NCsaltaire

A Great Day to Take a Kid Fishing

June 6, 2011 at 12:49 pm 1 comment

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.

Entry filed under: Places. Tags: beach, beach weather, cape hatteras, family fishing, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, nags head, outer banks, pier fishing, salt water fishing, sunscreen, tackle box.