Mike Marsh.

APRIL
Hickory Shad
Roanoke River
Even the N.C. Wildlife Commission isn’t certain why hickory shad have returned along with striped bass to the Roanoke River. However, the commission now has a dedicated stocking program to help things along.

The hickory shad run in peaks in April, with hundreds of fishermen coming to the area to catch the smaller shad species, which weigh a pound or two on average. Shad concentrate below the rapids and form huge schools. Downstream of deadfalls, at creek mouths, downstream of boulders and in the deep undercuts along the bank, shad rest from their ocean migration and that’s where fishermen will catch the most fish.

Small jigs called darts are traditional lures for catching shad. But curly-tailed crappie jigs work as well or better. Small gold or silver spoons also catch plenty of shad. Some shad anglers even fish with fly gear, casting the same jigs with fly rods.

The fishing can be just as good from the bank as from a boat. Anglers in boats must be careful because the submerged rocks and boulders have damaged many lower units and propellers.

Hickory shad leap when hooked and have soft mouths. Landing them is best accomplished with a net.

Contact Down East Guide Service at (252) 249-3474. MAY
Wrightsville Beach
Spanish Mackerel
In May, Spanish mackerel show up at the Masonboro Inlet jetties. The fish form huge schools, and can be seen leaping from the water as they chase baitfish along the tide lines during falling tide stages.

They may move north or south of the rock jetties, but can usually be caught within two miles of the beaches. They also school at the nearby artificial reefs.

Birds working baitfish forced to the surface by Spanish mackerel are dead giveaways about where to fish. Anglers in boats trolling in the same area also tell other anglers where to fish. Just get into the rhythm of the trolling circle and join in to catch some tasty Spanish mackerel.

Most successful Spanish mackerel anglers catch them by trolling small spoons. However, jump fishing them is also popular. When a school surfaces, the boat is powered close to them and anglers cast topwater poppers, tinsel jigs, spoons and flies to the fish before they head deep again.

Spanish mackerel can be maddening to catch at times, especially when they are jumping everywhere but not biting. At these times, downsizing lures and leaders is the best plan because the fish are very specific when it comes to the size of baitfish they will eat on any given day.

Call Capt. Jot Owens, Fortune Hunter Too at (910) 233-4139.

JUNE
Roanoke River
Striped Bass
By June, the “keeper” part of the season is winding down and water levels have stabilized. While the start of the striped bass run is usually a questionable proposition, the ending time is easier to predict.

Fewer anglers are on the water in June, making the conditions easier for the catch-and-release angler. A single-hook lure with the barbs filed down or pinched down with pliers is used to catch the big striped bass, which can top 40 pounds.

Live shad and shiners work well for catching Roanoke stripers, but soft-plastic lures, bucktail jigs with plastic trailers, topwater lures and flies all catch their share of fish.

Aluminum johnboats are ideal for fishing the Roanoke, but all sorts of watercraft are used, from kayaks to center-console offshore fishing boats.

The best bite in June is right at dusk, with first light of dawn the second choice for fishing.

Call Down East Guide Service, at (252) 249-3474.