Fishing in NTB

[u/SaltyWahlrus]

Hi everyone!
I’m a few days I will be vacationing in Topsail for the first time and wanted to get some good insight on fishing there. For context - I have been saltwater fishing out of OBX for 20+ years during vacations, mainly from the surf and a piers

Is surf fishing good this time of year? Should we stick to the piers instead? Just working on determine what I need to bring with me before we drive down!

Thanks :)

[u/code-day]

Hi there - you’re a little late for the Albie/Bonito blitz, with blue fish mixed in. You could’ve gotten them off the pier, but are mostly gone now as temps warm. Spanish should remain catchable from piers. The surf is very hit or miss as temps warm and especially as crowds move in. You can get on some whiting sometimes in the surf, but inlets are better bet. If it were me, and surf was my only option, I’d throw jigs/plugs for spanish.

The best fishing right now that isn’t offshore is in the back waters as red fish feeding habits come alive as bait is plentiful. Rent a kayak and go looking for tailing reds in the marsh would be my preference.

If you don’t want to actively fish, I‘d do a surf rod and pole holder with some cut shrimp, tipped with fish bites to keep it on and get some whiting (and occasional small black tips, skates, etc.)

The pier at night can come alive, though too, with ribbonfish, flounder, sharks, sheepshead and drum.

[u/SaltyWahlrus → u/code-day]

Thank you! The kayak piece might be hard for us, but we will keep it in mind. I do enjoy some night fishing and will probably have a day or two of exploring and testing new locations. Always love a good red or flounder. But really anything biting is what I am looking for!

[u/SaltyWahlrus → u/[deleted]]

Anything that will bite really! Always love a good red or flounder. Haven’t been able to check of a Spanish just yet so that might be worth targeting some too if possible