Headhunter Outdoors Report

Topsail & Surf City Outdoors-Fishing Report 9-1-09

CCCB Press — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:42:25 +0000

Hi folks, Capt. David here with this weeks outdoors report. The fish are biting and hunting season is coming in! Redfish are everywhere in the sound and Flounder are too! Last week I was catching reds on a dock along the waterway and caught a 5.47 lb flounder and a 4.13 lb flounder off the same dock as the reds. Just goes to show you that predator fish like the same spots.

Offshore the fish are biting from the beach on out,you just have to decide what you want to fish for! Grouper and other bottom fish are on the ledges and reefs. Kings are from the beach on out and sails are still in the mix. Be careful when you go out because it seems like every weekend we have a storm offshore kicking up the waves. New river and Topsail inlets are rough if we have a big swell so be safe!

Dove season comes in the 5th at noon and the local game lands have some good fields if you don’t have access to a private hunt. Now some of you folks might not understand that Labor day dove hunting is a southern tradition. If you have never experienced a traditional hunt, it’s not about the hunt, it’s about the family and fellowship.

Deer season comes in on the 12th and I personally can’t wait! Check your stands and practice with your bow because the next few weeks are the only time you stand a chance of getting a velvet buck and if you miss you will hate yourself for a while. Well thats it for this week so get out there and take a kid with you!

Capt. David
Headhunter Outdoors
(910) 329-0818

Topsail & Surf City Outdoors-Fishing Report 8-18-09

CCCB Press — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:59:53 +0000

Hi folks, Capt. David here with this weeks outdoors report. Folks if you like to fish now is the time to get on the water. Baitfish are plentiful and easy to catch. Finger mullet are everywhere and are my choice for bait this time of the year. Pogeys come in a close second but the problem is finding the right size. The surf and waterway is full of big pogeys which will make the king fisherman happy. The Reds are everywhere along the waterway and are right up next to the bank in a foot of water. If you sit just about anywhere long enough you can catch a nice Red. Lots of docks are holding fish too but keeping a big fish out of the pilings can be a chore and Barnacles and Oysters will cut braided line just about as quick as mono. Lots of Flounder are around and some nice ones are being caught around the docks and creek mouth’s. The old tire reef is holding some big ones too.

Offshore, the Kings are from the surf on out and some Mahi are hanging out in the 20 mile range. Sails are still scattered around and Spanish are still biting too. Now don’t go ahead and plan a Saturday trip because we are going to have some rough seas rolling in soon. Remember it’s that time.”H” season! I ain’t going to say it for fear of jinxing us. Even if it doesn’t come too close to us it will pick up the sea swells. If you go out, be darn careful and check the marine forecast!

The bottom fishing offshore is good if you can find a rockpile or ledge. Grouper, Snapper and Black Bass are all possible now. The headboats are doing good and is a great way to spend a day on the water!

Hunting season is right around the corner folks and I for one can’t wait. Get a new regulations guide and read it because there are always some changes and you need to know them before you take to the field. The wildlife officers are usually very nice guys till you make them do their job! If they catch you doing something illegal you can bet you butt you will get a ticket. With court costs and fines these days it will usually cost a couple of hundred bucks and maybe your hunting license for a couple of years. It just ain’t worth it! Well thats about it for this week so be safe and take a kid with you.

Capt. David
Headhunter Outdoors
(910) 329-0818

Nate and Jake Antonica from Raleigh with a couple of nice Reds. Count the spots

Topsail & Surf City Outdoors-Fishing Report 8-3-09

CCCB Press — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:55:20 +0000

Hi folks, Capt. David with the outdoors report. The fishing is hot everywhere. Inshore or offshore, whatever you enjoy catching is available. Redfish and flounder are everywhere in the sound from back up in the creeks to along the waterway. The Finger mullet are plentiful and are the top choice now. A fat Flounder can’t pass up a 4-5 inch Mulllet on a Carolina rig. Just fish around docks and piers till you find a productive dock. Structure is the key to finding fish this time of the year. Docks, Oyster reefs, Creek mouth’s are the first place to look. Don’t waste a lot of time if the Pinfish are tearing up your bait either. Move to the next spot and while you’re at it, keep a eye out for baitfish jumping and running. That means the something scared them and that’s usually a big fish!

