Posts tagged ‘family fishing’
Location Location Location
These words are typically used in real estate but we could just as well fit them into fishing.
Fishing is all about locations. Yes, some will argue also, that time, equipment and experience are very important. But for me finding that remote place, where there are no signs of earlier anglers, no prop marks or evidence of fishing stress, an area just waiting for you to explore is absolutely a dream.
I have notice that many anglers do little research on places to fish. They just pack up the kids and gear and try to find the easiest spot to wet a line. They follow the leader – call the pier house or tackle shop. They feel that if there are a lot of anglers on bridge/pier/surf fishing then there must be plenty of fish. And then they must be there too to be part of the action. And we have plenty of those types of anglers here in the Outer Banks. Tried and true is no better goal for that occasional trip.
But there are many places that have not been abused or stripped by anglers here and elsewhere. And you know, they can be right before our eyes. We can be blinded by the obvious. To find them, all we have to do is look at it a little differently.
For years, I have traveled about the Albemarle and Currituck Sounds by boat going to one of my many “old stand-by” fishing holes. During these trips, I never stopped to think that I might be passing dozens of grass flats or pot holes or small depressions that hold fish and possibly that once in a life time trophy.
Today I spent the morning with a local fishing captain on his boat. It was a trip that I had won at one of the OBX Anglers club meetings. I can place this trip up there with the most memorable.
We traveled for about 5 hours in the Albemarle Sound exploring those places that I usually “fly-by” going to someplace else. Well, this time when we stopped, we found these areas producing dozens of beautiful speckled trout. It did not matter which artificial we used – all caught fish.
We kept four slot size fish – one for each angler and left the rest to be caught for another day.
So the next time you feel the urge to try something new. Don’t overlook the obvious. You might be amazed because that special place might be right in front of you.
So 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
Fishing Flea Market and Swap Meet – One Week to Go
There is only one week to go until the Great Bridge Fisherman’s Association 3rd Annual “Fishing Flea Market and Swap Meet”.
The Fishing Flea Market and Swap meet will be held at the Hickory Ruritan Club on South Battlefield Blvd, Chesapeake, Virginia on 10 March from 0800 to 1500 hrs. It is just a short drive from the Outer Banks or anywhere in southeastern Virginia. Rain or shine. Parking is free but there is a $3 entrance fee.
This flea market and swap meet is both entertaining and educational. Local anglers set up booths to sell, trade, swap and give away many current and antique fishing and boating gear. Free Raffles, 50/50’ are held throughout the day. It seems there is something for everyone.
Last year I found several old rods and reel combos that I used when I was very young. It brought back many memories from my childhood.
So if you want a great time to wander through booths and tables of gear – most are antique, talk to experts and amateurs about their own “fish stories” and pick up that item that will bring back memories, then this is the place.
There will be food and beverages and plenty of parking. Get there early for the best deals.
Until next time, Tightlines
Livin’ the Dream – A Florida Vacation
We returned to the Outer Banks to a cultural shock: weather was colder, the fishing was non-existent and I had to put my shoes back on!!
So I thought I would re-live some of the places we visited in pictures;
Believe me, the pictures can’t begin to tell the story.
Until next time, Tightlines
Fishing Boca Grande Pass
We traveled mid-morning Monday to Boca Grande Pass. This area is just south of Gasprilla Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. We planned our day around catching Permit, pompano and whiting. But as things will happen, our best laid plans are not always best occurred.
Our plan was to fish the southernmost point of the pass. Along the main route to Boca Grande, there are several Gulf front parking and beach access areas in route to the southernmost point. Decisions had to be made without the benefit of other angler’s success. So we continued to our predetermined spot.
Unbeknown to us, the big fish were being caught on the western shore just north of the point. Big Redfish and whiting were caught on both live shrimp and sand feas.
We decided to continue our travel to the most southern point of the beach. This spot is where the Charlotte Harbor current exits into the Gulf of Mexico. In this narrow space, a significant current can be found traveling within several hundred feet from the shore. The water depth can change from several inches right on the beach to well over 50 feet just yards of the beach. The current is so quick, that it can sweep an unsuspecting swimmer out into the gulf within a matter of minutes.
This current is home to both huge tarpon all the way down to small pinfish and everything in between.
Although, we missed out on the big fish up the coast, we resigned ourselves of just catching some beautiful speckled trout. I hooked up with three real nice ones with the largest at seventeen inches. Using live shrimp and circle hooks almost guaranteed success.
Even though we were outside the main stream anglers and the big fish, we had a great time.
