Posts filed under ‘Reel Job’
Off Shore Fishing – Ocean City, Md
Heading to Ocean City to fish out of Sunset Marina on Friday. This trip is my annual with my work buddies. Sunset Marina is a full service facility. I might be bias but this is a first class marina.
Weather calls for high chance of rain and thunderstorms. Seas are expected to be 3 to 5 feet with 15-20 knot winds. Should be excellent conditions to raise those white marlin. Only fly in the ointment is that chance of rain. Hopefully we will not melt, so off we go.
Before the “blow”, many whites were caught and released. Charters are also bringing in plenty of “meat fish”. Hope they school up a little before Friday.
Check back for updates on my trip.
Tightlines
2011 Striped Bass Recreational Season Opens
Today the North Carolina Department of Marine Fisheries announced the opening of the Striped Bass Recreational Season effective October 1, 2011 at 12:01 A.M.
Rockfish may be caught by hook and line in the Albemarle Sound Management Area seven days per week. These fish must be at least 18 inches and each angler may keep no more than two fish per day.
The season is scheduled to close at 1800 hrs., Monday, April 20, 2012 unless closed by the NCDMF proclamation.
It’s been a long time since we had a good stripe bass fishery. Only take what you can use. All others should be safely returned to the water.
Only you and I can preserve this important Outer Banks fishery.
Tightlines
Fall Fishing in the Outer Banks
As we move into the fall season, we find saltwater fishing in transition. We go from a terrific summer bite in warm water where there is just something different on every cast. Then we move to a more targeted approach and many unpredictable conditons.
We are used to just throwing the bottom rig and waiting for the bite or using a small swimming jig. Typically, we find the smaller fish in the surf with an occasional trophy.
Our fall season opened this week with a bang. There was a 43″ – 26-1/2 lb. drum caught off the end of Jennette’s pier on Monday. As well as many pompano, croaker and plenty of spot still being caught on the surf. The water temps have been steady dropping but there are still many suitable species available.
September can be more of an unpredicatable time. Weather can be rough or calm. Seas can cause havoc with timing and patience. We need to begin breaking out the heavier gear. Line, lures and tackle should be thoroughly checked. The first thing we should do to open this season is replace the lines. Failing this basic chore can mean a disaster when you hook up with that prize. If you can afford it, go with braid. Any premium brand should work.
Next, I try to toughen up the hooks. Exchange the standard ones with a premium brand. They are easy to replace. This is where you should never go cheap. You should buy in bulk so you have replacements throughout the fall season.
Finally, you should check your rods and reels for damage and repair any findings.
Fishing gear in good condition increases your odds at success.
Until next time. Tightlines.
The Word for Today is Evacuation
The word of the day is “evacuation”.
Ocracoke Island was evacuated yesterday. Today, all non-residents in Dare County are required to leave and just a short time ago, the order came out that all Dare County residents must evacuate by 0800 hrs on Friday.
Currituck County also gave the order – everyone must leave. This takes effect on Friday.
Eariler this morning, Governor Perdue has issued a state of emergency in North Carolina. With this order and the evacuation directive, it means after the designated time, no fire police or rescue personnel will be available to help in an emergency. You are basically on your own. Also, many of the medical centers are closing through Sunday. So if you plan to stay, be prepared to wing it.
I traveled various county roads today and the visitors are heeding the order. At certain times, it appears this is a major check out day after a week vacation. The roads are really crowded. As are the hardware stores.
Each news agency has their own version of the direction, speed and damage Irene will cause.
One thing is for sure, the “landscape of the Outer Banks” will look different on Sunday morning if just some of the predictions are correct.
I plan to spend the rest of the day “batting down the hatches”. Wish us luck and godspeed.
Tightlines
They Are All Winners In My Book
Well the Ladies on the Marlin Gull did not place or show in the Alice Kelly Tournament but a great time was had by all. Twelve hours on the water never dimmed their spirit to charge on, just hoping the next hook up was that “big white”.
