A Trip with Captain Tripp

In December three of our Sea Trail Fishing Club members went on a very successful charter trip with Captain Tripp Hooks. The adventure started out on a sunny, but chilly morning with temperatures in the mid-30’s. at the Salt Fever Guide Service docks. Fishing along the ICW at Tripp’s handpicked, favorite locations, Alan Trojan, Clint Morschauser, and Jim Baumgartner filled out their bag limit of four speckled trout each. The largest was 22 inches, but they also released several undersized trout. One weakfish or grey trout was also released. In addition to a great day of trout fishing, the group also caught a ‘slot’ red drum and four black drum. Most of the action occurred in Tubbs Inlet and Tubbs Cut areas. Spinning rigs were used with floats and treble hooks baited with live shrimp. Captain Hooks runs ‘Capt’N Hook Outdoor’ charters out of Ocean Isle Marina (https://capthookoutdoors.com).

Case in Point: Besides going fishing with our members, there are many great fishing guide professionals in our area that can put you on to a good fishing experience. Some of these guides will speak at our STFC meetings to impart their expertise on lures, rigs, and the right techniques to improve your odds.

[Photo: Compliments of Captain Hooks]

Fishing With Brian

One of the great opportunities of being in the Sea Trail Fishing Club is being invited to fish with other members. Whether the invitation is to fish a pond, lake, pier or whatever, it is always more fun and satisfying to fish with a friend(s) than to fish alone. In addition, you get to share information about fishing gear, tackle, and angling techniques. And who knows, it is great to have a witness if you hook the ‘big one’ and to get to make or better know a friend!!

If the invitation comes from a member that happens to have a boat, that is a double benefit. You get to fish in places that you can’t normally access without a lot of expense and there is an added measure of safety for both. Fishing alone can be hazardous if the unexpected occurs.

Yesterday, Brian Brumbaugh put out an email invitation to our members to join him on his boat for a fishing trip. It seems that I was the only taker, even though I offered to step aside if there were others that were not anxious to take up Brian’s offer. Yes, it was a late notice and yes, it was a bit chilly. We did go and it was as much fun as expected! I caught and landed my personal best Black Drum and Sheepshead of the year.

So, get your fishing gear together and your hooks sharp. Be ready at all times for that unexpected call or email. Most of the time opportunities come around when you least expect them.

Inclement Weather Postpones our NC Wildlife Commission Seeking Public Comments for Proposed 2024-2025 Rule Changes in Asheboro NC – today January 9, 2021

The Jan. 9 public hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. in Asheboro has been cancelled due to inclement weather. To make a comment or hear proposed rules, please attend the virtual public hearing, which will be held at 7 p.m. on Jan. 18. Pre-registration required.

RALEIGH, N.C. (Dec. 1, 2023) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has opened the public comment period for proposed rule changes to the 2024-2025 regulations related to wildlife management, inland fisheries and game lands. The comment period will be open through Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024.  

Comments may be submitted online, emailed to regulations@ncwildlife.org (must include name, county and state of residence in e-mail) or mailed to:  

Rulemaking Coordinator 
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission 
1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1700  

The public may also provide comments during any of NCWRC’s January public hearings. There will be three public hearings, each held at 7 p.m., and one held virtually. 

Jan. 9, 2024 – Asheboro CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Jan. 11, 2024 – Clyde 

Jan. 17, 2024 – New Bern 

Jan. 18, 2024 – Virtual (pre-registration required)   

To review the proposed regulation changes, submit a comment, or obtain information on the public hearings, please visit ncwildlife.org/proposed-regulations.