COASTAL NORTH CAROLINA EDITION
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WRANGLING
THE REEF DONKEY
AFTER DARK OFFSHORE ACTION
LOCAL REPORTS & CATCH PHOTOS
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHELSEA MANN FB: @CHELS.ANA.4321 / IG: @CHELS_CHELS28 VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 377
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AUGUST 2026
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4 NATIONAL
AUGUST 2026
tina Georg e
F
ishing for greater amberjack— By CAM Staff a!ectionately known as “reef donkeys” or “AJs”—is one of saltwater angling’s most grueling and rewarding challenges. These hard-fighting predators are famous for their sheer strength, blistering runs, and ability to test both angler and tackle to the absolute limit. Greater amberjack are structure-oriented predators that primarily inhabit o!shore waters. They congregate around deep wrecks, artificial reefs, oil rigs, and steep rocky ledges. Adult amberjacks can exceed 60 pounds, though common catches range from 20 to 40 pounds. Because they are competitive and aggressive, they often hunt in packs, making them highly receptive to fast-paced fishing tactics. Due to the amberjack’s habit of diving straight into sharp structure when hooked, you cannot use light tackle. Anglers typically rely on heavy-action conventional or spinning gear. Use a heavy 6-foot (or shorter) rod paired with a high-capacity reel. The shorter length gives you better leverage to turn the fish’s head away from the reef. Spool up with a minimum of 50 to 80 lb. braided line, connected to a heavy 80- to 100-lb. monofilament or fluorocarbon leader. Whether you are drifting over the deep wrecks of the Gulf of Mexico or fishing o! the Atlantic coast, the two most e!ective methods are live baiting and vertical jigging. Live bait is often the most productive method for targeting the largest amberjacks. Prized baits include blue runners, hardtails, pinfish
EDIT: Chris
TIPS FOR CATCHING GREATER AMBERJACK
PHOTO CR
Taming Reef Donkeys
and cigar minnows. Rig your bait using a heavy circle hook (7/0 to 10/0 depending on the bait size) and drop it down into the lower third of the water column just above the submerged structure. Pro anglers often clip the tail of a lively baitfish so it doesn’t swim away too quickly, making it an easy target. If you prefer an active fishing style, heavy metal jigs (4 to 10 ounces) are incredibly e!ective. Butterfly jigs and traditional diamond jigs mimic the frantic movement of injured baitfish. Drop the lure to the bottom and rapidly reel it upward using a jerking, pumping motion. Amberjacks react intensely to speed and competition, so a fast, erratic retrieve often triggers a violent reaction strike. Hooking an amberjack is only half the battle; bringing it to the surface is the real test! When hooked, the “reef donkey” will immediately bolt straight down toward the safety of the wreck or reef. If they reach the structure, your line will be sliced on sharp metal or rocks. You must apply heavy drag and use a “lift and reel” technique, steadily pumping the rod and winding quickly to force the fish upward. To protect greater amberjack from overfishing, they are strictly regulated. These rules depend entirely on whether you are fishing o! the Gulf Coast or the Atlantic Coast. The Gulf population is heavily managed due to low stock numbers. For 2026, recreational harvest in the Gulf opens for 43 days, running from September 1 through October 14, 2026. Fish must be a minimum of 34” fork length (measured from the tip of the jaw to the center fork of the tail). Anglers are strictly limited to 1 fish per person, per day. Captain and crew on charter boats have a bag limit of zero. The Atlantic coast o!ers longer open windows but a di!erent sizing scale. Harvest is open most of the year but features a mandatory spawning closure from April 1 through April 30.The minimum size drops to 28” fork length. The limit mirrors the Gulf at 1 fish per person, per day. Before heading out, check your state’s licensing requirements and rules for specific reef-fishing gear to improve fish survival rates after release such as non-stainless steel circle hooks, dehooking device and a rigged, readyto-use venting tool or descending device to safely handle fish experiencing barotrauma.
