An All-Star Cast
           
DON'T HAVE A boat? Haven’t yet been able to rationalize the purchase of the latest and greatest rod and reel? That’s not a problem on the NC coast fishing scene. It simply sounds like a terrific opportunity to learn the art of surf fishing.
           
Buy or borrow a pole and you’re on your way to some spectacular seasonal angling in the ocean’s surf where beginner’s luck may be just as big a benefit as the seasoned fisherman’s best bait. The bluefish, sea mullet, flounder, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, striped bass and more are out there in the fall, waiting for your best cast. A lot of individuals miss out on the NC coast’s famous fall surf fishing because they feel they don’t know the season’s secrets, but a little observation, a couple questions to a coastal fisherman while his line’s out, or just some trial and error can present great first results.
 

Every October tucked between area surf fishing tournaments, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores presents a beginners’ surf fishing workshop weekend. During the fall 2007, the 17th annual weekend falls October 12 - 14. Co-sponsored by the Carteret County Sportfishing Association, this hands-on workshop taught by Mac Currin, director of Sport Fishing Adventures and Joe Malat, former surf fishing guide and author of the book, Surf Fishing – Catching Fish From the Beach, covers information on rods, reels, weights, line, tackle, knots, bait, fish identification, catch and release, cast netting, “reading” the surf, locating fish from the beach and caring for your catch. The weekend culminates with a fishing expedition to Cape Lookout National Seashore.
           
For those casting out on their own, a rod about eight to nine feet is a good one to start surf fishing with. Try to find a rod with not too much flex in the tip and will handle up to four ounces of weight to hold a rig on the bottom. Ask those working at area tackle shops for their best advice on seasonal bait. Sea mullet are usually caught on fresh bait, such as bloodworms and shrimp. Free bait for this fish can be found right under the feet of any surf fisherman. The mole crab or “sand flea” is a favorite of the sea mullet.
           
Speckled trout aren’t picky when it comes to bait. Silversides and small mullet tend to work well or artificial lures that resemble these fish. Speckled trout are commonly found in the long holes that form between the beach and a sandbar. According to local fishermen, these holes are frequently found on the north sides of most of the fishing piers along the coast in the fall.
           
Blues are caught in all sizes through December on the coast. Large blues (eight to 12 pounds) usually remain until November when they make way for the 15 to 20 pound giant blues. These powerful fish like mullet, spot or menhaden when it comes to live bait, or almost any type of lure. For these bigger fish, a larger nine to 11 foot rod may be in order.
           
No matter what you’re casting out for, be it flounder, blues or whatever takes your line, don’t miss the enjoyment of one of the North Carolina coast’s least expensive, but most fulfilling, seasonal sports.

Read more feature articles in the print edition of Waterfront Magazine.