Offshore has been kinda rough lately but when you can get out, the fishing is great. Kings from the beach on out, Mahi 10-15 miles out and Sailfish scattered around to keep it interesting. The bottom fishing is good to on the hardbottoms and reefs. Snapper, Grouper and Black bass are all possible.

On the hunting side, it’s almost time again boys and girls! Dove season at labor day then bow season for deer on Sept. 12th. Clean your shotgun and warm up with a few skeet then get out your bow and practice. Check your treestand and harness. Let the games begin! Well thats it for this week so remember to be safe and take a kid with you!

Capt. David
Headhunter Outdoors
(910) 329-0818

Topsail & Surf City Outdoors-Fishing Report 7-13-09

CCCB Press — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:19:46 +0000

Hi Folks ,Capt. David here. I’ve been kind of slack here lately with my report and I hope you folks will forgive for my laziness. Heck I’ve been fishin’ my butt off lately. Now here’s the scoop on what’s biting! Reds are everywhere and are hitting everything from big chunks of cut bait to live bait and artificials. Flounder are in now and the creeks are full of them. Lots of small fish are present but some nice flatties are to be had if you are persistent. Specks are biting in the morning and evening and the swing bridge is a good spot to start looking for them. The dredge dock at the south end has all three hanging around and some nice Sheepshead are around the pilings.

Folks, this time of the year, the best thing I can tell you is to fish where a small creek empties into the waterway with a Carolina rig with live or cut bait. If you are fishing with cut shrimp or squid you will catch every Pinfish in the sound.

The surf is giving up everything from Black drum to blues and the key is to fish after everybody gets out of the water. Pompano, Reds, Flounder, Spots, Mullet and who knows what else will bite.

Offshore the kings are all the way to the beach and a buddy of mine lost one in last weekends tournament that was close to 50 lbs within a half mile from the beach around a big school of bait.

Bottom fishing is good on the reef, wrecks, and ledges but be careful when you go out! Topsail inlet is a mess and the channel is narrow and treacherous even though it’s been dredged.

One other thing I would like to address is courtesy and safety on the water. If you see someone fishing try to give them a wide berth or slow down when you pass them and don’t run your jet-ski’s up close to the bank or up in the marsh creeks. Folks, the sound is the nursery area for everything in the sea and we need to protect it at all costs. Not only does it filter pollutants from the water but it provides shelter for juvenile marine life. Just remember when you are on the water, RESPECT is the key to remember, For the fish and other people on the water!

Well that’s it for this week so be safe and take a kid with you.

Capt. David
Headhunter Outdoors
(910) 329-0818

Topsail & Surf City Outdoors-Fishing Report 6-22-09

CCCB Press — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:36:42 +0000

Hi folks, Capt. David with this weeks fishing report. If it swims it’s biting folks! The sound has plenty of Redfish that are more than willing to bite and the Flounder are in as well. A lot of the Flounder are on the small side but some keepers are around. The Reds are scattered all along the waterway flats and back up in the marsh creeks and will knock a topwater bait out of the water. Cut bait or live bait will work too.

The surf is happening too. Pompano, Red and Black Drum, Flounder, Sheepshead around the pier pilings, Flounder, Blues and who knows what else may bite. The piers are hot with some kings on the end,Spanish and blues on Gotcha plugs, and the occasional Tarpon.

Offshore,the kings are not far off the beach and I’ve heard that some Mahi are around 10 miles out. Bottom fishing is good with Grouper and Snapper on the ledges and rockpiles 10-15 miles out and I’m hearing that some Sail’s are not to far away. Most of the time they get caught by folks King Mackeral fishing. Hey, big bait, big fish.

