Posts tagged ‘boating’
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.
New Destination this Week
Fishing been slow all week here in the Outer Banks. Croaker, spot and plenty of sea mullet could be found both on the piers and small sound bridges. Water temperatures have stayed around the upper 50’s. So you have to work hard to get their attention.
Temps are predicted to rise this coming week. Fish are here but we need to just try many different tricks to catch them.
Work has required me to be away from home and the beautiful Outer Banks this past week. And coming week is no different, but my travels will be taking me to a real fascinating place.
I will be flying into Fairbanks, Alaska on business. The trip will take me through Minneapolis to Anchorage then into Fairbanks. The final destination is Delta Junction, AK.
Schedules are pretty tight but since there happens to be over 20 hours of sunlight, I might find time to seek the water after hours. I have found that there are many places to wet a line in this region. Although I am not familiar with Alaska fishing or any of their techniques, what a great time to learn. Like they say, “No time like present to learn a new lesson”.
Stay tuned for updates on my trip.
Until next time, Tightlines
Speckled Sea Trout Season to Re-Open in NC
Speckled (spotted) Sea Trout fishery will be re-opened at 12:01 A.M., Thursday, June 16, 2011.
According to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, recreational fisherman may harvest six (6) Speckled (spotted) sea trout per person per day by hook and line.
The minimum length is fourteen (14) inches total length. Of those six (6), no more than two (2) may be greater than 24 inches in total length.
The closure this past spring was due to several cold stun events: one in December and the second in mid-January. This event took a significant toll on this fishery.
Even though this fishery has re-opened, only through a conservation effort will we all enjoy this recovery into the future. Remember, only take what you are going to use.
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.
NCsaltaire 