Posts tagged ‘chesapeake bay’
Lessons Are Not All the Same
There once was an experienced angler who learned his trade hanging out on the docks and tackle shops. He was an educator by trade but longed for the sea life. As time passed on, he become a notoriety and a sought after guide and speaker at many of the local functions.
The once was a young lad who longed to learn the seas. He heard of this experienced angler who everyone raved about – this was the angler who could teach him the seas.
One day while visiting the docks the young lad ran into the old angler. He asked the angler for assistance to learn his trade. As a great educator, the old salt jumped at the chance to share his knowledge.
The young lad then asked when can we start? The answer was today but I want to walk one of the local piers first.
The angler walked out on the pier and immediately saw an old lady having trouble with her reel so he fixed it. As the walk continued, another had a tangled line and another trouble landing a fish and then another confused on the type of lure and bait. At each stop the angler helped the stranger to get it right.
All along the young lad became frustrated at the angler then asked “when are you going to start the lesson”?
The angler said to the young lad – “my poor lad, you have been in class for hours”. Fishing is more than just catching. It’s sharing your passion with others so they too may look and enjoy life differently.
Sometime the lessons we learn are not packed as we thought. Take someone fishing and teach them a lesson of life. Or just maybe the expertise you carry is just what others may need. Don’t pass up an opportunity to make someone smile!!
Until next time – Tightlines –Capt. Tony
Something Old But Maybe New
Each year the Great Bridge Fisherman’s Association holds their annual “Fishing Fleas Market” at the Hickory Ruritan Club on Old Battlefield Blvd in Chesapeake Virginia. And this year it is on Saturday, 8 March 2014.
This is the fourth year of the flea market and I believe it gets bigger and better each year.
If you are looking for that “something special” for that angler in your family then this is the place. There are tables and tents set up on three sides of the building and dozens of tables and vendors inside. You will find dozens of antique rods and reels, lures and boxes, and just about anything nautical. Most times the equipment and gear will be well used and just looking for a new home.
Get hungry during the flea – Food and beverages for sale will be available during your shopping spree.
As for me, each year I find a ‘keepsake treasure”. It is usually something I could live without but then maybe not.
Obviously, some of the equipment for sale is items old anglers are just determined to find a new home for. So if you are good at bargaining then you came the right place.
The flea market runs from 0800 – 1400 but the best deals will be had early and late.
The weather looks perfect for this year’s flea market so there should be no excuse for at least stopping by. Parking is free but there is a slight charge for entry. Door prizes are given out periodically.
So if you have some free time this Saturday – time will not be wasted.
Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony
Time is Running Out
Most of us think nothing of thirty days from now. But in a little more than that short period of time, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will stop printing the giant paper nautical chart for good. For some mariners, this is a major change. 
The idea of charting waters on the US coasts dates back to Thomas Jefferson when he asked the federal government to survey of the local waters for mercantile transportation. This charting process with the support of many shipping firms and the federal government then evolved into NOAA printing these heavy nautical guides in 1862.
I am sure it’s been a long time coming but I never thought it would happen in my lifetime.
Many of the current boating enthusiasts grew up with electronic maps and on-demand maps printed by private vendors. But old “salts” like me used these charts exclusively. And even though these modern charts contain the same if not more information, seasoned mariners will always fall back to the heavy paper maps.
I believe the biggest losers will be the agencies that provide U.S Coast Guard approved courses. Their compass and plotting course will undoubtedly be affected by this change.
When I took my Master’s USCG Captain’s license course, we exclusively used these heavy paper charts to plotting a course and map and compass basics. The exercises were extremely valuable to me and my current time on the water. Even today, when I plan a trip, I pull out these maps.
All is not lost though, NOAA will continue to chart for underwater depths, miscellaneous structures, topographical markings and other hazards to mariners. Gone will be the combined maps and charts.
But after mid-April, NOAA will discontinue the printing of these historical charts. Most will end up in frames hanging from dock master’s office walls.
So if you want to update your chart box with NOAA maps – better hurry up because the deadline is coming fast.
Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony
Show Time Season Again
It’s Show Time Season again.
The Outer Banks winter has had more precipitation than I am used to or want. The snow fall levels have exceeded many past winters. The weather continues to fluctuate from warm to cold – only consistency is “that’s why they call it winter time”. But to me, it’s like a work week – you need a “Monday” each week to look forward to that “Friday”’. Winter is my Monday.
