Carolina Beach Surf Fishing & Pier Fishing

Have you ever taken a stroll along Carolina Beach, and wondered what people are fishing for? I have, and everytime I ask a fisherman/woman, I get the same response, "Whatever is biting!" Courtesy of the Fisherman's Post, here is a little bit about what has been biting recently - on the surf and on the pier: Bud Holt, of Carolina Beach, with a 3 lb., 3 oz. pompano that bit fresh shrimp in the Fort Fisher surf. Wes, of Island Tackle and Hardware, reports that anglers are still connecting with some sea mullet near the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Dunking bottom rigs baited with shrimp and bloodworms around deeper holes is the way to connect with the mullet. Some smaller speckled trout are also feeding in the Cape Fear River. Anglers can tempt them to bite live shrimp, Gulp baits, and a variety of other lures. The red drum bite in the bays off the lower Cape Fear has been up-and-down, but anglers are catching a few on live mud minnows and Gulp baits. Some black drum have been feeding around Carolina Beach Inlet, where they’re taking an interest in fresh shrimp on bottom rigs. The inlet area and the CB boat basin are also producing some flounder for anglers casting Gulps and live baits. Spanish mackerel are beginning to make a showing off the beach, with decent action reported around Johns Creek and the Marriott Reef lately. Trolling Clarkspoons behind planers is the best way to connect with the spaniards. A few king mackerel have made their way nearshore, but the main body of fish is still spread out from the Fairway Buoy to Frying Pan Tower. Live baits and dead cigar minnows will both tempt bites from the kings. The few boats who’ve made the run to the Gulf Stream lately are reporting excellent blackfin tuna fishing, a few wahoo, and some smaller dolphin starting to show up. Skirted ballyhoo will tempt bites from all the blue water gamefish. Jeff, of Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charters, reports that red drum are still schooling in the bays off the lower Cape Fear River, but the schools have sometimes been reluctant to bite lately. When they’re in a feeding mood, topwater plugs and soft plastic paddletails will tempt them to bite, but scented baits like Gulps and live mud minnows are more effective when the fish are finicky. Some flounder and speckled trout are feeding in the same areas as the reds, and D.O.A. and Gulp soft plastics have been getting their attention. Dave Ferguson, from Canada, with a red drum that bit a Gulp shrimp in the lower Cape Fear River while he was fishing with Capt. Jeff Wolfe of Seahawk Inshore Fishing Charters. Some chopper bluefish (to 10+ lbs.) have moved into the lower river and are striking topwater plugs with abandon. Sheepshead are beginning to show up inshore, and dangling fiddler crabs near rocks or other hard structure is the way to connect with the hard-fighting and tasty fish.

Robert, of Carolina Explorer, reports that red drum and some large chopper bluefish are feeding on the flats of the lower Cape Fear River. They’ll bite topwater plugs some days, but Gulp baits and live mud minnows are more consistent producers. A few flounder are in the same vicinity, and Gulps and mud minnows are tough for them to pass up as well. Some black drum are feeding around structure in the lower river and taking an interest in bottom rigs baited with shrimp. Out in the ocean, jigging metal lures around nearshore structure is producing fast action with gray trout, bluefish, and big black sea bass (which must be released until June 1). Johnny, of Kure Beach Pier, reports that plug casters are hooking up with good numbers of bluefish and a few spanish mackerel, primarily in the early morning hours. Live baiters fishing the end of the pier landed several king mackerel last week (the largest 16 lbs.) along with some big chopper bluefish. Some sea mullet are biting bottom rigs in the late evening hours. Shrimp have been producing the most action.

Mother's Day at the Beacon House in Carolina Beach, NC

It's Mother's Day weekend! Do you know how you will celebrate your Mom? The Beacon House Inn has a few suggestions: For the perfect Mother's Day - treat mom to two nights of rest and relaxation at the beach anytime in the month of May! The Mother's Day package includes a two nights stay in a queen standard room, fresh flowers, 1 one hour massage and breakfast for two each morning of her stay! Midweek package (Sunday-Thursday stays) $350 + tax Weekend package (Friday & Saturday stays) $399 + tax Call to 910.458.6244 to book your stay! One night packages are also available, please call the Innkeepers for details. Can't get away in May? No problem - Gift Certificates are always available! And remember, we also offer family-friendly/pet-friendly cottages to accommodate parents with children under the age of 12 as well as your four legged family members!

