Posts tagged ‘outer banks’
Pesky Summer Visitors
Summer always brings a challenge for surf fishing. It might be the black flies or storms or maybe beachgoers. But in early August it tends to be those pesky sea nettles. Most of the time, they are harmless. But wade or swim near them and bingo – a painful stings.
This past week, the water began to warm into the 70’s and with it, would come the fiesty Florida Pompano. Or so I thought.
With the upwelling causing the water temperatures to fluctuate and rain changing the sanity of the sound waters, the surf was prime for the summer invasion of jellyfish.
I spent two days this past week chasing this elusive and tasty Pompamo. I tried everything. But between the nettle bodies catching on the line and surf being churned up with Tropical Storm Collin, I came up empty.
I will have to wait for another day when the odds are in my favor. Stay tuned.
Off Shore Dreaming
Ever wish you could go off shore on one of those huge fishing yachts? The dream that takes 30 -40 miles off the coast to the best fishing grounds you could ever see. Some anglers are just destined to stay near the shore. But in the annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament held this month, your luck could change.
Each year dozens of yachts head out of Pirate’s Cove in hunt of the right combination to win this popular event. These yachts are operated by a licensed captain and carry up to 6 anglers and a mate. But during this annual event, one additional person is added to this group – an “observer”. Yes, that’s right, anyone can be an observer.
All you have to do is call the Pirate’s Cove Tournament manager and put your name on the list. Each morning, a lottery is held to which yacht each observer will be assigned. With well over two dozen boats participating in the tournament and three days of fishing, your chances are great for 10 plus hour trip off-shore.
Only caveat is that you can’t fish. Your only duty is to verify that a particular fish was caught. You are basically backing up what the captain sees. That’s it. Easy job and worth each minute you spend cruising.
So if you want to fulfill that dream of seeing that aqua blue water of the Gulf Stream, make that call and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. For information to sign up see the Pirate Cove Tournament web site at http://wwwpcbgt.com.
What’s with all this cold water
During the summer months, Outer Banks beach patrons may experience a significant change in water temperatures from one day to next.
This phenomenon is known as upwelling. It is typically caused by circular wind motion due to a front from the north that blows winds parallel along the beach. The steady wind blows the warm summer water out at a diagonal direction which ultimately takes it out to sea. With the warm water now gone, the cold replaces it quickly – thus the sudden decrease in water temperatures from one place on the beach to anther. Tides can also aid in replacing the warm water with the cold water. (Double click on picture for water movement).
On the Outer Banks, bathers may feel cold water for hours or days or sometimes longer. And this cold water exchange may be different from one beach area to others along the coast.
If you find yourself in an upwelling situation, either wait it out or move down the beach until you find a warmer spot. Unfortunately, if the wind continues to blow, cold water is here to stay. You may either suffer with the cold water, stay on the beach or find a nice pool.
By the way, fishing is outstanding in areas with upwelling – so grab a rod.
NCsaltaire 