Posts tagged ‘duck’
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 – Still a Great Destination
Fishing has occasionally been real slow at best in December on the Outer Banks. Hurricane Sandy did minimal physical damage to homes and businesses here but we took a real beating with fishing and boating industries.
It seems our fishery was on track to be one of the most productive in years. I would catch just about every species on each trip out whether surf, bridge, pier or vessel. I used both artificial and cut bait to the same results – success!!
Then Sandy arrived. Water temperatures turned cold, winds picked up, and worst situation of all – the Oregon Inlet began to shoal over. The last report was that at high water we had a maximum of four feet in a channel that used to boast twice or three times that much. Charter and commercial boats have been limited while waiting for the dredge to open then inlet. Also, we lost several miles of roadway on Hatteras Island at Milo Beach S Curve. And the famous Avalon Pier suffered severe damage.
So what does an angler do in such situations? Well go fishing anyway. There are still dogfish to catch in the surf and I heard of several real nice stripers in the sound. Jennette’s Pier is open daily and the various bridges which are typically sparse of competition this time of year, are still a great place to spend several hours.
Our weather has been typical Outer Banks, so plan accordingly – bright skies, breeze and a little cool. But to me this is the second best time of the year. There are plenty of places to stay and eat. So what are you waiting on? Come on.
And for those fair weather anglers – don’t worry, when the winter temps and winds are behind us and the warm spring breezes have returned, fishing will pick up where we left off before “Sandy”.
Remember to use my various links taking you directly to Outer Banks happenings.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Capt. Tony
Coming to the Festival?
Are you going to be in the Outer Banks this weekend? I sure hope so. Well, if you are not here now or have other plans, you should try to change them. There is going to be a great function related to our local fishing community this weekend.
On Saturday, 20 October 2012, the Outer Banks will be holding it first annual Seafood Festival. The festival will be held at the old Windmill Point property in south Nags Head on the bypass. The festival will run from 1100 through 1800.
The festival will include cooking demonstrations, many exhibits, vendors, music and many other activities for both adults and children. The activities will focus on the Outer Banks commercial fishing industry. The show will host many of our local experts in the commercial fishing trades. I am looking forward to seeing some old friends and making new ones who have a long history of supporting our local commercial fishery and supplying seafood to not only us locally but worldwide.
The best thing is that the festival is “free” – including parking. That’s right – “FREE”.
There will be local food samplings and beverages will be for sale at the festival. You will need tickets to purchase of samples our seafood specialties that are featured at our many restaurants. These can be purchased on the day of the festival.
Weather is projected to be perfect. So there should be no excuse. It’s free, it’s local and will be a blast.
For more information, please see the festival web site.
http://www.outerbanksseafoodfestival.org
This will be a special event. Hope to see you there.
Until next time, Tightlines – Capt. Tony
Fall Fishing on the “Banks”
The fishing season has been an exciting one for me. I started in September in Southwest Florida. I hunted big gator trout and redfish with my friend Capt. CA in Tampa. And I caught trout and snook in the Charlotte Harbor area near Punta Gorda with my first mate.
Back home in North Carolina, I caught dozens of “specs” from both the bridges and surf. Seems the Trout fishery might just be the best it’s ever been in eastern Carolina.
I traveled up to Ocean City, Maryland for my annual off-shore charter out of Sunset Marina. This trip produced dozens of dolphin – “mahi-mahi” and a 35 pound yellow fin Tuna.
Work travel allowed me to give the rods and reels a chance to “cool off”.
October brought me more time on the water and it was almost like the light switch was never turned off. I caught puppy drum (southern anglers call them “redfish”), speckled trout, blues, black drum, and spot. It did not matter which bait I used. I caught specs on cut bait and spot on lead head with a twister tail. Just amazing for this area.
I am off for another short trip but plan to get back on the surf soon.
My best bet for success this week would be to use a standard bottom rig, #2 or #4 circle hooks, light pyramid sinker and cast into the wash from any pier or the surf. If you are fishing from a pier, try the north side in fall. It seems the old guys tell me that the north side in fall and south in spring and summer works best. Cast just past the white foam as the wave crest passes. You should find plenty of puppy drum and specs.
Remember the regulation – puppy drum 18-27 and speckled trout – 18 inches or larger.
I would also keep a light spinning set ready for those occasional runs of tailor blues or heavy trout during their migration south.
Until next time, Tightlines. Capt. Tony
Take a Break from Fishing
Today is National Public Lands Day. This day is dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who help keep our public lands and parks in good condition. It is the largest single-day volunteer effort. The volunteers will contribute their time by helping the park staff with small maintenance activities such as planting trees or cleaning up recreation areas. Many small tasks equal a great effort.
What this day also means to us is that we can access many of our National parks for free. Yes, that’s right many of our National Parks are absolutely fee-free today.
So when you are tired of catching all of those fish or the family is at odds with you doing something just for you, take the family to one of our National Parks. Even though many of the duties have already been assigned or completed, any small gesture would be greatly appreciated by the staff. And it will give you and your family a chance to re-connect with our public lands.
So get out and enjoy it.
The Outer Banks have several parks here for you to enjoy. The one I like the most is the Wright Brothers National Memorial. So if you are in the area, stop by and get your picture taken in front of the memorial or just cruise the grounds. History will wrap you like a blanket.
Hope to see you there after the first bite.
Until next time, Tightlines – Capt. Tony
Fishing in “Fishing Paradise”
The first mate and I traveled to the west coast of Florida in early September to fish for Gator trout and giant Redfish. Our guide was Capt. CA Richardson from Flats Class TV and Charters. The trip took us to Tampa Bay and Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge.
