Posts tagged ‘boating’
Captain Larry Walker – RIP
I had planned to write about another part of the Chesapeake Bay fishing trip I took in early December. But as I was preparing my ideas, I came across sad news.
I read that Capt Larry Walker passed away on December 2, 2010 during a diving trip in the BVI.
You ask, “Who was Capt. Larry”? He is the owner of the Wide World Marine Training center in Oriental, NC. This is the agency where I obtained my Captain Masters USCG certification.
I only met Capt. Larry once during one of my classes but spoke to him dozens of times both before and after obtaining my certification. He was extremely helpful with me navigating through the maze of paperwork, sea time and other requirements needed to obtain my captain’s license. His ability to make complex issues simple was his specialty. He helped me achieve that life long dream of being a professional of the sea. For that I can only begin to thank him.
Please find a comment from several of friends who were with him on that fateful day:
Captain Larry did not leave us at sea that day. Captain Larry will never leave our hearts. He will remain with us forever. He will help us through our strong winds and rough seas and he will guide us into many more beautiful sunsets.
For more info on Capt Larry please see the tribute from his hometown newspaper: http://towndock.net/news/larry-walker-1951-2010?pg=1
Rockfish in Tidewater
On December 4, the first mate and I ventured to Hampton Virginia for a day on the Chesapeake Bay Rockfishing.
The day was clear, breezy and cold.
We joined many friends from my real job and had a blast. We caught over 50 rockfish that ranged from 20″ to 27″ at and around the 3rd and 4th islands of the CBBT.
For a great inexpensive fishing experience, definitely seek the Ocean Eagle on the Hampton waterfront. You will not be disappointed.
New Spotted Seatrout Regs for NC
New regulations for spotted seatrout will go into effect Nov. 30 for recreational and commercial fishermen in North Carolina coastal waters.
The recreational bag limit for spotted seatrout will decrease from 10 fish to six fish per person per day. No more than two of the six fish may be greater than 24 inches in length. The current 14-inch minimum size limit will remain in effect.
Lack of conservation has caused a significant reduction of this species. Do your part. If your catch is undersized, put it back. But release it carefully so it will survive.
This resource are too valuable to waste!!
Getting Back Into It – First Class
Well its been several weeks since I was able to wet a line. The pompano were scattered along the surf but because of the fluctuation in water temps, so was the availability of these tasty little fish.
Sea mullet and puppy drum are also plentiful and being caught during morning and evenings.
To ease my frustration at not getting out on the surf, I decided to enter into the fall season by working the Florida waters.
Our destination is Key West. Not sure what we will find due the two storms brewing in the Atlantic but I plan to try.
Of course, a trip to the keys always has to begin with a stop off a the Wide World Sportsman / Bass Pro in Islamorada.
We woke on Tuesday morning with a small craft advisory.
Heading to tackle shop for bait and advice.
Stay tuned!!
Off Shore Dreaming
Ever wish you could go off shore on one of those huge fishing yachts? The dream that takes 30 -40 miles off the coast to the best fishing grounds you could ever see. Some anglers are just destined to stay near the shore. But in the annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament held this month, your luck could change.
Each year dozens of yachts head out of Pirate’s Cove in hunt of the right combination to win this popular event. These yachts are operated by a licensed captain and carry up to 6 anglers and a mate. But during this annual event, one additional person is added to this group – an “observer”. Yes, that’s right, anyone can be an observer.
All you have to do is call the Pirate’s Cove Tournament manager and put your name on the list. Each morning, a lottery is held to which yacht each observer will be assigned. With well over two dozen boats participating in the tournament and three days of fishing, your chances are great for 10 plus hour trip off-shore.
Only caveat is that you can’t fish. Your only duty is to verify that a particular fish was caught. You are basically backing up what the captain sees. That’s it. Easy job and worth each minute you spend cruising.
So if you want to fulfill that dream of seeing that aqua blue water of the Gulf Stream, make that call and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. For information to sign up see the Pirate Cove Tournament web site at http://wwwpcbgt.com.
What’s with all this cold water
During the summer months, Outer Banks beach patrons may experience a significant change in water temperatures from one day to next.
This phenomenon is known as upwelling. It is typically caused by circular wind motion due to a front from the north that blows winds parallel along the beach. The steady wind blows the warm summer water out at a diagonal direction which ultimately takes it out to sea. With the warm water now gone, the cold replaces it quickly – thus the sudden decrease in water temperatures from one place on the beach to anther. Tides can also aid in replacing the warm water with the cold water. (Double click on picture for water movement).
On the Outer Banks, bathers may feel cold water for hours or days or sometimes longer. And this cold water exchange may be different from one beach area to others along the coast.
If you find yourself in an upwelling situation, either wait it out or move down the beach until you find a warmer spot. Unfortunately, if the wind continues to blow, cold water is here to stay. You may either suffer with the cold water, stay on the beach or find a nice pool.
By the way, fishing is outstanding in areas with upwelling – so grab a rod.
NCsaltaire 