Archive for July, 2012
Location Location Location
These words are typically used in real estate but we could just as well fit them into fishing.
Fishing is all about locations. Yes, some will argue also, that time, equipment and experience are very important. But for me finding that remote place, where there are no signs of earlier anglers, no prop marks or evidence of fishing stress, an area just waiting for you to explore is absolutely a dream.
I have notice that many anglers do little research on places to fish. They just pack up the kids and gear and try to find the easiest spot to wet a line. They follow the leader – call the pier house or tackle shop. They feel that if there are a lot of anglers on bridge/pier/surf fishing then there must be plenty of fish. And then they must be there too to be part of the action. And we have plenty of those types of anglers here in the Outer Banks. Tried and true is no better goal for that occasional trip.
But there are many places that have not been abused or stripped by anglers here and elsewhere. And you know, they can be right before our eyes. We can be blinded by the obvious. To find them, all we have to do is look at it a little differently.
For years, I have traveled about the Albemarle and Currituck Sounds by boat going to one of my many “old stand-by” fishing holes. During these trips, I never stopped to think that I might be passing dozens of grass flats or pot holes or small depressions that hold fish and possibly that once in a life time trophy.
Today I spent the morning with a local fishing captain on his boat. It was a trip that I had won at one of the OBX Anglers club meetings. I can place this trip up there with the most memorable.
We traveled for about 5 hours in the Albemarle Sound exploring those places that I usually “fly-by” going to someplace else. Well, this time when we stopped, we found these areas producing dozens of beautiful speckled trout. It did not matter which artificial we used – all caught fish.
We kept four slot size fish – one for each angler and left the rest to be caught for another day.
So the next time you feel the urge to try something new. Don’t overlook the obvious. You might be amazed because that special place might be right in front of you.
So until next time, Tightlines
Been Fishing Lately?
Well I have and it’s been a banner year. I have fished many places but the best was on Jennette’s Fishing Pier.
Seems it doesn’t matter what time of day or bait type, you will be catching fish. Pier fishing is at its best in July.
This time of year, I focus on two primary methods of fishing – top water jigging and standard bottom rig. I always take two rods on any fishing trip, one is a medium spinning rod and the other a light tackle set.
I use the light rod for the top water rigs such as “gotchas” or small lead heads with chartreuse twister tails. Sometimes a double white buck tail will catch a nice trout or single bluefish. The best (worst kept secret) bait has been the Berkley white grubs. This bait is a little on the expensive side but worth their weight. Next trip to the tackle shop, you need to pick some up. One important tip – makes sure the leader materials are a little heavier and if possible, only use fluorocarbon line. Fifteen to twenty pound test is fine. When using this type of line, it becomes nearly invisible under the water. And this prevents spooking the fish.
On my medium rod set, I use the standard two hook bottom rig. Remember; always try to use a new bottom rig on each trip because even though the older one looks fine, rust can wreak havoc on the metal. You will need “top of the line gear” when fighting that big fish. The worst things that can happen are to lose that fish in the water or just as you are bringing it over the rail.
I try to use all circle hooks. I like #2 or #4 for the best all-around success. Finally, weight – look at the current and select the best one to just hold the bottom. Too large a weight will cause you to miss those bites. Pyramid types are best.
Bait choices for bottom rigs are fresh shrimp or blood worms. I try to buy only shrimp for eating. It seems this type, verses the tackle shop version, gets more bites. It might be that store bought is fresher. Go with the fresher store bought shrimp if possible. And peel it. My best days are with peeled shrimp as bait.
Any trip to the pier must include back up gear. You are going to lose rigs, hooks and weights. Make you bring plenty of extras. A good hat and sunscreen are a must to keep skin damage to a minimum. At least one rag to wipe sweat or dirt off your hands. Also, great for holding that fish. You will find this to be the most valuable tool.
Finally, water and snacks keep you satisfied when you get those hunger pains. Hydration is the name of the game and results in a more pleasant trip. Someone told me that alcohol and fishing go together – but not in hot weather.
Tip of the day – you need to go early. Fish typically are more active early morning and early evening. Check with the pier manager or tackle shops for best times, baits and methods.
Second tip of the day – when fishing the Jeannette’s Pier, watch out for the sunken piles from the old pier. They were left in place for some unknown reason. You can find them on the north side between the second and third turbine. See the picture at the top of this blog. Another way to locate – no one will be fishing at that spot. Don’t get fooled.
Good luck and let me know how you did.
A final note on conservation – only keep what you can use and release the rest. Fish are too valuable to catch only once.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Your Link to the Outer Banks
I recently updated my web page to incorporate many Outer Banks links. These links will direct you to the many fishing, boating and recreational resources. These sites are a great place to start for both locals and visitors. They can give us “what’s happening” when we want to enjoy the waters surrounding our banks.
Several links will direct you to fishing information such as local piers, weather, Sun and moon data and high and low tides in many of our sounds and ocean as well as obtaining the mandatory saltwater fishing license. I also included links to fishing and conservation clubs.
Others to marine and boating. These links provide guidance to marinas and repair services as well as many others to help your day on the water enjoyable.
The remaining links should provide information on handling emergencies, researching media and obtaining other local news, recreation and travel and ferry schedules.
My favorites are the beach web cams. These cameras are positioned on many areas so you can enjoy the surf conditions even though you may be hundreds of miles from our coast.
Keep checking back for additional links and great fishing and boating information.
Until next time, Tightlines
Have a Safe July 4th Holiday
Have a safe fourth of July Holiday. Remember – leave the fire works to the professionals. You need all fingers and eyes to reel that trophy fish.
Until next time, Tightlines
NCsaltaire 