If you are traveling to southwest Florida, a stopover to wet a line on Gasprilla Island and the famous Boca Grande Pass is a must.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Southwest Florida in January
It’s been a busy two days in Southwest Florida. Weather has been just outstanding for January. A bit usually warm but I am not complaining. This time of year is “in season” for visitors and snow birds. On any weekend you can find some type of activity related to fishing.
This weekend we attended two saltwater fishing seminars – one at the Old Pine Island Marina and the other at Laisley Marine. At both we got the opportunity to meet several captains who discussed local fishing techniques. At Old Pine Island Marina, several local chefs cooked up 7 different species of fish and had a contest to determine which was tasted. I did miss the entire fish sample guesses but not the trays as they were passed around.
We haven’t wetted a line yet but we have good idea where the fish are. Not a banner year to shore line anglers but good all the same. The best fishing is in the grass flats and pot holes on the Charlotte Harbor both East and west shorelines. Boats are catching lots of small bottom fish including trout and plenty of snook. When you find the Redfish, they are trophy size.
We left the boat at home so it’s a bank fishing week. We are heading to Boca Grande Pass on Monday to find the huge pompano and whiting. Also, we heard there are plenty of snook in the neighborhood lakes so although success is not guaranteed, we have a good shot.
Until next time, Tightlines
The Perfect Spot If You Know What to Look For
There are many ways to locate a perfect surf fishing spot. The old saying is, “you should fish where the fish are”. But without being facetious, that is not always easy. You can always call a local tackle shop or pier. They can only give you what other people have called in or what “has or is” happening at their location.
My plans don’t always allow me to fish at any optimum time or place. So I go when I can. My favorite spot is the surf. There are so many opportunities there. But you must know where there is a possibility of fish. Blind casting is fun but not very productive.
My first observation when surf fishing is to study the wave action and the beach configuration. I look for a steep drop off at the water line and the rip current. A good indication of a steep spot off is a gravel /shell pile.
Typically fish will be found in the sloughs. A slough is a channel of deeper water between the beach and the sand bar. The sloughs during incoming tides create a “river” of water traveling parallel with the beach. At the weak point in the bar, the water rushes out to sea. This is the rip current.
You should try to fish in this “river” just north or south of this rip. 
In this picture, you can see the beginning of a rip current being formed.
So next time you plan a trip on the surf, look for that tail tale sign. Now that’s where the fish are. Take it from me, this is where I have been most successful.
Until next time,
Tightlines
Black Drum in the Surf
I spent several evenings over the past week trying my luck at surf fishing. It seems that this was my lucky week. I hooked up with a smorgasbord of bottom fish. I caught Black Drum, flounder, spot, croaker, bluefish, sea mullet and blow toads.
I selected the best times where the incoming tides hit the beach at the early evening. Two to three foot waves struck the beach causing a slight chop. Water temps were still in the low 70’s.
Once on the sand, I searched for the break on the bar where the weakest point of the slough pushed water back off the beach. This is where the chaos begins and weak fish tumble in the waves being tossed around in a confused state.
I found this spot easily and proceeded to cast into the wash – just inside the breakers. Bingo – fish after fish. I used my 7’ Falcon Medium Gulf Spin rod with just enough backbone and a light tip – great for felling those tender nibbles. My Daiwa Coastal 3000 reel gave me the ability to retrieve the fish before, they could spit the hook. Fresh shrimp was bait of choice and definitely small pieces on the #4 circle hooks.
There were times I was catching two at a time. What a day!
They say October is for playoff baseball but this week it was for great bottom fishing on the Outer Banks surf.
Until next time,
Tightlines
Fishing At It’s Best
The weather has been just summer super; warm days and very pleasant evenings. (I’m trying to ignore the “hot” spells.) We spent a little longer on yard work than we had planned and my goal for surf fishing was becoming distant.
The First Mate surprised me and helped pack the gear quickly after the tools were stowed and with a short trip to TW’s for fresh shrimp, we made it to the beach just before dusk.
We took two rods – 5-1/2 and a 6-1/2 loaded with light mono and rigged with my new pompano dropper rig. One ounce pyramid was all we needed. Waves were less than two feet. Water temps were into the mid 80’s. Just prefect conditions for those warm water species.
My first cast found the slough and my first sea mullet. Over the next two hours, I caught dozens of mullet, trout, croaker, spot, and flounder and yes a blue fish – all on fresh shrimp. No size but plenty of action.
No question, this was the best evening surf fishing in memory. So if you find the need to just slip away from the hustle bustle, grab a light tackle rod, fresh shrimp and steal away to the beach.
You won’t be disappointed; at least not this week. Oh, yes, there are plenty of flounder in the surf. You just have to have patience.
Until next time, Tightlines.
NCsaltaire 