Archive for June, 2014
Back in Time – Fishing the Albatross Fleet
On Saturday 21 June, I had the opportunity to fish on the historic vessel Albatross II out of Hatteras Harbor Marina North Carolina. I fished that day with several friends from the Outer Banks Anglers Club.
Between spying the vessels from the dock that morning to the short chat I had with Captain Ernie Foster the night before lead me to believe that it was, in fact, going to be a memorable trip.
To sail into the Atlantic Gulf Stream with a captain and one of his vessels that actually created charter fishing on the Outer Banks 75 years ago was to say the least was just unbelievable.
On this day we arose early and assembled at the dock and climbed aboard the Albatross II at 0600 am. Within minutes, the mate had thrown the dock lines and Captain Ernie was turning the grand dame of a vessel toward the inlet.
Early on the cloudy skies and churning seas gave us insight that we would need to work for our prey that day. But the Captain was confident and vessel was ready and the anglers were up for the challenge.
With minutes of setting the lines in the Gulf Stream at 0730, we hooked up with our first dolphin. There would be several more early morning. We could now confidently say, “We would not be skunk”.
Over the course of the next several hours and despite of some heavy rain squalls and wind, hooked up with a beautiful white marlin (and yes she put on quite a dance show), we teased a big blue marlin in our spread without a hook up and landed several skipjacks.
But probably the most amazing sight of the day was when we witnessed close to hundred Mahi Mahi bust the surface right in front of us trying to escape a larger prey. We suspect that it may have been a one or many blue marlin chasing them into the air. Captain Ernie remarked that it wasn’t what we saw jumping that was amazing, but what we didn’t see lurking under the seas chasing those fish.
We finished the day with a school of baler dolphin. The small batch of fish were found just off the end of a long grass line. And after all the frenzy and determination, the school of balers were safely in the fish box.
Finally, while cruising home, I witnessed an amazing sight – about what the meaning of “respect your elders” really was.
As the Albatross II was on a steady course into the harbor, I saw many other charter vessels following at a safe distance. Each one could have just as easily pasted us by, but each one held steadfast behind her majesty – the grand dame. Just watching the grand old lady lead the fleet home and the fellow charter captains allow her “first billing” – well what a sight.
What better way for the fleet to respond but to respect and acknowledge the greatness of this captain and his fleet.
Until next time – Tightlines – Captain Tony
SPOTTED SEATROUT RECREATIONAL – SEASON RE-OPENS
The Spotted Seatrout recreational season will re-open this Sunday, June 15, 2014 at 12:01 A.M.
The minimum size will not be less then 14 inches total length. And the recreational bag limit is not more than four (4) spotted seatrout per day by hook and line.
This fishery was closed this past winter after a significant cold stun event in February 2014.
Please note that just because this fishery has re-opened, it does not mean that it is free-run on this species.
Please practice good conservation techniques. Return all unwanted fish to the water carefully.
Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony
Surf Fishing is Fun
Fishing on the surf is one of the most relaxing and least expensive activities you can do at the beach. All you need is a rod, reel and several items to enjoy this hobby.
The first thing you want to do is research the regulations. Make sure you know the limits of any species you catch. Also, you may need a license to fish on our beaches. Licenses and rules can be obtained at any local tackle shop.
Next is selecting the spot on the beach. I always check with other local anglers or tackle shops for this information. They can usually point you in the right direction. But basically, any spot on our beach will hold fish.
Like any sport, you will need specific gear. These items will include a good medium seven rod and reel set up, a bottom rig, package of hooks, several different size sinkers and bait. If you don’t have your own rod and reel set up, a complete package can be purchased any tackle supply shop.
The standard rod and reel will already be rigged with line. You will attach the bottom rig to the line. You can either tie the rig directly to the line or tie a snap swivel to the line first and then hook the rig to this connector. A snap swivel allows for a quick change over if you need to replace the bottom rig. Not needed, but attaching the rig either way works great.
Next you want to install the hooks. Number four or six size hooks work fine. I slide the loop end of the hook line over the bottom rig loop and slip the hook through the bottom rig loop. This creates a strong connection. A sinker is attached to the bottom of the rig. I carry different size sinkers and attach the lightest one that will allow me to hold the bottom.
Bait is the most important component. I use table fare shrimp or fish bites. Do not peel the shrimp; just place a small piece on each hook. Sometimes, I insert a small quarter inch piece of a fish bite over the hook after the shrimp. This keeps the shrimp on the hook and prevents smaller fish from stealing the bait before a larger fish eats it. Remember – the fresher the bait – the better the chance for success.
Most bottom fish can be found within fifteen feet of our shore line. So cast just over the waves. Let the bait sit on the bottom and wait for the bite. The bite feels like a tap tap tap. When you feel the bite, just raise your rod tip and reel in. If your line moves on the bottom, change to the next size up sinker.
It’s that simple.
Fishing on the Outer Banks surf can be fun for the entire family. It’s inexpensive and an easy thing to do.
In my photo, I included a number of other parts of your fishing bag – sand spike, tape measure, finger nail clippers, piers, hand towel and a small knife. A copy of the NC Coastal Recreational Angler’s Guide is also a great resource. As with all hobbies, your gear may include dozens of other items – but these are the basics.
One final tip – release all fish carefully that you are not going to keep so they may be caught again. This resource can be depleted quickly if we don’t practice good conservation.
So the next time you have a little free time and want to learn a new hobby – take up fishing on our coast. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors and our beautiful beaches.
Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony
NCsaltaire 