NCsaltaire

First Fish of the New Year

January 1, 2012 at 11:25 am Leave a comment

 I kicked off the New Year with a trip to the Kitty Hawk fishing pier.  The pier is part of the Hilton Garden Hotel Complex and is open year round. Over the past several days I have been watching the birds circling and diving approximately 300 yards off the coast. They were chasing the winter migration of bait fish moving south to warmer waters. Typically, these frenzied schools are followed by big Rockfish and Bluefish. Some of these fish can weigh in excess of 40 pounds.

With such a beautiful day on tap for this first day of the year, I thought I would try my luck.

The weather had winds less than 10 knots and water temps in the lower 50’s. The seas were calm with minimal surf. It was just a perfect day to spend time on the beach.

I took my eight foot surf rod with a standard two hook bottom rig and one ounce sinker. The bait of choice was cut fish chunks. It didn’t take long for the “dogfish” or sand sharks to find my line.

I spent two hours watching the huge migration just out of reach but catching dogfish sharks.

I could not have asked for a better beginning.

Until next time, Tightlines

Entry filed under: Home, Places. Tags: cape hatteras, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, nags head, outer banks, pier fishing, salt water fishing, surf fishing.