Lunch Anyone? Try This One
Many of my friends ask where locals go for a real good meal. I tell them that there are many excellent places to eat both on and off the beach. But, yes there are several that we patronize whenever possible.
One of our favorite spots for lunch is Sam and Omie’s Restaurant. It is located on the beach road in South Nags Heads. It is conveniently located across the street from the new Jennette’s Fishing pier.
The restaurant opened in 1937 and served as a meeting place for commercial fisherman. As time passed this became the place were visitors could hook up for a recreational fishing charters. Commercial fishermen were only happy to make a few extra dollars by taking the visitors out. This was probably the beginning of charter fishing here on the Outer Banks.
Times continued to change and so did the owners. This happened several times over the years but the camaraderie between anglers and visitors continued to grow. And a real love for this unique gathering place grew.
My first visit had to be over forty years ago. Back then, one of the prime seats was near the windows. This seat afforded you the view of the old pier, beach road and a catch that fresh ocean breeze. No air conditioning back then. And you were always welcome; even in your bathing suit and sandy bare feet. The old wooden floors covered in sand were as normal as was the local faire.
We continue to frequent this famous landmark as often as possible. Summers are very busy but the off season is ours. The staff is just as friendly as the original Sammy and Omie’s one.
If you go, my recommendations are the fried vegetable baskets and she crab soup. And make sure you tell them an old local fisherman told to come.
Their motto has a certain angling ring – “Everyone should believe in something; I believe I’ll go fishing.” –Henry David Thoreau
Until next time, Tightlines
Fishing on Foot – Mission Accomplished
Memorial Day was a fishing day for me. We got up early and headed to the Washington Baum Bridge (better known as Pirates Cove Bridge). My goal was trout but I would have settled for anything including just a beautiful day with the First Mate.
Tides were still incoming with a slight southwest breeze. Sun, some clouds and air temps in the 70’s made the day picture perfect. The boardwalk was noticeably absent of anglers. Several guys mentioned that a group had just left with their limit of specs. This news did not sway me from my mission.
I took up on the north side of the dock about three fourths the length and casted into the deep channel about 50 yards out. The channel was caused by vessel traffic going in and out of Pirates Cove marina. I used my 7 foot Falcon Light Gulf Spin with a Daiwa Procyon reel loaded with 15 pound Ohero braid. My casts easily reached the channel.
After several missed bites, I hooked up with a nice 16 inch spec. Not the monster I was hunting but all the same within the slot and definitely dinner.
I had many other hook ups but no keepers. As a true conservationist, each release was designed to allow the spec to grow larger and give someone the thrill of catching that fish again.
Advice on fishing this dock – stay on the north side when both bottom or jigging. The south side has rubble and an oyster bed. When fishing the south use top water or float rig to avoid snagging. The east end is a popular spot but you need to know the bottom – plenty of bottom structure to steal you rigs.
So if you want to leave the boat on the trailer and need a great place to take kids and catch fish, the Washington Baum Bridge catwalk is the place to be.
Natural Resources Officers often frequent this area. They were checking licenses and catches, so keep them legal.
Until next time, Tightlines
Take Time to Say “Thank You”
Memorial Day is the traditional start of summer. It usually involves picnics, family, time away from work and many other fun activities. For me it usually signaled the start of the marathon of beach trips.
But the real truth, the significance of this day is far from those peaceful days at the pool or beach or BBQ grill, it’s to thank those men and women who fought dozens of wars sometimes thousands of miles away from family and friends. And regardless of the cause, these brave men and women answered the call to duty and to protect our way of life.
Our current and past military personnel have given a lot to each and every one of us. And many of those have given the ultimate sacrifice.
So today is the day that we thank those brave soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines for their supreme commitment to our way of life. Thanking them for the freedom we enjoy. Freedom is not free – just ask one of the spouse, children, parents and friends of a lost one, just how much Freedom costs. You would be surprised.
So, if for only a minute today, take time out of your day to thank these brave and dedicated men and women for their service.
Until next time, Tightlines
Can You Pass the Test?
May is a great month to launch your boat and enjoy the water.
The first thing you should plan for is a “Vessel Safety Check”. This check is done by the local USGC Auxiliary and involves a courtesy examination of your boat (Vessel). It is designed to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by State and the Federal regulations.
The Vessel Examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the United States Power Squadrons or the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. They will also make certain recommendations and discuss certain safety issues that will make you a safer boater.
This is not a boarding or a law enforcement issue. No citations will be given as a result of this encounter. Most times they will perform the inspection while your boat is still on the trailer.
The USCG Auxiliary inspector will also supply you with a copy of the evaluation so that you may follow some of the suggestions given. Great news: Vessels that pass will be able to display our distinctive VSC decal.
Please note: This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter.
So don’t forget: Safe Boating Week is May 22-28, 2012. Do your part by being a safe boater.
Tip of the Week: Before you set out on your first trip, take the time to get your boat inspected. This safety check will give you a head start for a safe boating season.
Until next time, Tightlines
It’s in Your Line
In my last email I mentioned that changing lures helped me catch more fish. But the truth is maybe another component of my equipment allowed me to catch more on this day. While fishing on the Daniels Bridge, the key was I out casting everyone on the rail. Here’s a secret tip.
Several months ago, I attended a seminar with Capt. CA Richardson. He continually stressed the more water you can cover, the more fish you can catch. He told me three important points to improve your casting distance: use a reel with a larger baller; single piece rod with a light tip; and a special line.