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PAMLICO
FISHING FORECAST with CAPT. JENNINGS ROSE North State Guide Service • 910-231-7741
www.USHarbors.com
Hatteras, Pamlico Sound, NC - Aug 2026 Cape Lookout Bight, High NC - Apr 2025 Date 1 2
1
AM
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Sat Date
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www.USHarbors.com
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10:14
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0.4 0.5
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6:23 7:40 7:50 0.50.3 6:31
1717
Thu 12:49 10:33 Mon
3.1 0.7
11:03 12:59
4.0 0.6
4:44 7:16
0.7 0.4
4:27 7:32
0.60.4 6:30 6:24 7:41 7:49
1818
Fri Tue
11:24 1:46
3.0 0.7
11:54 1:58
4.0 0.6
5:28 8:07
0.8 0.4
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0.70.4 6:28 6:25 7:41 7:48
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Sat Tue 11:02 9:13
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6:40
7:34
0.4
0.4
6:38
7:35
7:20
4.2
1:04
0.3
12:32
0.4
1:07
6:37
7:36
4.3
1:44
0.3
3:46
0.4
7:52
0.3
1:40
0.4
6:36
7:37
8:23
4.4
2:20
0.3
2:12
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0.7 4.3
5:38 3:28
0.4 0.4
5:57 3:15
Sat Wed
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Thu
3:09
0.6
3:35
21
Fri
3:55
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4:36
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Sat
4:54
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5:41
23
Sun
5:53
0.6
6:31
2425
Mon Fri
6:39 5:35
0.6 4.0
7:15 6:04
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Sun
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Wed Thu
12:45 1:39 2:40 3:44 4:41
3.9 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.9
0.7
11:54
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12:19
2:40
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3:34
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0.7 4.4
3.0 0.6
4:18
4:57 2:54
6:16 8:55
0.3
0.3
0.4 0.3
1.0 0.4
2:53 4:31
5:13 2:43
6:03 8:58
0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
6:18 6:19 6:20 6:21
7:57 7:56 7:55 7:54
6:21 7:38 7:52 0.40.3 6:33 6:22 7:39 7:51 0.40.3 6:32
0.80.4 6:27 6:25 7:42 7:47 0.9
6:26
7:43
0.9
8:23
0.8
6:25
7:44
9:17
0.7
9:35
0.6
6:23
7:45
3.9
10:06
0.4
10:33
0.3
6:22
7:45
5:11
4.4
10:51
0.1
11:27
0.1
6:21
7:46
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7:12
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11:01
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11:56
2:08
3.2
3:14
3.5
4:16
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12:22
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7:06
0.4
11:26
0.4 0.4
12:39
0.4 0.5 0.3
6:26 6:27 6:28 6:28
7:45 7:44 7:43 7:41
2526
Tue Sat
7:20 6:27
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7:58 6:54
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Wed Sun 8:00 7:16
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8:43 7:43
0.7 5.5
2:43 1:20
0.4 -0.3
2:55 -0.4 0.3 6:18 6:31 7:49 7:38 1:17
Up the river,
2728
Mon 8:41 8:03 Thu
4.1 0.7
8:31 9:25
5.5 0.7
2:14 3:27
-0.4 0.4
2:07 3:40 -0.5 0.3 6:17 6:31 7:49 7:36
Striper’s have been most active early and late in the
2829
Tue 9:20 8:51 Fri
4.0 0.7
9:20 10:02
5.3 0.7
3:04 4:03
-0.3 0.4
3:55 4:35
-0.2 0.4
2:57 4:20 -0.4 0.3 6:16 6:32 7:50 7:35
2930
G
western Pamlico Sound recently.
evening. Topwater is always a fun way to target them. Speckled trout, slot sized drum, and black drum are all being caught
Wed 9:55 9:42 Sat
3.8 0.7
10:16 10:36
5.0 0.7
1:07 11:36
0.4 -0.1
9:58
0.3 6:20 6:29 7:47 7:40 0.4 2:05 0.3 6:30 7:39 -0.2 12:25 -0.3 6:19 7:48
reat times are being had on the Neuse River and
0.7 4.9
9:51
1.0
1:55
8:17
1:08
3.0
1:41
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0.50.2 6:41 6:18 7:34 7:58
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5:25 6:59
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3.6 0.6
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98 9
3.8 0.6
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6:13
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43
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PM 5:46
Tue 1:38 Thu 11:58
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3:47 4:55 -0.2 0.3 6:15 6:33 7:51 7:34
30
Sun
