Posts tagged ‘cold weather fishing’
Still Waiting for My Turn
The 2010 fall Outer Banks Rockfish season has been outstanding. It’s been over four years since we have had a year like this!!
It seems every day we hear of another citation fish being caught. Only problem is that they are a mile or more off the beach. Most surf fisherman can only watch and wait. Boaters are having a field day.
Water Temperatures are still hovering around upper 30’s. We need mid 40’s to bring the big fish within casting range.
When fishing for the Big Rockfish, use a stout 8′ rod , 17 pound test and any shiny spoon, Hopkins or lure that you can cast and retrieve. They are vicious feeders and when they are here, they go after any thing that moves.
Good luck and keep you equipment close. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a banner Rockfish year for the surf fisherman, too.
Bright Outlook
I stood on the beach on New Years Eve and thought about all the great times I had fishing.
The best times were with family and friends. How lucky is a person who has more friends than landings.
A thought for the new year:
“Sometimes people who fish never realize that it’s not the fish they are after.”
Tightlines and fair seas in the new year!!
Big Warm Up Coming
Fishing has been real slow. No news from the northern beaches. Some fish are being caught at the 1-1/2 to 3 mile off the beach.
Most times, we can’t even get on the beach due the snow. I took this picture at the old Kitty Hawk Pier behind the Outer Banks Hilton garden.
The weather is projected to be in the high 50’s through the weekend – might even hit the lower 60’s. So the snow should be gone.
Water temperatures are still a little cold at 40 degrees. Stripe bass seem to get a little lethargic at this temp. We are scheduled to get a south breeze by weeks end so we are hoping that this will bring in the fish. It will be a nice change from the cold and damp winter up to this point.
Cabin fever is beginning to set in and the winter has just begun!!
Fish on Ice
We had a day after Christmas snow storm. Most of the Outer Banks received 3 to 5 inches. At the beginning of the storm even the roads were covered.
Weather will improve over the next several days. The reports call for temps into the upper 50’s and maybe 60’s by the weekend. Go figure!
Ocean water temperatures have been hovering around 39 degrees.
Either case our fish are temporarily on ice.
Watchful Waiting for the Fish
Last picture from the December 2010 Chesapeake Bay fishing trip.
We have been waiting for the Rockfish to arrive in the Outer Banks surf. Over the past several days we heard reports of the “big fish” showing up off the mid Atlantic coast.
Our local boats are catching them at the 1-1/2 to 3 miles off the beach.
No word on anything within casting range. I cruise the beach every day I can for the sign of birds. The heavy gear is ready and like potential new parents, we are watchful waiting. Stay tuned!!
Enjoy Cold Weather Fishing
In a previous post, I briefly described our fishing trip in Hampton Virginia.
The day was extremely cold. Most times when fishing, it’s the angler who has a tougher time than the prey. But with a little preparation the day can be an enjoyable experience regardless of the season.
When fishing in cold weather, remember that you must keep your head, hands and feet warm. Maintaining warmth in these spots will give you the best opportunity for success.
One of the best ways to keep warm is to keep chemical warmers in your tackle box.
One of the best items to help keep you warm is to have several chemical warmers in your tackle box.
I always purchase three large packages (six warming pads in each) each fall. They have a one year shelf life but mine are used way before the spring.
So to make a cold trip enjoyable, don’t forget the three cold spots – heads, hands and feet.
NCsaltaire 