Well, I purchased just the rod and reel some time ago and I noticed some improvement on distance. Then I took his recommendation and picked up a spool of Ohero braid. I tried several different sizes and until I settled on 15 pound test.
Most of anglers on the bridge knew that there was a nice hole about 100 yards south of the bridge, but really no one could reach it. Their casts were at least 25 yards short. After a little more than an hour of unsuccessful casts, many of these anglers became frustrated that they could not reach the spot, they moved on to bottom fishing. That left a perfect rail space for me.
I moved in and within 30 minutes, I caught some nice trout.
Was it the gear, the conditions or just plain luck? Either way, I took advantage of it.
So for my tip of the week and for greater distance and coverage, go for the best line you can afford. There are many to choose from but my choice is the Ohero brand.
Until next time, Tightlines
Saturday Morning Trout Bite
This first weekend in May has brought many of our summer fish species to the Outer Banks. But with the warm weather and abundance of fish, so came the crowds. The numbers of anglers on the fishing piers were close to a typical summer weekend. This influx of visitors is great for our economy but not for me finding pier railing space.
I had a little time today, so I decided to try the causeway bridge (better known as the Daniels Bridge) for some early action. The weather was perfect with a slight south breeze and air temps in the lower 70’s and water temps in the sixties. With the Super moon coming tonight – luck was on my side.
When I arrived, the bridge was fairly crowded on the south side – some jigging and others bottom fishing. It was a little slow with an occasional croaker or spot being caught. Some anglers brought many under size trout in but no keepers. Oh, yes the crabs were there too.
I had been fishing for about an hour and after changing jig head and plastics several times I found the perfect lure – chartreuse jig head with a green and orange twister tail. Whether it was my choice of lure or just the change in water direction, it seemed the bite was on.
Over the next 30 minutes, I caught three trout – one 22 inch and the other two under slot size of 14 inches.
This was a great way to spend a Saturday morning.
Until next time, Tightlines
Super Moon Spring 2012
Super Moon – The largest moon of the year will raise above the horizon on Saturday, 5 Ma 2012. Not only will it be a phenomenal sight but when it coincides with a high tide period, it tends to produce outstanding fishing. This large moon appears once per year when it is closest to the earth.
Some anglers, including myself, monitor for this combination of full or new moons and high or low tides throughout the year. We are always trying match the moon and tides. But once a year, when these two – Super Moon and high tides – occur at the same period – GAME ON.
I have found when both of these occur, the bite is tremendous. As usual, best times can be early in the morning or early evening.
With the advent of this huge super moon, fishing will start to improve on Thursday, peak on Saturday and slowly wind down by Monday. There is usually a 5-7 day window on each side of the full or new moon.
If you get a chance to get out this weekend, you might find fish bite better than other times.
Oh, and don’t forget your camera. This should be a “super sight”. See you on the beach.
Until next time, Tightlines
Got to Fish Hard for Success
The end of April typically brings in many bottom fish. Piers and bridges are catching blues, shad, blow toads some small trout. Water temps are in the lower 60’s so May should be an outstanding month. Some nice trout and blues can be found in the surf near structures and piers. Early morning and late evenings are best.
The hot spot has been the Daniels Bridge (better known as the “little bridge”). Anglers have been catching blues and many keeper trout early in the morning. Although some small fish have been around all day.
I read a report today that the anglers are using an old “Florida Trick” to catch trout in the sound. They are using a popping cork with a gulp shrimp on the hook. We have been using this technique in Forida for many years with good success. I am sure it has been used locally, but this is the first time I have heard it being used here.
As you can see from my picture, I had the opportunity to fish off-shore last weekend and hooked up with a nice tuna.
Best bet this week is gulp shrimp suspended on a popping cork early in the morning or lead head with twister tails for trout or blues. Lighter colors work best in spring with slow steady retrieves with an occasional jerk are a must.
Until next time, Tightlines
Time to Stretch Your Legs
Get ready, get set, go. For those who love the Outer Banks, the Cape Hatteras lighthouse,one of the most famous landmarks on the east coast, is opened for the season.
Starting today you can climb the 140 year old lighthouse from 0900 to 1630 daily. Cost is a minimal $7.00 for adults with a discount for kids and older adults. The trip to the top is worth every penny. And the views from the top deck are just stunning.
For those who are not familiar with the lighthouse, it is located in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The seashore park is approximately one hour south of the Nags Head in the town of Buxton. The national park houses a beautiful seashore and many out building describing the history of the “move of the century” and various wildlife inhabitants and the historic lifestyles of the island residents. The move of the century occurred in 1999, when the ocean threatened the lighthouse and the park service had to move it back 2900 feet to its current location.
If you can find the time while visiting the Outer Banks and you want a spectacular experience, a visit to this lighthouse is a must do. One suggestion, get there early. Crowds and long lines can cause a significant delay at getting to the top.
Tip of the day – Don’t forget your camera on this climb to the top.
Until next time, Tightlines
Pirate’s Cove Marina Fishing Tackle Flea Market
Pirate’s Cove Marina Fishing Tackle Flea Market – 12 May 2012 from 0700 to 1000 in the Pavilion.
The Fishing Tackle Flea Market, is held twice a year, and it brings local, regional, and even East Coast-wide people with their overstock of fishing, hunting and marine related goods to The Pavilion at Pirate’s Cove Marina to sell.
From rods to reels, boats to ATV’s, custom lures and so much more, the Fishing Tackle Flea Market is the place to shop, or bring your own overstock of fishing and hunting related items.
Great place to find that special item or it could be the beginning of clearing out that garage.
Until next time, Tightlines
NCsaltaire 