Well all I can say folks is get your rod and head to your favorite fishing spot, cause the fish are biting! Till next week,be safe and take a kid with you.

Capt. David
Headhunter Outdoors
(910) 329-0818

Topsail & Surf City Outdoors-Fishing Report 6-9-09

CCCB Press — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:33:48 +0000

Hi folks, Capt. David here with this weeks outdoors report. Reds are scattered throughout the sound and creeks but are willing to hit a topwater plug or a live pogey on a Carolina rig. Fishing around docks is a good strategy for finding a big Red or Flounder. Yes the Flounder bite is picking up folks and some decent fish are around. The Trout bite is hot in the creeks off the New river. Live shrimp on a popping cork around structure is the ticket to tempt a big speck into the cooler.

The surf and piers are reporting a good mixed bag with Whiting, Flounder, Black drum and puppy drum. The casters are getting Blues and Spanish now and the inlets are loaded up with chopper Blues. Kings and Cobia are a couple of miles out. The Grouper bite is hot about 20 miles out now as well.

Folks, right now there are lots of Pogeys in the water and whether you fish for Kings or Reds or anything in between just pick the right size pogey and it will get the job done as bait. The trick to keeping pogeys alive is good water flow in your livewell and a round or oval bait tank. When you catch them,get them in the livewell quickly and don’t overload it. Pogey’s have to have room to swim and not knock into things. Add in the fact that they are a tender bait it won’t take much to stress them out to the point of exhaustion and start dying. If this happens get rid of most of them and try to pick lively ones to keep. Think about it guys, if all the sudden you were snatched up and thrown in a room with other folks with no explanation,you might get stressed! Then add in the fact that everybody eats you too! Anyway the point I’m trying to make is that good lively, healthy bait is the most important thing to angling success!

Well thats it for this week so remember to be safe and take a kid with you!

Capt. David
Headhunter Outdoors
(910) 329-0818

Topsail & Surf City Outdoors-Fishing Report 6-2-09

CCCB Press — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:52:35 +0000

Hi folks, Capt. David here with this weeks outdoors report. Folks I’m kinda puzzled as to where my fish have gone! The Reds I was catching have moved but they are still here somewhere in the sound and the inlet bars are holding fish. Some Flounder are moving in but the one’s I have been catching are 13 inches or so. The Specks are along the grass banks and will knock a topwater bait clean out of the water. You will also catch reds too. Lots of blues are still around and are all sizes up to 10-12 lbs.

The surf is good with Reds, Pompano, Mullet and Blues. Offshore the kings are showing up everywhere from the beach on out and some Cobia are starting to move in. Spanish are around in the mornings and Black bass are on the reefs and ledges. I haven’t heard too much from the offshore guys but I know it’s popping out there. New word:Poppin’!

Folks thats about it for this week and I’m sorry I’ve been kinda slack lately but I’ve been fishing so I can tell ya’ll where to go! Till next week Be safe and take a kid fishing. Oh by the way be careful in Topsail inlet!

Capt. David
Headhunter Outdoors
(910) 329-0818

Topsail & Surf City Outdoors-Fishing Report 5-18-09

CCCB Press — Mon, 18 May 2009 19:01:42 +0000

Another Turkey season has come and gone with no success for me. Well there’s always next year. Lets talk about the present and what is happening now! The fish are biting folks and just about anywhere you want to go! Red drum, Black drum, Blues of all sizes,little sharks, Mullet and Spanish mackeral are being caught in the surf and from the piers. Some Flounder are being caught in the ocean as well.

The sound has plenty of Reds but they are scattered. Lots of big chopper blues are in the waterway as well. Folks these things have a head like a Pitbull and an attitude to match. If you boat one of them, stay away from the business end as they can remove a finger in one bite. Some nice Black drum are around as well and the Trout are still biting. The swing bridge is usually a good place to look for a nice Speck this time of the year.

