Posts tagged ‘boating safety’
The Word for Today is Evacuation
The word of the day is “evacuation”.
Ocracoke Island was evacuated yesterday. Today, all non-residents in Dare County are required to leave and just a short time ago, the order came out that all Dare County residents must evacuate by 0800 hrs on Friday.
Currituck County also gave the order – everyone must leave. This takes effect on Friday.
Eariler this morning, Governor Perdue has issued a state of emergency in North Carolina. With this order and the evacuation directive, it means after the designated time, no fire police or rescue personnel will be available to help in an emergency. You are basically on your own. Also, many of the medical centers are closing through Sunday. So if you plan to stay, be prepared to wing it.
I traveled various county roads today and the visitors are heeding the order. At certain times, it appears this is a major check out day after a week vacation. The roads are really crowded. As are the hardware stores.
Each news agency has their own version of the direction, speed and damage Irene will cause.
One thing is for sure, the “landscape of the Outer Banks” will look different on Sunday morning if just some of the predictions are correct.
I plan to spend the rest of the day “batting down the hatches”. Wish us luck and godspeed.
Tightlines
Watchful Waiting for Irene
Weather is still beautiful here on the Outer Banks. Mid eighties down to mid 70’s. Slight breezes out of the southwest and one foot waves on the beach make the conditions seems like another typical end of summer. But as we all are aware Hurricane Irene is looming south in the Bahamas and traveling on a due north path right at Cape Hatteras. All reports put the storm directly over the thin stretch sand bar commonly know as the northern Outer Banks sometime this weekend.
Water temps are in the mid 70’s with plenty of croaker and spot about the surf
. Blood worms and fresh shrimp are the best choice. I always like to fish just before a significant barometer change. It seems the fish are more active or maybe they just know conditions will not be favorable for feeding for several days. Take advantage of this increased action.
Hyde County has issued a mandatory evacuation of Ocracoke Island on Wednesday morning for all non-residents. Thursday morning brings the evacuation order for residents.
No news for the upper Outer Banks but if Irene continues on the current path, we should expect that order Thursday or Friday.
One point of caution, stay out of the water. With the impending storm, comes an increased risk of rip currents. Remember rips during low tides are the most dangerous. Use caution when fishing in the surf.
Funny thing is happening in the news media. Not that they are using words like: devastation, major impact, monster storms and the like. Its the final statement they have been using and it goes like this, “say a little prayer she moves a little east – if not, well…”
Keep a sharp eye on the local weather forcasts, get prepared and stay safe.
Tightlines.
Red Sky Warning – Irene is Knocking
Hurricane Irene has the potential to be a “monster storm” or as the weather people are saying, “A Significant Event”. Currently, Irene is a category 2 and heading for warmer water. Hunker Down is the word of the day. Evacuation preparations are already being made in Dare and Hyde Counties. A direct hit on the Carolinas is predicted for the weekend.
If possible, all vessels should be removed from the water or relocated to safe harbor.
If this is not possible, you should be making preparations soon to secure your gear. Rising tides and significant winds can wreck havoc to both water and land vessels. Double lines only work if applied properly. Making sure you allow for rising and falling water.
If your boats are brought to land, secure all vessels to a fixed object – chock the wheels. On small vessels, remove plugs and disconnect your batteries so the binge pump does not run constantly during heavy rains.
Take care to remove any curtains or secure them so wind can blow through without damaging them. Secure or remove loose gear to a safe location.
We should expect a major impact regardless of its landfall location.
Be Safe!! Tightlines
Fishing At It’s Best
The weather has been just summer super; warm days and very pleasant evenings. (I’m trying to ignore the “hot” spells.) We spent a little longer on yard work than we had planned and my goal for surf fishing was becoming distant.
The First Mate surprised me and helped pack the gear quickly after the tools were stowed and with a short trip to TW’s for fresh shrimp, we made it to the beach just before dusk.
We took two rods – 5-1/2 and a 6-1/2 loaded with light mono and rigged with my new pompano dropper rig. One ounce pyramid was all we needed. Waves were less than two feet. Water temps were into the mid 80’s. Just prefect conditions for those warm water species.
My first cast found the slough and my first sea mullet. Over the next two hours, I caught dozens of mullet, trout, croaker, spot, and flounder and yes a blue fish – all on fresh shrimp. No size but plenty of action.
No question, this was the best evening surf fishing in memory. So if you find the need to just slip away from the hustle bustle, grab a light tackle rod, fresh shrimp and steal away to the beach.
You won’t be disappointed; at least not this week. Oh, yes, there are plenty of flounder in the surf. You just have to have patience.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Tournament Time – 2011
August is the time of the season where the big time fishing tournaments are held.
This weekend the Pirates Cove Fishing Center holds the 22nd Annual and most popular “Ladies Only” Alice Kelly Memorial Billfish Tournament. This event supports the Outer Banks Cancer Support group. Registeration is 13 August with fishing the following day. Don’t forget – Boat decorating happens on Saturday – not to be missed for fun and laughs.
Following this event, on Tuesday begins the 28th Annual and “World Class” Billfish Fishing Tournament. This tournament runs from 15-19 August. This is for all the marbles. Big time boats come for all over just to be apart of the fabulous event. You gotta say – “I was there for this one!! Shirts are available in the ships store.
If you have the time, this is a “can’t miss” event on the Outer Banks. Parties are held each evening with popular bands and food supplied by our local restaurants. Come see the boats return from the sea. Best times are late afternoon around 1600-1700 hrs.
Best news on this post is that my “First Mate” is fishing on Sunday – Good Luck Ladies!!
