Archive for December, 2010
Big Warm Up Coming
Fishing has been real slow. No news from the northern beaches. Some fish are being caught at the 1-1/2 to 3 mile off the beach.
Most times, we can’t even get on the beach due the snow. I took this picture at the old Kitty Hawk Pier behind the Outer Banks Hilton garden.
The weather is projected to be in the high 50’s through the weekend – might even hit the lower 60’s. So the snow should be gone.
Water temperatures are still a little cold at 40 degrees. Stripe bass seem to get a little lethargic at this temp. We are scheduled to get a south breeze by weeks end so we are hoping that this will bring in the fish. It will be a nice change from the cold and damp winter up to this point.
Cabin fever is beginning to set in and the winter has just begun!!
Fish on Ice
We had a day after Christmas snow storm. Most of the Outer Banks received 3 to 5 inches. At the beginning of the storm even the roads were covered.
Weather will improve over the next several days. The reports call for temps into the upper 50’s and maybe 60’s by the weekend. Go figure!
Ocean water temperatures have been hovering around 39 degrees.
Either case our fish are temporarily on ice.
Watchful Waiting for the Fish
Last picture from the December 2010 Chesapeake Bay fishing trip.
We have been waiting for the Rockfish to arrive in the Outer Banks surf. Over the past several days we heard reports of the “big fish” showing up off the mid Atlantic coast.
Our local boats are catching them at the 1-1/2 to 3 miles off the beach.
No word on anything within casting range. I cruise the beach every day I can for the sign of birds. The heavy gear is ready and like potential new parents, we are watchful waiting. Stay tuned!!
Captain Larry Walker – RIP
I had planned to write about another part of the Chesapeake Bay fishing trip I took in early December. But as I was preparing my ideas, I came across sad news.
I read that Capt Larry Walker passed away on December 2, 2010 during a diving trip in the BVI.
You ask, “Who was Capt. Larry”? He is the owner of the Wide World Marine Training center in Oriental, NC. This is the agency where I obtained my Captain Masters USCG certification.
I only met Capt. Larry once during one of my classes but spoke to him dozens of times both before and after obtaining my certification. He was extremely helpful with me navigating through the maze of paperwork, sea time and other requirements needed to obtain my captain’s license. His ability to make complex issues simple was his specialty. He helped me achieve that life long dream of being a professional of the sea. For that I can only begin to thank him.
Please find a comment from several of friends who were with him on that fateful day:
Captain Larry did not leave us at sea that day. Captain Larry will never leave our hearts. He will remain with us forever. He will help us through our strong winds and rough seas and he will guide us into many more beautiful sunsets.
For more info on Capt Larry please see the tribute from his hometown newspaper: http://towndock.net/news/larry-walker-1951-2010?pg=1
Enjoy Cold Weather Fishing
In a previous post, I briefly described our fishing trip in Hampton Virginia.
The day was extremely cold. Most times when fishing, it’s the angler who has a tougher time than the prey. But with a little preparation the day can be an enjoyable experience regardless of the season.
When fishing in cold weather, remember that you must keep your head, hands and feet warm. Maintaining warmth in these spots will give you the best opportunity for success.
One of the best ways to keep warm is to keep chemical warmers in your tackle box.
One of the best items to help keep you warm is to have several chemical warmers in your tackle box.
I always purchase three large packages (six warming pads in each) each fall. They have a one year shelf life but mine are used way before the spring.
So to make a cold trip enjoyable, don’t forget the three cold spots – heads, hands and feet.
Rockfish in Tidewater
On December 4, the first mate and I ventured to Hampton Virginia for a day on the Chesapeake Bay Rockfishing.
The day was clear, breezy and cold.
We joined many friends from my real job and had a blast. We caught over 50 rockfish that ranged from 20″ to 27″ at and around the 3rd and 4th islands of the CBBT.
For a great inexpensive fishing experience, definitely seek the Ocean Eagle on the Hampton waterfront. You will not be disappointed.
NCsaltaire 