[moseyak]

Looking for advice. I will be at Holden Beach this weekend at the north end of the island. I have a retreat there, but will no doubt find some time to wet a hook. Think there will be anything around? I was going to work the inlet with Gulp Shrimp, and real Shrimp...etc... Kind of hoping there may be a red or two. I'll be on foot though... any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sundrop]

Never fished that area but in general Reds/Trout will be around, just have to be patient and fish slow. Look for dark bottom and structure near drops/channels in the midday. Sun warms the bottom and fish move to the warmer water.

 

[Dave B.]

Never hurts to toss a shrimp out... everything eats a shrimp!

 

[Topsail Angler]

I think the votes are in, shrimp has it (gulp or natural)! You can also try some mirrolures if you like throwing hard baits.

Let me offer up some explanation to the bottom types and temps based on my experiences and those handed down to me from other old timers here on the NC coast. Sand doesn't hold heat as well as mud does but it heats up a lot faster. So in cold months on a sunny day often the best place to fish (esp. for puppy drum) is in shallow water (2-4 feet) with a sandy bottom - usually what we call the "flats".

Mud on the other hand doesn't loose its heat as fast once warmed (darker and denser), so mud bottom places are often the best place to fish when it first turns cold or after some sunny days and a cold snap comes in. The fish will move to the deeper holes and mud bottoms because those areas will stay warm longer.

The other general trend noted around this time of year is the drum (mainly puppy drum - under slot sized) have moved to the back (toward the headwaters) of the creeks on the mainland side. The specks on the other hand are in or near deep water (6-10').

Of course these are "rules of thumb" 'cause the fish may not always have read that page of the book...LOL Hope that helps tough.

Catch 'em up!

 

[lefty]

Can't catch nuthin' with a dry hook!!

 

[Dave B.]

Can't catch nuthin' with a dry hook!!

That's called "fishin on credit"

 

[moseyak]

Appreciate it guys, funny I asked, because there is no way, I am going to be that close to water and not wet a hook. I think its unanimous, my Gulp, new Penny, Shrimp(Just used up gift certificate at Dicks to get one of those little "buckets" of shrimp), should work, if anybody is hungry. The funny thing is, the largest Red Drum I have caught in recent years, was on a double hook rig, with a little dime sized piece of real shrimp(fresh).... I let you guys know how it turns out, looking forward to getting the yak in the water in the spring. Lefty, we need to hit the "spot" for the white bass and hybrid run...

 

[lefty]

Lefty, we need to hit the "spot" for the white bass and hybrid run...

<chuckle> My hiking boots are ready.

 

[moseyak]

LOL, on second thought, the "spot" has moved a half of mile downstream.
Maybe we would be better off putting in at the Roberson Creek ramp, and coming in from that side.....either way, are u game to go again in late March, early April?

<chuckle> My hiking boots are ready.

 

[lefty]

Early April I think is still open... Late March might already be booked... I'll try to PM you some schedule details this evening.