Beaufort - Carrot Island

[Jeffonc]

Drove out to Beaufort today. Launched from Taylor's Creek Boat ramp on Front Street (off Lennoxville Rd). Paddled north around the end of Carrot Island and fished the outside - edges, inlets & creeks. I caught 5 or 6 - my first 3 redfish ever (15-18") and 2 or 3 flounder up to 16". All on 3" gulp shrimp rigged on a 1/4oz jighead. Natural and New Penny colors.

Partner got 5 or 6 also - reds & flounder including a 24" red way back in a creek. He fished gulp jerk shad in white, rigged with a weighted hook, and a redfish magic spinnerbait. I would never have believed a flounder eating a spinnerbait, but it happens. Little freaks.

Caught most of our fish at low tide in the creeks, blind casting. Started spooking lots more fish as the tide rolled in and the afternoon rolled on but never saw any tailing action or anything you could cast at - just the boil as they took off.

. . . .

On the drive I went through Greenville, which I've never done before. Got to see Slowrisers exit, SunDrop's exit and even signs pointing to the end of the earth (Fojoloy's "exit"). I didn't dawn on me till halfway home that I drove right through Luremaker's neighborhood - wish I would have been paying better attention and stopped by the store. I probably drove right past it (kick, kick, kick myself). Other than Wilmington, the whole NC coast is still pretty new to me, so it all kind of runs together. I'll get my bearings with time...

Beautiful day, great drive, great kayaking, and pretty good fishing. THAT beats working!