All is not lost on this brief interruption from our angling adventures. It’s the Boat Show Season.
Most angling and boating enthusiasts only go to these shows to dream – but what better place to dream about owning a vessel that your friends will envy.
And then there are the shoppers – but you typically don’t see them – you see the “sold” signs on the nice vessels.
Although, I did not replace any of my vessels this year, I found many that would meet me needs.
So if you are looking for something to do between the couch ball seasons then a boat show is what you need.
There are plenty left to attend this year especially my favorite – Miami Boat Show.
So if you are bored and ready for something new – a boat show is for you.
Until next time – Tight-lines – Capt. Tony
Fishing the Upper Florida “Keys”
Our travels took us to Key Largo, Florida after a short stop off in Punta Gorda. The ride was a nice 3-1/2 hour ride south on Rt. 75 to Naples, through the Alligator Alley, past Miami and on to Key Largo.
If you have never been to the Keys – Key Largo is your first set of “keys” just south of Miami. Since our function was in Key Largo we focused fishing on areas close to our hotel.
Our equipment was typical saltwater gear – 7 foot medium rod, Diawa-Procyon 3000 reel with 15 pound braid. I like to use the classic “Carolina rig”. It keeps the bait moving and on the bottom. The Carolina rig is a bottom rig with a sliding 1-2 oz. egg sinker just above the swivel. A #2-4 circle hook, connected to the bottom of the swivel, allows me to catch but not deep hook my prey. And of course, live shrimp is the bait of choice.
We fished several “keys” just south of Bud and Mary’s marina (http://budnmarys.com) in Islamorada. The many walls and bridges along route made it for easy access to the aqua green water and the multitude of fish. Fast moving currents under the bridges and near the shore afforded us the advantage of catching various types of fish.
Best bets for fishing the “keys” by boat. But on this trip, we left our boat at home, so shore fishing was our only option. We were successful with some nice mangrove snappers and plenty of small pinfish and grouts.
Tips for fishing the upper keys: plenty of bait shops will guide to gear, bait and locations. I stopped at the Yellow Bait Shop first. Fishing locations should include any bridge or shoreline just south of Mile Marker 79.8. Our hotel was the Holiday Inn Key Largo – just perfect for a memorable experience.
Want a great angling experience, try the Florida Keys. You won’t be disappointed.
Until next time, Tightlines. Capt. Tony
Don’t Break the Rules
Never leave fish to find fish. Not sure who first made this statement, but they were right one to a point.
But sometimes, personal commitments dictate your options. In my case, a family member is getting married this week so priorities sometimes take precedence. Now don’t feel sorry for me because the ceremony just happens to be in Key Largo Florida.
OK – now let’s talk about “leave fish” first. The first week on May on the Outer Banks is the transition month. Water temperatures increase as does the migratory species. The puppy drum, sea mullet and my favorite speckled sea trout have moved into our waters. Slot size limits are being caught on piers and bridges. All indications are that this could be a banner year.
Now let’s talk about “finding fish”. Well, I plan to explore the waters on both sides of the upper keys. The Yellow Bait Shop in Key Largo has an assortment of tackle and baits. I fished several sea walls and beaches in the past and plan to repeat the visit and finally, booked a reef trip out of Marathon.
Just to get limbered up, my first stop was Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands. I fished several of the Burnt Store lakes in the past with great success for small redfish, Snook and a huge tilapia. Conditions appear to be great to “get into the spirit” and forget about those huge trout and mullet runs on the Outer Banks.
So I am off to Florida and some great fishing. But, hey outer bankers, leave a few trout behind, cause I will be back.
Until next time – Tight lines, Capt. Tony
Homework for Better Angling
Wait a minute, “Captain Tony”, this is a fishing blog, not high school class. What are you doing talking about homework? Well, if you do a thorough job with your homework before heading out, this process will greatly improve your chances for angling success
My good friend, Capt. CA Richardson, once told me that you “catch more fish the night before”. The more you know about your prey and their preferences and weather and water conditions will be the differentiator between a successful fishing trip or just a nice boat ride.
What are some of the things that I check before heading out? First, I check if the target species is in season? What do the local fishing reports show? Is there news from the local piers, beaches, marinas or the various tackle shops? Where have the fish been seen and recently caught. What were the best baits being used. I now have a good idea that my target is at least in our area and is active.