The weather was extremely hot with equal high humidity. The skies were clear with a constant breeze out of the southwest. We knew the conditions were going to be difficult but we were up for the challenge.
Our charter originated out of O’Neill’s Marina in St Petersburg, Florida. We have fished with Capt. CA before so we knew the drill. We would depart the dock at 0700 and fish both tides. Our trip would lead well into the afternoon. Our vessel was a popular Hells Bay Boats Works “Neptune”. We were ready.
The day started slow with us picking up an occasional speckled trout using both spoons and artificial lures. Our gear was top of the line Daiwa reels and Falcon light Gulf Spin rods. The reels were loaded with premium 15 pound braid. This set up has produced before, so we had confidence of a repeat success.
By 1000 we had caught a number of beautiful specs but not the “gator” size or giant reds that we hunted. We decided to try another area on the west side on the harbor.
During our travels to the next site, we spotted a school of giant reds. The pod was well over a dozen yards square. This school was the one we met up with last year estimated at several hundred fish. The forward wave push of this school was over six inches. Capt. CA maneuvered the vessel about 75 yards ahead of the school, turned the bow straight into them. And we waited.
As the school approached us, they suddenly disappeared. Gone – they nowhere to be found. Spooked!! We would search for them for over an hour. Without locating them again, we then proceeded to return to the Gator Trout fishery. Over the next several hours, we had a great day catching and releasing close to two dozen specs.
We returned to the dock at 1500, exhausted but satisfied that we had another great day on the water with our good friend Capt. CA.
For a memorable fishing experience, you need to plan a trip to southwest Florida. When in Florida, Capt CA is the guy.
One slogan that holds true for Florida – it is definitely a“fishing paradise”.
Until next time, Tightlines.
.
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
Best Time to Fish is Now
Mid-August brings the most diverse species of fish near our shore. The warm waters on the Outer Banks are a perfect environment for just about anything that calls the near shore ocean its home. I always enjoy a brief visit to the beach each evening during August watching the vacation angler hook their first fish and excitement it brings to the kids on the beach.
One question that always comes up when friends visit me – what do I need to catch a fish on the surf?
Well, you need several items to be successful. In a previous post, I mentioned how an aggressive a sales person was when he sold this vacationer a basket full of waste. I am sure our visitor caught fish, just not with the help of this person.
I would like to give you a brief needs list for successful surf fishing. Obviously, this blog could be dozens of pages so I will just begin with the basics.
You need a good rod and reel. The in-expensive combinations in any store will work. I like to tackle shops but any place will do. Next, you need tackle – this can include a simple bottom rig. The bottom rig is a double hook assembly with a swivel on the top and clip on the bottom for a sinker. Tie the rig on with a simple uni-knot.
Here is where you should not skimp. Pay a little and get a lot. Now we need hooks. I use circle but “J” hooks work fine. Get the ones with dropper line already attached. They are easy to attach. To hold the bottom, only use the minimum amount to keep the bait in one location. One to two ounces is plenty in summer unless you have a strong current. Pyramid types are best.
Now you are ready for the bait. Fresh shrimp or blood worms are the best choice. Everything eats these two baits. If you can find sand fleas, these are the best baits for pompano. I only use a small piece on each hook. Keep changing the bait to increase your chances. One important point – keep you bait fresh – in a cooler if possible but definitely out of the wind and sun.
Fish are typically near the shore – just inside the wash. I also alternate my distances so to cover more water. A good rule is within 2o yards of the beach are where most fish will stay. Also, look for rough water spots or rip currents. These spots hold plenty of fish.
Tides, wind and water temperatures are important but this topic is for another blog post.
Most anglers will need a bucket, sand spikes, knife, cooler with ice, and a tool to remove hooks. I also bring sun screen, a hat, drinks and a snack. My list is a little longer but we are talking basics now.
Most times with just basic gear, you will be successful. But other times, you will need patience. Take your time, enjoy the experience, and take a kid fishing. Fishing on the beach memories last a lifetime.
Fresh bait and persistence catches more fish. For more tips, email me.
Until next time, Tightlines
Move Over Ladies – It’s the Men’s Turn
Great job for those ladies who fished the Alice Kelly. This tournament brought plenty of excitement to the marina.
Now it’s the men’s turn. Its four days of hardcore offshore fishing. There are 59 boats and over 400 anglers fishing in this tournament. The purse is huge and the competition is fierce. This one is for all the marbles.
If you missed the awards ceremony and party on Sunday night, there are four this week with the awards dinner and party on Friday.
Boats arrive at the dock anywhere from 1630 to 1800. Be there to welcome the anglers back.
Until next time, Tightlines
23rd – Alice Kelly Tournament
23rd Alice Kelly Tournament – Pirates Cove Marina is this weekend!!
Leading up to the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament the ladies get their turn to reel in the Big One! The Alice Kelly Tournament is an annual event the Sunday before the Billfish Tournament.
The 23rd Annual Alice Kelly Tournament, held August 12th with registration on August 11th, is a fundraiser event for the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group.
With an entry fee of only $500.00 per boat it is a great way to help out your community and have a great time on the water.
This is the place to be when the boats come in. Make sure you are on the dock by 1600 hours for the “best seat in the house”
The “first mate” is fishing again on the Marlin Gull.
Hopefully, I will have some great news and good pictures. Check back soon.
Until next time, Tightlines
NCsaltaire 