Posts tagged ‘beach weather’
“Birds Rule” at Cape Hatteras
It has begun a little early this year. The National Park Service has closed a major section of Cape Point in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This is one of the most popular fishing spots – with anglers and beach visitors enjoying this stretch of sand.
The closing is court-mandated but usually is not until later in the year. The reason they closed it early is an effort to protect rare shorebirds that “might try to nest in the area.” Strange wording to promote their objectives of complete closure some day. Hopefully this is not the case and common sense rules.
Funny thing – These little birds typically do not even show up until summer. For many years, both anglers and wildlife have co-existed on this beach together.
I am not trying to judge the value of this annual closing but the impact on the entire community is devastating. We need to protect all threatened species but at what cost.
All is not lost, we still have the northern beaches, piers and bridges. Hopefully, we can continue to use these without restriction.
Surf water temperatures have risen into the 50’s over the past week. And the fish can’t be far behind. Time to load the rods!!
The Redfish of Matlacha Florida
With our kayaks in tow, 
we traveled to an area just south of Punta Gorda and Northwest of Cape Coral and Ft Myers to find another fishing spot and the beautiful Redfish. Our destination was Matlacha, Florida.
Matlacha is one of five communities on Pine Island, although technically, it is located on a smaller island in Matlacha Pass, east of Pine Island. It is an “Old Florida” fishing village home to many brightly-colored art galleries, island boutiques, seafood restaurants, and traditional Florida cottages.
We put the kayaks on one of the town’s many beach launch access. Our 13′ hobie sit upons were just perfect to navigate the calm waters of the Pine Island Sound.
This protected area is surrounded by mangroves and grass flats. We found water depth at a mixed three plus feet with many pot holes and bars. Perfect ambush spots for waiting reds.
I always had success with a Rapala X-RAP floating jigs. I choose a light green with red spots. This matched the hatch for the day. The bait in the area met this size and colors.
It wasn’t long before we hooked up with a beautiful 16″ Red. We had a great day on the secluded water way. And look forward to our next trip.
NC Sea Trout & Flounder Regulations
Proclamations – FF-29-2011 & FF-30-2011
FLOUNDER
Effective at 12:01 A.M., Monday, February 21, 2011, minimum size limit for all flounder species has changed from 14.5 inches to 15 inches. This applies to all recreational anglers who fish in the internal coastal, joint fishing waters or the Atlantic Ocean. A total creel limit is six (6) fish per day as long as the does not exceed one calendar day.
SPOTTED SEATROUT
Effective 12:01 A.M. Thursday, February 17, 2011, it will be unlawful to possess spotted sea trout in all coastal and joint fishing waters for all recreational anglers.
This action is being taken in response to recent cold stun events affecting mainly spotted sea trout. The intent of this action is to prevent harvest of vulnerable cold stunned fish which may recover with warming water temperatures. We anticipate the fishery to re-open on 15 June 2011.
Please take extreme caution when landing and releasing these fish. A conscientious angler today will preserve this fishery later.
For more information, check with the NC Division of Marine Fisheries.
March Means Spring Clean up for Boats
March winds signal the start of the boating season for me. No, not the type that requires a launch, cruise or fishing trip. It is time to begin the clean up and repair process. 
In North Carolina the winter season can be un-usually harsh on marine equipment. This can inflict a significant curse on the gelcoat, deck surfaces and stainless.
I start with a good scrubbing of the hull and decks. Trying not to miss the small crevices around the center console and battery and rear wells. It is good to use a mild soap – I use either boat wash or plain liquid dish soap. Both work well.
Next, I spray all stained surfaces with a stain remover. The areas I focus on is where dirt, grease and scum from the winter and maybe last year’s final trip hide. I always use ZEP Mold and Mildew Stain Remover. Less than $10 per gallon from Home Depot. This is alot less than West Marine Hull cleaner but very effective.
I allow the surfaces to dry thoroughly. I then apply two coats of Star brite Marine Polish to all gelcoat surfaces. I make sure I don’t miss the center console, glass fronts on the gauges and all metal, plastic and fiberglass surfaces.
