Fly and Light Tackle Adventures: Topsail, Bald Head, Carolina Beach, and Southport

Plagued by blustery West Sourthwest winds, and with the Fort Fisher/Souhtport Ferry down until Late January, we have taken full advantage of the consistent Striper fishery just down the street in the Cape Fear River and it's tributaries. With literally miles of leeward shoreline structure on both the Cape Fear and Brunswick Rivers, it makes for a rewarding and comfortable trip in all but a gale. Although finding some of the most productive spots already occupied by duck hunters can be dissapointing, it's forced me to explore some new water in some reallly "out of the way" areas South of Downtown Wilmington. We have been seeing good numbers of 2-3 year class fish in Smith Creek and some of the oxbow ponds. Lipless crankbaits, bucktails in 3/8 - 1/2 oz. and 3" Berkley Gulp! Shrimp in white and bone have been top producers. The key for me is to find hrizontal deadfalls within 20 feet of the bank in 5' - 20' of water. Cypress stumps have produced a few, but it seems to be hit or miss. Water temps ranging from 50 - 55 degrees keep theses fish energized throughout  a fight, making up for their smaller frames. Bass style rattle jigs like Bootleggers and other craw type imitations are finding there way into my arsenal as I find more of these guys sticking type to woody cover that can make fishing traditional saltwater baits impossible. If last year is any indication, these guys will be here well into February. So if you're looking for an easy escape and the fickle weather is keeping you from your typical inshore routine, give it a try.