Posts filed under ‘Reel Job’
Something Old But Maybe New
Each year the Great Bridge Fisherman’s Association holds their annual “Fishing Fleas Market” at the Hickory Ruritan Club on Old Battlefield Blvd in Chesapeake Virginia. And this year it is on Saturday, 8 March 2014.
This is the fourth year of the flea market and I believe it gets bigger and better each year.
If you are looking for that “something special” for that angler in your family then this is the place. There are tables and tents set up on three sides of the building and dozens of tables and vendors inside. You will find dozens of antique rods and reels, lures and boxes, and just about anything nautical. Most times the equipment and gear will be well used and just looking for a new home.
Get hungry during the flea – Food and beverages for sale will be available during your shopping spree.
As for me, each year I find a ‘keepsake treasure”. It is usually something I could live without but then maybe not.
Obviously, some of the equipment for sale is items old anglers are just determined to find a new home for. So if you are good at bargaining then you came the right place.
The flea market runs from 0800 – 1400 but the best deals will be had early and late.
The weather looks perfect for this year’s flea market so there should be no excuse for at least stopping by. Parking is free but there is a slight charge for entry. Door prizes are given out periodically.
So if you have some free time this Saturday – time will not be wasted.
Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony
Show Time Season Again
It’s Show Time Season again.
The Outer Banks winter has had more precipitation than I am used to or want. The snow fall levels have exceeded many past winters. The weather continues to fluctuate from warm to cold – only consistency is “that’s why they call it winter time”. But to me, it’s like a work week – you need a “Monday” each week to look forward to that “Friday”’. Winter is my Monday.
All is not lost on this brief interruption from our angling adventures. It’s the Boat Show Season.
Most angling and boating enthusiasts only go to these shows to dream – but what better place to dream about owning a vessel that your friends will envy.
And then there are the shoppers – but you typically don’t see them – you see the “sold” signs on the nice vessels.
Although, I did not replace any of my vessels this year, I found many that would meet me needs.
So if you are looking for something to do between the couch ball seasons then a boat show is what you need.
There are plenty left to attend this year especially my favorite – Miami Boat Show.
So if you are bored and ready for something new – a boat show is for you.
Until next time – Tight-lines – 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
Our Own “Great White Shark”
Fishing has been slow since the beginning of the year. Water temperatures are in the upper 40’s and storms have been wreaking havoc on any attempt to get out and fish. The alternating weather conditions have confused both angler and prey.
Some charters have been fishing, but since the inlet has significantly shoaled, it is only passible at certain times and those are treacherous at best. Sound fishing on the west wall of the Pamlico seems to be the ticket.
One interesting bit of news here on the Outer Banks is that we have had a sixteen foot great white shark visit our waters over the past week. Apparently, the large female has traveled great distances and has only recently settled in our waters. There is no word on why she is here or how long she will stay. Last report was that she was moving away but who knows.
Last September, Ocearch, a non-profit research group along with National Geographic has teamed up to study habits of great white sharks. They began their tracking of her when they attached a sensor to this huge shark in the waters off Cape Cod Massachusetts
Since then, the great white shark, now referred to by her given name “Mary Lee”, has traveled the entire east coast. Hopefully, she finds her way “outa here” by spring.
For more information on “Mary Lee” and her travels, I have included a link to our local paper. http://www.witn.com/countycloseups/outerbanks/headlines/Great-White-Shark-In-Pamlico-Sound—187779071.html
As long as “Mary Lee” is in our waters, my feet will be firmly planted on the shore.
Until next time, Tightlines
Capt. Tony
Pirate’s Cove Marina Fishing Tackle Flea Market
Pirate’s Cove Marina Fishing Tackle Flea Market – 12 May 2012 from 0700 to 1000 in the Pavilion.
The Fishing Tackle Flea Market, is held twice a year, and it brings local, regional, and even East Coast-wide people with their overstock of fishing, hunting and marine related goods to The Pavilion at Pirate’s Cove Marina to sell.
From rods to reels, boats to ATV’s, custom lures and so much more, the Fishing Tackle Flea Market is the place to shop, or bring your own overstock of fishing and hunting related items.
Great place to find that special item or it could be the beginning of clearing out that garage.
Until next time, Tightlines
Fishing Flea Market and Swap Meet – One Week to Go
There is only one week to go until the Great Bridge Fisherman’s Association 3rd Annual “Fishing Flea Market and Swap Meet”.
The Fishing Flea Market and Swap meet will be held at the Hickory Ruritan Club on South Battlefield Blvd, Chesapeake, Virginia on 10 March from 0800 to 1500 hrs. It is just a short drive from the Outer Banks or anywhere in southeastern Virginia. Rain or shine. Parking is free but there is a $3 entrance fee.
This flea market and swap meet is both entertaining and educational. Local anglers set up booths to sell, trade, swap and give away many current and antique fishing and boating gear. Free Raffles, 50/50’ are held throughout the day. It seems there is something for everyone.
Last year I found several old rods and reel combos that I used when I was very young. It brought back many memories from my childhood.
So if you want a great time to wander through booths and tables of gear – most are antique, talk to experts and amateurs about their own “fish stories” and pick up that item that will bring back memories, then this is the place.
There will be food and beverages and plenty of parking. Get there early for the best deals.
