Archive for July, 2010
Best Fishing is Coming
August brings a smorgasbord of fishing opportunities.
This year so far, I have caught fish from many places including the piers, headboats, and surf.
Flounder, spot, croakers and plenty of crabs have taken me up on my various bait presentations. There are many others species here that due to logistics and timing, I have not targeted.
In August my attention focuses on the Florida Pompano. This time of year brings in warm water and pompano to the surf region of the Outer Banks. These fish typically frequent the shallow sloughs at the edge of the waves. They feed on mole crabs which are in unlimited supply at this time of year.
Your rig should be at least three hooks in line about 8 inches apart. Bank sinker allows the bait to move with the current. I use a #4 circle hook and place two soft crabs back to back on each hook. Exposed legs from two crabs drive the pompano to feed aggressively. Soft mole crabs with egg sacks are a secret weapon. Never pass up an opportunity to use these.
You need light tackle and a lot of patience. Pick a morning or evening for best results. Mole (sand feas) are the bait of choice. Known as a tough fighter, anticipate this when you hookup.
Best way to locate the the pompano is to look for the multiple “V” shapes in the sand at the rescending waves created by the mole crabs. Pompano travel in schools, so that first hookup won’t be your last.
Enjoy this challenge now because just as fast as the pompano arrive, they depart and head south when the water temperatures begins drop.
What’s with all this cold water
During the summer months, Outer Banks beach patrons may experience a significant change in water temperatures from one day to next.
This phenomenon is known as upwelling. It is typically caused by circular wind motion due to a front from the north that blows winds parallel along the beach. The steady wind blows the warm summer water out at a diagonal direction which ultimately takes it out to sea. With the warm water now gone, the cold replaces it quickly – thus the sudden decrease in water temperatures from one place on the beach to anther. Tides can also aid in replacing the warm water with the cold water. (Double click on picture for water movement).
On the Outer Banks, bathers may feel cold water for hours or days or sometimes longer. And this cold water exchange may be different from one beach area to others along the coast.
If you find yourself in an upwelling situation, either wait it out or move down the beach until you find a warmer spot. Unfortunately, if the wind continues to blow, cold water is here to stay. You may either suffer with the cold water, stay on the beach or find a nice pool.
By the way, fishing is outstanding in areas with upwelling – so grab a rod.
NCsaltaire 