Topsails Hidden Fishery
The Topsail area is known as a destination vacation spot with great restaurants,
astonishing beaches, and of course fishing. It is well known that the inshore fishery around the
island (although it may have its battles) is flourishing, known for its giant speckled trout,
flounder and abundance of redfish. The island is buzzing with angling opportunities around
every corner. However, one thing that Topsail Island is not yet known for is the fly fishing and
sight fishing opportunities. If someone mentions fly fishing in North Carolina, typically the
mountain streams come to mind. Although the western side of the state has world class stream
fishing, our coast deserves a spot in that same conversation.
Fly fishing has gained recent popularity in the last 20 years, and rightfully so. It’s been
said that saltwater fly fishing is the closest thing to hunting you can do without the use of a gun.
Whether you are polling a flats boat or fishing from a paddle board, fly fishing is debatably the
most intense way to fish inshore. You are constantly on the move in shallow water with as much
stealth as possible, and when a fish shows itself, you take your shot landing a fly which is
nothing more than an assortment of feathers tied to a hook in a way that looks appetizing to its
predator. Once the fly is in front of the targeted fish, the experience that comes next is beyond
which words can describe.
Although fly fishing can seem intimidating and expensive, it can actually be very
affordable and attainable. The most important aspect in fly fishing is the cast. Often compared to
a golf swing, a fly cast is something you are always working on but never perfect. One does not
need to cast a perfect 80-foot shot in order to be successful. A consistent and accurate 30-foot
cast is more than enough to get the job done. As far as tackle is concerned, there are a variety of
affordable options. A typical set up consists of a 9-foot 8wt rod, a fly reel with line, a leader and
a fly. All of these items can be purchased for a reasonable price at places such as Eastern
Outfitters of Hampstead.
Traditionally, saltwater fly fishing is done from a flats boat which a person or guide polls
the boat in shallow water on an elevated platform above the motor. This elevated platform does
two things, allows the guide to push the boat quietly as well as provides an advantageous angle
for seeing fish. Meanwhile the angler stands on the bow, fly in hand looking and waiting. More
times than not, the person on the platform will be the first to spot the fish and begin to
communicate with the angler using a clock system for direction. Once the fly is in place, the
guide uses terms like “tick” or “bump” which mean to move the fly so that it looks like a live
bait fish. After the fish has eaten the fly, the angler sets the hook and the fight begins. That
conversation would go something like this:
Guide: “Okay John you have a fish at 11 o’clock 20 feet moving left.”
Angler: “Yeah I see it.”
Guide: “Alright take the shot when ever your ready……. Great cast, bump, bump bump,
SET THE HOOK!”
This teamwork between guide and angler is one of the many reasons fly fishing is different from
other styles of fishing.
Whether you’re visiting the area or call Topsail Island home, to miss out on these unique
angling opportunities would mean to miss out on a lifetime and possibly life changing
experience. From hiring a guide to DIY, getting outdoors and discovering Topsail’s hidden
fishery is not a decision you will regret.
