Cape Fear Fishing Season Has Started
Cape Fear fishing season has started, we are starting to catch flounders, black drum, and red drum. The menhaden have shown up in good size schools. The dredge pond is located just to the south of entering the Cape Fear River from Snow’s Cut on the East Bank of the Cape Fear River. Check your tide table when accessing the Dredge Pond tide should be at least 2′ before attempting to enter the entrance of the pond it has a shallow channel. Spotting the pond from the river looking East look for a tall steep sandy bank. usually, if the bait is in the pond, you will see pelicans diving a good indicator that bait is in the pond.
Catching Bait
I use a Bett’s Cast 10′ diameter for catching menhaden, the big net normally requires only one cast to obtain enough bait to fill the live well. My charters are live bait charters, so a good cast net is a necessity for me. Early springtime the first bait that shows up is menhaden, by the end of June or the first of July the arrival of the finger will trigger the red drum to bite! Most of the time I have bait in the live well before the charter gets on the boat.
Early Springtime Weather
Early springtime can be quite cool first thing in the morning, the ride south on the Cape Fear River you will need some form of a light jacket to break the wind. I always suggest everyone bring some form of a hat and sunglasses to break the glare of the water and the rays of the sun. Suntan lotion is a must, I highly recommend the CVS brand (CVS Health 50) contains zinc oxide has no odor, reasonably priced.
Take Your Son or Daughter Fishing
Over the years I have taken thousands of families fishing the bond that it creates is timeless, I still have lots of memories of when my father started taking me when I was about 5 years old. Get out and enjoy the great outdoors!
Cape Fear Guide – Capt.Mike Dennis – 910-619-0928 – Capt.Mike@charter.net