Archive for August, 2014
For All the Marbles
August and Fishing Tournaments in our region are synonymous. This time of year anglers from all over the east coast and beyond converge around the mid-Atlantic and the Outer Banks for the big money and bragging rights to who is the “top dog”. There are three notable tournaments in the mix right now.
The first tournament is the 41st Ocean City Maryland White Marlin Open. This tournament is happening this week from 4-8 August 2014. The Outer Banks boasts twelve boats participating – eight from Pirates Cove and four from Oregon Inlet. And as of mid-week, there are several home town boys included on the leaderboard.
Hurricane Bertha did nothing to hinder their competitiveness in this monster of a tournament. Prize monies can get into the millions so these anglers are going for broke. So as they say in tournament language, “Game On”!!
This tournament can be followed on their web site at: Whitemarlinopen.com
The next two tournaments start this weekend in the Outer Banks.
The first one is the 25th Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament, Manteo North Carolina. It is happening Saturday, 9 August for registration and Caption’s meetings. Then one-day fishing and awards on 10 August. And sorry guys – it’s “ONLY LADIES”. This tournament is in memory of a special angler, Alice Kelly who succumbed to cancer at a very young age. It is the premier fund raising event and all proceeds go to the Outer Banks Cancer Support group. So if you are in the area, stop by Pirates Cove and support this very special function.
The next one is the 31st Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament. This tournament like the White Marlin Open is a world-class event held at the Pirates Cove Marina, Manteo, North Carolina. It supports many charities on the Outer Banks. Hundreds anglers from all over the east coast and beyond vie for purses that can exceed several hundred thousand dollars. And like the Alice Kelly, this is one not to be missed.
Both of these Pirates Cove Tournaments can be followed on pcbgt.com.
So if you are in the area, come and help these charities and the support the angling community for one or both of these world class events. There is nothing like seeing how the big “Boys and pretty Ladies” show off their stuff.
And then you would be able to say, I was there to see grown men and ladies fight for “All the Marbles”.
Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony
The Usual Summer Faire
Fishing on the Outer Banks in August moves our fishery from aggressive to slightly passive. The hot weather begins to warm our waters and the fishing slows down a bit. The surf and pier water temperatures can range between mid-seventies to lower eighties.
Sound temperatures can be even warmer. Our local species will seek cooler depths and when subjected to these changes and it causes them to become less likely to feed during those warmer parts of the day.
This temperature change causes most of large fish into deeper water and brings in the smaller ones who are now less fearful of predators. Although this is generally true, larger fish sometimes break that rule, so anything goes during this latter part of our summer.
In summer, I like to fish either early in the morning or early evening. The cooler air temperatures help cool the water and increases that bite.
Look for the outgoing tide during these times. If fishing on the surf, fish close in. Most of our summer species are feeding on the small sand fleas right in the wash. The slough, a shallow trough between the beach and sand bar is an excellent spot to find fish.
The best bet in August for our first time or regular angler is to grab a light to medium rod with a standard two hook bottom rig, bait it with a small piece of squid, shrimp or blood worm and hit the beach.
If you want a little more variety, the other option is to visit one of our many piers or bridges. Same fishing process applies – fish early and late and focuses on the bottom species. When fishing on the piers, I first watch others – what are they catching and how then mimic their style.
So grab a rod and head out. You will have a great time exploring our summer fishery.
And as always, know the rules, purchase a license and return any un-wanted fish back into the water carefully. For more information on fishing our beaches and piers, see several of my previous blog posts.
Until next time, Tightlines – Capt. Tony
NCsaltaire 