Until next time, Tightlines
Thanksgiving on the Outer Banks
Thanksgiving Day on the Outer Banks always brings out the best of our town. The towns are alive with both locals and visitors busy shopping and just enjoying the area. Many the houses are full of family, friends and much good will. Our home was equally busy – our family arrived on Wednesday evening and stayed several days. The weather was beautiful this year. The mornings were a little nippy, but the afternoon temps rose into the 70’s each day. With bright sunshine and warm temps, you could not ask for a better environment.
We fished once on Saturday afternoon but were met with continuing stiff winds and rough surf. Since last week’s blow, fishing had slowed to almost zero. It didn’t help that the water temperatures are continuing to drop. The ocean temps now fluctuate between mid to upper fifties.
Many anglers were out each weekend day on the bridges, piers and up and down the surf. It seemed they were looking for that “after turkey day” seafood dinner. But unfortunately, none was to be had.
It is predicted that weather should improve over the next several days so there is still anticipation that the trout will remain here for a couple more weeks. No news yet on the big blues or ocean rockfish. Anglers are still catching plenty of stripe bass in the sound especially around the Wright Memorial and Mann’s Harbor Bridges. Eels are the bait of choice.
One point of bad news is that three of our fishing piers close today for the season. You can still find your way on the piers if the doors are open but the basically tackle shops are closed. Kitty Hawk and Jennette’s piers are still open but only Jennette’s has regular winter hours.
Hopefully, I will have better news on fishing in the next blog entry.
Until next time, Tightlines
Isn’t It Time for Circle Hooks
Several years ago, here on the Outer Banks, I would watch dozens of fish get wasted – just left on the beach to die. At the time, many of the anglers would try to catch as many fish as possible. They never considered the impact of over fishing. And even less about returning this resource back into the water to be caught again. This resource was unlimited so they thought.
Although, many times anglers did try to practice conservation and consider releasing them only to find that the gear they were using caused deep gut hooking. This gut hooking caused significant damage to internal organs and would cause them to bleed out quickly. With a reduced survivability, these fish were just left on the beach to either be eaten by the birds or rot in the sun.
The culprit was “J Hooks”. These hooks were designed to increase the hook ups. Once you feel the bite, the angler sets the hooks and bingo, you are successful. But they decreased the survivability rate.
Recently, there has been a movement to change to less damaging gear. The circle hooks meets that goal.
I have begun to use circle hooks on almost every gear set up. And guess what? I haven’t reduced my catches at all. In fact, I am catching more fish and releasing most to be caught again. You will find that most of my catches are with circle hooks. Check out the Black Drum I caught the other day using circle hooks. See how it just grabs the corner of their mouth?
Is there a place still in fishing for “J hooks” – sure but careful selection and use is imparative. Common sense plays a major role with their use,
Isn’t it time you jumped on the conservation fix? Our fisheries are not unlimited, and if you are not harvesting one to eat, release it to be caught another day. I think that is a pretty neat concept. How about jumping on that bandwagon with me? Future anglers will thank us for our commitment to this fishery.
Until next time,
Tightlines
Black Drum in the Surf
I spent several evenings over the past week trying my luck at surf fishing. It seems that this was my lucky week. I hooked up with a smorgasbord of bottom fish. I caught Black Drum, flounder, spot, croaker, bluefish, sea mullet and blow toads.
I selected the best times where the incoming tides hit the beach at the early evening. Two to three foot waves struck the beach causing a slight chop. Water temps were still in the low 70’s.
Once on the sand, I searched for the break on the bar where the weakest point of the slough pushed water back off the beach. This is where the chaos begins and weak fish tumble in the waves being tossed around in a confused state.
I found this spot easily and proceeded to cast into the wash – just inside the breakers. Bingo – fish after fish. I used my 7’ Falcon Medium Gulf Spin rod with just enough backbone and a light tip – great for felling those tender nibbles. My Daiwa Coastal 3000 reel gave me the ability to retrieve the fish before, they could spit the hook. Fresh shrimp was bait of choice and definitely small pieces on the #4 circle hooks.
There were times I was catching two at a time. What a day!
They say October is for playoff baseball but this week it was for great bottom fishing on the Outer Banks surf.
Until next time,
Tightlines
Gulf Stream for Whites
My off shore trip out of Ocean City, Maryland on 23 September was just outstanding.
We left the dock at 0415 on the Marli – 58′ custom Carolina Sportsman. Capt Brian had a goal of whites and meat. His charters this year had an outstanding bite, so we had high expectations. There were four fisherman, two mates and the captain.
With my turn in the chair, I hooked up on the first bull dolphin about 0730. The dolphin bite continued to be productive but somewhat intermittent throughout the morning. Everyone got into the party!!
About mid-morning I brought in the first yellow fin of the day. This fish weighed in at about seventy lbs. Great start. A short time later we had a quad hook up of yellow fin but only brought two in. These two weighed in at 60 lbs each. Not too bad.
Just after lunch the whites began to surface. During the next two hours, we hooked up with seven whites and boated four.
We finished our day with four white marlin, three yellow fin tunas and twenty dolphins. This ended up to be a great day in the gulf stream.
If you are looking for a charter out of Ocean City, ik recommend Capt Brian on the Marli. We stayed at the Comfort Inn which was 5 minutes from the Sunset Marina.
We have already booked our date for next year.
Until next time, Tightlines.
NCsaltaire 