Archive for August, 2012
Best Time to Fish is Now
Mid-August brings the most diverse species of fish near our shore. The warm waters on the Outer Banks are a perfect environment for just about anything that calls the near shore ocean its home. I always enjoy a brief visit to the beach each evening during August watching the vacation angler hook their first fish and excitement it brings to the kids on the beach.
One question that always comes up when friends visit me – what do I need to catch a fish on the surf?
Well, you need several items to be successful. In a previous post, I mentioned how an aggressive a sales person was when he sold this vacationer a basket full of waste. I am sure our visitor caught fish, just not with the help of this person.
I would like to give you a brief needs list for successful surf fishing. Obviously, this blog could be dozens of pages so I will just begin with the basics.
You need a good rod and reel. The in-expensive combinations in any store will work. I like to tackle shops but any place will do. Next, you need tackle – this can include a simple bottom rig. The bottom rig is a double hook assembly with a swivel on the top and clip on the bottom for a sinker. Tie the rig on with a simple uni-knot.
Here is where you should not skimp. Pay a little and get a lot. Now we need hooks. I use circle but “J” hooks work fine. Get the ones with dropper line already attached. They are easy to attach. To hold the bottom, only use the minimum amount to keep the bait in one location. One to two ounces is plenty in summer unless you have a strong current. Pyramid types are best.
Now you are ready for the bait. Fresh shrimp or blood worms are the best choice. Everything eats these two baits. If you can find sand fleas, these are the best baits for pompano. I only use a small piece on each hook. Keep changing the bait to increase your chances. One important point – keep you bait fresh – in a cooler if possible but definitely out of the wind and sun.
Fish are typically near the shore – just inside the wash. I also alternate my distances so to cover more water. A good rule is within 2o yards of the beach are where most fish will stay. Also, look for rough water spots or rip currents. These spots hold plenty of fish.
Tides, wind and water temperatures are important but this topic is for another blog post.
Most anglers will need a bucket, sand spikes, knife, cooler with ice, and a tool to remove hooks. I also bring sun screen, a hat, drinks and a snack. My list is a little longer but we are talking basics now.
Most times with just basic gear, you will be successful. But other times, you will need patience. Take your time, enjoy the experience, and take a kid fishing. Fishing on the beach memories last a lifetime.
Fresh bait and persistence catches more fish. For more tips, email me.
Until next time, Tightlines
Move Over Ladies – It’s the Men’s Turn
Great job for those ladies who fished the Alice Kelly. This tournament brought plenty of excitement to the marina.
Now it’s the men’s turn. Its four days of hardcore offshore fishing. There are 59 boats and over 400 anglers fishing in this tournament. The purse is huge and the competition is fierce. This one is for all the marbles.
If you missed the awards ceremony and party on Sunday night, there are four this week with the awards dinner and party on Friday.
Boats arrive at the dock anywhere from 1630 to 1800. Be there to welcome the anglers back.
Until next time, Tightlines
23rd – Alice Kelly Tournament
23rd Alice Kelly Tournament – Pirates Cove Marina is this weekend!!
Leading up to the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament the ladies get their turn to reel in the Big One! The Alice Kelly Tournament is an annual event the Sunday before the Billfish Tournament.
The 23rd Annual Alice Kelly Tournament, held August 12th with registration on August 11th, is a fundraiser event for the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group.
With an entry fee of only $500.00 per boat it is a great way to help out your community and have a great time on the water.
This is the place to be when the boats come in. Make sure you are on the dock by 1600 hours for the “best seat in the house”
The “first mate” is fishing again on the Marlin Gull.
Hopefully, I will have some great news and good pictures. Check back soon.
Until next time, Tightlines
Reel Fish Story – Don’t Be Caught
This past weekend I found that I needed several gardening items to complete my “honey-do” list. So I headed out to my neighborhood big box store. I am always reluctant to shop on a busy summer weekend but I knew this time I could be in and out quickly. My path this day took me passed the fishing section. As usual, I am always looking for something to add to my fishing arsenal. So a delay toward my mission was no big deal.
I found the fishing section quite empty. But I did see one customer slowing glancing at each rack. He was trying to figure which lure or hook or bait would help him catch fish during his vacation. About this time, a sales clerk appeared and apparently was there to rescue him from his dilemma.
I was trying not to eaves drop, but I overheard the sales clerk begin to educate this new angler on the finer points of saltwater fishing. Just maybe I could learn something.
My fascination to this professional guidance quickly turned to frustration. The advice he was supplying was convincing alright. This poor visitor was getting the standard sales pitch. Buy this and give it a try and if you fail, just come back and buy more. The recommendations included where to go (or not go), what to use, even cleaning and cooking his catch. By now, his basket was full. Now remember, we live near a saltwater ocean, but one of the items was a fishing DVD in freshwater. Now the real strange thing about this advice, it was all wrong. This clerk was selling this guy a bill of goods.
I was tempted to intervene but the clerk was so intense with his pitch, I am not sure I could change this visitor mind.
I am never one to discourage someone trying to get a bargain on fishing gear. And I definitely not trying influence our visitors or novice anglers to avoid the larger retail establishments to buy fishing gear. But my recommendation when fishing in a strange area or new to a hobby, see a professional for help. These guys can be found in your local tackle shops. They have tremendous amount of knowledge. And the best part, it’s all free.
So the next time you have a question about fishing here on the Outer Banks, email me or see someone in one of a dozen tackle shops.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Are We There Yet?
If you ever had to tow a boat, you probably have asked that question a hundred times. I know that I have.
My “Fantasea” mother ship needed a mid-season engine tune-up, so I pulled her out of the water and hooked it up for the trip to the shop.
The trip to the shop was easy because I picked a Sunday evening to travel. In a resort town, a Sunday is usually the quietest day of the week. It was a great trip down to the boat yard.
But the trip back was more eventful. My work schedules on most days do not permit me to get off early. But this past Wednesday I was able to make it work out.
Wednesday’s in a resort town just happened to be the busiest, only second to weekends. It seems that by Wednesday our visitors realize that their week is almost over and they need to fill those days with activities planned for a full week.
So here I am, traveling back from the shop, boat in tow, on the busiest vacation day of the week. Most vacationers are unfamiliar with my beach. And they typically ride in the middle of a four lane road, sightseeing or searching for the famous spot they read about long before their visit here.
And as most drivers do when they find that restaurant or gadget store – swerve to the right or left almost instantly so they don’t miss their turn.
Now here is where I say those famous words: “Are we there yet”. Drivers don’t realize that it takes a longer distance to stop a vehicle with a boat or trailer in tow, especially when we are traveling at a higher speed. And inevitably an out-of-towner will find that small space between two cars ahead, just when someone needs to turn or stop. Then bingo – I get a chance to test both the truck and trailer brakes.
Patience and courtesy for your fellow drivers run very thin at these points. But I am an extremely caucus driver and although my trip was very testy, the Fantasea made it home safe and sound.
So next time you see a boat in tow, remember to give them space.
Until next time, Tightlines
NCsaltaire 