It really doesn’t matter where you like to fish now, you ought to be able to catch a few and the time spent doing it is worth it! Remember to stop by one of the local tackle shops and get the latest Marine Fisheries regulation sheet. It’s better to throw one back than get a ticket! Well that’s about it for this week so remember to be safe and take a kid with you!

Capt. David
Headhunter Outdoors
(910) 329-0818

Topsail & Surf City Outdoors-Fishing Report 4-28-09

CCCB Press — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:37:09 +0000

Hi folks, Capt. David here with this weeks outdoors report. Well the fishing is getting better with the warmer water temps and will only get better. Spanish Mackeral have made their presence known and the Bonita are just offshore now. Black Bass are thick on the ledges and reefs too. I’ve heard that the Flounder are thick just off the beach around any bottom structure. Kings are getting in to around 10 -15 miles and are hungry. Lots of Blues are around and are all different sizes from little snappers all the way up to choppers.
Inshore the Specks and Redfish are biting along with Blues everywhere. Dogfish sharks are biting as well and are 2-3 foot long. On light tackle they are a blast to catch! Back in the creeks the bait is plentiful and easy to catch with a cast net now. Folks load up the boat and go fishing. Call into work sick or just lay out and wet a hook. The surf is full of Blues,Black drum and Red drum. Lots of mullet have been caught as well from both the surf and piers. It won’t be long till the Tarpon and Kings will be close enough to the piers to target. Folks it looks like a banner year for fishing and I can’t wait.
On the hunting side,Turkey season will be going out on the 9th of May and that will be it till September boys and girls. I haven’t got one this year so the Turkeys have made me look like a Turkey! Deer hunting is easy compared to trying to kill a bird. Frustration and madness are my constant companion now. If anybody can help me out with getting one before this season goes out I would appreciate any help I can get! It’s a good thing we have a Food Lion close by so I don’t starve to death. Well thats about it for this week so be safe and take a kid with you when you go out! Till next week, Tight lines and screaming drags are my wish for everyone!

Capt. David
Headhunter Outdoors
(910) 329-0818

Topsail & Surf City Outdoors-Fishing Report 4-20-09

CCCB Press — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:02:28 +0000

Hi folks, Capt. David here with this weeks outdoors report. Sorry about last weeks column but I went to Virginia turkey hunting for a couple of days. Now I know why most successful turkey hunters are slightly insane! I’ve read every article and watched every TV show on turkey hunting to try and learn and in three years I still ain’t got one. I’ve gotten real close,but no cigar yet. Heck I’ve still got the whole box of shells I started with three years ago. I must be a glutton for punishment to have not given up yet,or stupid. The jury is still out on that one.
Well lets talk fishing. The reds and trout are biting but it’s a little slow. The water warms up a few degrees and then a cold front will knock it back down. That’s okay because it won’t be long before it stays warm! The reefs,ledges and rockpiles are holding some nice Black Bass and the Bonita are around. Divers rock and the artificial reefs about 3 miles out are hotspots now. Don’t forget the Liberty ship off Wrightsville beach either. Mullet are being caught from the piers and surf along with Blowfish. Blues are everywhere so using a short piece of steel leader is a good idea when fishing to keep from re-rigging after every bite. A word of caution to everybody,New Topsail Inlet is slitted up bad and the bouy’s are not right. If you are not sure of how to get out the inlet,Don’t try! Most boating accidents happen around inlets. Shifting sands and currents make navigation difficult at best and deadly at worst! I haven’t heard about New river inlet or the conditions there but I do know about Topsail. Be careful folks,please! Hopefully the Corps of Enginners will get it cleaned out soon.

Well thats it for this week so be safe and take a kid with you when you go out!

Capt. David
Headhunter Outdoors
(910) 329-0818