Posts tagged ‘pier fishing’
Saturday Morning Trout Bite
This first weekend in May has brought many of our summer fish species to the Outer Banks. But with the warm weather and abundance of fish, so came the crowds. The numbers of anglers on the fishing piers were close to a typical summer weekend. This influx of visitors is great for our economy but not for me finding pier railing space.
I had a little time today, so I decided to try the causeway bridge (better known as the Daniels Bridge) for some early action. The weather was perfect with a slight south breeze and air temps in the lower 70’s and water temps in the sixties. With the Super moon coming tonight – luck was on my side.
When I arrived, the bridge was fairly crowded on the south side – some jigging and others bottom fishing. It was a little slow with an occasional croaker or spot being caught. Some anglers brought many under size trout in but no keepers. Oh, yes the crabs were there too.
I had been fishing for about an hour and after changing jig head and plastics several times I found the perfect lure – chartreuse jig head with a green and orange twister tail. Whether it was my choice of lure or just the change in water direction, it seemed the bite was on.
Over the next 30 minutes, I caught three trout – one 22 inch and the other two under slot size of 14 inches.
This was a great way to spend a Saturday morning.
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
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
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
First Fish of the New Year
I kicked off the New Year with a trip to the Kitty Hawk fishing pier. The pier is part of the Hilton Garden Hotel Complex and is open year round. Over the past several days I have been watching the birds circling and diving approximately 300 yards off the coast. They were chasing the winter migration of bait fish moving south to warmer waters. Typically, these frenzied schools are followed by big Rockfish and Bluefish. Some of these fish can weigh in excess of 40 pounds.
With such a beautiful day on tap for this first day of the year, I thought I would try my luck.
The weather had winds less than 10 knots and water temps in the lower 50’s. The seas were calm with minimal surf. It was just a perfect day to spend time on the beach.
I took my eight foot surf rod with a standard two hook bottom rig and one ounce sinker. The bait of choice was cut fish chunks. It didn’t take long for the “dogfish” or sand sharks to find my line.
I spent two hours watching the huge migration just out of reach but catching dogfish sharks.
I could not have asked for a better beginning.
Until next time, Tightlines
Changes to Speckled Sea Trout Fishery
Changes are coming to the Speckled (spotted) Sea Trout Fishery on the Outer Banks effective Monday, November 14, 2011.
According to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, recreational fisherman may now only harvest four (4) speckled (spotted) sea-trout per person per day by hook and line. This is a change down from six (6) during the last proclamation.
The minimum length is still fourteen (14) inches total length. But the most recent proclamation eliminates the restriction where there is a limit to the total length. In the past we can only keep two (2) fish over twenty-four (24) inches. Now the restriction on the maximum size has been lifted.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind my angler friends that we still have a very delicate Speckled sea-trout fishery, so conservation is still the key to a complete re-bound.
Until next time, Tight lines
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.
Tournament Time – 2011
August is the time of the season where the big time fishing tournaments are held.
This weekend the Pirates Cove Fishing Center holds the 22nd Annual and most popular “Ladies Only” Alice Kelly Memorial Billfish Tournament. This event supports the Outer Banks Cancer Support group. Registeration is 13 August with fishing the following day. Don’t forget – Boat decorating happens on Saturday – not to be missed for fun and laughs.
Following this event, on Tuesday begins the 28th Annual and “World Class” Billfish Fishing Tournament. This tournament runs from 15-19 August. This is for all the marbles. Big time boats come for all over just to be apart of the fabulous event. You gotta say – “I was there for this one!! Shirts are available in the ships store.
If you have the time, this is a “can’t miss” event on the Outer Banks. Parties are held each evening with popular bands and food supplied by our local restaurants. Come see the boats return from the sea. Best times are late afternoon around 1600-1700 hrs.
Best news on this post is that my “First Mate” is fishing on Sunday – Good Luck Ladies!!
Until next time – Tightlines
Summer Doldrums
Fishing in July always ends up being slow. The fish are stressed due to the fluctuation of water temperatures. Our highest water temps got into the 80’s and then as magic, they drop to upper 50’s. We are still catching bottom fish from the piers, bridges and surf. As always, the best times to fish is in the early morning and evening.
Also, July brings with it those oppressive temperatures. So let’s talk about taking care of yourself. You must keep hydrated. Drink plenty of plain water. It seems alcohol also increases your thirst. Save those “cold ones” for the dock.
Whenever fishing on the water, I wear loose-fitting nylon shirts and shorts and a wide brim hat. Most sporting goods shops sell UPF/UV protection clothing. I favor Columbia gear. Worth every penny at keeping the sun off you and keeping you cool.
Fishing on the surf or pier, the sun can play tricks on you when the clouds block the sun. UV rays are bouncing everywhere, so a good sun screen and eye protection are imperative.
Heat exposure is a dangerous condition for everyone especially those young and older. Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion. If left un-attended could lead to a very dangerous condition.
When fishing in July and August, look for shady areas or if you find yourself in the sun, limit your exposure.
Until next time,
Tightlines
NCsaltaire 