Posts tagged ‘outer banks’
Super Moon Spring 2012
Super Moon – The largest moon of the year will raise above the horizon on Saturday, 5 Ma 2012. Not only will it be a phenomenal sight but when it coincides with a high tide period, it tends to produce outstanding fishing. This large moon appears once per year when it is closest to the earth.
Some anglers, including myself, monitor for this combination of full or new moons and high or low tides throughout the year. We are always trying match the moon and tides. But once a year, when these two – Super Moon and high tides – occur at the same period – GAME ON.
I have found when both of these occur, the bite is tremendous. As usual, best times can be early in the morning or early evening.
With the advent of this huge super moon, fishing will start to improve on Thursday, peak on Saturday and slowly wind down by Monday. There is usually a 5-7 day window on each side of the full or new moon.
If you get a chance to get out this weekend, you might find fish bite better than other times.
Oh, and don’t forget your camera. This should be a “super sight”. See you on the beach.
Until next time, Tightlines
Got to Fish Hard for Success
The end of April typically brings in many bottom fish. Piers and bridges are catching blues, shad, blow toads some small trout. Water temps are in the lower 60’s so May should be an outstanding month. Some nice trout and blues can be found in the surf near structures and piers. Early morning and late evenings are best.
The hot spot has been the Daniels Bridge (better known as the “little bridge”). Anglers have been catching blues and many keeper trout early in the morning. Although some small fish have been around all day.
I read a report today that the anglers are using an old “Florida Trick” to catch trout in the sound. They are using a popping cork with a gulp shrimp on the hook. We have been using this technique in Forida for many years with good success. I am sure it has been used locally, but this is the first time I have heard it being used here.
As you can see from my picture, I had the opportunity to fish off-shore last weekend and hooked up with a nice tuna.
Best bet this week is gulp shrimp suspended on a popping cork early in the morning or lead head with twister tails for trout or blues. Lighter colors work best in spring with slow steady retrieves with an occasional jerk are a must.
Until next time, Tightlines
Time to Stretch Your Legs
Get ready, get set, go. For those who love the Outer Banks, the Cape Hatteras lighthouse,one of the most famous landmarks on the east coast, is opened for the season.
Starting today you can climb the 140 year old lighthouse from 0900 to 1630 daily. Cost is a minimal $7.00 for adults with a discount for kids and older adults. The trip to the top is worth every penny. And the views from the top deck are just stunning.
For those who are not familiar with the lighthouse, it is located in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The seashore park is approximately one hour south of the Nags Head in the town of Buxton. The national park houses a beautiful seashore and many out building describing the history of the “move of the century” and various wildlife inhabitants and the historic lifestyles of the island residents. The move of the century occurred in 1999, when the ocean threatened the lighthouse and the park service had to move it back 2900 feet to its current location.
If you can find the time while visiting the Outer Banks and you want a spectacular experience, a visit to this lighthouse is a must do. One suggestion, get there early. Crowds and long lines can cause a significant delay at getting to the top.
Tip of the day – Don’t forget your camera on this climb to the top.
Until next time, Tightlines
Heading to Florida Again
It would be hard to picture life without fishing.
People who do not fish do not understand the therapeutic value of fishing, losing you to the motion of the waves and just relaxing.
The best things about fishing are where you do it, and that you do not carry a score card.
This saying was found on “fishin franks” web page. This tackle shop is located in Port Charlotte, Florida. If fishing in this area, Fishin Franks must be your first stop.
Look at future posts this week for our fishing experiences and tips from our southwest Florida spring trip.
Until next time, Tightlines
March is Like a Lamb
March usually comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb but this year its been a lamb all year. The weather has been just outstanding with beautiful blue skies and mild breezes. We had some cooler weather lately but nothing like years past.
This week the weather is turning from cooler to warm with daytime temps into the lower 80’s. Water temps are still in the 50’s but as previously posted, warm water is close.
Traveled west of here earlier in the week and saw something foreign to me over the past several months. Anglers fishing for shad on the Daniels Bridge.
Shad are a type of herring but grow a little larger. Typically, you will find them in the eastern carolina tidal creeks in March. But we always get a run in the sounds. You can catch them on small spoons, flies and a variety of artificials. Shad are more active in the warmest part of the day so go late.
Piers are reporting dogfish, skates and some puffers. And the southern beaches are seeing some drum move into the area.
Tip of the week – Ready the gear because once the fish are here there is no time to deal with rusty equipment.
If you plan to fish on Hatteras Island this year, don’t forget to get your vehicle pass. The park service is beginning to enforce the rule now. $120 for an annual pass or $50 for the weekend. Tough choice. Getting mine Saturday.
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
New Spotted Sea Trout Regs
More changes are coming to the Speckled (spotted) Sea Trout Fishery on the Outer Banks, effective Monday, February 27, 2012. As you recall we had a major kill off last year and the Division of Marine Fisheries has been working to help the stock recover. We are close but we still need to conserve.
According to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, recreational fisherman may still harvest four (4) speckled (spotted) sea-trout per person per day by hook and line. There is no change from the limit in the previous proclamation.
The minimum length is still fourteen (14) inches total length. But the most significant change states that DMF have eliminated the limit of fish over Fourteen (14) inches. Previous rules state that only two (2) fish over twenty-four (24) inches could be harvested. Now there is no limit to size over fourteen (14) inch size.
As a community, we have all worked together to help this fishery recover. But the work is not over. When fishing for spotted trout, only take what you can use today and return the rest to be caught again.
Only with aggressive conservation can we save this fishery for future generations.
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
Next Stop – Fishing in Islamorda
We traveled to Key Largo on Friday with a goal of continuing our Florida fishing adventures.
Our first stop was our overnight lodging at the Holiday Inn in Key Largo. This hotel is a full service with restaurant, pool and newly renovated rooms. It turned out to be very nice and a great value. During your next stay in the keys, you need to check this one out.
The next stop was the Yellow Bait shop and we picked up shrimp and fishing advice. They directed us to the Tea Table channel just opposite Bud and Mary’s Marina – about the 78 mile marker.
Once we arrived at the channel bridge, we rigged our rods with a Carolina rig – 1 oz. barrel weight and a single #4 circle hook. The current was strong so we needed something to help restrict the movement after of positioning cast.
We alternated between the main channel and bridge piles. We rigged the entire shrimp on the hooks thinking that we would hit something big. Only problem, the small mangrove snappers would steal the entire shrimp without touching the hook. Solution was to cut the shrimp into three pieces. Bingo – each cast brought a nice mangrove snapper to shore. This catching continued for well over an hour.
A short time later the first mate hooked up to what she thought was a snag. It turned out to be a huge jack cravelle. With a little help from me, we brought the 24” fish to shore. As always, my philosophy is that a fish is too valuable to catch only once. So we carefully revived the big girl and allowed her to swim safely away under the watchful eyes of a family of brown pelicans.
After we ran out of bait, we headed across the street to Bud and Mary’s Marina. There we shared our story and pictures and they were amazed and happy that we were able to land this huge fish directly from the shore.
Our next stop was the Salt water Sportsman / Bass Pro Shop. This is a fishing supply store like no other. Also, we eat dinner at the Islamorda Fish Company restaurant next door. We then headed back to the hotel to get ready for another busy day.
Until next time, Tightlines
NCsaltaire 