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5:07
0.4
5:31
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6:34
7:32
31
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5:43
0.4
6:13
0.4
6:34
7:31
on live shrimp while working past the pinfish. DOA shrimp paired with a popping cork is also a good producer. We can harvest Speckled trout now, but always check size and limit regulations. Tarpon have made a strong appearance on the Neuse, and anglers have been targeting them with both cut bait and artificials as of late. Of course we are entering our “old drum” season. This is our bread and butter fishery with anglers traveling long distances to come target them. Large popping corks paired with your favorite swim bait should draw bites; and of course the tried and true Owen Lupton rig with cut mullet is hard to beat. Old Drum are targeted typically on depth changes in the river, and fishing around bait is always a plus. It’s a great time of year to get on the water, and if you would like to experience a fun trip with friends or family feel free to give me a ring. Get out there and Go get Em’! COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
AUGUST 2026
COASTAL NORTH CAROLINA 1
FROM FIGHTING
CANCER
TO FIGHTING FISH
O
n October 29, 2025, Carter’s life changed forever. Carter’s cancer journey actually started months before that day. During the summer of 2025, he began experiencing leg pain that would come and go. At first, it seemed like something that would eventually pass, but over time the pain continued and his limp became harder and harder to ignore. On October 29, 2025, an MRI revealed a tumor in Carter’s left femur. He was immediately sent to Duke Children’s Hospital for further testing, where he was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Over the next several months, Carter faced everything that came with childhood cancer — intense chemotherapy, hospital stays, countless appointments, scans, and a major surgery. In February 2026, doctors removed 14 inches of the top portion of his femur where the tumor was located and replaced it with a titanium rod, giving him the chance to keep his leg and continue moving forward. The pathology results after surgery brought incredible news: 100% of the cancer in the removed bone was dead. But Carter still had more precautionary treatment ahead, completing a total of 7 months of chemotherapy. Through it all, one thing never changed… Carter’s love for fishing! Carter has ALWAYS been a fisherman at heart. He wakes up thinking about fishing and goes to bed thinking about fishing. Even as a little kid, his Halloween costume was a fisherman, and his Christmas gifts often included toy boats he carried around everywhere. So when Carter talked about his dream for life after cancer, it wasn’t anything complicated, he wanted a fishing boat!! At the beginning of this journey, Carter’s mom started a TikTok account to document Carter’s journey. It was never meant to become anything big, it was simply a way to capture the moments, the struggles, and the victories so he could look back one day and remember how far he had come. But over time, something incredible happened. Those following along became a community, a group of people offering encouragement, prayers, support, and hope. After Carter’s surgery, he spent nearly a week recovering in the hospital. During that time, so many people asked what they could send him to make him smile. One day, while stuck in the hospital, Carter jokingly said: “We should start a GoFundMe for my fishing boat… that’s really what I want!” What started as a hospital joke quickly became something much bigger. Carter shared his idea, and his community SHOWED UP. The GoFundMe raised over $10,000 and allowed Carter to buy his dream fishing boat right before finishing his final chemotherapy treatment in June 2026. That boat became so much more than a boat. It represented freedom, healing, making memories, and getting back to the thing Carter loves most, being on the water! On June 19, 2026, Carter finished his final chemotherapy treatment at Duke Children’s Hospital, officially completing his cancer treatment journey. After the fear, the surgeries, the treatments, and the hard days, Carter made it to the other side. His story is a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, there is hope. It’s the story of a kid who fought with incredible strength, a community that showed up when he needed it most, and a new chapter filled with fishing trips, memories, and simply getting to be a kid again.
