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Isn't it funny the difference a week makes? Last week, I had a quote from a gentleman who said that if we could have some rain like one of the hurricanes, without the damage, that he would start praying for it immediately. I believe his prayers were answered and maybe even surpassed in some locations. The bottom line is that a week of much needed rain did come. Unfortunately, there were also some serious incidents of flash flooding that accompanied the rains. Wouldn't it have been nice if we could have channeled the excess rainfall to some of the places that needed it? From the early forecasts, we may well be in for another week of occasionally heavy rains. Tropical Storm Edouard formed off the east coast of Florida over the weekend and on Monday morning appeared to be headed right at us. By Monday evening they were forecasting Edouard would reverse and head back to Florida. This is still the forecast, with landfall anticipated around St. Augustine on Thursday. Edouard has strengthened some, but is not expected to reach hurricane force. Suddenly the end of the drought looks more serious than the drought itself. Because of the adverse weather, there really isn't much fishing activity to report. Some of the larger boats did head offshore, but found the trip uncomfortable and not very productive. A few dolphin, some wahoo, a few king mackerel, and some tuna along the northern coast, were the highlights. Closer in, the king mackerel bite continues to slowly improve. The kings were scattered from about 80 feet of water right on in to the beach. The best reports came from those few folks who ventured east of Cape Lookout. They did say to be careful as the slough across Cape Lookout Shoals had shallowed and shifted. There were also a few kings landed from piers along the entire coast. All of this, plus what actually happens with Tropical Storm Edouard, is especially important news for the 500 plus boats expected for the Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Tournament this weekend. Final Registration and the Captain's Meeting are on Thursday, September 5, with fishing on Friday and Saturday, September 6 and 7, and the Awards Presentation on Sunday, September 8. For more information on the Atlantic Beach King Mackerel Tournament, you can visit www.abkmt.com or call 252-247-2334. While still talking about king mackerel, congratulations are in order for Capt. Robby Brown and the crew of the Miss La. Over Labor Day Weekend, they claimed the Top Prize at the South Brunswick Islands King Classic. Their winning king pulled the scales to 38.20 pounds and came from some mighty rough water. Also on the tournament scene, the 13th Annual Wildlife Bait and Tackle Flounder Tournament is scheduled for September 5 to 7 in Oak Island. Final Registration and the Captain's Meeting are on Thursday, September 5, with fishing on Friday and Saturday, September 6 and 7, and the Awards Presentation on Saturday Night. For more information on the Wildlife Bait and Tackle Flounder Tournament, call 910-457-9903. Reports from the Pamlico Sound say that the weather and rain have not affected the great tarpon and red drum fishing. Smaller drum and trout are being caught around the edges of the sound during the day, while big drum have been fairly numerous during the evening hours. Tarpon are still in the deeper waters during the day although the influx of cooler rainwater may signal the end for the year. Good Fishing Capt. Jerry Dilsaver
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