Posts filed under ‘Places’
My First View of Alaska
I flew into Fairbanks, Alaska on Monday, 13 June.
The mountains were surprisingly absent of snow. But I guess in June, most of the snow was further north. The closer I got into Fairbanks, the more level the topography became. Just an amazing sight.
The weather was mild in the mid 60’s with evenings in the low 50’s. Over cast with sun and clouds. Seemed like a beautiful climate. With more than 21 hours of sun and 3 hours of night (really dusk), I was sure to see plenty.
I checked in to my hotel and planned the next several work days hoping I was able to find several hours to wet a line. With plenty on the schedule, my hopes were dim.
One unique landmark that I had to see was the Alaska Pipeline. The pipeline ran through Fairbanks and being so close to my hotel, I had to see it up close. The pipeline runs from the Prudhoe Bay south all the way through the state to the Bay of Alaska
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Completed in 1977, it runs over 800 miles through the state. When completely filled, it can carry 9 million barrels of oil.
The pipeline runs through three major mountain ranges – Brooks, Alaska and Chugach. It crosses three major rivers and 800 smaller waterways. And to protect the wildlife and not interrupt their environment, there are 554 specially built animal crossings.
If you look at the picture close, you can see several upright units on the brace stand. These are lightning rods designed to absorb the charge.
This is one landmark that should not be missed.
Until next time, Tightlines.
A Great Day to Take a Kid Fishing
On Saturday, the first mate convinced me that visiting “Dare Days” in downtown Manteo was a better choice than working in the yard or fishing. Well, I thought otherwise and when the time came to depart home, I had the rods and gear loaded in the truck.
Dare Days, held annually on the first Saturday in June, is the un-official kickoff for summer for many locals on the Outer Banks. The festival, held on the waterfront and surrounding streets, brings many local artists and vendors from around the region to display their wares and just have a great relaxing time.
The day was beautiful but with all that water around me, my thoughts turned to fishing. After several hours of enjoying the sights and smells of the festival, it was time to go.
I made my way the walkways under the Washington Baum Bridge. The Baum Bridge is on Rt 64 just east of the Pirate’s Cove Marina. This area boasts five new boat ramps and several hundred yards of walkways suitable for fishing, crabbing and relaxing in the shade. There is plenty of parking for both boats and private vehicles.
I had packed both fresh shrimp and blood worms for the day. I also took several of my favorite saltwater artificials.
I did not take long to land several small spot, croaker and pinfish. No size to either but an enjoyable time all the while. I did hook up with a nice 2 pound speckled trout but as reported before, that fishery is closed until 15 June.
My recommendation for a great day. Take a kid fishing under the Washington Baum Bridge. The safety of the dock and walkways make it perfect for small children to learn to fish or crab.
Pick up a small rod, use a double hook bottom rig with 1-2oz. weight. Get a small bag of bait – shrimp or worms, and turn the small angler loose. You need to cast on the north side and wait for the tug. Many oyster shell beds line the south side under the bridge. So be careful not to hit a snag and lose your rig set up.
If you choose to crab, bring some chicken parts, string and a long-handled dip net. Throw the lines with the chicken attached and wait for the pull. As you retrieve the bait and the crab gets close, just scoop them up. Remember, crabs have claws and they know how to use them.
With a little luck, you can catch your dinner or just make memories. And don’t forget the camera. This experience will last a life time for the youngsters.
Until next time, Tightlines.
All You Need is Thirty Minutes
I got off work a little early this evening, made a trip to the fitness center and had a little time before sunset. So I loaded up the “quick surf bag”, 6-1/2′ light tackle rod, and two of my favorite spring lures and headed to the beach. My plan was to fish on the surf just north of the old Kitty Hawk Pier. (on new Hilton Garden Hotel property)
I arrived on the beach close to sunset. So I had to do a quick scan of the surf and fortunately located a nice slough. The outgoing surf was typical with rolling one to two foot waves breaking near the beach. Perfect height to cast over the crests to the flat water. My rod was pre-loaded with a yellow and red “gotcha”. It took about five casts and boom. It was a hard hit. I know that feeling well – small tailor blue.
The easy retrieve brought him to the beach on short order. Several more casts produced nothing. Did I just happen to catch a single blue by accident or did the school continue down the beach.
Thought I would do a quick change up and tied a “krocodile” spoon. The second cast drew another blue out of the surf. As the fish approached the beach, I did the “no-hands” self release technique. All you do is just drop the rod tip down and the fish spits the hook. Easy and safe for both the angler and prey. This technique allows the fish to go free without you rubbing any scales or the protective film off the fish.
Caught two nice tailor blues in 30 minutes at sunset. Using a quick release technique to prevent injuring the fish. Just Priceless!!
So for you all who say, I just don’t have time to wet a line, try my 30 minute technique. It does wonders for your health. And I guarantee even if you don’t catch anything, experience will time well spent.
Until next time – Tightlines.
Nothing could be finer, than to be in Carolina
Today, that saying is as perfect as can be. 
