[dropcap]P[/dropcap]rospects 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. That may not be the case this year the current El Nino looks to be very strong and so far Atlantic activity has been slow. Fall storms may be fewer in number than the past couple of years.
Bottom anglers will delight in the first spot runs of the year. The first schools of these delicious pan fish 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 Fishbite product.
Spot fishermen will also get croaker, sea mullet, pompano, bluefish and spadefish as a bycatch. Some of the best sea mullet action will be at night. Look for these excellent eating fish right behind the breakers and out a way 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 caught using live minnows or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Some others may use Gulp bait on a jig head. Whatever your choice is, work the bait slowly making frequent stops and instead of using a jerking action to set the hook, wind the reel; to take out the slack of line 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 lure is their red head with white body and gold hooks. Anglers will cast out and use an underhand retrieve with quick jerking action this will make the lure shoot from side to side. Use a 30# to 50# 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 2 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, and this year many Spanish mackerel have been caught here as well. Live bluefish, mullet and grass shad will the popular baits. King fisherman use 2 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.
September is a good month to be on a North Carolina pier. Just check with the weather channel first and if Jim Cantore shows up, it is time to leave.
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