Posts tagged ‘pier fishing’
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
Un-Predicable Weather – Oh My!
Oh my!! Hurricanes, major flooding, winds, roads washed out, storm surges, and several of the most popular fishing areas on eastern Carolina are significantly damaged and closed for the season.
And now I hear that the Outer Banks can expect another powerful “nor ‘ester” heading to our area mid-week. Something we definitely do not need. Add all this to my crazy travel schedule at work and it equals zero fishing time.
I guess we should be thankful our little island wasn’t damaged worse. I send my thoughts and prayers to my family and friends up north who don’t even have power, phone or in some case they don’t even have a home to go to after “Sandy” visited. I received a report that power in some areas may not be back for more than a week.
I see devastation in many of these areas. I am sure angling; boating or even finding a comfortable place sit down to read a paper or watch a football game. I am sure this is the last thing on their minds.
So let begin by saying things will get better. Normalcy will return with patience and determination.
My last angling outing before the storm hit was on the Kitty Hawk fishing pier. Puppy drum, trout, spot and blues were in abundance. Bait choices were all over the board. Fish were hitting anything in the water.
If you happen to be here, several piers are still open. Surf fishing is outstanding. Inshore and offshore boats are still operating.
Need a break from the anxiety from the past weeks weather, come visit, we are open. Just like my first mate and me, we came here for a short visit and stayed a decade.
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
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.
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.
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.
Your Link to the Outer Banks
I recently updated my web page to incorporate many Outer Banks links. These links will direct you to the many fishing, boating and recreational resources. These sites are a great place to start for both locals and visitors. They can give us “what’s happening” when we want to enjoy the waters surrounding our banks.
Several links will direct you to fishing information such as local piers, weather, Sun and moon data and high and low tides in many of our sounds and ocean as well as obtaining the mandatory saltwater fishing license. I also included links to fishing and conservation clubs.
Others to marine and boating. These links provide guidance to marinas and repair services as well as many others to help your day on the water enjoyable.
The remaining links should provide information on handling emergencies, researching media and obtaining other local news, recreation and travel and ferry schedules.
My favorites are the beach web cams. These cameras are positioned on many areas so you can enjoy the surf conditions even though you may be hundreds of miles from our coast.
Keep checking back for additional links and great fishing and boating information.
Until next time, Tightlines
It’s in Your Line
In my last email I mentioned that changing lures helped me catch more fish. But the truth is maybe another component of my equipment allowed me to catch more on this day. While fishing on the Daniels Bridge, the key was I out casting everyone on the rail. Here’s a secret tip.
Several months ago, I attended a seminar with Capt. CA Richardson. He continually stressed the more water you can cover, the more fish you can catch. He told me three important points to improve your casting distance: use a reel with a larger baller; single piece rod with a light tip; and a special line.
Well, I purchased just the rod and reel some time ago and I noticed some improvement on distance. Then I took his recommendation and picked up a spool of Ohero braid. I tried several different sizes and until I settled on 15 pound test.
Most of anglers on the bridge knew that there was a nice hole about 100 yards south of the bridge, but really no one could reach it. Their casts were at least 25 yards short. After a little more than an hour of unsuccessful casts, many of these anglers became frustrated that they could not reach the spot, they moved on to bottom fishing. That left a perfect rail space for me.
I moved in and within 30 minutes, I caught some nice trout.
Was it the gear, the conditions or just plain luck? Either way, I took advantage of it.
So for my tip of the week and for greater distance and coverage, go for the best line you can afford. There are many to choose from but my choice is the Ohero brand.
Until next time, Tightlines
NCsaltaire 