At 1045, the grand opening presentations began for the revamped Jennette’s Fishing Pier in Nags Head. If you weren’t there, you missed an outstanding show. It began with the many congrats to all involved in the construction to the mass entrance for the visitors.
Four members of the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team made a grand entrance. Landing on the beach.
Next the many dignitaries made congratulatory comments. Then Govenour Perdue broke the champanye bottle a piling. As should be expected, the bottle was connected to a fishing rod. She just reeled the bottle into the pier.
Then the race was on. Hundreds of spectators poured into the new pier house, classrooms, gift shop and of course the 1000 foot pier. The new structure included many sheltered areas, benches, fish cleaning stations and signs instructing the visitors to the various sea life. It will be as much a vacation spot as it will be a training center.
Enjoy my pictures.
Tightlines!!
Big Warm Up Coming
Fishing has been real slow. No news from the northern beaches. Some fish are being caught at the 1-1/2 to 3 mile off the beach.
Most times, we can’t even get on the beach due the snow. I took this picture at the old Kitty Hawk Pier behind the Outer Banks Hilton garden.
The weather is projected to be in the high 50’s through the weekend – might even hit the lower 60’s. So the snow should be gone.
Water temperatures are still a little cold at 40 degrees. Stripe bass seem to get a little lethargic at this temp. We are scheduled to get a south breeze by weeks end so we are hoping that this will bring in the fish. It will be a nice change from the cold and damp winter up to this point.
Cabin fever is beginning to set in and the winter has just begun!!
Fish on Ice
We had a day after Christmas snow storm. Most of the Outer Banks received 3 to 5 inches. At the beginning of the storm even the roads were covered.
Weather will improve over the next several days. The reports call for temps into the upper 50’s and maybe 60’s by the weekend. Go figure!
Ocean water temperatures have been hovering around 39 degrees.
Either case our fish are temporarily on ice.
What’s with all this cold water
During the summer months, Outer Banks beach patrons may experience a significant change in water temperatures from one day to next.
This phenomenon is known as upwelling. It is typically caused by circular wind motion due to a front from the north that blows winds parallel along the beach. The steady wind blows the warm summer water out at a diagonal direction which ultimately takes it out to sea. With the warm water now gone, the cold replaces it quickly – thus the sudden decrease in water temperatures from one place on the beach to anther. Tides can also aid in replacing the warm water with the cold water. (Double click on picture for water movement).
On the Outer Banks, bathers may feel cold water for hours or days or sometimes longer. And this cold water exchange may be different from one beach area to others along the coast.
If you find yourself in an upwelling situation, either wait it out or move down the beach until you find a warmer spot. Unfortunately, if the wind continues to blow, cold water is here to stay. You may either suffer with the cold water, stay on the beach or find a nice pool.
By the way, fishing is outstanding in areas with upwelling – so grab a rod.
Not What You Expect – Oak Hill, Florida
Several weeks ago, I found an interesting fishing show on ESPN2. The show “Get Schooled” is hosted by Capt Eric Mannino. This is one great show that must not be missed.
During this program Capt. Eric stopped by a bait shop in Oak Hill, Florida which is just south of Daytona Beach. Well, we decided to find this unique place, too. And it was definitely not what we expected.
The huge shop was now a microcosm of what the video showed. – it was now all but five by 10 foot area in the back. The rest is now a Mexican restaurant.
But owner Al knew the area very well. He had fresh shrimp and a recommendation that could not be beat – north end the famous Mosquito Lagoon.
With the bait bucket full, rods rigged for Redfish, and plenty of time, we headed out. Unfortunately,the beautiful Florida afternoon turned into a slow gale. The winds picked up and I couldn’t even hold the bottom. The only activity was feeding the crabs.
This peaceful afternoon turned great expectations to just a great day out.
Well at least with this great location, Iwill definitely put this spot on a list of “return to in the future”.
Kayaking in Heaven
Punta Gorda is an amazing place for kayaking. The Charlotte Harbor area has over 200 shoreline miles of canoe and kayak trails.
At 270 square miles, Charlotte Harbor is the second-largest aquatic preserve in Florida, where rivers meet the ocean and salt marshes, seagrass flats and dense mangrove beds provide nature’s nursery for hundreds of species of fish and shellfish. Birds, turtles and other wildlife feast on all this bounty.
World-class angling has put this area on the map for kayak fishing.
Here, beginners and experts can find the pristine and quiet commune with nature that kayaking offers. Down the hidden coves of Coral, and Shell Creeks, the Peace and Myakka Rivers, around Don Pedro Island State Park, Gasparilla Sound or along the Intracoastal Waterways, up-close wildlife encounters are likely to include swallow-tailed kites, eagles, herons, ibis, ospreys, Roseate Spoonbills, thousands of migratory white pelicans as well as dolphins and manatees. Out on the Gulf, experienced sea kayakers can explore deserted barrier islands with challenging forays into the wind and surf.
Just a little peace of heaven.
NCsaltaire 