SPANISH MACKEREL
More kids cut their teeth on Spanish mackerel than by catching any other saltwater game fish. When Spanish mackerel swarm the inlets and nearshore artificial reefs in May and June, anglers catch them by trolling spoons and lures or casting any hard flashy lure into water churning with feeding fish beneath flocks of seabirds.

Spanish mackerel are abundant and easy to find by watching for birds that feed on the minnows the fish chase to the surface. When the fish are on top, casting a fly, topwater popper, small spoon or jig is a fun way to catch them. When the fish are deeper, jigs with spoons and feather or tinsel are better to use, but the same light spinning or baitcasting tackle can be employed in either case.

Pier-fishermen catch them by casting tube-bodied jerkbaits of plastic or metal early in the morning or late in the afternoon when light penetration brings the baitfish and the Spanish mackerel that feed on them near the surface close to shore.

In the 1990s, recreational landings ranged from 285,867 in 1995 to 821,334 in 1990 with an average of 510,265 fish. In the 2000s, recreational landings ranged from 307,293 in 2006 to 626,842 in 2000 with an average of 386,150 fish.

DOLPHIN
Dolphin, or mahi, are caught more often than any other offshore fish. One of the most beautiful fish in the sea when leaping from the water, a dolphin is also one of the most prolific and fastest growing fish.

Although they can top 70 pounds, dolphin are more prey than predator. They feed ravenously, attaining a weight of 30 pounds or more in a single season.

While there has been some concern over dolphin populations as they become increasingly exploited commercially, their numbers are holding their own, with recreational landings increasing over the long haul.

Dolphin move relatively close to shore in July and August, where they are often caught along weedlines, at artificial reefs and at natural ledges by king mackerel fishermen. But most dolphin anglers target the fish with trolling spreads set from large offshore boats to attract a mixed bag of dolphin, wahoo, tuna and billfish.

In the 1990s, recreational landings ranged from 191,819 in 1992 to 561,892 in 1999 with an average of 408,364. In the 2000s, recreational landings ranged from 328,490 in 2003 to 679,066 in 2006 with an average of 476,606 fish.

GUIDES
Capt. Rick Patterson, Cape Crusader Guide Service, Swansboro, inshore and nearshore, (252) 342-1513.
Capt. Jeff Cronk, Fish'n 4-Life Guide Service, Swansboro, inshore and nearshore, (336) 558-5697.
Gary Dubiel, Speck Fever Guide Service, Oriental, inshore, (252) 249-1520.
Capt. Charles Brown, Old Core Sound Guide Service, Cedar Island, inshore, nearshore, offshore, (252) 728-2422.
Capt Dave Dietzler, Morehead City, inshore, nearshore, offshore, (252) 240-2850.
Capt. Shane Snow, Fish Witch Charters, Carolina Beach, inshore, nearshore, offshore, (910) 458-5855.