A Great Day to Take a Kid Fishing
On Saturday, the first mate convinced me that visiting “Dare Days” in downtown Manteo was a better choice than working in the yard or fishing. Well, I thought otherwise and when the time came to depart home, I had the rods and gear loaded in the truck.
Dare Days, held annually on the first Saturday in June, is the un-official kickoff for summer for many locals on the Outer Banks. The festival, held on the waterfront and surrounding streets, brings many local artists and vendors from around the region to display their wares and just have a great relaxing time.
The day was beautiful but with all that water around me, my thoughts turned to fishing. After several hours of enjoying the sights and smells of the festival, it was time to go.
I made my way the walkways under the Washington Baum Bridge. The Baum Bridge is on Rt 64 just east of the Pirate’s Cove Marina. This area boasts five new boat ramps and several hundred yards of walkways suitable for fishing, crabbing and relaxing in the shade. There is plenty of parking for both boats and private vehicles.
I had packed both fresh shrimp and blood worms for the day. I also took several of my favorite saltwater artificials.
I did not take long to land several small spot, croaker and pinfish. No size to either but an enjoyable time all the while. I did hook up with a nice 2 pound speckled trout but as reported before, that fishery is closed until 15 June.
My recommendation for a great day. Take a kid fishing under the Washington Baum Bridge. The safety of the dock and walkways make it perfect for small children to learn to fish or crab.
Pick up a small rod, use a double hook bottom rig with 1-2oz. weight. Get a small bag of bait – shrimp or worms, and turn the small angler loose. You need to cast on the north side and wait for the tug. Many oyster shell beds line the south side under the bridge. So be careful not to hit a snag and lose your rig set up.
If you choose to crab, bring some chicken parts, string and a long-handled dip net. Throw the lines with the chicken attached and wait for the pull. As you retrieve the bait and the crab gets close, just scoop them up. Remember, crabs have claws and they know how to use them.
With a little luck, you can catch your dinner or just make memories. And don’t forget the camera. This experience will last a life time for the youngsters.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Kick off The Summer with Us
Memorial Day is typically the kick off for the summer season in most regions. Here on the Outer Banks we had kick off many weeks ago. Fishing has been iffy – from great to just mediocre. Water temps have been changing, it seems daily. One day warm in the 70’s then dropping down to the mid 50’s. One main stay has been the sea mullet and blues. Some spot, croaker and flounder have been picked up in the sounds. Blues can be caught on gotchas, spoons and cut bait on a bottom rig. The mullet, spot, and croakers favor blood worms. The flounder seem to like double jugs with twister tails – near structure and pilings.
But we also been having another visitor that has been hanging around. These visitors are rip currents. I believe there have been more rip currents this year than any in recent times.
A rip tide is a strong and narrow channel of water rushing seaward. This tide is created when wind and waves push water up on the shore. At some point the water begins to move sideways and parallel with the beach in search of a weak spot on the bar. The sand bar weakens under the tremendous pressure and breaks free, allowing the excess water rush seaward.
If you happen to be in the water at this point, the current will pull the strongest summer or angler out to sea.
This year we have already had hundreds of rescues. This past Tuesday while enjoying the new Jeannette Pier, I witnessed two summers struggle to remain on shore. Both were caught in a rip current. Luckily for both they had boogie boards. Only after much coaxing, did the pair make it back to shore. Without those boards and the support, we might have had a tragedy.
When fishing the surf, always monitor the wave and tidal action. Stay just off either side of the rip current. This always a great indicator where the fish are but it also tells us where we should exercise caution.
Be safe and enjoy the beginning of a great season.
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
All You Need is Thirty Minutes
I got off work a little early this evening, made a trip to the fitness center and had a little time before sunset. So I loaded up the “quick surf bag”, 6-1/2′ light tackle rod, and two of my favorite spring lures and headed to the beach. My plan was to fish on the surf just north of the old Kitty Hawk Pier. (on new Hilton Garden Hotel property)
I arrived on the beach close to sunset. So I had to do a quick scan of the surf and fortunately located a nice slough. The outgoing surf was typical with rolling one to two foot waves breaking near the beach. Perfect height to cast over the crests to the flat water. My rod was pre-loaded with a yellow and red “gotcha”. It took about five casts and boom. It was a hard hit. I know that feeling well – small tailor blue.
The easy retrieve brought him to the beach on short order. Several more casts produced nothing. Did I just happen to catch a single blue by accident or did the school continue down the beach.
Thought I would do a quick change up and tied a “krocodile” spoon. The second cast drew another blue out of the surf. As the fish approached the beach, I did the “no-hands” self release technique. All you do is just drop the rod tip down and the fish spits the hook. Easy and safe for both the angler and prey. This technique allows the fish to go free without you rubbing any scales or the protective film off the fish.
Caught two nice tailor blues in 30 minutes at sunset. Using a quick release technique to prevent injuring the fish. Just Priceless!!
So for you all who say, I just don’t have time to wet a line, try my 30 minute technique. It does wonders for your health. And I guarantee even if you don’t catch anything, experience will time well spent.
Until next time – Tightlines.
Nothing could be finer, than to be in Carolina
Today, that saying is as perfect as can be. 
