DRUMMIN' IN THE SURF

      Ah!, the time of year when all of us "run and gun" technology addicted inshore fisherman can switch gears and get back to "old school" fishing. October marks the tail end of the Mullet migration and also dictates the annual "False" runs   made by most if not all of our immature (0-4 year age class) Redfish, as they temporarily leave the confines of our inside waters, and sit just off our beaches. Driven by both instinct and the need to meet the tremendous protein requirements to see them through the lean winter they are preparing to face inshore, these fish congregate in massive schools along almost every beach face near an inlet in NC. Not only is this behavior necessary for stock survival, but, taking advantage of these once a year Redfish Bonanzas is a mandate for any serious Surf angler in the Southeast!  

          My annual 4 day camping/fishing trip was meticulously planned to coincide with the October Hunter's Moon. Getting my wife and 2 girls schedules to all allow for this was a monumental undertaking, but with the schools we have been spotting over the last 3 weeks near New Topsail Inlet, no amount of heartache was going to keep me from my plan. After setting up camp(no small task when trying to meet the comfort needs of 3 females!) in a large overwash fan just behind the dune structure of one of our uninhabited islands, I hit the beach at low tide to find the evening's fishing spot. A nice wide beach shelf with a slightly deeper slough running about 30-40 yards parrallel to the beach before abrubtly turning beachward. After relaxing with the family fireside, I quickly netted enough mullet for the night in the bay where the boat was parked and planted myself on the beach under the biggest brightest full moon of the year. By 11:00pm, I was soaked to the bone, covered in sand and my arms were sore from a dozen Redfish all in the 24"-27" range. Tuesday night was much the same, waiting just until the moon was at about 60 degrees and about midway into falling tide, to start fishing. Almost every live Mullet cast just to the outside edge of the slough would soon get nervous and  start to swim signaling a hungry predator was closing in. Subdoing a 27" fish  that remains energized the entire fight due to the high levels of disolved oxygen in the swash zone on a 7 foot inshore rod spooled with 10# braid is akin to being hooked up with a False Albacore! Wednesday night concluded with atleast 12 Redfish and one overslot caught by my fishing partner measuring 36". As I sat atop a nearby dune, enjoying my coffee the next morning, I watched a group with another area guide catch more fish in 2 hours than I can honestly ever recall witnessing! Watching all those smiling faces and hearing them recall the morning's battles as they filed by, cemented in me why I guide. Yes, it's an unbelievable blessing to make your living on the water, and yes I could never make it in the real working world, but being able to if for just a day, improve a client's life by providing lasting memories, cementing bonds between fathers/sons or husbands/wives, and many times nurturing an understanding of our coastal waters that leads to lifelong stewardship makes this one of the most meaningful jobs i've had, and I've had quite a few!

                Anyone wishing to put together a one of a kind surf Redfish trip , now is the time. Several options are available including: Camping at Lea Island, Self Guided trips(I drop you off, get you set up, and return ) or fully guided. About 2 hours and the proper tide are all we need to get into some tremendous numbers. So if you're allergic to the sun or don't like the idea of standing on the beach all day, these trips are perfect. Pricing as follows: Self Guided $150.00 (includes use of Beach Cart)   Fully Guided $300 per half day (groups of up to 6 can be accomodated)