Posts filed under ‘Reel Job’
Lazy Dazes
It was another pleasant weekend on the outer banks. Weather was warm, sunny with high fluffy clouds and a slight breeze off the ocean. The island was awash with visitors trying to get in that last week before school begins. There was a hint of afternoon showers but that did not detour anyone’s objective to have that bronze look for the first day back to impress their friends. They say “if you lived here, you be home”.
I spent the weekend searching for a new location to launch the Fantasea II and readying the gear for the fall fishing frenzy. After two trips through the back roads to the tackle shop, mission was accomplished – fishing box re-stocked. (Oh, did I tell you, I know roads the visitors don’t)
Next on the agenda, to find that launching spot. I traveled south along the Woods Road Area, on one of the many roads that runs through our many maritime forests. We found the new ramp area busy with visitors having a picnic and chasing water snakes off the floating docks. A slight sprinkle of rain began once we parked. I quickly scoped out the access and retreated back to our vehicle. Second objective met. Fantasea II and I will return to this little part of paradise once the summer season has concluded. This is the solitude that the locals yearn for every year about this time.
In Search of Perfection
We took a trip on Saturday along the Carolina coast. Our trip ended at Eagle Trace on the Pamlico near Chocowinity. Chocowinity is a small town on the Pamlico River, just south of Washington, North Carolina.We had a dual purpose for our short trip – attend our annual HOA meeting and search for new fishing holes.
Once the meeting was finished, we were off in search of that forgotten fishing spot. We didn’t have to travel far. The community has a small private marina on the Pamlico for the homeowners. We climbed through the security chains and proceeded to venture out on the long pier and finger docks.
I carried my six foot spinning rod and medium buck-tail. I was surprised at the noise coming from the waters surrounding the docks. As I spied closer to the surface of the river, I noticed thousands of bait fish. Jumping, splashing and just acting frantic. As if they were being chased. And I came to find they sure were. A local fisherman had landed his limit of monster flounder, just the day before. Although, my techniques were un-successful that day, I knew that I would have to return one day soon – even if it were just for the view.
Oh, Deer, Someone is Coming for Lunch
The Outer Banks is known for many things: excellent fishing and boating, beautiful weather, outstanding beaches, many outdoor sporting activities and famous landscapes. With over 120 miles of beaches and thousands of homes, the landscape styles can be as diverse as the planting guides at our neighborhood Home Depot.
We have lived in the Outer Banks for over nine years. Each spring, we work the lawn and gardens around the house to show that a Maryland “green thumb” can be just as effective in North Carolina. But un-like Maryland, there are insects and pests in the Outer Banks that present a unique challenge and really test your patience. Believe me; we are becoming very seasoned at dealing with these many headaches.
But this week was different. I found that it was not my lack of gardening skills that caused my flowers and shrubs disappear. It turned out to be a hungry visitor to the smorgasbord of my tasty plantings.
I now knew that it was not my fault for the irregular garden designs. I had outside help. And just before breakfast this morning, I snapped her picture. I tried to scare her away. But both she and I knew that lunch will be served without my interference later that day.
I haven’t given up on the flowers yet, but I am close. Stay tuned.
Two Redskins among six inductees
CANTON, Ohio (AP) – Former Washington Redskins teammates Art Monk and Darrell Green are among the six players who are about to be enshrined at Canton, Ohio. Nothing else to say about this – the crowd said it all with a four minute standing ovation.
Pinnacle of Summer
This past weekend marked the pinnacle of the summer season in the Outer Banks. The weather turned just perfect for this special time of the year. Ocean temperatures have finally reached the upper 70’s, with just enough sun and clouds to make it a great “beach day”. The siren of our deep blue sea was no match to high gas prices and the teetering economy. Everyone was going to the beach, no matter what.
In my town, thousands of visitors and residents braved the chore of carrying beach equipment, dodging cars on incoming highways, and loading themselves down, just to find that small patch of sand they would own for the afternoon. The sights were amazing – children running over the sand to the water with that shriek of excitement and parents breathing that sigh of relief of finally making it. Neither tired parents nor children cared for the toys and flip flops that were dropped on the way. There would be time to retrieve those items later. I am just glad to have been there to enjoy this little piece of heaven.
Florida in Summer
The Dog Days of Summer are here and the first mate and I decided to visit Florida. Is there something is wrong with that picture. Most people travel to mild environments in summer, but not us. This trip took us to the southwest region of Florida. The short trip allowed us to see our best friends and visit our place in the sun. Between making the new house into a home and touring the neighborhood hardware stores a dozen times, we found an opportunity to take a break and enjoy the area.
Punta Gorda in southwest Florida was known for being the best place in the United States to retire before Hurricane “Charlie” slammed the area several years ago. Now it’s a sleepy region dealing with the same economic problems as everywhere else in this country. Gone are the results of that major storm and “Blue Roofs” that polka-dotted every community. The area is now inundated with empty homes and hundreds of for sale signs..
Our trip took us from Burnt Store Lakes to Port Charlotte. We made stops to Fisherman’s Village for lunch, Matlacha for fishing tips and the city of Punta Gorda for just for fun. Fisherman and boats were the main stay on the roads. Even though the “snow-birds” are gone for the year, fishing has never been better. Oh, did I say, the harbor and gulf are minutes away from every ramp.
Fishing gear was stowed for the trip and we are on a mission to find that secluded place. There is a big difference between fishing and catching. I hope to find the latter.
Shrimping
07-15-08 – My first mate received an offer to shrimp today with one of her friends and husband. She got up early and arrived at the dock just before 0500. The schedule was rigorous or so she said. Setting and retrieving the nets, separating the catch, and re-setting the equipment. But in reality, the day was nothing more than a pleasant and relaxing day on the water. The nets were set four times with a catch consisting of several gallons of shrimp, small fish and crabs. I guess the hardest part of the trip was separating catch. Small fish and crabs are returned to the bay while the shrimp are gathered into a cooler for the trip home. It was a very memorable trip for my unseasoned first mate. Between cleaning and separating the shrimp for dinner, the only comments heard were “when are we going again”. Bon Appetit.
Daniels Bridge
Fished the Daniels bridge on the Manteo Causeway this morning. Caught Black Drum and Croakers on shrimp and blood worms. Weather was cloudy with a 20 mile wind from the west. Best spot – NW side of the bridge. High tide at 0530, so we were hitting the water at a really slow time. But we found ourselves catching. Plenty of crabs. Fair day.
NCsaltaire 