Volume 15 Number 4 - April 2008

FEATURES:

	2008 Saltwater Forecast Coastal fishing should be good to excellent for most species this year, but some popular fish face problems. North Carolina’s saltwater hook-and-line anglers can expect a decent year during 2008 for many popular species, but one of the most pursued fish is in serious decline at central and southern coastal waters, according to the 2007 stock status report ... Craig Holt

	Davidson’s Dilemma N.C.’s most-popular trout stream has many faces, with stretches that are crowded, but anglers can find solitude and big fish by searching diligently. Ask any dedicated North Carolina fly fisherman about the Davidson River, and you’re likely to get a strongly opinionated reply. That response might include that the Davidson is the premier and best-known trout stream in the state. ... Richard Bernabe

	From Trash to Treasure Wrightsville Beach’s Lee Parsons has seen the emergence of bonito as pests to preferred anglers’ targets. Capt. Lee Parsons caught his first fish with a fly rod at Wrightsville Beach when he was 12. In the years since, Parsons, now 55, has become one of the most accomplished light-tackle and fly anglers at the North Carolina coast. ... Mike Marsh

	Gone Wild for Gobblers Where are N.C.’s best places to find public- and private-land wild turkeys this spring? You might be surprised. Residents of the tiny western North Carolina town of Franklin can tell visitors where to find wild turkeys — just go to a local fast-food restaurant. “About every day two wild gobblers show up at the McDonald’s parking lot,” said Tex ... Craig Holt

	Rocking at the Roanoke Expert, who no longer can use herring, have found other means to catch striped bass at this prime eastern river. It was late afternoon with daylight growing dimmer by the minute. Most fishermen were busy loading boats onto trailers after spending a day along the Roanoke River. One guide remained on the water after discharging his fishing party ... Mike Marsh

	See Spots and Specks Run Fishing for red drum and speckled trout during early spring is elementary, if anglers are careful in their approach. From his perch on the poling platform, Capt. Tommy Rickman pointed to the back of a shallow cove. “Do you see those fish pushing water?” he said in a hoarse, half whisper. “They’re almost all the way to the marsh and a little to the ... Jerry Dilsaver

	Tradition of Tuna When spring arrives at the N.C. coast, offshore anglers turn to plentiful yellowfin. Atlantic yellowfin tuna swim off the North Carolina coast year round, but anglers can’t get to the Gulf Stream when the wind is blowing at gale force. ... Bob Goldstein