Posts filed under ‘Reel Job’
Florida or Bust
We just arrived in Punta Gorda, Florida. With “Fantasea II” in tow and kayaks on top, we are ready to test the waters.
The weather has been unusually cool and the water tempertures below normal.
Looking forward to exploring those hidden fishing spots.
Best in Show
Last weekend we attended the 56th Annual Mid Atlantic Boat show in Virginia Beach. Another great show. This is always a great place to get ideas to better rig up for the coming season. But just sometimes your rig-up just happens to be a new boat to put your old gear in. Not this year but maybe next.
Not Fishing Weather
Weather has not cooperated lately. Last weekend the Outer Banks was hit with a snow storm that covered the roads and beach.
Conditions should improve – hopefully sooner that later.
Mark Twain on Fishing
FISHING
You see, in our house there was a sort of family prejudice against going fishing if you hadn’t permission. But it would frequently be bad judgment to ask. So I went fishing secretly, as it were–way up the Mississippi.
– Speech, March 7, 1906
Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don’t tell them where they know the fish.
– More Maxims of Mark, Johnson, 1927
Winter Doldrums
Yes, it does get cold and snowy in the Outer Banks. I took this picture at the east end of Whalebone Junction on the Albemarle Sound during our last cold snap.
This is the time of year that I check the rods, reels, tackle boxes, and other gear. And the boats get their well needed maintenance.
I have found one of the best therapy for this condition is watching those warm weather fishing shows from somewhere in the Florida Keys. Those shows provides a temporary cure for those winter doldrums.
The fishing season is just around the corner. But maybe not soon enough.
Meet Your New Captain
On November 14, I completed the final step to achieving the OUPV 6 Pack Captain’s License.
The course involved 56 hours of class room lecture and hands on plotting exercises.
To ensure you are competent in the course materials, you must pass exams in Navigational Rules, navigation safety, deck safety, deck general and complete an intense plotting exam.
In addition to being physically fit, you need security clearance from the Homeland Security and character references.
Very involved certification process, but worth every part. A dream come true.
Party Time !!!
It’s fall and I can’t believe we have arrived at the best fishing season on the outer banks.
Weather begins to turn cooler but the water temperature remains comfortable between the 60 and 70. Weather during the changing seasons can be very fickle but that’s what makes it challenging and worth your time.
Speckled Sea trout (keepers must be at least 14 inches), double hook ups of large Spot, taylor blues, puppy drum, flounder, pompano and of course the famous and most sought after – Rockfish or Stripe Bass.
It’s like a huge buffet. Only thing you need to time. So lets party!!
Keeping Them Alive
Fishing is like playing cards. Sometimes you can influence the outcome by having an ace in the hole. Well fishing with live bait is like having that “Ace”.
There are many types of baits but I have found that live shrimp out performs any other.
When fishing with live shrimp, it is important to use only active shrimp. Many friends ask, well how do I keep them alive?
I use a combination of flo-troll bait holder or a variable speed aerator. It is important to only buy fresh live shrimp. Check for aggressive ones only.
But having fresh shrimp is only half of the process. Placing the shrimp on the hook properly ensures your invitation will be accepted.
Tightlines and live shrimp might just give you that “Ace” in the hole.
Nice Waves
Well, Hurricane Bill came and went. It was just a Saturday event. During his trip he gave us some real nice waves – but no wind or rain. Only Carolina blue skies. Red flags were flying.
The first mate and I went out just before high tide to enjoy his fury. As predicted, the waves were tremendous – at least 14 feet high on their crests. The huge waves would crash on the beach followed by another and another. At high tide the water almost covered the entire beach. It was amazing watching the surf creep toward the dunes with relentless pounding crashes. As one wave toe would reach the beach another would crash over it. It was almost as though each incoming wave was racing toward a finish line.
Rip currents were numerous along the beach. With so much water being pushed ashore, the sand bars easily gave way to the escaping seas.
Not a good fishing day– this was a watching day. Nature’s power and fury – Just Beautiful.
NCsaltaire 