Second, I look at weather conditions. I focus on the sun and cloud cover, air and water temperatures, tides, wave action and water clarity, winds (speed and direction), weather fronts (are they cold or warm, current locations – moving or stationary), barometer reading over the past several days and into my angling day, and finally what are the moon phases and the solunar status for the period.
The final piece to angling is having a little luck. But I always say, “You will change or make your own luck with good preparation”, or in the case of the purpose of this blog – “Do Your Homework for Better Angling”.
If you follow some of these simple tips, your success rate should improve. And hopefully over time, these will help you become a better angler.
Until next time,Tightlines. Capt. Tony
Don’t Forget to Wear that Jacket
If you lived in my house during my early years, you probably would have heard my mom yell many times, “its cold outside, if you don’t get that coat on you will die of pneumonia”. I wore that jacket then and learned lesson that has stayed with me ever since.
Well that same message is as applicable and important today as it was when my mother reminded me so many years ago.
In summer, we can easily forget to wear our life jacket while out on the water. And at that time, if you happen to find yourself in the water, you can simply climb out and dry off. But winter weather brings freezing water temperatures, it becomes another story. Survival depends on smart choices whether you are fishing or boating in summer or winter.
So regardless of how seasoned you are or how short your mission is, the use of your life jackets should be mandatory anytime you are on the water.
Recently, a local commercial fisherman was lost when he went out on the water one morning to check his gear without wearing his life jacket. Apparently he had it with him but failed to use it. Was this the cause of his demise or something else? Either way, if he had donned his life jacket, his chance of survival would have increased.
So regardless if you have someone reminds you or we just use basic common sense while on the water, a life jacket is always a good choice.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Capt. Tony
OBX Striped Bass Recreational Season 2012.
The 2012 Albemarle Sound Managements Area Striped Bass Recreational season has been set for 2012.
The season opens on October 1, 2012 at 12:01AM and will close at 1800 hours on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, unless closed earlier due to another directive from DMF.
This year we will continue to harvest the same number of fish as last year – three (3) fish per day. And the minimum size will stay the same at eighteen inches.
Great news is that we can also fish seven (7) days per week.
This fishery is still recovering so each angler should continue to practice conservation. Only take the fish you plan to use. And return the others back in the water carefully.
I will continue to preach, “only you can make our fishery better, not only for us but for future generations.” We must do our part.
Enjoy this fishery but fish it responsibly.
Until next time, Tightlines
Reel Fish Story – Don’t Be Caught
This past weekend I found that I needed several gardening items to complete my “honey-do” list. So I headed out to my neighborhood big box store. I am always reluctant to shop on a busy summer weekend but I knew this time I could be in and out quickly. My path this day took me passed the fishing section. As usual, I am always looking for something to add to my fishing arsenal. So a delay toward my mission was no big deal.
I found the fishing section quite empty. But I did see one customer slowing glancing at each rack. He was trying to figure which lure or hook or bait would help him catch fish during his vacation. About this time, a sales clerk appeared and apparently was there to rescue him from his dilemma.
I was trying not to eaves drop, but I overheard the sales clerk begin to educate this new angler on the finer points of saltwater fishing. Just maybe I could learn something.
My fascination to this professional guidance quickly turned to frustration. The advice he was supplying was convincing alright. This poor visitor was getting the standard sales pitch. Buy this and give it a try and if you fail, just come back and buy more. The recommendations included where to go (or not go), what to use, even cleaning and cooking his catch. By now, his basket was full. Now remember, we live near a saltwater ocean, but one of the items was a fishing DVD in freshwater. Now the real strange thing about this advice, it was all wrong. This clerk was selling this guy a bill of goods.
I was tempted to intervene but the clerk was so intense with his pitch, I am not sure I could change this visitor mind.
I am never one to discourage someone trying to get a bargain on fishing gear. And I definitely not trying influence our visitors or novice anglers to avoid the larger retail establishments to buy fishing gear. But my recommendation when fishing in a strange area or new to a hobby, see a professional for help. These guys can be found in your local tackle shops. They have tremendous amount of knowledge. And the best part, it’s all free.
So the next time you have a question about fishing here on the Outer Banks, email me or see someone in one of a dozen tackle shops.
Until next time, Tightlines.
NCsaltaire 