2 COASTAL NORTH CAROLINA
AUGUST 2026
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Luk e Pate from Bai ley NC
Ca rter Si ng le
to n From R alei
gh NC
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lso n NC
David Bailey from Raleigh NC Zachary Brown from New Bern NC
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ynev ille Oh io
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High
Date
Low PM
ft
Rise
Set
1
Tue
10:00
3.9
10:35
5.0
4:09
-0.3
4:06
-0.4
6:51
7:28
2
Wed
10:58
3.6
11:35
4.7
5:02
0.0
4:58
-0.2
6:49
7:29
3
Thu
11:58
3.4
6:00
0.3
5:56
0.2
6:48
7:30
Sat
1:36
4.1
2:04
3.2
8:24
0.7
8:23
0.6
6:45
7:31
Mon
3:58
3.8
4:31
3.4
10:31
0.6
10:41
0.6
6:42
7:33
T 4 6
May 16 -17 – Military Appreciation Fishing Tournament –Cedar Point Aug 23 – Sep 29 –“Inshore Open” Fishing Tournament – Statewide Sept 17 – Crystal Coast Banquet – Morehead City Oct 4th –Fishing for the Future Annual Kids Fishing Tournament – Swansboro Oct 24-25 – “The Billy Burch Wide Open” Military Appreciation Fishing Tournament – Cedar Point
7 8
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
Moon
12:35 4.4 one 12:58of 3.3 7:05 0.6 summers 7:01 0.5 that 6:47 I remember 7:30 hisFri has been the hottest in
several years. Sun 2:46 3.9 Inshore 3:21 3.2deepwater 9:38 0.7 structure 9:43 0.6 has 6:44been 7:32 producing sheepshead, black drum and0.5speckled trout. We are also Tue 4:58 3.8 5:25 3.6 11:15 11:31 0.5 6:41 7:34
Wed 5:47 3.8 6:09 3.8 11:54 6:40 7:34 catching9 speckled trout early mornings on0.5our trips using topwater plugs, 10
Thu
6:28
3.7
6:47
4.0
12:19
0.4
12:32
0.4
6:38
7:35
12
Sat
7:37
3.7
7:52
4.3
1:44
0.3
1:40
0.4
6:36
7:37
14
Mon
8:39
3.5
8:56
4.4
2:54
0.3
2:43
0.4
6:33
7:38
11 Fri 7:04 3.7 baits 7:20 and 4.2 curly 1:04 0.4 1:07 6:37 7:36 and holographic swim tails under0.44Horsemen popping
corks. Most days8:08that3.6bite8:23 has 4.4 been2:20 fizzled mid 6:35 morning. We are 13 Sun 0.3 out 2:12by 0.4 7:38 sightfishing schools of3.4redfish with MirrOlure topwater plugs, gold spoons 15 Tue 9:13 9:32 4.3 3:28 0.4 3:15 0.4 6:32 7:39
16 Wed Assassin 9:50 3.2 plastics. 10:14 4.2 0.5 long 6:31 if 7:40 and Saltwater They4:04will0.5eat 3:49 all day you can find 17
Thu
10:33
3.1
11:03
4.0
4:44
0.7
4:27
0.6
6:30
7:41
Prep
12:45
3.9
12:15
3.0
6:16
1.0
6:03
0.8
6:27
7:42
1:08
3.0
7:12
1.0
7:06
0.9
6:26
7:43
3.8
2:08
3.2
8:17
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8:23
0.8
6:25
7:44
3.8
3:14
3.5
9:17
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9:35
0.6
6:23
7:45
Prehe refrig the fi Prepa aside sauce to a s reduc and al be a li a fork heat 1 to get dry pa
1:39 2:40
them. Just remember to not spook them. 18 Fri 11:24 3.0 keep 11:54your 4.0 distance 5:28 0.8and 5:11 0.7 6:28 7:41 19
Sat
20
Sun
Pro21 TipMon 22 Tue
23 topwater Wed 3:44 plugs 3.8 4:16 10:06terrible 0.4 10:33 0.3 straight 6:22 7:45out of the Most come3.9with hooks 24
Thu
4:41
3.9
5:11
4.4
10:51
0.1
11:27
0.1
6:21
7:46
26
Sat
6:27
4.1
6:54
5.3
12:24
-0.2
12:25
-0.3
6:19
7:48
package. change strong #2 hooks 25 I always Fri 5:35 4.0 mine 6:04 out 4.9 with 11:364×-0.1 6:20before 7:47 they ever make the first cast. I like VMC hooks in coastal black nickel but there are 27 Sun 7:16 4.1 7:43 5.5 1:20 -0.3 1:17 -0.4 6:18 7:49 Mon 8:03 8:31 5.5 2:14 -0.4 2:07 -0.5 6:17 7:49 several28brands on the4.1market that are outstanding and hold up very well. 29
Tue
8:51
4.0
9:20
5.3
3:04
-0.3
2:57
-0.4
6:16
7:50
Wed 9:42 3.8 5.0 a 3:55 -0.2 fish 3:47 There’s 30nothing worse than10:16 losing quality due-0.2to a6:15 hook7:51and failure!
While we can’t control the bite we can do the little things that help creep the odds up in our favor while out there. 42 COASTAL COASTAL NORTH NORTH CAROLINA CAROLINA
R
Cape Lookout Bight, NC - Apr 2025
5
CCA has led the fight to rebuild our declining fisheries. Part of our mission is to restore NC’s recreational fishing heritage. We need your help to make the common-sense reforms to save our fisheries for future generations to enjoy!
