Posts tagged ‘cape hatteras’
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
Keep’n Sharp for More Catches
The first several days in Florida were filled with time spent searching tackle shops and mainstay fishing “holes” that have been successful in the past. Having not been there in quite some time, species and techniques change along with the seasons.
The weather was just “Florida” beautiful, but the stiff breezes clouded the water on both the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor.
My reliable back up spot was the neighborhood lakes. The lakes are full of many salt water species that get flooded in from the Charlotte Harbor through huge inflow pipes during storms. So there is always a good chance to catch something.
On Sunday evening, I hooked up with dozens of small snook using a Rapala X-rap saltwater artificial. Just before dark, I latched on to a monster snook. Played him several minutes but he broke free.
Not thinking about the sharpness of treble hooks, I again fished the same lake the next evening. Hooked up dozens of times but not one catch. I checked the sharpness of the hooks and sure enough, I found them to be dull. Went home, replaced the hooks and “bingo” – success.
Lesson learned, after every trip where you have caught many fish, check those hooks. Good advice, you should think about changing them often.
Replacing the hooks and snap rings is a simple and quick process. A smart tip is to use a treble hook one size larger than the older one. This small change increases your hook up significantly.
Until next time, Tightlines
March is Like a Lamb
March usually comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb but this year its been a lamb all year. The weather has been just outstanding with beautiful blue skies and mild breezes. We had some cooler weather lately but nothing like years past.
This week the weather is turning from cooler to warm with daytime temps into the lower 80’s. Water temps are still in the 50’s but as previously posted, warm water is close.
Traveled west of here earlier in the week and saw something foreign to me over the past several months. Anglers fishing for shad on the Daniels Bridge.
Shad are a type of herring but grow a little larger. Typically, you will find them in the eastern carolina tidal creeks in March. But we always get a run in the sounds. You can catch them on small spoons, flies and a variety of artificials. Shad are more active in the warmest part of the day so go late.
Piers are reporting dogfish, skates and some puffers. And the southern beaches are seeing some drum move into the area.
Tip of the week – Ready the gear because once the fish are here there is no time to deal with rusty equipment.
If you plan to fish on Hatteras Island this year, don’t forget to get your vehicle pass. The park service is beginning to enforce the rule now. $120 for an annual pass or $50 for the weekend. Tough choice. Getting mine Saturday.
Until next time – Tightlines
Avalon Pier Opens this Month
It’s beginning to feel like spring. 
Day light saving time started today and temperatures are increasing each day. Water temps are still cool in the 50s. along our entire shoreline. It is only a matter of time before the seasonal southwest breezes bring the fish back into our waters.
I am already hearing some reports that there are big drum being caught in Ocracoke Island. And Dog fish and skates are still testing the anglers patience on Jennette’s Pier.
The best news of the day is that the Avalon Fishing Pier will open for the season on 24 March. Hours were not posted but a least we will have a second option to reach into the ocean.
Stopped by the Great Bridge Fisherman’s Flea Market yesterday and had a great time. Not sure the tally of visitors but it definitely exceeded past years. A time well spent.
Until next time, Tightlines
NCsaltaire 