Here's a bit of Mother's Day trivia we found on the internet: •People in ancient Greece paid tribute to Rhea, the mother of the gods, with honey cakes, fine drinks, and flowers at dawn. This was the earliest Mother’s Day celebration. •In Britain, during the Middle Ages, it was customary for the wealthy to give servants the day off on Mothering Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Lent) so they could visit their mothers, who often lived far away. •In Serbia, Mother’s Day is called Materice and is celebrated on the second Sunday before Christmas. Children sneak into their mother’s bedroom and gently tie her feet with ribbon or string. To negotiate her release, the mother gives her children small gifts. (Not much in it for Mom, but she does get to lie down for a bit.)

ESA Mid-Atlantic Regional Surfing Championships in Carolina Beach, NC

The Eastern Surfing Association is proud to announce that the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Regional Surfing Championships will be held at the Hamlet Avenue beach access in Carolina Beach, NC May 3-6, 2012. Over 250 ESA competitors from Delaware to Georgia will compete for the title of ESA Region Champion and coveted slots to the ESA Easterns® held in September in Cape Hatteras. The ESA Southern North Carolina District will be the Regional host District for the 5th time in the 28 year history of the Mid-Atlantic Regionals, the most of any District. The 2004 Regionals were also held at the Hamlet Avenue beach access. “Our competitors and their families love coming to the Wilmington area, especially Carolina Beach” commented Harry Purkey, ESA Mid-Atlantic Region Director. “The waves and weather are great in May, the accommodations are excellent and the people are wonderful. Carolina Beach is one of the ESA’s favorite contest venues” continued Purkey. “We are really excited to be back”. Competition will start Thursday May 3rd at 7AM and conclude mid-day Sunday, May 6. For more information, or to become a sponsor please contact Harry Purkey at Midatlantic@surfesa.org or ESA-SNC District Director Amy Rose at busymom93@att.net. Or follow us on the Web at Surfesa.org/Midatlantic for more information. The Beacon House Inn Bed & Breakfast is located just about one mile from the Hamlet Avenue beach access. Early morning "breakfast to go" is available to guests of the Beacon House. Please call 910.458.6244 to book your stay.

1st Annual Pleasure Island Bluegrass Festival

Don't miss out on what is sure to become a Pleasure Island tradition, the 1st Annual Pleasure Island Bluegrass Festival! The event is family friendly, and includes a full day of music. Five bands are scheduled to play alongside the Cape Fear river, from around noon until 8:30 p.m. Are you a musician? Plan to bring your instrument and arrive early to jam with other pickers. Here are the details, y'all: 1st Annual Bluegrass By The River Saturday - May 12, 2012 Gates Open at 11:30 am Music starts at 12:20 pm Tickets - $10.00 advance and $15.00 Day Of Show Children 12 and Under FREE Student, Military and Senior Discount Day of Show Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area 118 Riverfront Road Kure Beach, NC FREE KidZone Clogging, Music and Wash-Tub Bass Workshops Open Jam at the Beach House Pickers of all kinds - Please bring your instruments No Coolers ~ No Pets ~ No Refunds Pickin' & Grinnin' Encouraged

Wilmington, NC in Bloom - 2012 Azalea Festival April 11th-15th

April brings wisteria, azaleas and a bevy of other blossoms - including Southern belles!

Since its inception in 1948, the Azalea Festival has blossomed into an extended weekend celebration that attracts more than 300,000 people.

For more than 50 years, the folks of Southeastern North Carolina have been throwing the best party in the South and you're invited! There's something for everyone among our community's rich array of artwork, gardens, history and culture.

