Topsail Beach...what to expect?

[BuckeyeJake]

I know its a way off still but July 22-29th I will be down in Topsail Beach. I havent been there since I was a kid and was wondering what to expect fishing wise? I have been following the boards for about a month and looked into possibly taking a charter out for a day. I am just looking for a few places to get started other than on the pier. Traveling a little ways isnt a problem either. Any spots, baits, techniques, etc. would be great. Even some places to either catch bait or atleast buy it. Not looking for any secrets just some general knowledge for an out-of-stater. Any help is really appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Jake

[uncleray]

When you get there go to East Coast Sports. Fresh bait and local knowlege on where the bite is. Great people working there. Also back near the bridge behind The Crab Shack is a seafood shop with good prices on fresh caught fish and shrimp. Last fall I didn't do anything in the surf and went to the pier and caught a few but an old guy was using sand fleas around the pilings and caught a bunch of sheepshead and black drum and a puppy drum a little over 7 lbs. Don't rule out the pier.

[fishrulemylife]

There is also Herrings B&T if you take a left onto 210. Its across from the Loggerhead Inn. I can't speak from experience, but from looking at past reports from other piers south of OBX you'll probably be catching just about anything. You may be getting there just around that time where fishing starts slowing down because I know in August its a little slower because of the heat and the water temps being in the 80's. But that doesn't mean you won't catch fish.

The north end of the island has some deep holes to fish. If you go up 210 about 5-6 miles and take New River Inlet Rd you'll find some parking lots for beach access. There is also a small church no more than a mile north of the Seaview Pier and if you park behind it there's beach access there and some nice deep holes. One thing you should plan on if you fish that area is to bring plenty of tackle. From my understanding there used to be a road going through there and its now underwater so in some areas you may get hung on some of the old concrete that's still out there.

Good luck to you, if you decide to try the Jolly Roger Pier you may just see a few of us P&Sers out there.

[BuckeyeJake]

Are there any jettys in the area by the inlets. I have fished down in Florida a few times and sometimes the jettys are the best fishing going. Looking at some maps I noticed that the New River Inlet is just north of Surf City and there is the inlet at Topsail. We plan on doing alot of fishing, whether its from the piers, surf fishing, inshore or hitting the inlets. Thats pretty much the only way I got talked into going! Thanks for the info guys. It will help a ton.

Jake

[fishrulemylife]

There's no jettys that I know of. You're right about the fishing being really good around them though, I used to fish off jettys up north when I was growing up, usually meant for good stripers and togs. Another spot I've been told has good fishing is under the 210 bridge going over to Sneads Ferry. Supposedly there is a lot of flounder in that area.

[Topsailbum]

Yea what they said.........:)

[pier-legend]

..don't expect much surf fishing in the day time ....the crowds cover the beach so thick that it gets to be a joke, even thru the week..
night time is ok...and there are always puppy drum,and the blues and sharks..
..if you want to surf fish daytime...the south end inlet is your best bet...., even in july it gets some puppy drum in quanity....live popeyes and fresh chunks..

[BuckeyeJake]

Thanks for all the info guys. It should give me a good place to start. I will post a report if I actually catch anything:)

Jake