Posts filed under ‘Reel Job’
Virginia Beach Boat Show 2011
Still waiting for those Stripe Bass (aka – Rockfish) to show up in the surf here in Kitty Hawk. Heard of many reports that some medium fish have been caught in the surf on the southern banks – near Avon.
So here we go again. Another excuse to see and dream about that new boat.
This year’s show will be held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Show will run only three days – Friday thru Sunday from 11 February to 13 February 2011. For hours, check the website.
Eight dollars will get you in but if you go to this website, you can save $2.00.
http://www.vaboatshow.com/event-info.php
See you at the show!!
Bright Outlook
I stood on the beach on New Years Eve and thought about all the great times I had fishing.
The best times were with family and friends. How lucky is a person who has more friends than landings.
A thought for the new year:
“Sometimes people who fish never realize that it’s not the fish they are after.”
Tightlines and fair seas in the new year!!
Captain Larry Walker – RIP
I had planned to write about another part of the Chesapeake Bay fishing trip I took in early December. But as I was preparing my ideas, I came across sad news.
I read that Capt Larry Walker passed away on December 2, 2010 during a diving trip in the BVI.
You ask, “Who was Capt. Larry”? He is the owner of the Wide World Marine Training center in Oriental, NC. This is the agency where I obtained my Captain Masters USCG certification.
I only met Capt. Larry once during one of my classes but spoke to him dozens of times both before and after obtaining my certification. He was extremely helpful with me navigating through the maze of paperwork, sea time and other requirements needed to obtain my captain’s license. His ability to make complex issues simple was his specialty. He helped me achieve that life long dream of being a professional of the sea. For that I can only begin to thank him.
Please find a comment from several of friends who were with him on that fateful day:
Captain Larry did not leave us at sea that day. Captain Larry will never leave our hearts. He will remain with us forever. He will help us through our strong winds and rough seas and he will guide us into many more beautiful sunsets.
For more info on Capt Larry please see the tribute from his hometown newspaper: http://towndock.net/news/larry-walker-1951-2010?pg=1
New Spotted Seatrout Regs for NC
New regulations for spotted seatrout will go into effect Nov. 30 for recreational and commercial fishermen in North Carolina coastal waters.
The recreational bag limit for spotted seatrout will decrease from 10 fish to six fish per person per day. No more than two of the six fish may be greater than 24 inches in length. The current 14-inch minimum size limit will remain in effect.
Lack of conservation has caused a significant reduction of this species. Do your part. If your catch is undersized, put it back. But release it carefully so it will survive.
This resource are too valuable to waste!!
Getting Back Into It – First Class
Well its been several weeks since I was able to wet a line. The pompano were scattered along the surf but because of the fluctuation in water temps, so was the availability of these tasty little fish.
Sea mullet and puppy drum are also plentiful and being caught during morning and evenings.
To ease my frustration at not getting out on the surf, I decided to enter into the fall season by working the Florida waters.
Our destination is Key West. Not sure what we will find due the two storms brewing in the Atlantic but I plan to try.
Of course, a trip to the keys always has to begin with a stop off a the Wide World Sportsman / Bass Pro in Islamorada.
We woke on Tuesday morning with a small craft advisory.
Heading to tackle shop for bait and advice.
Stay tuned!!
Pesky Summer Visitors
Summer always brings a challenge for surf fishing. It might be the black flies or storms or maybe beachgoers. But in early August it tends to be those pesky sea nettles. Most of the time, they are harmless. But wade or swim near them and bingo – a painful stings.
This past week, the water began to warm into the 70’s and with it, would come the fiesty Florida Pompano. Or so I thought.
With the upwelling causing the water temperatures to fluctuate and rain changing the sanity of the sound waters, the surf was prime for the summer invasion of jellyfish.
I spent two days this past week chasing this elusive and tasty Pompamo. I tried everything. But between the nettle bodies catching on the line and surf being churned up with Tropical Storm Collin, I came up empty.
I will have to wait for another day when the odds are in my favor. Stay tuned.