The North Carolina Azalea Festival is Wilmington's annual community celebration and the largest festival of its kind in the state. Founded in 1948, the Azalea Festival has emerged as Wilmington's premier event.

Each April, a full week of natural beauty, big-name entertainment, festive galas, fun family events and Southern hospitality come together to showcase the charms of the Wilmington area. For community pride and springtime pageantry, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has no equal!

The Festival's concerts, fairs and special events are viewed by more than one million people each year, in person and through media coverage. More than 200,000 are estimated to attend the annual two-day street fair, while more than 100,000 gather to watch the Festival parade. Each event is a celebration, beginning with the traditional arrival of Queen Azalea at the official opening of the five-day event. Stars glitter throughout town as Southern belles and their escorts promenade through lush gardens at the annual garden party. Everywhere the blooming azaleas offer colorful testimony to the rich heritage of coastal Carolina.

The Festival is a great source of local pride, with the entire community involved in displaying Wilmington to the world in its finest colors. More than 1,000 volunteers are required to stage over 50 events ranging from concerts to art shows, a street fair with interactive displays, home and garden tours, a parade, special exhibits, a circus and a variety of other entertainment and events.

And in case you are wondering it's no exaggeration, there really is something for everyone: historic home tours, a street fair, boxing, a coin show, a parade, visit ships, garden club tour, juried art show, circus, concerts, queen's coronation, and a 5k or 10k fun walk! http://www.ncazaleafestival.org/schedule.asp

2012 Wilmington Wing Fling in Carolina Beach

Attention all Wilmington Wing Fling fans...a reminder that this year's event will be held in Carolina Beach, NC!

The annual Wing Fling event will be held again in Carolina Beach. The event moved to Pleasure Island last year after issues with obtaining a liquor license in Wilmington.

This year's Wing Fling is March 24 at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. General admission tickets are $15. VIP tickets are $20. Admission includes wing tasting from area restaurants and live music.

Proceeds benefit Wilmington's Residential Adolescent Achievement Place (WRAAP) and the National Education Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Here are the details:

General Admission Tickets $15 - gates open 11:30am
VIP Tickets $20 - VIP gate opens 11am, free shuttle to VIP gate
$2.50 Shock Top, Bud and Bud Light - $5 COPA Wine
Celebrity Wing Eating Contest Hosted by Halligan's Public House
Free Overnight Parking in any Town of Carolina Beach Public Lot
No Backpacks - Small Lawn Chairs Permitted
Katt's Taxi $30 Flat Rate From Wilmington
No Rain Date, No Refunds, 21+ Only With Valid ID

http://www.wilmingtonwingfling.com/wf/

It's the 16th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off, Folks!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 14th, and head to Carolina Beach, NC to sample some of the best chowder around!

The Chowder Cook-Off is fun for all ages, and is held every spring at Lake Park in Carolina Beach, NC. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., the band starts at noon.

Local restaurants from Carolina Beach, Wilmington, and Monkey Junction all compete for a shot at becoming "Chowder Champ". One chef from each participating restaurant crafts a signature chowder for a public tasting and vote! Chowders range from "traditional" to "creative", so surely there will be one to please your palate!

In addition to serving up the area's best chowder, this daylong event includes live music and the Kidz Zone which will have face painting, balloon art, and a 3 in 1 inflatable house. There will also be hotdogs, funnel cakes, soft drinks and beer and wine for sale. (No coolers, no pets please!).

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

Cape Fear Seafood Company - Monkey Junction
Havana's - Carolina Beach
O'Charleys - Monkey Junction
Seaside Grill @ Marriott - Carolina Beach
SeaWitch Cafe and Tiki Bar - Carolina Beach
The Grill - Shallotte
The Lazy Pirate - Carolina Beach
Veggie Wagon - Carolina Beach

Specifics:

Saturday, April 14
Gates Open: 11:30
Tasting: 12:00
Awards: 5:00
Admission $5
Children 12 & Under Free

MARK ROBERTS BAND
12:00 to 5:00

Chowder, Live Music, Games for the Kids...need we say more?

Book your stay at the Beacon House today - 910.458.6244.