Prospects improve in September as the water temperatures cool at bit and the wind direction starts to vary. Both of these conditions will get fish moving and active and 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 will make fish active. The best time is 24 hours after a storm has passed and the water begins to clear.The spot run should be good this year. Anglers on northern beaches have caught them through the summer and in September they will start to school and move south. 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 product. Spot fishermen will also get croaker, sea mullet, pompano, bluefish and spadefish as a by-catch. Croaker and pompano catches have been excellent this summer and that should continue into the fall. Some of the best sea mullet action will be at night. Look for these excellent eating fish right behind the breakers and out away from the pier.
Brian and Brandon Lee of Wendell, ages two and four, who were happily catching small sea bass from the Oak Island Pier. Brian caught this fish while big brother Brandon held it for the camera. The fish, like our anglers, still have quite a bit of growing to do, so all of their catches were returned to the water.
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, work the bait slowly, making frequent stops and, instead of using a jerking action to set the hook, simply wind the reel to take out the slack of line and then pull up.Pluggers will be having a good time as well. Bluefish and Spanish mackerel will be common catches on the piers. Most will use Sea Striker’s Got-Cha lure. The most popular pattern is their red head with white body with gold hooks. Anglers will cast out and use an underhand retrieve with quick jerking action to 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 be 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. Large bluefish and large Spanish could also be caught with the king rigs, which should keep the action moving at the end of the pier.Al BairdFounder, North Carolina Fishing Pier Society Co-Founder, North Carolina Public Access Foundationwww.ncfps.com • www.ncpaf.com
