In this insightful edition of The Parsons’ Perspective, Captain Lee Parsons answers a question every angler asks: do fish come back to the same spot year after year? Many fishermen rely on “honey holes” they discovered years ago. However, success depends on what happens to the spot during the year. While fish are creatures of habit, they are also tied to the quality of the habitat. If the environment changes, the fish will move on to find better cover and food sources.

The Lifespan of Submerged Structure

Structure is never permanent. Lee explains that natural cover like fallen trees disintegrate over time. As the wood rots and collapses, it loses the vertical relief that baitfish and predators crave. Once the protection is gone, the fish will move to find new sanctuary. The same is true for man-made objects. For example, crab pots rust and eventually fall apart. When they lose their shape, they no longer provide a structure for crabs to hold. Since the food source disappears, the game fish follow suit.

Oyster Rocks and Habitat Damage

Physical changes to the bottom also play a huge role in fish site fidelity. Lee notes that oyster rocks get dug up or shifted by heavy storms and human activity. When an oyster reef is leveled, it loses the nooks and crannies that house shrimp and small minnows. This destruction breaks the food chain in that specific location. Without a healthy reef to provide food and filtration, the spot loses its “magnetic” pull for red drum and speckled trout. Protecting these reefs is essential for long-term fishing success.

Why Undisturbed Structure Retains the Return

On the flip side, undisturbed structure retains the return of fish season after season. If a spot remains stable and the ecosystem stays healthy, fish will often return to the exact same coordinates. Lee emphasizes that a quiet, healthy environment is a fish’s greatest requirement. By understanding the health of the bottom, you can predict which spots will remain productive and which ones are likely to fade away. Keep a close eye on your favorite spots to ensure the structure is still providing the life-support the fish need.

Local Application and Regulations

Whether you are fishing the Surf City ICW or the New River, these Topsail water temperature fishing principles remain the same. To stay updated on how water temps affect seasonal closures, check the NC Division of Marine Fisheries website.

Watch more Topsail fishing videos here or check our latest Speckled Trout reports for real-time temperature updates.