CAPTION A: Justin Marsh holds up one of the favorite saltwater fish in North Carolina -- a nice-sized flounder. This one was taken at the Cape Fear River. ▪ Photo by Mike Marsh.

Every angler needs some sort of "fishing trip wish list." With that in mind, here are 36 of our favorite fishing trips.

JANUARY
Bluefin Tuna: Southport
While the bluefin tuna run along the North Carolina coast has been known worldwide for two decades, the bite in recent years has been sporadic. One reason is the number of boats fishing for the giant fish in certain areas. Better known hotspots like Cape Hatteras, Oregon Inlet and Morehead City were once receiving all the glory for producing giants that can top 500 pounds.

However, the best fishing during the past four years has taken place off Cape Fear. A local fleet has been taking on the fish, whereas most local captains once headed to northern hotspots.

The best fishing occurs in January. Bluefin are attracted by baitfish, which can be false albacore, gray trout, menhaden or bluefish. Therefore, finding the baitfish is the key. As big as bluefin grow, anglers usually find them by watching for seabirds and porpoises feeding on the same baitfish as tuna.

There are two choices in bluefin gear. Bent-butt rods are used for catching them with fight belts. This is referred to as "stand-up" gear. Only experienced anglers should use stand-up gear because there is a possibility that a big fish will pull the fisherman overboard. It's easier to fight a bluefin from a fight chair, with the angler strapped to the rod and a mate to swivel the seat to face the fish.

For more information, contact Capt. Brant McMullan, Ocean Isle Fishing Center, (910) 575-3474.

FEBRUARY
Fontana Lake: Smallmouth Bass
Fontana Lake has largemouth and smallmouth bass. But where largemouths takeover the lake in the warmer months, smallmouths are most aggressive during the icier months.

Smallies move from the deep water to the shallower areas in January, where they are vulnerable to spinnerbaits, crankbaits or soft-plastic lures.

The best bet in winter is to begin fishing at a windy point that has a sloping contour. Smallmouth bass are attracted to baitfish on these points.

The next choice is a rock facing the sun. The rocks radiate heat, which attracts smallmouth bass.

Docks are secondary structures that hold plenty of smallmouths. Many anglers casting or trolling live minnows near docks have excellent success.

Fontana Lake's smallmouths can grow rather large. A 2-pounder is not at all rare, and a 5-pound fish is always a possibility.

Contact Ronnie Parris, Smokey Mountain Outdoors Unlimited, (828) 488-9711.

MARCH
Harris Lake: Largemouth Bass
Harris Lake has produced many limits of outsized largemouth bass. It is a very fertile lake that has a lot of hydrilla and other vegetation. March bass are just moving to the edges of the plant beds. More likely places to catch bass early in the month are the edges of submerged creek channels.

The best bet for fishing a channel is following the contour with the aid of a depthfinder using a soft-plastic lizard to locate fish. The fish may not show on the depthfinder screen, since they will occur as single fish hugging the bottom among submerged stumps and rocks.

A spinnerbait cast to a rock ledge in 10 feet of water or less is likely to get a response. Crankbaits cast along the hydrilla beds are also good bets.

For more information, contact Phil Cable Fishing Guide Service, (919) 762-9697.