NCsaltaire

Kick off The Summer with Us

June 3, 2011 at 12:53 pm 1 comment

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.

Entry filed under: Home. Tags: beach, beach weather, cape hatteras, family fishing, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, nags head, ocean swimming, outer banks, rip currents, salt water fishing, surf fishing, tackle box.