Headhunter Outdoors Report

Hi folks, Capt. David here with this weeks outdoors report. The fishing is slowly picking up and the water temps are warming into the low 60’s. Lots of Blues are around as well as Dogfish. Some Red drum are hanging out around the docks and the Specks are still biting up in the creeks. Folks things are looking up and it won’t be long till you have to hide to bait a hook.
Folks, I want to give the NCDMF a little praise for the Red drum recovery in this state. We have more Drum around here than you can shake a stick at because of the slot limits and possession limits. Now I know that some of you may not agree with me but they have done one heck of a job. Most people think you have to go to Florida or one of the Gulf coast states to catch them. If you look at all the records for Red drum in the IGFA record books, they all say N.C. on them! Now if you have never caught one you don’t know what you are missing. Pound for pound they will fight you harder than any Largemouth Bass every will and they will test your line and tackle. Don’t go fishing with a Zebco 33 for Mr. Redfish. A 26-27 inch Red will weigh somewhere around 7-10 lbs and they have a tail like a boat paddle. Good Bass tackle will work just fine and will reward you with seeing the fighting capabilities they possess.
Good spots to look for them are the same as with Bass. Points with current flow over them, Docks, and creek mouths are hot spots. Now if you get into a school of them pay close attention to what the tide is doing. The direction and level of the water is what you want to observe when they are biting. Time of day is not as important as the water flow. Then you can come back and they will usually be biting there on the same tide. Not the time of day! Live Bait or artificials will work on most days but you never know. I’ve had days where they wouldn’t touch anything, then I would switch up my baits and BAM! The good old Carolina or sliding sinker rig with a circle hook is about the best rig for them in my opinion. When used with a lively Finger Mullet, Menhaden, or cut bait it can’t be beat. Hey if you can’t go down on the sound and catch a nice Red, take up golf fulltime and sell your rods! It is that easy to catch one folks.
Not much happening offshore because of the weather and folks ain’t risking their live for a fish! The fish are out there and are biting but the water has been rough, so be careful if you do go out!
On the hunting side, Turkey season is finally here and I couldn’t be happier. I went Saturday morning and didn’t here nothing but I was in the woods trying. I hope to be able to go to the mountains next week and bag a nice bird but they do call it hunting! You never know till you go! Don’t forget to send us you photo’s so we can immortalize you and your trophy. Well thats about it for this week so be safe and be careful! Take a kid with you when you go too.

Capt. David
Headhunter Outdoors
(910) 329-0818

  

Hi folks, Capt. David here with this weeks outdoors report. Well what can I say about the fishing! If the weather would cooperate it would improve daily but the way the weather around here in the spring is, who knows? One day you can catch some fish and then a front blows through and shuts them down. It keeps the offshore folks from going and even fishing in the sound is hard when the wind is blowing. Anyway, I would like to remind you folks that all the bait and tackle shops around have new shipments for the season and now is the time to beat the crowds for some good deals. Hanging out at the tackle shop is a great way to learn new tactics and maybe find yourself a new honeyhole. Fishermen are by nature rather boastful about what they caught and usually let little hints slip about where they caught fish. Plus the employees at the shops are fishermen as well and want you to have a good time. If you don’t know a lot about saltwater fishing they will be glad to provide you with tips on baits, rods, and where likely spots you can catch whatever you are after. You can’t beat local information folks. All of those King mackerel tournament guys have locals wherever they go that they can get info from. Over the years I have learned more by listening than any book can teach you! If you haven’t made sure your rods and reels are ready, it’s getting down to crunch time ya’ll. Fire the boat up and check it over too. Oh, don’t forget the trailer either.
On the hunting side Last Saturday was youth turkey day and I hope somebody took their kid out and got a bird. This Saturday is opening day for Mr. Longbeard and I’m counting the hours now! Folks be careful in the Turkey woods because nobody wears blaze orange and everybody is calling. Don’t be a statistic! If you hear a bird, call him to you. Don’t go to him! If he is within a 150 yards you can call him to you. The closer he gets, the softer you call. Well folks thats about it for this week, so be safe and take a kid with you!

Capt. David
Headhunter Outdoors
(910) 329-0818