Archive for March, 2013
You Ready – I’m Ready?
The fishing piers are open!!
On Friday, all of the northern Outer Banks fishing piers opened for business. Some of them had extensive damage from last winter’s storms but all have weathered them fine and are now ready to accept hardy anglers. This week would also be a great time to check out the renovated pier facilities after the long winter. I did and it was worth my time.
The weather has been beautiful over the past several days with variable winds with a little bit of cool air temperatures. It appears we will be having these fluctuating temperatures all week: warming during the day and cooling off nights. As normal – be prepared for an occasional wind and stormy periods.
Expect most of the Outer Banks piers to have modified hours for the first several weeks of April due to the unstable fronts, cold water and limited number of anglers. Once the season gets underway in mid-April or later, the piers will open longer hours with several being open 24 hours. Prices have changed since last year, too. As a general rule this early, it’s best to call ahead for current fees and schedules.
All of the Outer Banks piers have tackle shops and experienced help where you can gain valuable information on what’s biting, bait types that work best and any regulations that apply.
So what are you waiting on? Check out our piers. Whether you are a local or visitor, the Outer Banks piers are the best place to learn new techniques or meet new friends while enjoying one of nature’s best past times. Look for more information on each pier in future blogs posts.
See you on the pier – Until next time, Tightlines. Capt. Tony
Ready to Resume Normal Angling
The winter season has been brutal. Not in weather but in schedules. Since the New Year, there were boat shows, saltwater classes, and trips for me to both Florida and Germany.
The weather has been milder than expected. And hopefully the trout fishery survived. Last year, the OBX speckled trout fishery was the best it has been in 20 years. And I am looking forward to another banner year. There will be more news on this fishery soon in future blogs.
The Virginia Beach boat show was worth my time but it seems there are more home improvement booths than boat dealers. I stopped by the Robalo booth – leaning on downsizing. But no change yet – stay tuned.
The VB area also hosted Saltwater Sportsman National Series. As usual, George Poveromo and his team are just outstanding. If you missed the show in January, there are always next year. Look for notices in this blog or the Saltwater Sportsman Magazine.
We also attended a fishing class in Punta Gorda with my good friend Capt. CA Richardson. His name is synonymous with “Gator Trout” and monster “Red fish”. Want a memorible fishing trip while visiting Tampa – call CA.
The real job took me to Germany for 8 days and lots of jet lag. Fun time but glad I am in home waters.
So now let’s discuss the most important topic: Angling. By now you should have cleared out the tackle box, changed the lines on your reels and checked all other gear and started preparations for the first trip. Boat maintenance should be well under way. I have seen many boats out and some good news has been reported on small fish from both the sound and southern beaches.
So your homework now is to get caught up with unfinished tackle maintenance and “honey-dos”, cause fishing season is close.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Capt. Tony
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