While several white marlin were caught by the ladies as well as two nice bonita, they were not enough.
But my first mate was on the rod for one of those bonita. Excitement was an understatement when she first spied me waiting for her on the dock.
It appears we now have another off-shore fanatic in the family. Can’t wait until next year. All I have been hearing is “when is the next tournament”? Can’t come soon enough for them.
But until then, they are all winners in my book.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Tournament Time – 2011
August is the time of the season where the big time fishing tournaments are held.
This weekend the Pirates Cove Fishing Center holds the 22nd Annual and most popular “Ladies Only” Alice Kelly Memorial Billfish Tournament. This event supports the Outer Banks Cancer Support group. Registeration is 13 August with fishing the following day. Don’t forget – Boat decorating happens on Saturday – not to be missed for fun and laughs.
Following this event, on Tuesday begins the 28th Annual and “World Class” Billfish Fishing Tournament. This tournament runs from 15-19 August. This is for all the marbles. Big time boats come for all over just to be apart of the fabulous event. You gotta say – “I was there for this one!! Shirts are available in the ships store.
If you have the time, this is a “can’t miss” event on the Outer Banks. Parties are held each evening with popular bands and food supplied by our local restaurants. Come see the boats return from the sea. Best times are late afternoon around 1600-1700 hrs.
Best news on this post is that my “First Mate” is fishing on Sunday – Good Luck Ladies!!
Until next time – Tightlines
Speckled Sea Trout Season to Re-Open in NC
Speckled (spotted) Sea Trout fishery will be re-opened at 12:01 A.M., Thursday, June 16, 2011.
According to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, recreational fisherman may harvest six (6) Speckled (spotted) sea trout per person per day by hook and line.
The minimum length is fourteen (14) inches total length. Of those six (6), no more than two (2) may be greater than 24 inches in total length.
The closure this past spring was due to several cold stun events: one in December and the second in mid-January. This event took a significant toll on this fishery.
Even though this fishery has re-opened, only through a conservation effort will we all enjoy this recovery into the future. Remember, only take what you are going to use.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Special Message from the US Coast Guard 2011
This past Saturday marked the start of National Safe Boating Week 2011. It is no coincidence that this week, focused on educating boaters about the latest safe boating practices, takes place in the days leading up to Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the recreational boating season. Whether you plan to spend the summer sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding or just relaxing by the water, it is important to educate yourself on proper safe boating practices as you enjoy the majesty of our nation’s lakes, rivers and coasts.
Many of you will be taking your boats out for the first time in months and should keep an eye out for the men and women of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Nationwide, the Auxiliary offers free vessel safety checks at various locations convenient to boaters including docks, marinas and launch ramps. The vessel safety check is a courtesy examination to see if your boat is properly equipped for an emergency. One of the best aspects of the safety check, besides the fact that it is free, is that it does not constitute law enforcement activity and citations are not issued regardless of the result of the exam. If you don’t know when the examinations will take place in your area, you can always schedule one here.
Until next time, Tightlines
Annual Florida Trip 2011
Well I am back. Computer is up and running. I can’t believe how difficult it is to not have one. I guess I have graduated into the modern communication stream.
We traveled to Florida on 17 February to begin our annual 11 day pre-spring break.
There would be fishing, boating and kayaking. We planned to visit several crafts shows both in Punta Gorda and Ft Myers. The highlight of the trip included two fishing classes – 1) Old Pine Island Marine and 2) with Capt CA Richardson from the Flats Class TV show. We planned to see relatives and many old friends. WOW. So much to do and only 11 days.
Did I forget the famous Florida Grouper Sandwiches. If you have never had a Grouper Sandwich into Southwest Florida – you really don’t know what you are missing.
I will keep the information coming.
Stay tuned!!
Lost Lifeline
No computer since last week. Plenty of news. Check back shortly!
NCsaltaire 