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

      With the constant frontal passages and altogether unstable weather patterns of March almost a memory, we have had a few remarkable days on the Lower Cape Fear in between the blows. The amazingly clear "winter water", a result of virtually no algal growth, and the water's specific gravity reaching a point at which it can no longer hold all the detrietus(rotting plant material) in suspension, will continue through a good part of April. With the ever increasing presence of bait on the flats, this will result in the huge schools shedding their weariness of winter and becoming far less spooky as they pursue a meal. Sight casting to these schools  containing dizzying numbers of eager Redfish, is truly one of the most exciting angling opportunities available on the Cape Fear Coast. With proper positioning and careful presentation, we can fish a single school throughout a half day trip, never venturing more than a couple huindred yards from where our fishing began! If the sight of 300 or more tightly schooled fish pushing wakes and turning the water a purplish hue as they take a "head on" course with the boat doesn't turn your knees to jelly, perhaps watching three fish all track on your fly and fight over your offering before the lucky one rolls and runs will. This is a great primer for the novice angler, as highly accurate casting and technical presentations are not as crucial when hundreds of pairs of eyes are all searching for prey.

                                                   As the New Moon in April approaches and water temps hit the 65 degree range, the Fiddler and Calico crabs become active once again high in the Spartina grass, signaling the return of our Tailing fishery! As broken pods of Reds follow the big evening Spring tides high into the marsh in search of their favorite snacks, we sight cast to them as tails gently gently break the calm surface amongst a sea of Spartina stalks. Careful preparation and a keen eye for waving tails or moving grass will reward you with an angling experience you will never forget. The fact that this is primarily an early evening fishery also means that we have very few if any wind issues to deal with, as the Southwesterlies lay down usually around 6 pm or so each day. As we pole through inches of water high in the marsh we're greeted by not only Reds, but Clapper and Virginia Rails, Otters, White Ibis by the hundreds, Rays, Red Fox , White Tail Deer, and numerous other creatures as the Moon rises in the East.

                                                   Wheter it's the solitude of an evening marsh coming to life, or the intensity of chasing huge schools  on the flats during the daylight hours, or the inshore Bluefish invasion that begins in April,  a wide variety of angling opportunities abound! So, give me a call, and we'll begin planning your next adventure on the Cape Fear Coast. - Tight Lines and God's Blessings - Capt. Todd Streeter