When I first moved here on Carolina Beach (‘96), it was on a whim. I came down to meet my good buddy ‘s little brother because I was done living in a big city. He was living in a 2 bed 2 bath condo by himself across the street from the beach. The first thing I noticed on my way was the charter fishing boats down on the basin. I grew up in a neighborhood with 2 huge ponds and all I could think about was catching bass. My dog ,Tex , and I would crush it. Anyways, I knew that fishing was something I wanted to do. I’m sure my dad would rather me do something else with my degree he paid for. My mom the opposite. “You do whatever makes you happy”. So I did and I became a fisherman.
Fishing here is incredible. You can catch just about anything . It all matters in the time of year and if you want to fish inshore or offshore. Let me get started by telling you about Gulf Stream fishing.
Soo.. if you’re a fresh water fisherman and are use to fishing with Hula Poppers, Jitterbugs.,Lunker Buzzes, Devil Horses, Zara Spooks, and Tiny Torpedo‘s, your in for a good time. Most of the baits used in the gulf stream are top water baits and man when the fish hit, it’s an explosion. It’s not just a hit, it makes the drag sing and most of the time you have no idea what is on the line .I know what I’m hoping for, the big bad Blue Marlin. The only thing is that you release the Blue Marlin. In my eye‘s, I think the best fish in the sea is Yellowfin Tuna. It’s a fish that won’t stop until it’s in the kill box. 1 tuna and your whooped for the day. Filet that thing up, soy wasabi, your good to go. Since I’m babbling, Wahoo is just about as good a fish that usually sky rockets when it hits your bait and can spool your reel in no time. You better hope you have wire leader because those things have interlocking razor sharp teeth. The best way to describe a Wahoo is “ A super turbo charged King Mackerel with racing stripes.” Both fish are good cooked anyway you like it. I would recommend medium rare or just seared for with a side of soy/wasabi. BooYoww! There are so many different varieties of fish in the Gulf Stream. If you’ve never seen a Mahi Mahi while hooked , it’s one you won’t forget. The colors are unbelievable. If you hit King Mackerel season at the right time , your going to experience the time of your life. King Mackerel are usually found in schools closer inshore of the Gulf Stream. The best way to catch King Mackerel is to hold your mouth right. If you can get in to a school of King Mackerel on light tackle, there’s nothing better. King Mackerel is another good eaten fish. Steak um! Some of the best fish steaks you’ll ever have.
Finally, a little about inshore fishing. Have you had fresh Spanish Mackerel? A small version of King Mackerel but all the way from Spain. Just kidding, no these things can bite, I’m talking 80 in 3 hours. They are a great fish to eat. A little smaller than other filets but if you like fried fish, Shandahhh! There is a limit to the amount you can keep. Once you reach the 80 mark it’s time to go shark fishing. Always a good time, kids love it, and the shark only gets a sore lip. Normally we would release all sharks.
The head boats are always taking large groups out to catch some tasty bottom fish. If it’s just 1 or 2 of you that are fishing, head boats is a much more affordable route to go. Snapper ,Grouper, and Sea Bass are just a few of the species you will catch? Chicken of the sea! Bottom fish is some of the best eating fish available.
Carolina Beach is the bee’s knee’s when it comes to fishing. The state record Blue Marlin was caught by Mike King, from Carolina Beach. If you want to see it, look upstairs in the Carolina Beach True Value Hardware Store. It’s mounted and it’s hard to believe, a fish weighing over 1200 pounds. I know I would never put my hands on that liter.
The fishing here on Carolina Beach is incredible. There’s not a bad time of year to charter a boat. Schedule a trip and you will have memories that last a lifetime.
Written By: BlueCoast agent Jeff Humphrey