M
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High Cape DateLookout Bight, NC - Apr 2025 Sat Date Sun
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Low
ft 3.0 3.9 3.1
AM 10:48 Tue 11:32 10:00 Mon Wed 10:58 Tue
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Pan-seared Triggerfish with Blistered Tomato Bruschetta over White Rice
New River Inlet, NC - Aug 2026
1
STROUD'S MARINE
ft 3.2
4.2 4.1 4.3 4.0
AM 4:43 4:09 5:17 5:02 5:56
Moon
Black pepper, pinch Ingredients: ft PM ft0.2 Rise 0.1 4:50 6:20 Set 8:10 Moon Butter, unsalted, 2 teaspoons FILET OF FISH -0.3 4:06 0.1 5:39 -0.4 0.3 6:51 6:21 7:28 8:09 0.0 4:58 BLISTERED TOMATO BRUSCHETTA Triggerfish Filet, 7-9 ounce, 2 each 0.0 6:34 -0.2 0.4 6:49 6:22 7:29 8:08 0.3 5:56 0.2 6:48 7:30 0.0 7:37 0.4 6:22 8:07 Olive oil, 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, as needed 0.6 7:01 0.5 6:47 7:30 0.0 8:46 0.5 6:23 8:06 865 Rivit Red onion,St chopped, 1/4 cup Black Pepper, as needed 0.7 8:23 0.6 6:45 7:31 0.0 9:58 0.4 6:24 8:05 0.7 9:43 0.6 6:44 7:32 Garlic, finely chopped, 3 cloves Olive oil, 2 tablespoons Greenville NC 27834 0.0 11:06 0.3 6:25 8:04 0.6 10:41 0.6 6:42 7:33 -0.1 6:25 8:03 Cherry Tomatoes, halved, 1 1/2 cups Butter, unsalted, 2 tablespoons 0.5 11:31 0.5 6:41 7:34 stroudsmarine@gmail.com 11:46 0.2 -0.2 6:40 6:26 7:34 8:02 0.5 Red vinegar, 2 tablespoons WHITE RICE AM 0.4 0.0 12:32 12:47 0.4 -0.3 6:38 6:27 7:35 8:01 Juice of a lemon, 1 each Water, 2 cups 0.4 -0.1 1:07 1:44 0.4 -0.4 6:37 6:28 7:36 8:00 Fresh mint, chopped, 3-4 leaves Carolina Plantation White Rice, 3/4 cup 0.3 -0.2 1:40 2:39 0.4 -0.3 6:36 6:28 7:37 7:59 0.3 2:12 0.4 6:35 7:38 Coriander, ground, pinch Fresh basil, chopped, 5-6 leaves -0.2 3:31 -0.2 6:29 7:58 0.3 2:43 0.4 6:33 7:38 -0.2 4:23 -0.1 6:30 7:57 Kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon
1:04 1:52 7:37 3.7 7:52 1:44 1312 8:34 3.3 9:03 2:39 13 Sun 8:08 3.6 8:23 4.4 2:20 14 Fri 9:25 3.4 9:49 3.7 3:23 14 Mon 8:39 3.5 8:56 4.4 2:54 15 Sat 10:14 3.4 10:33 3.5 4:06 15 Tue 9:13 3.4 9:32 4.3 3:28 0.4 3:15 16 Sun 11:02 3.4 11:17 3.1 4:47 -0.1 5:15 16 Wed 9:50 3.2 10:14 4.2 4:04 0.5 3:49 17 Mon 11:51 3.4 5:29 0.1 6:08 17 Thu 10:33 3.1 11:03 4.0 4:44 0.7 4:27 18 Tue 12:02 2.8 12:42 3.3 6:10 0.2 7:05 18 Fri 11:24 3.0 11:54 4.0 5:28 0.8 5:11 19 Wed 12:50 2.5 1:36 3.1 6:55 0.4 8:07 Preheat oven to 375 degrees. the fish1.0 from6:03 the 19 yourSat 12:15 Remove 3.0 6:16 20 Thu 1:42 on2.3 2:35lined 3.1 7:44 towel. 0.5 9:13 refrigerator and place a plate with paper Pat 20 Sun 12:45 3.9 1:08 3.0 7:12 1.0 7:06 21 filets Fri completely 2:42 2.2 3:36 3.1 8:40 0.5 10:18 the fish dry allow 3.2 to rest on the 21 Mon 1:39 3.8 and 2:08 8:17 0.9 counter. 8:23 22 your Sat 2.1 tomato 4:35 for3.1 9:40 0.6 11:15 Prepare onion,3:45 garlic and the Bruschetta set 22 Tue 2:40 3.8 3:14 3.5 9:17 0.7 and9:35 Sun 2.2 5:27 3.2 your 10:38 0.5 aside,2323 keeping the4:45 tomato separate. rice:0.4 In a small Wed 3:44 3.8 4:16 Prepare 3.9 10:06 10:33
252-751-0415
