[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he surprisingly good August means that prospects will even be better in September, as the water temperatures cool a bit and the wind direction starts to vary. Both of these conditions will get fish moving and active and will improve the fishing. September is also an active month for tropical storms for North Carolina. These storms churn the water and disrupt the ocean floor and that, too, will make fish active. The best time is 24 hours after a storm has passed and the water begins to clear.
Spots have been around all summer this year, but bottom anglers will de- light as the first big runs of the year start this month. The first schools of these delicious panfish are generally smaller than the ones caught later in the year, but still they make fine table fare. Anglers will mostly use fresh local shrimp, bloodworms and Carr Specialty Bait’s Fishbites. Find a good spot on the north side of the pier and, if the action gets real good, expect a lot of company.
Spot fishermen will also get croaker, sea mullet, pompano, bluefish and spadefish as a by-catch. Some of the best sea mullet action will be at night. Look for these excellent-eating fish right behind the breakers and out a ways from the pier.
Most anglers will be fishing the north side of the pier as the migrating spot will be moving north to south. When fish are migrating and they come to a structure like a pier, they will tend to go around instead of working their way through it. This often explains why anglers on one side are catching and anglers on the other side are wishing.
Flounder action will be good for the rest of the fall. Most fans of these flatfish will be using live minnows or shrimp on a Carolina rig.
Some others may use a Gulp bait on a jig head. Whatever your choice is, work the bait slowly, making frequent stops. Instead of using a jerking action to set the hook, wind the reel to take out the slack of line, then pull up.
Puppy drum in the slot size (18 to 27 inches) catches have been up over the past few years and 2014 looks like it might set a record. Red drum this size have started converting their diets to fish instead of shrimp, so a nice fresh piece of cut bait or a finger mullet is your bait of choice here.
Pluggers will be having a good time as well. Bluefish and Spanish mack- erel will be common catches on the piers. Most will use Sea Striker’s Got-Cha lure. The most popular lure is their red head with white body with gold hooks. Anglers will cast out and use an underhand retrieve with a quick jerking ac- tion. This will make the lure shoot from side to side. Use a 30- to 50-pound mono leader to prevent bite offs and retie the lure when the line becomes frayed. The best action will be in the early morning and the late afternoon.
The real stars of the pier for the next two months will be the guys at the end. King mackerel will come as close to shore as they get over the next 60 days. Those fishing for kings will also have tarpon strike at their baits. Live bluefish, mullet and grass shad will the popular baits. King fisherman use a two-rod system and it is always a good idea to check out the local customs and rules of each pier before you decide to go.