August fishing report for southeastern North Carolina

Sheepshead provide fun fight, good eating

For Capt. Jot Owens of Jot It Down Fishing Charters in Wrightsville Beach, sheepshead are worth pursing in August for more than one reason.

“Sheepshead are always on my hot-weather list,” said Owens.

One reason is because anglers can target these fish under bridges, which offer a welcome respite from the August sun.

“Just think,” he said, “fishing somewhere out of the sun, and you’re catching great-eating fish.”

Pure fun

That’s another reason Owens (910-233-4139) likes fishing for this species in the heat of summer. A third reason is it’s just plain fun.

“Sheepshead offer a great challenge and they fight hard. They are fun to catch, and they are also great to eat,” he said.

Owens uses mainly fiddler crabs and sand fleas for bait, and prefers a medium-heavy spinning or casting rod. He opts for a Carolina rig with 20- or 30-pound Spiderwire for his mainline, and a short 40- or 50-pound fluorocarbon leader, finished up with a strong, sharp live-bait J-hook.

“Drop that fiddler down beside a piling on the Carolina rig,” he said. “And when you feel that little bump, set the hook and hold on.”

Tarpon too

Another fish Owens stays on the lookout for this month is tarpon.

“North Carolina is not really known for tarpon, but we do see a few pushing just off Masonboro Inlet and the Lower Cape Fear River from time to time,” he said. “If you want a good challenge, give Carolina tarpon fishing a try in August.

Owens recommends  fishing on the bottom or free-lining, using live and fresh dead baits like spots, mullet and menhaden.

“I rig these baits on fish finder rigs, with 3 to 5 feet of 80- to 100-pound fluorocarbon leaders,” he said. “Circle hooks in 7/0 to 9/0 are the best bet for good hookups and landings for tarpon. It’s not easy to catch a NC tarpon, but I promise if you do, or even just jump one, you will try again.” ■