This will season your pan and help the fish not to stick. With the pan still hot over a high medium heat, heat the remainder of the oil and all the butter until the butter starts to simmer. The oil butter mixture should not be turning brown or smoking, but it must be hot. Quickly, generously season the top side of your fish filets with salt and pepper and place seasoned side down. Then season the top 0.3 side of the fish with salt and pepper. After about 10-15 seconds, 11:30 0.1 saucepot, salt,10:51 pepper,0.1 and Thu2 cups 4:41of water, 3.9 coriander, 5:11 4.4 11:27 with a6:21 turning spatula, gently slide under both fish filets and move 2424 bring Mon 5:37 2.3 6:12 3.3 12:02 0.7 butter 0.4 6:36 7:46 7:46 AM to a 25 simmer, then 6:22 stir rice to11:36 a gentle 25 Fri 5:35 in rice. 4.0 Bring 6:04 the 4.9 -0.1 simmer, 6:20to make 7:47 sure it is not sticking. If your pan was hot enough, a touch Tue 2.5 6:53 3.4 12:43 0.6 12:17 0.3 6:37 7:45 reduce26heat to flame,4.1 just enough the simmer, Sata low 6:27 6:54 to 5.3hold12:24 -0.2 cover, 12:25 -0.3 7:48 a nice6:19 sear should already be started and you should not have any 26 Wed 7:04 2.7 7:30 3.5 1:19 0.4 1:01 0.2 6:38 7:43 and allow for about until may -0.4trouble. 27 to simmer Sun 7:16 4.1 18–20 7:43 minutes 5.5 1:20 tender -0.3 (it1:17 6:18 Once 7:49 the butter starts to brown slightly, tilt your pan and 27 Thu 7:43 2.9 8:06 3.6 1:53 0.3 1:42 0.1 6:39 7:42 be a little time.)8:03 When it4.1is ready, aside 2:14 covered.-0.4Fluff 2:07 with -0.5start6:17 28 less Mon 8:31 set5.5 7:49 the butter over top of the fish, about 5-7 times spooning 28 Fri 8:21 3.1 8:41 3.5 2:25 0.2 2:24 0.1 6:39 7:41 29 Tueare 8:51 5.3 oven-safe 3:04 -0.3 7:50 a fork when you ready to4.0serve.9:20 In a large skillet 2:57 pan, -0.4each.6:16 Let your fish cook for 3 minutes and then carefully flip. Spoon Sat 8:59 3.3 9:17 3.5 2:57 0.1 3:05 6:40 7:39 Wed 9:42 3.8swirl 10:16 5.0 the3:55 -0.2 the 3:47 heat29130tablespoon of oil and it around pan. Allow oil -0.20.1 more6:15 butter7:51 over the cooked side. Allow to cook for 1 minute and 30 Sun 9:38 3.4 9:54 3.3 3:29 0.1 3:49 0.1 6:41 7:38 to get very hot but not smoking. Carefully wipe the pan with a few slide into the oven to finish cooking the very center. Next, work on 31 Mon 10:20 10:34 3.2 4:04 4:35 0.2 6:41 7:37 dry paper towels, making 3.5 sure to completely grease up0.1the pan. your Bruschetta topping. (While you are on step 5, check the fish
Preparation
for doneness, it may or may not be ready before the bruschetta is ready) **See Chef’s Note for tips about doneness. In a small, preferably nonstick pan, heat 2 teaspoons of oil, over a high medium heat and add the onions and garlic and cook for 45-60 seconds, until the garlic starts to brown. Add the halved tomatoes and season with a little salt and pepper and toss. Once the tomatoes start to blister (about 30-45 seconds) add the vinegar and lemon, tossing to incorporate, allow to simmer for about 3045 seconds. Add the basil and mint, toss then remove from heat. Once your fish is ready, separate the rice on 2 plates. Top the rice with 1 filet of fish each and then divide the blistered Bruschetta over top both filets. If you would like, chop up a little fresh basil and mint and garnish the top of the dish and add a little fresh cracked black pepper. **Chef’s Note: You will know when your dish is done when the center of the fish easily flakes apart.
