Posts tagged ‘rip currents’
Watchful Waiting for Irene
Weather is still beautiful here on the Outer Banks. Mid eighties down to mid 70’s. Slight breezes out of the southwest and one foot waves on the beach make the conditions seems like another typical end of summer. But as we all are aware Hurricane Irene is looming south in the Bahamas and traveling on a due north path right at Cape Hatteras. All reports put the storm directly over the thin stretch sand bar commonly know as the northern Outer Banks sometime this weekend.
Water temps are in the mid 70’s with plenty of croaker and spot about the surf
. Blood worms and fresh shrimp are the best choice. I always like to fish just before a significant barometer change. It seems the fish are more active or maybe they just know conditions will not be favorable for feeding for several days. Take advantage of this increased action.
Hyde County has issued a mandatory evacuation of Ocracoke Island on Wednesday morning for all non-residents. Thursday morning brings the evacuation order for residents.
No news for the upper Outer Banks but if Irene continues on the current path, we should expect that order Thursday or Friday.
One point of caution, stay out of the water. With the impending storm, comes an increased risk of rip currents. Remember rips during low tides are the most dangerous. Use caution when fishing in the surf.
Funny thing is happening in the news media. Not that they are using words like: devastation, major impact, monster storms and the like. Its the final statement they have been using and it goes like this, “say a little prayer she moves a little east – if not, well…”
Keep a sharp eye on the local weather forcasts, get prepared and stay safe.
Tightlines.
Celebrating the 4th in Style
Happy Fourth of July!!. As we celebrate this holiday, we need to take a moment to remember those dedicated men and women throughout our history who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. For without that commitment to the cause of freedom, we would not be able to enjoy this day.
So on this beautiful day from the Outer Banks, I would like to toast those who served to our country both past and present with my traditional July 4th menu from Capt Tony’s.
I salute you!!
TIghtlines
Kick off The Summer with Us
Memorial Day is typically the kick off for the summer season in most regions. Here on the Outer Banks we had kick off many weeks ago. Fishing has been iffy – from great to just mediocre. Water temps have been changing, it seems daily. One day warm in the 70’s then dropping down to the mid 50’s. One main stay has been the sea mullet and blues. Some spot, croaker and flounder have been picked up in the sounds. Blues can be caught on gotchas, spoons and cut bait on a bottom rig. The mullet, spot, and croakers favor blood worms. The flounder seem to like double jugs with twister tails – near structure and pilings.
But we also been having another visitor that has been hanging around. These visitors are rip currents. I believe there have been more rip currents this year than any in recent times.
A rip tide is a strong and narrow channel of water rushing seaward. This tide is created when wind and waves push water up on the shore. At some point the water begins to move sideways and parallel with the beach in search of a weak spot on the bar. The sand bar weakens under the tremendous pressure and breaks free, allowing the excess water rush seaward.
If you happen to be in the water at this point, the current will pull the strongest summer or angler out to sea.
This year we have already had hundreds of rescues. This past Tuesday while enjoying the new Jeannette Pier, I witnessed two summers struggle to remain on shore. Both were caught in a rip current. Luckily for both they had boogie boards. Only after much coaxing, did the pair make it back to shore. Without those boards and the support, we might have had a tragedy.
When fishing the surf, always monitor the wave and tidal action. Stay just off either side of the rip current. This always a great indicator where the fish are but it also tells us where we should exercise caution.
Be safe and enjoy the beginning of a great season.
Until next time, Tightlines.
NCsaltaire 