Topsail Sound April, 28- May 1st

[saxon4646]

Set out 8 pots this trip - all set in 2-5 foot of water. Set a couple half pots shallow in hopes of catching some stone crabs around the oyster bars. I was surprised to see Thursday morning I had 41 crabs with 19 keepers. It STUNK after that !  No idea what happened as I toss old bait and rebait with fresh each time. Friday I caught 21 crabs with 7 keepers  and today was the worse- caught 8 crabs with just 1 lonely keeper. I think I have finally realized why my catch rates are consistently low. The area I crab at- I have waded all over- I use a Kayak to get to my pots and the entire area is constantly filling in and getting shallower and shallower. It used to be where I had to swim the pots out in places because the water was over my head. NO Longer.  Not sure anywhere I set is over 5 feet anymore. Constantly seeing boat after boat getting stuck . The area close to the ICW is full of full-timer crabbers with pots everywhere so I have tried to stay clear of those guys. I managed to catch 6 stone crabs this time- no keeper claws and caught 4 flounder in the pots. Anyway- that is my latest update.  Happy Crabbing to ALL !

[LKNGreg]

Thank for sharing, i hope you have better results soon.  Curious as to why the water is getting shallower?   

Best,
GS

[saxon4646]

So much run off is one reason- wouldn't think it would fill the sound though and constant boat traffic is washing away the protective islands between the ICW and the sound side homes . I used to fish off them and at high tide they are fully submerged and crumbling  away .

[seabass]

Thanks for the report Sax, sorry you didn't do well. Do you have a plane B ( backup spot to crab)? Sounds like your spot is changing due to Mother nature. Best of luck on your next trip, hope you do much better.

Greg

[saxon4646]

Thanks Greg- no back up plan except to get my boat running and try other spots . Seems like every time I go the wind is blowing 20+ mph  and using the kayak in somewhat protected places is much more enjoyable than heading to a public ramp.  I do have access to one private ramp but that is also in very shallow water and people constantly getting stuck

[tattoo]

thanks for the report it will get better