Off Shore Dreaming
Ever wish you could go off shore on one of those huge fishing yachts? The dream that takes 30 -40 miles off the coast to the best fishing grounds you could ever see. Some anglers are just destined to stay near the shore. But in the annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament held this month, your luck could change.
Each year dozens of yachts head out of Pirate’s Cove in hunt of the right combination to win this popular event. These yachts are operated by a licensed captain and carry up to 6 anglers and a mate. But during this annual event, one additional person is added to this group – an “observer”. Yes, that’s right, anyone can be an observer.
All you have to do is call the Pirate’s Cove Tournament manager and put your name on the list. Each morning, a lottery is held to which yacht each observer will be assigned. With well over two dozen boats participating in the tournament and three days of fishing, your chances are great for 10 plus hour trip off-shore.
Only caveat is that you can’t fish. Your only duty is to verify that a particular fish was caught. You are basically backing up what the captain sees. That’s it. Easy job and worth each minute you spend cruising.
So if you want to fulfill that dream of seeing that aqua blue water of the Gulf Stream, make that call and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. For information to sign up see the Pirate Cove Tournament web site at http://wwwpcbgt.com.
Best Fishing is Coming
August brings a smorgasbord of fishing opportunities.
This year so far, I have caught fish from many places including the piers, headboats, and surf.
Flounder, spot, croakers and plenty of crabs have taken me up on my various bait presentations. There are many others species here that due to logistics and timing, I have not targeted.
In August my attention focuses on the Florida Pompano. This time of year brings in warm water and pompano to the surf region of the Outer Banks. These fish typically frequent the shallow sloughs at the edge of the waves. They feed on mole crabs which are in unlimited supply at this time of year.
Your rig should be at least three hooks in line about 8 inches apart. Bank sinker allows the bait to move with the current. I use a #4 circle hook and place two soft crabs back to back on each hook. Exposed legs from two crabs drive the pompano to feed aggressively. Soft mole crabs with egg sacks are a secret weapon. Never pass up an opportunity to use these.
You need light tackle and a lot of patience. Pick a morning or evening for best results. Mole (sand feas) are the bait of choice. Known as a tough fighter, anticipate this when you hookup.
Best way to locate the the pompano is to look for the multiple “V” shapes in the sand at the rescending waves created by the mole crabs. Pompano travel in schools, so that first hookup won’t be your last.
Enjoy this challenge now because just as fast as the pompano arrive, they depart and head south when the water temperatures begins drop.
Head Boat Fishing in Va.
I had an opportunity to saltwater fish in Hampton, Virginia this past week.
A friend leased the Ocean Eagle 65 foot head boat for the day. It was reward for a project team of 30 for a “job well done” this past year. Helping the project team over the past year with their successes, I got this invite.
We fished the waters just west of the entrance to the Chesapeake bay off Ft. Monroe where the James River meets the bay. Waters were 20 feet, alternating over the bars. We used typical two hook bottom rigs of 4.5 foot light spinning reels. The bait of choice was squid.
Our prey was bottom fishing including spot, croaker and flounder.
Fish of the day was croaker – of which hundreds were decked as well a handful of other small bottom fish.
A picnic style lunch was served along with a surprise.
The first mate filleted a number of croaker and fried them right on the boat. What a treat.
If you want a great time, consider a head boat trip in your area or the Ocean Eagle in Hampton, Va.
You will not be disappointed. Tightlines!!
No License – No Problem – Not This Time
Each year Morehead City, North Carolina sponsors a “Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament”. This year’s contest had an interesting twist. After a Hatteras-based vessel thought they had caught the winning fish, it was discovered that the first-mate had forgotten to buy a $30 non-resident fishing license.
Too bad, because that lack of judgment cost the angler and crew the top prize of over $1.2 million dollars.
For info on the tragedy, see the Washington Post article – 24June 2010.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/23/AR2010062305322.html
For more information on North Carolina Fishing Licenses, see NCfisheries.net or your local tackle shop.
Next time you decide to fish, please don’t forget your license.
NCsaltaire 