[dropcap]A[/dropcap]bout the best thing North Carolina saltwater anglers can say about February is that March is considered the opening month for NC piers. Any that are not opened all year long will open sometime this month. The fishing is generally slower at the beginning of the month but as the water warms, fishing will improve. With the water temperature not as cold as in past years, look for the fishing to come on by the Ides of March.
Whiting, croaker and puffers will all make an appearance for the bottom fisherman. Try a double-drop bottom rig with hooks in the #4 to #6 size range. Fishbites and fresh cut shrimp will the bait of choice for most.
In March the time of day can be an important factor. Puffers will bite throughout the day, but the bigger sea mullet will hit later in the evening and may keep biting throughout the night. Small bluefish will have anglers out with their Got-Cha plugs but the action will be sporadic. Red drum in all sizes will be caught. Pay close attention to when the wind is from the southeast for the best catches. Night fishing will produce the most action.
Congratulations to David Lynn who won the 2014 Johnnie Mercer’s Pier Dogfish Tournament with 6 pound 5 ounce spiny.
Note: Due to the recent cold stun event in North Carolina, the DMF has closed the taking of any specks until June 15.