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CRYSTAL COAST
FISHING FORECAST with CAPT. JOE TUNSTALL
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ugust can be a great month for Crystal Coast Fishing. It can also be tough, because of bathtub temperature water. For me, I am fishing earlier and later times, or I am hyper focused on incoming or top of the high tide early falling cycles. Spanish and blues will typically push up into inlets in August on the incoming tides into pinch points or up against bars where they can easily be targeted by the anglers’ choice methods. For me and my clients, it is casting ½-1oz jigs. Another excellent producer of top quality Spanish is live bait. Live bait spanish rigs and 5-7” mullet or pogies in the 3-5” range fished near the AR’s or near jetties can produce citation sized epic eats on light tackle. In primary bluefish concentrations, large topwater plugs rigged with inline single hooks. Redfish are better in shrimp present areas, early morning or late afternoon. But tide can typically be key. Incoming or early falling can provide your best opportunities. If you are in the middle of the day or lower tide cycles, fish three outside points, troughs or ledges with light rigged Carolina rigs or heavier 4/0 jig heads tipped with live shrimp, cut chunks of mullet, pogies or any other seasonal baitfish. Redfish aren’t picky…they live 30-50 years because they are hardy eaters. Early or late day topwater fishing near prominent underwater grass edges can produce epic speckled trout eats, although don’t expect double digit numbers. It is more a quality over quantity event. What I really start getting geared up for is World class Trophy Redfish Season. This large breeder class Redfish begin moving in the sounds and rivers for their yearly spawn in July and typically fire up with the first big moon in August.This fishery will produce frequent citation class fish from 40-52 inches. The traditional method of soaking bait or newer more contemporary styles can produce daily trophies and bucket list fish. “Corkin” an artificial under a popping cork, topwaters, 3/4oz spoons or purpose built spinner baits produce phenomenal results from August to early October yearly. Fun fact, NC boasts 21 of the world’s IGFA Redfish records..that is more than any other state. So get out there and get your personal best! A great way to learn this fishery is to go with a reputable fishing guide that specializes in the fishery and go on a learning charter with them. They will appreciate the opportunity to share this amazing world class fishery with you. Capt Joe Tunstall helped start Carolina Traditions in 2012, the business became more of a specialized full time guide service around 2016. Specializing in world class sightfishing opportunities with light tackle and fly along the Crystal Coast. Born and raised in Carteret County his family has been in the tidewater region since the mid 1600’s and his Great Grandfather was one of the first registered fishing and hunting guides along the Pamlico River. Capt. Joe runs most of his charters out of Cape Pointe Marina on Harkers Island, the shortest run to the famous waters of Cape Lookout Shoals where he began fishing its dangerous edges over 35 years ago. Feel free to reach out for a charter or local knowledge.
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Morehead City Harbor (Harbor Channel), NC Aug 2026 Cape Lookout Bight, NC - Apr 2025 High
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AM 3.5ft Sat 2:57
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6:16 1.00.8 6:03 2.9 12:15 6:48 3.0 3.5 12:14 12:15 0.80.5 6:276:30 7:427:50
Sun 6:56 12:45 2.8 3.9 7:43 1:08 3.0 2020 Thu 3.4 7:12 1:11 1.00.9 7:06 1:08 0.90.6 6:266:31 7:437:49 1:39 2.7 3.8 8:42 2:08 3.2 2121 FriMon 7:51 3.4 8:17 2:09 0.91.0 8:23 2:03 0.80.6 6:256:31 7:447:47 2:40 2.6 3.8 9:42 3:14 3.5 2222 SatTue 8:50 3.4 9:17 3:07 0.71.1 9:35 2:59 0.60.7 6:236:32 7:457:46 23
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4:16
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Mon 10:46 2.7 11:24 3.5
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1.0
4:46
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25
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5:34
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Wed 12:05 3.6 12:14 3.0
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Mon 8:03
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8:31
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Wed 9:42
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STAY ON TOP By Britt Stoudenmire
FOR SUMMERTIME
RIVER SMALLIES
T
he late-summer months are an overlooked window to catch big smallmouth bass that have been lazily lying in the middle of the river a!er a long spawning season. The insect hatches and emergences that occur throughout the day including mayflies, damsel flies and my favorite, the cicada, spur feeding frenzies and create an excellent opportunity to throw topwater lures and flies. One of my favorite lures to target topwater smallies during this period
is the Pop-R. I make long casts with a 6-foot to 6-foot, 6-inch G.Loomis medium-action rod with a Shimano Stradic 2500 C4+ reel spooled with 20/6 Power Pro braided line. On entry into the water, I let the bait dead dri! for about five seconds before working it erratically back to the boat. I target current seams, eddies, corner pockets and any type of structure or current break in the middle of fast water. It is important to continue working the bait with the same cadence, even if a fish is crashing behind it. Once you feel the rod load, reel into the fish and swing the rod back. Once hooked up, keep the rod—and fish—down in the water. Many big fish are lost while trying to pull the fish up to get a look at it. Another one of my favorite topwater presentations is the buzzbait. I will target the same areas as above using a slightly stouter medium-heavy setup to drive the hook home. The key to the buzzbait is to get the bait up on the surface as soon as it hits the water. I favor a straight, steady retrieve, reeling just fast enough to keep the bait on the surface. When a fish eats it, allow him to load the rod before setting into him with a hard hook set. I favor longer sha!ed buzzbaits for better hook-ups, as I don’t use trailer hooks because of the damage they can do to smallies. If you have a blow up on your buzzbait and do not touch him with the hook, a quick follow up with a so! plastic will o!en garner an immediate bite from the same fish. If you like to fly fish, summer’s slower, less-busy water o!en presents the perfect scenario to fly fish for big smallmouth. My favorite presentation for smallies on the fly is dead-dri!ing cicada bugs. Big smallies are addicted to these “dog days” dying cicada bugs and the easy meal they present, and we sight cast to these fish that o!en eclipse 20” or more. This technique has produced some of my clients’ and my personal best fly-rod fish. When dead dri!ing cicada bugs aren’t working, several other presentations can produce explosive strikes. Any popper in the size 4 to 6 range can attract smallies. When they strike, remember to strip up the slack line and into them before raising the rod tip hard to drive home the hook. If fish aren’t responding to the popper, another option is a slider-style fly. When stripped, the fly will dive slightly beneath the surface giving a darting and diving action. The Sneaky Pete is a good example, and this type of presentation can be deadly. Britt Stoudenmire owns and operates New River Outdoor Co. who guides on the New River in Southwest Virginia. www.newriveroutdoorco.com.
