Posts tagged ‘outer banks’
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.
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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
WOW – Labor Day is here. Where did the summer go?
As we move from the summer season to September, this marks the end of the summer season, but by no means does it mean the end of the fishing on the Outer Banks. The ocean and sound water temperatures are still in the 70’s and weather is still very mild.
With the exception of an occasional evening thunderstorm or rare hurricane, there is little that can postpone a great trip out on the water.
My recommendation for the next several weeks is surf or pier, although, you will also find the sound fishing to be outstanding. Sound fishing will be a topic for another blog.
Our warm water keeps those bottom fish right near the shore; basically, at your feet in the wash. Pompano, trout, croaker, flounder and spot should be easy to catch. We still have an occasional Spanish mackerel but they will be gone soon.
My favorites are both speckled sea trout and puppy drum. They both can be caught artificial, live or cut bait. Typical bottom fish will take blood worms. So you should always take a variety of baits.
I also look for the mole or sand fleas. These little crabs can be found at the water’s edge, burrowing in just after the wash recedes. These are great for pompano.
Light tackle including that 5-1/2 rod with #8 lb. test line really gives you the best action. I use a #4 circle hook on both a bottom rig and “Carolina rig”. Sinkers can be pyramid or bank types. On the Carolina Rig, I use a sliding egg sinker. Size depends on current and wave action. Smaller is always better than larger. This type of rig allows the bait to remain in a one area but to float freely at different depths.
Now the best bet for the next several weeks is to “just go”. And you will not be disappointed.
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
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.
Are We There Yet?
If you ever had to tow a boat, you probably have asked that question a hundred times. I know that I have.
My “Fantasea” mother ship needed a mid-season engine tune-up, so I pulled her out of the water and hooked it up for the trip to the shop.
The trip to the shop was easy because I picked a Sunday evening to travel. In a resort town, a Sunday is usually the quietest day of the week. It was a great trip down to the boat yard.
But the trip back was more eventful. My work schedules on most days do not permit me to get off early. But this past Wednesday I was able to make it work out.
Wednesday’s in a resort town just happened to be the busiest, only second to weekends. It seems that by Wednesday our visitors realize that their week is almost over and they need to fill those days with activities planned for a full week.
So here I am, traveling back from the shop, boat in tow, on the busiest vacation day of the week. Most vacationers are unfamiliar with my beach. And they typically ride in the middle of a four lane road, sightseeing or searching for the famous spot they read about long before their visit here.
And as most drivers do when they find that restaurant or gadget store – swerve to the right or left almost instantly so they don’t miss their turn.
Now here is where I say those famous words: “Are we there yet”. Drivers don’t realize that it takes a longer distance to stop a vehicle with a boat or trailer in tow, especially when we are traveling at a higher speed. And inevitably an out-of-towner will find that small space between two cars ahead, just when someone needs to turn or stop. Then bingo – I get a chance to test both the truck and trailer brakes.
Patience and courtesy for your fellow drivers run very thin at these points. But I am an extremely caucus driver and although my trip was very testy, the Fantasea made it home safe and sound.
So next time you see a boat in tow, remember to give them space.
Until next time, Tightlines
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
Been Fishing Lately?
Well I have and it’s been a banner year. I have fished many places but the best was on Jennette’s Fishing Pier.
Seems it doesn’t matter what time of day or bait type, you will be catching fish. Pier fishing is at its best in July.
This time of year, I focus on two primary methods of fishing – top water jigging and standard bottom rig. I always take two rods on any fishing trip, one is a medium spinning rod and the other a light tackle set.
I use the light rod for the top water rigs such as “gotchas” or small lead heads with chartreuse twister tails. Sometimes a double white buck tail will catch a nice trout or single bluefish. The best (worst kept secret) bait has been the Berkley white grubs. This bait is a little on the expensive side but worth their weight. Next trip to the tackle shop, you need to pick some up. One important tip – makes sure the leader materials are a little heavier and if possible, only use fluorocarbon line. Fifteen to twenty pound test is fine. When using this type of line, it becomes nearly invisible under the water. And this prevents spooking the fish.
On my medium rod set, I use the standard two hook bottom rig. Remember; always try to use a new bottom rig on each trip because even though the older one looks fine, rust can wreak havoc on the metal. You will need “top of the line gear” when fighting that big fish. The worst things that can happen are to lose that fish in the water or just as you are bringing it over the rail.
I try to use all circle hooks. I like #2 or #4 for the best all-around success. Finally, weight – look at the current and select the best one to just hold the bottom. Too large a weight will cause you to miss those bites. Pyramid types are best.
Bait choices for bottom rigs are fresh shrimp or blood worms. I try to buy only shrimp for eating. It seems this type, verses the tackle shop version, gets more bites. It might be that store bought is fresher. Go with the fresher store bought shrimp if possible. And peel it. My best days are with peeled shrimp as bait.
Any trip to the pier must include back up gear. You are going to lose rigs, hooks and weights. Make you bring plenty of extras. A good hat and sunscreen are a must to keep skin damage to a minimum. At least one rag to wipe sweat or dirt off your hands. Also, great for holding that fish. You will find this to be the most valuable tool.
Finally, water and snacks keep you satisfied when you get those hunger pains. Hydration is the name of the game and results in a more pleasant trip. Someone told me that alcohol and fishing go together – but not in hot weather.
Tip of the day – you need to go early. Fish typically are more active early morning and early evening. Check with the pier manager or tackle shops for best times, baits and methods.
Second tip of the day – when fishing the Jeannette’s Pier, watch out for the sunken piles from the old pier. They were left in place for some unknown reason. You can find them on the north side between the second and third turbine. See the picture at the top of this blog. Another way to locate – no one will be fishing at that spot. Don’t get fooled.
Good luck and let me know how you did.
A final note on conservation – only keep what you can use and release the rest. Fish are too valuable to catch only once.
Until next time, Tightlines.
NCsaltaire 