Until next time – Tightlines
Summer Doldrums
Fishing in July always ends up being slow. The fish are stressed due to the fluctuation of water temperatures. Our highest water temps got into the 80’s and then as magic, they drop to upper 50’s. We are still catching bottom fish from the piers, bridges and surf. As always, the best times to fish is in the early morning and evening.
Also, July brings with it those oppressive temperatures. So let’s talk about taking care of yourself. You must keep hydrated. Drink plenty of plain water. It seems alcohol also increases your thirst. Save those “cold ones” for the dock.
Whenever fishing on the water, I wear loose-fitting nylon shirts and shorts and a wide brim hat. Most sporting goods shops sell UPF/UV protection clothing. I favor Columbia gear. Worth every penny at keeping the sun off you and keeping you cool.
Fishing on the surf or pier, the sun can play tricks on you when the clouds block the sun. UV rays are bouncing everywhere, so a good sun screen and eye protection are imperative.
Heat exposure is a dangerous condition for everyone especially those young and older. Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion. If left un-attended could lead to a very dangerous condition.
When fishing in July and August, look for shady areas or if you find yourself in the sun, limit your exposure.
Until next time,
Tightlines
Celebrating the 4th in Style
Happy Fourth of July!!. As we celebrate this holiday, we need to take a moment to remember those dedicated men and women throughout our history who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. For without that commitment to the cause of freedom, we would not be able to enjoy this day.
So on this beautiful day from the Outer Banks, I would like to toast those who served to our country both past and present with my traditional July 4th menu from Capt Tony’s.
I salute you!!
TIghtlines
Get Them While They Are Hot
Fished the new Jennette’ Fishing Pier in Nags Head this past Saturday with my Dad.
We arrived early in the morning which during the summer months is the only time to get there. Parking is always at a premium after the sun comes up.
Our goal was to just wet a line and enjoy the day. The weather was in the mid eights with a southwest 10-15 mph breeze. Minimal clouds made it a typical day on the Outer Banks.
We brought shrimp and Blood worms as our fresh bait. I also had an assortment of jugs and spoons. We rigged our 7 foot rods with bottom rigs, 4# “j” hooks and 2 ounce pyramid sinker. We started on the north side about 3/4 the distance to the end.
The only thing we caught was the old pilings that were left over from the original pier. So if you fish Jennette Pier, Remember they left many of these “snags” just for you.
We moved to the south side at the same distance out and caught 30 plus fish. No size but fun all the while. One big change was we reduced the sinker size to 1 ounce. This allowed us to hold the bottom and feel the tender bite.
So if you are looking for a nice time, head to the Jennette’s pier for a great time. Don’t forget, conditions change so do not be afraid to change with them.
Until next time,
Tightlines.
Finally – Fishing in Alaska
Fishing in Alaska was in the cards. We 
stopped by the local sporting goods store for gear and advice. Sportsman’ Warehouse is like a Dick’s / Sports Authority and Bass Pro all rolled in to one. This store was enormous. Your could find gear for all types of fishing and hunting and probably a little of something else. Wow, what a place.
My first question: What can I catch in one outing? The salesperson told me that “Graylings” were running in the Chena River. I was sold – What do I need. ( A Grayling is a fresh water fish in the Salmon family but very small)
I picked up a small 5-1/2 Diawa spinning reel and had it loaded with 6# mono-filament line. No leaders are recommended here. Several small Mepps spinners and believe it or not, they also use small flies suspended under ball floats. Obviously, and out-of-state license was needed.
The best place to catch Graylings was in the Chena River. It was a 45 minute drive northeast of Fairbanks. With no time to spare, we were off.
We arrived at the recommended spots and found them to be absolutely beautiful. Clean, fresh and very cold water.
I tied on a Mepps gold spinner and after several casts, we hooked up with some nice fish. But the enjoyment was short-lived.
The misquitoes were unbelieveable. They would swarm you and soon as you got out of the car. The only saving grace was the occasional breeze.
We fished for several hours that evening. The sun set was scheduled at 1230 am and rise and again at 0335. Actually it would be dusk for three hours then sun rise. My flight was scheduled for 0630, so our time was very limited that evening.
Memories of that beautiful area will be with me forever. If you ever get a chance to fish Alaska, just do it. Just don’t forget your bug spray.
And if you were wandering what an Alaska fishing area looked like, well you are in luck.
Here is my secret spot.
Until next time,
Tightlines.
My First View of Alaska
I flew into Fairbanks, Alaska on Monday, 13 June.
The mountains were surprisingly absent of snow. But I guess in June, most of the snow was further north. The closer I got into Fairbanks, the more level the topography became. Just an amazing sight.
The weather was mild in the mid 60’s with evenings in the low 50’s. Over cast with sun and clouds. Seemed like a beautiful climate. With more than 21 hours of sun and 3 hours of night (really dusk), I was sure to see plenty.
I checked in to my hotel and planned the next several work days hoping I was able to find several hours to wet a line. With plenty on the schedule, my hopes were dim.
One unique landmark that I had to see was the Alaska Pipeline. The pipeline ran through Fairbanks and being so close to my hotel, I had to see it up close. The pipeline runs from the Prudhoe Bay south all the way through the state to the Bay of Alaska
.
Completed in 1977, it runs over 800 miles through the state. When completely filled, it can carry 9 million barrels of oil.
The pipeline runs through three major mountain ranges – Brooks, Alaska and Chugach. It crosses three major rivers and 800 smaller waterways. And to protect the wildlife and not interrupt their environment, there are 554 specially built animal crossings.
If you look at the picture close, you can see several upright units on the brace stand. These are lightning rods designed to absorb the charge.
This is one landmark that should not be missed.
Until next time, Tightlines.
NCsaltaire 