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RHINO SPINNING COMBO WINS ICAST 2026 BEST OF SHOW
I
n an industry increasingly dominated by high-tech fish finders, forwardfacing sonar, and motorized watercra!, the biggest story of ICAST 2026 came down to a refreshing return to roots. Rather Outdoors and its iconic Zebco brand shocked the fishing world at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., by winning the overall Best of Show award for the newly engineered Rhino 30 6’6’’ 2-piece Medium Spinning Combo. The victory marks a monumental comeback for the legacy Rhino name, a brand built entirely on bulletproof reliability for the everyday angler. “Zebco has been the first chapter in so many people’s fishing stories, and the Rhino relaunch is helping make sure that first experience is one that lasts,” said Chris Littau, Vice President of Zebco, following the historic win. Before capturing the industry’s ultimate prize, the Rhino setup first secured its foothold by winning the competitive Rod & Reel Combo category in the ICAST 2026 New Product Showcase, where industry heavyweights and innovative newcomers competed for 39 different Best of Category awards, selected by credentialed buyers and media who voted during the trade show.
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remember the dog days of August as almost unbearable for myself and clients during the daylight hours. Some days on commercial trips we would put the fan on us and rest during the heat of the day and fish in the late a!ernoon and at night for a number of fish, including snappers and mackerel. The yellowfin and wahoo bite could sometimes be a pleasant surprise while king mackerel fishing under the lights. The first wahoo I ever caught from an anchored up boat was at night. It literally swam right to the boat and I was able to almost hand feed him. That was a game-changing experience for me. This is where I learned how to catch live squid in numbers under the lights with a long-handled dip net and on the Sabiki. Cigar minnows and sardines would gather in huge swarms under the lights and, therefore, it would attract all the predators, not to mention the bite on the bottom and in the mid depth of the water column. The full moon of August is traditionally the best beeliner fishing of the year. A lot of the snappers spawn during the full moon of July and August; the mackerel too. A lot of the snappers and triggers are not on the bottom, but will suspend in the water column, so I would recommend a level wind reel when fishing the water column to locate the depth of the largest snappers. Descend your baits, slowly letting your thumb off the spool to release more line, one rod-length strip at a time. I like to use a double tackle with small pieces of squid and small circle hooks for this style of fishing. When you feel the first bite, click the reel in gear and barely come tight to it...sometimes you’ll have two at a time. This is the perfect time to put a small snapper on the bottom, a snapper Packed out... 2-4 lb. beeliners during large enough to eliminate first half of the night on the full moon. all the trash bites and attract only the largest grouper. The largest gag I ever caught was in August (at night) on a small pink snapper. Gutted it weighed 51 pounds and we estimated that it was probably 54 pounds. August has a lot of opportunities. We just have to change tactics to take advantage of it, and the night shi! is a great way to avoid the searing daytime temperatures and fill the box with organic groceries. This is also a good time to keep at least one person on the Sabiki, catching cigar minnows and sardines for future trips. Considering the cost of a five-pound box of frozen cigars, it makes it worthwhile to jig up 15 or 20 pounds of cigs, sardines, squid and/or tinker macs. Keep them all in the live well until you’re ready to leave in the morning and chill the remainder of the livewell all at one time for the ride home. Fish through the night and during the first couple of hours of daylight on the productive bottom and come home with a box full of fish! This is how to get the most out of an August trip. Load the box with plenty of ice when you get home, go inside, take a good nap and get up in the a!ernoon to clean and freeze the catch. Learn more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com and on his YouTube channel: @timbarefoot5698.
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