Surfing, fishing report, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, United Beach Vacations

There's so much to do in the Cape Fear region that it's sometimes the obvious that gets overlooked. Just yesterday as I was walking my dog on the beach during a spectacularly sunny and unseasonably warm day, I was struck by how many surfers bobbed in the chilly water, taking turns gracefully gliding along the swells.

But surfing isn't the only year-round obession in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. Local fisherman swear by the great bounty of marine life available. Beginning today, United Beach Vacations will proudly provide readers with a periodic fishing report, courtesy of Capt. Robert Schoonmaker of Carolina Explorer Fishing Charters. Here's his report for this week:

We've been successful catching a few speckled trout in the 2- to 3-pound range on live shrimp. We've also been catching a few red drum in the 16- to 18-inch range, on shrimp and lures. Additionally, the spiny sharks and black sea bass have been biting real well on the reefs and wrecks close to shore. There are a few fish around, you just need to know where to look.

Interested in booking a fishing trip in our area? Contact Capt. Robert at 910-264-1807 or visit his website at www.carolinaexplorer.com.