I always catch the stainless rails and cleats with a good stainless polish. Any brand works well for this clean up. But a very important step. Salt aire can corrode the metals quickly and then cause clothes and fishing gear to snag on these rough surfaces when you least expect it. If you don’t have this polish – the marine polish works well.
Paying special attention to this initial clean up will pay many dividends during the boating season.
Remember, when using any cleaners or chemicals, use extreme caution. Gloves, masks or other protective gear may be needed when handling hazardous materials. For safe handling procedures, read the label. Always clean up when finished including your hands and clothes.
Until next time.
Annual Florida Trip 2011
Well I am back. Computer is up and running. I can’t believe how difficult it is to not have one. I guess I have graduated into the modern communication stream.
We traveled to Florida on 17 February to begin our annual 11 day pre-spring break.
There would be fishing, boating and kayaking. We planned to visit several crafts shows both in Punta Gorda and Ft Myers. The highlight of the trip included two fishing classes – 1) Old Pine Island Marine and 2) with Capt CA Richardson from the Flats Class TV show. We planned to see relatives and many old friends. WOW. So much to do and only 11 days.
Did I forget the famous Florida Grouper Sandwiches. If you have never had a Grouper Sandwich into Southwest Florida – you really don’t know what you are missing.
I will keep the information coming.
Stay tuned!!
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!!
National Seminar Series 2011
When I was younger, I anticipated the time when my grandparents would visit. Grammy always brought me copies of “Curious George” books. Curious George was a little monkey who habitually got into trouble. Kind of like myself. But in the end, everything seemed to work out for little George.
Now that I am older, I still look for “George”, but now it’s George Poveromo. He is an author, TV host for his own TV show – World of Saltwater Fishing and also the creator of annual the popular Saltwater Series Seminar sponsored by the Saltwater Sportsman Magazine.
This year there will be eight seminars in seven states. For those who are local in North Carolina, there are two within a short drive. One in Wilmington, NC and the other in Virginia Beach, Va.
Cost is $55.00 which includes six hours of fishing information, a course textbook, and assortment of prizes throughout the program. You are also included in a raffle with the opportunity to win a boat and trailer and a bone fishing trip to Bimini Sands Resort.
The day is filled with excitement and the opportunity to meet other professional guides and fishing enthusiasts. Get your questions answered here!!
For information attending these seminars, see George’s website or the 2011 National Seminar Series at http://www.nationalseminarseries.com/
This is one show that should not be missed. If you like fishing, this is the place to be. Money is well spent.
See you at the seminar
Spotted Sea Trout Restrictions
Effective Friday, 14 January 2011, it is unlawful to possess Spotted Sea Trout in any coastal and joint waters in Eastern Carolina.
This rule applies to both recreational fisherman and commercial operations.
The weather and water temperature has been unusually cold this year. The ocean water temperature has been in the upper 30’s and lower 40’s for the entire month of December. This has subjected to the fishery to extreme stress.
Please see the proclamation from the Department of NC fisheries:
This action is being taken in response to recent cold stun events affecting
mainly spotted seatrout. The intent of this action is to prevent harvest of
vulnerable cold stunned fish which may recover with warming water temperatures. In approving the Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan, the N.C. Marine. Fisheries Commission authorized the Director to intervene in the event of a catastrophic event and do what is necessary in terms of temporary closures.
If you catch a Spotted Sea Trout during the proclamation period, careful handling and release is important for the survival of this valuable resource.
We are hopeful they will rebound quickly once the weather improves. Please do your part.
Still Waiting for My Turn
The 2010 fall Outer Banks Rockfish season has been outstanding. It’s been over four years since we have had a year like this!!
It seems every day we hear of another citation fish being caught. Only problem is that they are a mile or more off the beach. Most surf fisherman can only watch and wait. Boaters are having a field day.
Water Temperatures are still hovering around upper 30’s. We need mid 40’s to bring the big fish within casting range.
When fishing for the Big Rockfish, use a stout 8′ rod , 17 pound test and any shiny spoon, Hopkins or lure that you can cast and retrieve. They are vicious feeders and when they are here, they go after any thing that moves.
Good luck and keep you equipment close. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a banner Rockfish year for the surf fisherman, too.
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!!
NCsaltaire 