Archive for May, 2012
Fishing on Foot – Mission Accomplished
Memorial Day was a fishing day for me. We got up early and headed to the Washington Baum Bridge (better known as Pirates Cove Bridge). My goal was trout but I would have settled for anything including just a beautiful day with the First Mate.
Tides were still incoming with a slight southwest breeze. Sun, some clouds and air temps in the 70’s made the day picture perfect. The boardwalk was noticeably absent of anglers. Several guys mentioned that a group had just left with their limit of specs. This news did not sway me from my mission.
I took up on the north side of the dock about three fourths the length and casted into the deep channel about 50 yards out. The channel was caused by vessel traffic going in and out of Pirates Cove marina. I used my 7 foot Falcon Light Gulf Spin with a Daiwa Procyon reel loaded with 15 pound Ohero braid. My casts easily reached the channel.
After several missed bites, I hooked up with a nice 16 inch spec. Not the monster I was hunting but all the same within the slot and definitely dinner.
I had many other hook ups but no keepers. As a true conservationist, each release was designed to allow the spec to grow larger and give someone the thrill of catching that fish again.
Advice on fishing this dock – stay on the north side when both bottom or jigging. The south side has rubble and an oyster bed. When fishing the south use top water or float rig to avoid snagging. The east end is a popular spot but you need to know the bottom – plenty of bottom structure to steal you rigs.
So if you want to leave the boat on the trailer and need a great place to take kids and catch fish, the Washington Baum Bridge catwalk is the place to be.
Natural Resources Officers often frequent this area. They were checking licenses and catches, so keep them legal.
Until next time, Tightlines
Take Time to Say “Thank You”
Memorial Day is the traditional start of summer. It usually involves picnics, family, time away from work and many other fun activities. For me it usually signaled the start of the marathon of beach trips.
But the real truth, the significance of this day is far from those peaceful days at the pool or beach or BBQ grill, it’s to thank those men and women who fought dozens of wars sometimes thousands of miles away from family and friends. And regardless of the cause, these brave men and women answered the call to duty and to protect our way of life.
Our current and past military personnel have given a lot to each and every one of us. And many of those have given the ultimate sacrifice.
So today is the day that we thank those brave soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines for their supreme commitment to our way of life. Thanking them for the freedom we enjoy. Freedom is not free – just ask one of the spouse, children, parents and friends of a lost one, just how much Freedom costs. You would be surprised.
So, if for only a minute today, take time out of your day to thank these brave and dedicated men and women for their service.
Until next time, Tightlines
Can You Pass the Test?
May is a great month to launch your boat and enjoy the water.
The first thing you should plan for is a “Vessel Safety Check”. This check is done by the local USGC Auxiliary and involves a courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel). It is designed to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by State and the Federal regulations.
The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the United States Power Squadrons or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater.
This is not a boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter. Most times they will perform the inspection while your boat is still on the trailer.
The USCG Auxiliary inspector will also supply you with a copy of the evaluation so that you may follow some of the suggestions given. Great news: Vessels that pass will be able to display our distinctive VSC decal.
Please note: This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter.
So don’t forget: Safe Boating Week is May 22-28, 2012. Do your part by being a safe boater.
Tip of the Week: Before you set out on your first trip, take the time to get your boat inspected. This safety check will give you a head start for a safe boating season.
Until next time, Tightlines
It’s in Your Line
In my last email I mentioned that changing lures helped me catch more fish. But the truth is maybe another component of my equipment allowed me to catch more on this day. While fishing on the Daniels Bridge, the key was I out casting everyone on the rail. Here’s a secret tip.
Several months ago, I attended a seminar with Capt. CA Richardson. He continually stressed the more water you can cover, the more fish you can catch. He told me three important points to improve your casting distance: use a reel with a larger baller; single piece rod with a light tip; and a special line.
Well, I purchased just the rod and reel some time ago and I noticed some improvement on distance. Then I took his recommendation and picked up a spool of Ohero braid. I tried several different sizes and until I settled on 15 pound test.
Most of anglers on the bridge knew that there was a nice hole about 100 yards south of the bridge, but really no one could reach it. Their casts were at least 25 yards short. After a little more than an hour of unsuccessful casts, many of these anglers became frustrated that they could not reach the spot, they moved on to bottom fishing. That left a perfect rail space for me.
I moved in and within 30 minutes, I caught some nice trout.
Was it the gear, the conditions or just plain luck? Either way, I took advantage of it.
So for my tip of the week and for greater distance and coverage, go for the best line you can afford. There are many to choose from but my choice is the Ohero brand.
Until next time, Tightlines
Saturday Morning Trout Bite
This first weekend in May has brought many of our summer fish species to the Outer Banks. But with the warm weather and abundance of fish, so came the crowds. The numbers of anglers on the fishing piers were close to a typical summer weekend. This influx of visitors is great for our economy but not for me finding pier railing space.
I had a little time today, so I decided to try the causeway bridge (better known as the Daniels Bridge) for some early action. The weather was perfect with a slight south breeze and air temps in the lower 70’s and water temps in the sixties. With the Super moon coming tonight – luck was on my side.
When I arrived, the bridge was fairly crowded on the south side – some jigging and others bottom fishing. It was a little slow with an occasional croaker or spot being caught. Some anglers brought many under size trout in but no keepers. Oh, yes the crabs were there too.
I had been fishing for about an hour and after changing jig head and plastics several times I found the perfect lure – chartreuse jig head with a green and orange twister tail. Whether it was my choice of lure or just the change in water direction, it seemed the bite was on.
Over the next 30 minutes, I caught three trout – one 22 inch and the other two under slot size of 14 inches.
This was a great way to spend a Saturday morning.
Until next time, Tightlines
Super Moon Spring 2012
Super Moon – The largest moon of the year will raise above the horizon on Saturday, 5 Ma 2012. Not only will it be a phenomenal sight but when it coincides with a high tide period, it tends to produce outstanding fishing. This large moon appears once per year when it is closest to the earth.
Some anglers, including myself, monitor for this combination of full or new moons and high or low tides throughout the year. We are always trying match the moon and tides. But once a year, when these two – Super Moon and high tides – occur at the same period – GAME ON.
I have found when both of these occur, the bite is tremendous. As usual, best times can be early in the morning or early evening.
With the advent of this huge super moon, fishing will start to improve on Thursday, peak on Saturday and slowly wind down by Monday. There is usually a 5-7 day window on each side of the full or new moon.
If you get a chance to get out this weekend, you might find fish bite better than other times.
Oh, and don’t forget your camera. This should be a “super sight”. See you on the beach.
Until next time, Tightlines
NCsaltaire 