Archive for August 2, 2014
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 