At 1045, the grand opening presentations began for the revamped Jennette’s Fishing Pier in Nags Head. If you weren’t there, you missed an outstanding show. It began with the many congrats to all involved in the construction to the mass entrance for the visitors.
Four members of the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team made a grand entrance. Landing on the beach.
Next the many dignitaries made congratulatory comments. Then Govenour Perdue broke the champanye bottle a piling. As should be expected, the bottle was connected to a fishing rod. She just reeled the bottle into the pier.
Then the race was on. Hundreds of spectators poured into the new pier house, classrooms, gift shop and of course the 1000 foot pier. The new structure included many sheltered areas, benches, fish cleaning stations and signs instructing the visitors to the various sea life. It will be as much a vacation spot as it will be a training center.
Enjoy my pictures.
Tightlines!!
Fish Stories
Thought for the day:
“Don’t tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don’t tell them where the people know the fish.” Mark Twain.
Fishing Has Slowed But Will Pick Up Soon!!
Even though the water temperatures have risen to the low to mid 60’s, fishing has slowed a little. Anglers on the piers are still catching fish but it’s early in the morning.
Expect some bluefish, spot, croaker and black drum. The reports I have received show your best bet is the “little bridge”. Use bottom rigs with blood worms, squid and of course the favorite – fresh shrimp. Crabs are just showing up so plan for plenty of re-baiting.
Boaters are catching plenty of blues and flounder near the inlet. TW’s reported several cobia were caught last week.
Bluefish continue to be taken with “gotchas”. Red head over white seems to be the hot number.
It might just be the calm before the fishing storm. This time of year fishing usually picks up at all venues. Remember, you should always keep a variety of rods and equipment ready this time of year.
Tightlines
Cape Hatteras Off-Shore Fishing
We had an opportunity to do an off-shore trip this past Friday and had a great time. First mate and I traveled south to Cape Hatteras, stayed in Buxton and fished out of Teach’s Lair Marina. 
Weather was a patchy with sun and clouds. Temps ranged a warm 70 when the sun was out to a cool 65 under the clouds. Constant north winds kept us cool. Two to three foot swells made the day interesting. We had several brief showers but they never reduced our enthusiasm for the day.
Teach’s Lair is a small full service marina at the southern most point, near the ferry dock, with 12 vessels that travel off-shore and 5 that stay in or near shore. We fished with Capt Derek on the Carolina Girl. This vessel is a 42′ Carolina Custom sportfishing boat. Brian, his first mate, worked had all day to make our trip a memorable one.
We fished mostly east and south of Ocracoke, NC. Ran into several scattered dolphin, false albacore and huge bluefish. Teased several Wahoo but could not entice them to the bait. Overall a great day on the water.
I would definitely recommend Capt Derek and the Carolina Girl to a good day on the water.
When fishing out of Cape Hatteras, there a several nice hotels and restaurants to choose from. We stayed at the Lighthouse View Motel in Buxton. This was about 20 minutes north of the marina. All of the rooms were very accommodating with half facing the ocean. Small frig, microwaves and wireless in each room. A very good value.
We ate at to local favorites, Captains Table for dinner and the Orange Bloom Cafe for breakfast. Two places that should not be missed.
So if you are looking for an in-expensive off-shore trip, do not overlook traveling about an hour south of the Nags Head and try the Carolina Girl or other boats moored at the Teach’s Lair Marina.
The first mate and I will definitely be back.
Tightlines.
Fish Grip – Might Be The Right Choice
Ever hook up a fish, fight it to the shore, dock or boat and then look for the hand net. Only to find that it is under your gear, some distant spot or worse defective. This is the time when you realize that you should had bought that new one at the tackle shop.
I purchased several different fish holders over the years. See my mainstays in the photo. Now focus on the orange gripper.
I took a class from CA Richardson, host of the Flats Class TV show, several months ago when we visited our home in Punta Gorda. He had one on display and uses one during his taping of shows. I had to have one.
This new type of “fish grip” allows for quick hold and release without injury or damage to the fish.
Since I first discovered this new device, I looked at numerous shops and on the net, only to find it at Cabella’s online for 19.95 plus tax and shipping – NO WAY.
I was traveling to Houston this past week for my real job and happened to stop by the local Bass Pro. And yes, there they were!!. I could not believe it. Picked up one for $14.95. Not sure it would pass the airport security but I planned to take my chances. During my security clearance, the agent asked what this was and I replied a fishing device. The next unexpected comment, “can I go with you?”. TSA agents are human and enjoy fishing just like you and I.
It works great for professional anglers, but not tested by myself. I will experiment and report back. Stay tuned.
Tightlines!!
Blues and Sea Mullet
Fishing should be excellent this coming week. Water temperatures are in the lower 60’s throughout the entire northern banks. Small front with slight chance of rain is moving into the area on Tuesday. This should make fishing improve over the next couple of days.
No report from the surf, but all piers are reporting sea mullet, dogfish, and small blues on “Gotacha” lures” and blood worms.
Blues are hitting anything that moves. Color does not matter. Lighter colors work best in cloudy water. Clarity changes quickly, so bring a variety of colors.
Sea mullet and dogfish are hitting the worms using bottom rigs.
We been waiting a long time – Go get’em.
Tightlines.
NCsaltaire 