Archive for August, 2011
An Angry Lady is Heading North
As I write this blog, Hurricane Irene is just around the corner. In the past several minutes, she leaped over my barrier island into the Atlantic. Now heading for the Tidewater area and the northeast. The storm had a significant impact on my region and our property. Huge trees and limbs were no match to the intense wind gusts. Be prepared should be your main focus.
We had a huge tree fall directly in the driveway on the smaller boat and the car. Our road is also blocked in both directions, so we are “land locked”‘. We have many other trees and limbs about the yard but I don’t plan to evaluate until the weather passes. Probably in the morning.
There are many reports that Hatteras Island and the southern Outer Banks took a terrible beating. Many homes and stores were damaged. Many beach areas sustained severe erosion. Even though we live in a low area, flooding is a major concern. The entire Dare County is under a strict curfew until further notice.
For those who are yet to experience this ladies’ fury, don’t take her lightly. She is an angry storm looking to spread more wind and rain.
Heed those warnings, “Hunker Down” and watch the storm from the comfort of your living room. Don’t take her lightly!!
Tightlines
A Little Humor – Thanks to Irene
Gotta love those natives. They know how to get their point across.
Tightlines.
Hurricane Irene – 24 Hours to Go
I walked on the beach this morning and there was a sense of an impending major event. It was in the air. The winds were light and warm. Series of clouds formed into wispy trails as well as towering chimney formations. A dark line was visible to the southeastern horizon. The sun tried to peek through the thick clouds, but was losing the battle.
Beach goers were absent from this last big summer weekend. Only a few birds were spotted as they were searching for a safe haven. I believe even they knew, it’s time to get out!
Many of my neighbors and friends are staying put. They have spent hours and days securing their homes and possessions. I too have secured everything possible. Only time – the next 48 hours – will tell how well we did.
Well here she is, in all her fury – Hurricane Irene just 24 hours prior to her arrival on the outer Banks.
Hold on tight!! Until later – Tightlines
The Word for Today is Evacuation
The word of the day is “evacuation”.
Ocracoke Island was evacuated yesterday. Today, all non-residents in Dare County are required to leave and just a short time ago, the order came out that all Dare County residents must evacuate by 0800 hrs on Friday.
Currituck County also gave the order – everyone must leave. This takes effect on Friday.
Eariler this morning, Governor Perdue has issued a state of emergency in North Carolina. With this order and the evacuation directive, it means after the designated time, no fire police or rescue personnel will be available to help in an emergency. You are basically on your own. Also, many of the medical centers are closing through Sunday. So if you plan to stay, be prepared to wing it.
I traveled various county roads today and the visitors are heeding the order. At certain times, it appears this is a major check out day after a week vacation. The roads are really crowded. As are the hardware stores.
Each news agency has their own version of the direction, speed and damage Irene will cause.
One thing is for sure, the “landscape of the Outer Banks” will look different on Sunday morning if just some of the predictions are correct.
I plan to spend the rest of the day “batting down the hatches”. Wish us luck and godspeed.
Tightlines
Watchful Waiting for Irene
Weather is still beautiful here on the Outer Banks. Mid eighties down to mid 70’s. Slight breezes out of the southwest and one foot waves on the beach make the conditions seems like another typical end of summer. But as we all are aware Hurricane Irene is looming south in the Bahamas and traveling on a due north path right at Cape Hatteras. All reports put the storm directly over the thin stretch sand bar commonly know as the northern Outer Banks sometime this weekend.
Water temps are in the mid 70’s with plenty of croaker and spot about the surf
. Blood worms and fresh shrimp are the best choice. I always like to fish just before a significant barometer change. It seems the fish are more active or maybe they just know conditions will not be favorable for feeding for several days. Take advantage of this increased action.
Hyde County has issued a mandatory evacuation of Ocracoke Island on Wednesday morning for all non-residents. Thursday morning brings the evacuation order for residents.
No news for the upper Outer Banks but if Irene continues on the current path, we should expect that order Thursday or Friday.
One point of caution, stay out of the water. With the impending storm, comes an increased risk of rip currents. Remember rips during low tides are the most dangerous. Use caution when fishing in the surf.
