showing on some of the strikes. Caught several fish in a row this morning-action was great. Caught a lot of lower slot fish for the show and dropped the camera man off at the dock at 2:00 then I went back out and fished til dark. Got some heavy pigs this afternoon in some new spots and some from old spots. Final count was over 30 reds landed on topwater, several pulled hooks, too many blowups to count. What a beautiful day it was on the water-wish they could all be like today.



Tight lines,

Capt Ren
www.tournamenttrailcharters.com

- Rennie

[end quote]

Thanks for the update Capt Rennie!

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna

Catch em' up!

First King

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

Hello from Topsail Beach. Two of my good friends, Caleb and Jonathon went offshore but near shore for a morning of fishing trolling cigar minnows for kings. A minor motor problem caused them to stop the boat for a few minutes while repairs were made. The baits were left to drift with the boat as repairs were being made. Caleb was suprised to find that a 35 lb king had taken his bait while they drifted. This was Caleb's first king, but as he said, "Hopefully not my last!" Congrats to two fine young men, Caleb and Jonathon for sharing their experience with us.

The bite in the surf is still slow, winds are south and I am hopeful that it will bring the water temp up to where it should be. With the average local water temps still in the middle 70's, some of the larger fish are staying away from shore. A few more degrees of heat should improve the bite in the surf. My reports tell me that fishing is also slow on the piers as well as inside right now. Hope I have some good news for you soon.

Till next time....
Tight lines!
Johnny and Donna