[dropcap]S[/dropcap]pring is right around the corner and the yellow butterflies will be here soon. The good folks of eastern North Carolina know that when the yellow butterflies show up it is time to start fishing.
The reds will start chewing heavy on the shoals at Topsail and Riches inlet. Look for the big black spots on the shoals and cast into them with Gulp or cut bait.
The specks will go on the feed back up in the creeks off New River. Southwest Creek, French’s Creek and Duck Creek are a few of the hot spots for them early in the spring.
Black drum will also go on the feed on the flats and around the bridge pilings. The Highway 172 bridge is usually great for black drum in the early spring. Cut shrimp on the bottom or clam necks work great. You may even luck into an early season sheepshead in these areas as well.
The sea mullet should begin to feed off the surf and off the piers. Early in the spring is when we see some good numbers of large sea mullet caught. You will want shrimp on the bottom (or sand fleas if you can manage to find them) with #4 hooks on a two- drop leader.
Good fishing will be here soon. Come on, butterflies!