Spring is here (again) and is hopefully sticking around the North Carolina coast permanently this time around. A little over a week ago Topsail Island had been experiencing beautiful 70 degree weather everyday, all the foliage was budding out, the grass was turning green, and we were starting our summer suntans. Then we had a wicked cold spell move in for Easter weekend, getting below freezing for 4 or 5 nights in a row and sending everyone back into their closets for sweaters and sweatshirts. The this unseasonable cold snap finally moved out of here leaving winter behind once and for all, but it was followed by strong, March-like, winds with gusts up to 45 mph this last weekend.

We had had such a mild winter here on Topsail Island and along most of the North Carolina coast that Mother Nature must have decided that it she needed to make one last attempt at winter before spring could officially be sprung. And it’s definitely here, the surfers are having a blast with the remnant waves from the winds, skins are tanning once again, Topsail Island vacationers and property owners are showing up in mass again, and the golfers and fishermen are smiling again.

If you get a chance to make it down to Topsail Island for a spring vacation or escape in the next week or two, know that one of the North Carolina coasts most anticipated seasons is upon us…the Atlantic Bonito is biting hard right now. The Bonito is easy to catch for all levels of fisher…men/women/children, and pound for pound you can’t find a more tenacious fighter on the end of your rod. It’s a great fish for introducing new people to the sport and seasoned veterans specifically target them. I’ve been catching them at Diver’s Rock, a series of underwater ledges about 3.5 miles off of North Topsail Beach, on Diamond Jigs ($1 to $3 at most tackle shops). They’re also known to show up off a series of ledges about 1 mile off the Surf City pier and also at the artificial reef right off of Topsail Beach. Atlantic Bonito, not to be confused with False Albacore, make a fantastic sushi, excellent fresh ceviche, and are excellent prepared any way you would prepare fresh yellowfin tuna. Feel free to EMAIL ME for more fishing info/tips. Atlantic Bonito are typically only around for a few weeks so hurry on down to fill your cooler; and of course we’ll be happy to rent you a great vacation rental house or condo or sell you your own.

Atlantic Bonito