Archive for January, 2013
Our Own “Great White Shark”
Fishing has been slow since the beginning of the year. Water temperatures are in the upper 40’s and storms have been wreaking havoc on any attempt to get out and fish. The alternating weather conditions have confused both angler and prey.
Some charters have been fishing, but since the inlet has significantly shoaled, it is only passible at certain times and those are treacherous at best. Sound fishing on the west wall of the Pamlico seems to be the ticket.
One interesting bit of news here on the Outer Banks is that we have had a sixteen foot great white shark visit our waters over the past week. Apparently, the large female has traveled great distances and has only recently settled in our waters. There is no word on why she is here or how long she will stay. Last report was that she was moving away but who knows.
Last September, Ocearch, a non-profit research group along with National Geographic has teamed up to study habits of great white sharks. They began their tracking of her when they attached a sensor to this huge shark in the waters off Cape Cod Massachusetts
Since then, the great white shark, now referred to by her given name “Mary Lee”, has traveled the entire east coast. Hopefully, she finds her way “outa here” by spring.
For more information on “Mary Lee” and her travels, I have included a link to our local paper. http://www.witn.com/countycloseups/outerbanks/headlines/Great-White-Shark-In-Pamlico-Sound—187779071.html
As long as “Mary Lee” is in our waters, my feet will be firmly planted on the shore.
Until next time, Tightlines
Capt. Tony
Been Schooled Lately?
Each year I make a date to attend several salt water fishing seminars. My work schedule and fishing budget limits me to only those that I feel can help hone my angling skills. As an avid angler for many years, I like many others believe, “I know it all”. Well this is just wishful thinking.
This year I began my “lesson plan” at the Virginia Beach Saltwater Sportsman’s National Seminar Series. It was six hours of jamb packed presentations that left even the seasoned anglers scratching their heads and saying, “I did not know that and I plan to use this on my next trip!”
The program included local in-shore and off-shore angling professionals as well as members of the SWS magazine staff tackle vendors, and many gear suppliers. The information was current and relevant to the local region. In addition, the package of literature, gifts and gear presented to each attendee are worth the price of admission.
If you want a great seminar to kick off your angling season, the SWS National Seminar Series is the place to be. Oh, and say hello to George, Harry, Mitch and of course Lou for me.
To access next one in Wilmington NC or any of the other 4 programs and their schedule, you should go to (800) 448-7360 or http://www.nationalseminarseries.com/
Until next time, Tightlines,
Capt. Tony
Don’t Forget to Wear that Jacket
If you lived in my house during my early years, you probably would have heard my mom yell many times, “its cold outside, if you don’t get that coat on you will die of pneumonia”. I wore that jacket then and learned lesson that has stayed with me ever since.
Well that same message is as applicable and important today as it was when my mother reminded me so many years ago.
In summer, we can easily forget to wear our life jacket while out on the water. And at that time, if you happen to find yourself in the water, you can simply climb out and dry off. But winter weather brings freezing water temperatures, it becomes another story. Survival depends on smart choices whether you are fishing or boating in summer or winter.
So regardless of how seasoned you are or how short your mission is, the use of your life jackets should be mandatory anytime you are on the water.
Recently, a local commercial fisherman was lost when he went out on the water one morning to check his gear without wearing his life jacket. Apparently he had it with him but failed to use it. Was this the cause of his demise or something else? Either way, if he had donned his life jacket, his chance of survival would have increased.
So regardless if you have someone reminds you or we just use basic common sense while on the water, a life jacket is always a good choice.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Capt. Tony
NCsaltaire 