Archive for April, 2012
Got to Fish Hard for Success
The end of April typically brings in many bottom fish. Piers and bridges are catching blues, shad, blow toads some small trout. Water temps are in the lower 60’s so May should be an outstanding month. Some nice trout and blues can be found in the surf near structures and piers. Early morning and late evenings are best.
The hot spot has been the Daniels Bridge (better known as the “little bridge”). Anglers have been catching blues and many keeper trout early in the morning. Although some small fish have been around all day.
I read a report today that the anglers are using an old “Florida Trick” to catch trout in the sound. They are using a popping cork with a gulp shrimp on the hook. We have been using this technique in Forida for many years with good success. I am sure it has been used locally, but this is the first time I have heard it being used here.
As you can see from my picture, I had the opportunity to fish off-shore last weekend and hooked up with a nice tuna.
Best bet this week is gulp shrimp suspended on a popping cork early in the morning or lead head with twister tails for trout or blues. Lighter colors work best in spring with slow steady retrieves with an occasional jerk are a must.
Until next time, Tightlines
Time to Stretch Your Legs
Get ready, get set, go. For those who love the Outer Banks, the Cape Hatteras lighthouse,one of the most famous landmarks on the east coast, is opened for the season.
Starting today you can climb the 140 year old lighthouse from 0900 to 1630 daily. Cost is a minimal $7.00 for adults with a discount for kids and older adults. The trip to the top is worth every penny. And the views from the top deck are just stunning.
For those who are not familiar with the lighthouse, it is located in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The seashore park is approximately one hour south of the Nags Head in the town of Buxton. The national park houses a beautiful seashore and many out building describing the history of the “move of the century” and various wildlife inhabitants and the historic lifestyles of the island residents. The move of the century occurred in 1999, when the ocean threatened the lighthouse and the park service had to move it back 2900 feet to its current location.
If you can find the time while visiting the Outer Banks and you want a spectacular experience, a visit to this lighthouse is a must do. One suggestion, get there early. Crowds and long lines can cause a significant delay at getting to the top.
Tip of the day – Don’t forget your camera on this climb to the top.
Until next time, Tightlines
Pirate’s Cove Marina Fishing Tackle Flea Market
Pirate’s Cove Marina Fishing Tackle Flea Market – 12 May 2012 from 0700 to 1000 in the Pavilion.
The Fishing Tackle Flea Market, is held twice a year, and it brings local, regional, and even East Coast-wide people with their overstock of fishing, hunting and marine related goods to The Pavilion at Pirate’s Cove Marina to sell.
From rods to reels, boats to ATV’s, custom lures and so much more, the Fishing Tackle Flea Market is the place to shop, or bring your own overstock of fishing and hunting related items.
Great place to find that special item or it could be the beginning of clearing out that garage.
Until next time, Tightlines
Keep’n Sharp for More Catches
The first several days in Florida were filled with time spent searching tackle shops and mainstay fishing “holes” that have been successful in the past. Having not been there in quite some time, species and techniques change along with the seasons.
The weather was just “Florida” beautiful, but the stiff breezes clouded the water on both the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor.
My reliable back up spot was the neighborhood lakes. The lakes are full of many salt water species that get flooded in from the Charlotte Harbor through huge inflow pipes during storms. So there is always a good chance to catch something.
On Sunday evening, I hooked up with dozens of small snook using a Rapala X-rap saltwater artificial. Just before dark, I latched on to a monster snook. Played him several minutes but he broke free.
Not thinking about the sharpness of treble hooks, I again fished the same lake the next evening. Hooked up dozens of times but not one catch. I checked the sharpness of the hooks and sure enough, I found them to be dull. Went home, replaced the hooks and “bingo” – success.
Lesson learned, after every trip where you have caught many fish, check those hooks. Good advice, you should think about changing them often.
Replacing the hooks and snap rings is a simple and quick process. A smart tip is to use a treble hook one size larger than the older one. This small change increases your hook up significantly.
Until next time, Tightlines
NCsaltaire 