Archive for June, 2011
My First View of Alaska
I flew into Fairbanks, Alaska on Monday, 13 June.
The mountains were surprisingly absent of snow. But I guess in June, most of the snow was further north. The closer I got into Fairbanks, the more level the topography became. Just an amazing sight.
The weather was mild in the mid 60’s with evenings in the low 50’s. Over cast with sun and clouds. Seemed like a beautiful climate. With more than 21 hours of sun and 3 hours of night (really dusk), I was sure to see plenty.
I checked in to my hotel and planned the next several work days hoping I was able to find several hours to wet a line. With plenty on the schedule, my hopes were dim.
One unique landmark that I had to see was the Alaska Pipeline. The pipeline ran through Fairbanks and being so close to my hotel, I had to see it up close. The pipeline runs from the Prudhoe Bay south all the way through the state to the Bay of Alaska
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Completed in 1977, it runs over 800 miles through the state. When completely filled, it can carry 9 million barrels of oil.
The pipeline runs through three major mountain ranges – Brooks, Alaska and Chugach. It crosses three major rivers and 800 smaller waterways. And to protect the wildlife and not interrupt their environment, there are 554 specially built animal crossings.
If you look at the picture close, you can see several upright units on the brace stand. These are lightning rods designed to absorb the charge.
This is one landmark that should not be missed.
Until next time, Tightlines.
New Destination this Week
Fishing been slow all week here in the Outer Banks. Croaker, spot and plenty of sea mullet could be found both on the piers and small sound bridges. Water temperatures have stayed around the upper 50’s. So you have to work hard to get their attention.
Temps are predicted to rise this coming week. Fish are here but we need to just try many different tricks to catch them.
Work has required me to be away from home and the beautiful Outer Banks this past week. And coming week is no different, but my travels will be taking me to a real fascinating place.
I will be flying into Fairbanks, Alaska on business. The trip will take me through Minneapolis to Anchorage then into Fairbanks. The final destination is Delta Junction, AK.
Schedules are pretty tight but since there happens to be over 20 hours of sunlight, I might find time to seek the water after hours. I have found that there are many places to wet a line in this region. Although I am not familiar with Alaska fishing or any of their techniques, what a great time to learn. Like they say, “No time like present to learn a new lesson”.
Stay tuned for updates on my trip.
Until next time, Tightlines
Speckled Sea Trout Season to Re-Open in NC
Speckled (spotted) Sea Trout fishery will be re-opened at 12:01 A.M., Thursday, June 16, 2011.
According to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, recreational fisherman may harvest six (6) Speckled (spotted) sea trout per person per day by hook and line.
The minimum length is fourteen (14) inches total length. Of those six (6), no more than two (2) may be greater than 24 inches in total length.
The closure this past spring was due to several cold stun events: one in December and the second in mid-January. This event took a significant toll on this fishery.
Even though this fishery has re-opened, only through a conservation effort will we all enjoy this recovery into the future. Remember, only take what you are going to use.
Until next time, Tightlines.
A Great Day to Take a Kid Fishing
On Saturday, the first mate convinced me that visiting “Dare Days” in downtown Manteo was a better choice than working in the yard or fishing. Well, I thought otherwise and when the time came to depart home, I had the rods and gear loaded in the truck.
Dare Days, held annually on the first Saturday in June, is the un-official kickoff for summer for many locals on the Outer Banks. The festival, held on the waterfront and surrounding streets, brings many local artists and vendors from around the region to display their wares and just have a great relaxing time.
The day was beautiful but with all that water around me, my thoughts turned to fishing. After several hours of enjoying the sights and smells of the festival, it was time to go.
I made my way the walkways under the Washington Baum Bridge. The Baum Bridge is on Rt 64 just east of the Pirate’s Cove Marina. This area boasts five new boat ramps and several hundred yards of walkways suitable for fishing, crabbing and relaxing in the shade. There is plenty of parking for both boats and private vehicles.
I had packed both fresh shrimp and blood worms for the day. I also took several of my favorite saltwater artificials.
I did not take long to land several small spot, croaker and pinfish. No size to either but an enjoyable time all the while. I did hook up with a nice 2 pound speckled trout but as reported before, that fishery is closed until 15 June.
My recommendation for a great day. Take a kid fishing under the Washington Baum Bridge. The safety of the dock and walkways make it perfect for small children to learn to fish or crab.
Pick up a small rod, use a double hook bottom rig with 1-2oz. weight. Get a small bag of bait – shrimp or worms, and turn the small angler loose. You need to cast on the north side and wait for the tug. Many oyster shell beds line the south side under the bridge. So be careful not to hit a snag and lose your rig set up.
If you choose to crab, bring some chicken parts, string and a long-handled dip net. Throw the lines with the chicken attached and wait for the pull. As you retrieve the bait and the crab gets close, just scoop them up. Remember, crabs have claws and they know how to use them.
With a little luck, you can catch your dinner or just make memories. And don’t forget the camera. This experience will last a life time for the youngsters.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Kick off The Summer with Us
Memorial Day is typically the kick off for the summer season in most regions. Here on the Outer Banks we had kick off many weeks ago. Fishing has been iffy – from great to just mediocre. Water temps have been changing, it seems daily. One day warm in the 70’s then dropping down to the mid 50’s. One main stay has been the sea mullet and blues. Some spot, croaker and flounder have been picked up in the sounds. Blues can be caught on gotchas, spoons and cut bait on a bottom rig. The mullet, spot, and croakers favor blood worms. The flounder seem to like double jugs with twister tails – near structure and pilings.
But we also been having another visitor that has been hanging around. These visitors are rip currents. I believe there have been more rip currents this year than any in recent times.
A rip tide is a strong and narrow channel of water rushing seaward. This tide is created when wind and waves push water up on the shore. At some point the water begins to move sideways and parallel with the beach in search of a weak spot on the bar. The sand bar weakens under the tremendous pressure and breaks free, allowing the excess water rush seaward.
If you happen to be in the water at this point, the current will pull the strongest summer or angler out to sea.
This year we have already had hundreds of rescues. This past Tuesday while enjoying the new Jeannette Pier, I witnessed two summers struggle to remain on shore. Both were caught in a rip current. Luckily for both they had boogie boards. Only after much coaxing, did the pair make it back to shore. Without those boards and the support, we might have had a tragedy.
When fishing the surf, always monitor the wave and tidal action. Stay just off either side of the rip current. This always a great indicator where the fish are but it also tells us where we should exercise caution.
Be safe and enjoy the beginning of a great season.
Until next time, Tightlines.
NCsaltaire 