Johnnie Mercer's Fishing Pier, located in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, is unique in attracting fish species like barracudas, tarpon, and jacks due to a combination of geographical, environmental, and seasonal factors. While these species are more commonly associated with tropical or subtropical waters, there are several reasons why they are occasionally caught in the area:
1. **Proximity to the Gulf Stream**
The Gulf Stream, a powerful warm ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico along the eastern coast of the United States, passes relatively close to the North Carolina coast. This current brings warmer, nutrient-rich waters to the region, which can attract species that are typically found in more tropical or subtropical environments, including barracudas, tarpon, and various species of jacks. During the summer months, the warmer temperatures of the water near Johnnie Mercer's Pier, especially when combined with the Gulf Stream's influence, make it possible for these species to venture closer to shore.
2. **Migratory Patterns**
Fish like tarpon and jacks are migratory species that move seasonally based on water temperature and food availability. During the warmer months (late spring through early fall), these fish can travel northward from their typical habitats in Florida and the Caribbean, reaching as far as North Carolina. Barracudas, though more commonly found in tropical regions, can also migrate up the coast during warmer weather.
3. **Pier Structure and Ecosystem**
Johnnie Mercer's Fishing Pier is the longest concrete pier in North Carolina, extending over 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. This deep-water reach allows anglers to target a wider range of species than many other coastal piers in the state. The structure of the pier creates an artificial reef-like environment that attracts baitfish, which in turn draws larger predatory species like barracudas, tarpon, and jacks. The pier acts as a habitat for smaller fish and crustaceans, offering an ample food supply for these predators.
4. **Seasonal Warm Waters**
North Carolina experiences warmer water temperatures during the summer, particularly between June and September. This seasonal rise in water temperature aligns with the migration patterns of tropical species like tarpon and jacks. These warmer waters are more conducive to the presence of fish typically associated with southern climates, making sightings and catches of these species more frequent during this period.
5. **Fishing Pressure and Opportunities**
Johnnie Mercer’s Pier is well-known among anglers for providing access to a wide range of species. With deeper water further from shore and its structure serving as a fish attractant, the pier draws fish that might not normally be caught close to the beach. Experienced anglers often use larger, live bait and heavy tackle, which increases the chances of hooking larger, more elusive species like tarpon or barracuda. This targeted fishing effort can explain why these fish are caught there more frequently than at other nearby locations.
6. **Changes in Oceanic Conditions**
Over the past few decades, changes in oceanic conditions, possibly linked to climate change, have affected water temperature patterns and currents. Warmer water species are now being caught farther north than in previous years. Some species of jacks and even barracudas, which were traditionally considered rare in North Carolina, are being reported more frequently due to these shifting conditions.
Summary
While species like barracudas, tarpon, and jacks are not typically associated with North Carolina waters, they can be caught at Johnnie Mercer’s Fishing Pier due to a mix of favorable environmental conditions, pier structure, seasonal migrations, and the proximity of the Gulf Stream. Warmer waters during the summer months and the pier's deep reach into the ocean allow anglers to target a wider variety of species, including those more commonly found in warmer climates. So, while it might seem unusual, you are not wrong to find these catches at Johnnie Mercer's Pier!