Carolina Fishing Report: Big Chill but Hot Redfish Bite

Frigid weather has descended upon southeastern NC, and while it's put a quick shutdown on surf and pier fishing it hasn't harmed the backwater redfish bite which is still the best thing going.

Huge numbers of redfish are in the shallow water creeks and they are running a bit larger than normal this year. Boaters and fishing guides are reaching them by "poling" the backwaters as anchors and trolling motors will spook the red drum schools.

Redfish in the 20 to 28 inch class are hitting in these shallow areas, striking Berkley Gulp Baits fished on ¼ ounce jig heads best. Some guides, however, are taking these redfish by fly fishing in the cold and clear water.

Elsewhere the news is less good. The cold has shut down the surf action which had been decent with whiting, snapper blues and flounder still around. The speckled trout have not tolerated the cold as well as the redfish but they are still around.

For more fishing reports and links check out my blog A Dash of Saltyand my websiteSurf and Salt.