Funny thing is happening in the news media. Not that they are using words like: devastation, major impact, monster storms and the like. Its the final statement they have been using and it goes like this, “say a little prayer she moves a little east – if not, well…”
Keep a sharp eye on the local weather forcasts, get prepared and stay safe.
Tightlines.
Red Sky Warning – Irene is Knocking
Hurricane Irene has the potential to be a “monster storm” or as the weather people are saying, “A Significant Event”. Currently, Irene is a category 2 and heading for warmer water. Hunker Down is the word of the day. Evacuation preparations are already being made in Dare and Hyde Counties. A direct hit on the Carolinas is predicted for the weekend.
If possible, all vessels should be removed from the water or relocated to safe harbor.
If this is not possible, you should be making preparations soon to secure your gear. Rising tides and significant winds can wreck havoc to both water and land vessels. Double lines only work if applied properly. Making sure you allow for rising and falling water.
If your boats are brought to land, secure all vessels to a fixed object – chock the wheels. On small vessels, remove plugs and disconnect your batteries so the binge pump does not run constantly during heavy rains.
Take care to remove any curtains or secure them so wind can blow through without damaging them. Secure or remove loose gear to a safe location.
We should expect a major impact regardless of its landfall location.
Be Safe!! Tightlines
They Are All Winners In My Book
Well the Ladies on the Marlin Gull did not place or show in the Alice Kelly Tournament but a great time was had by all. Twelve hours on the water never dimmed their spirit to charge on, just hoping the next hook up was that “big white”.
While several white marlin were caught by the ladies as well as two nice bonita, they were not enough.
But my first mate was on the rod for one of those bonita. Excitement was an understatement when she first spied me waiting for her on the dock.
It appears we now have another off-shore fanatic in the family. Can’t wait until next year. All I have been hearing is “when is the next tournament”? Can’t come soon enough for them.
But until then, they are all winners in my book.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Fishing At It’s Best
The weather has been just summer super; warm days and very pleasant evenings. (I’m trying to ignore the “hot” spells.) We spent a little longer on yard work than we had planned and my goal for surf fishing was becoming distant.
The First Mate surprised me and helped pack the gear quickly after the tools were stowed and with a short trip to TW’s for fresh shrimp, we made it to the beach just before dusk.
We took two rods – 5-1/2 and a 6-1/2 loaded with light mono and rigged with my new pompano dropper rig. One ounce pyramid was all we needed. Waves were less than two feet. Water temps were into the mid 80’s. Just prefect conditions for those warm water species.
My first cast found the slough and my first sea mullet. Over the next two hours, I caught dozens of mullet, trout, croaker, spot, and flounder and yes a blue fish – all on fresh shrimp. No size but plenty of action.
No question, this was the best evening surf fishing in memory. So if you find the need to just slip away from the hustle bustle, grab a light tackle rod, fresh shrimp and steal away to the beach.
You won’t be disappointed; at least not this week. Oh, yes, there are plenty of flounder in the surf. You just have to have patience.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Tournament Time – 2011
August is the time of the season where the big time fishing tournaments are held.
This weekend the Pirates Cove Fishing Center holds the 22nd Annual and most popular “Ladies Only” Alice Kelly Memorial Billfish Tournament. This event supports the Outer Banks Cancer Support group. Registeration is 13 August with fishing the following day. Don’t forget – Boat decorating happens on Saturday – not to be missed for fun and laughs.
Following this event, on Tuesday begins the 28th Annual and “World Class” Billfish Fishing Tournament. This tournament runs from 15-19 August. This is for all the marbles. Big time boats come for all over just to be apart of the fabulous event. You gotta say – “I was there for this one!! Shirts are available in the ships store.
If you have the time, this is a “can’t miss” event on the Outer Banks. Parties are held each evening with popular bands and food supplied by our local restaurants. Come see the boats return from the sea. Best times are late afternoon around 1600-1700 hrs.
Best news on this post is that my “First Mate” is fishing on Sunday – Good Luck Ladies!!
Until next time – Tightlines
NCsaltaire 