Posts tagged ‘Rockfish’
Waiting for the Fish to Arrive
Fishing has been extremely slow over the past two weeks. I am just now hearing that some nice Rockfish are being caught both in the ocean and sounds. But anglers need to work hard due the stubborn water temperatures. Water has become too cold to fast in the sound but staying too warm in the ocean.
It also seems that the regular migration of big Rockfish and Blues has changed. On a typical fall/winter season, we see the decreasing water temps in the upper Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay drive the fish right to the near waters of Outer Banks for several weeks. Then after feeding heavily, they head off shore to winter in deeper water. Recently, the warm water temps have dropped up north but stayed too warm here. So once the fish arrive, they head straight out to deeper water and away from us.
The slow period has given me time to re-line several of my reels and purge my tackle boxes of used equipment that has seen better days.
One focus should definitely on winterizing your water crafts. Stabilizing fuel, fogging engines, emptying water tanks and hoses, removing all equipment and storing batteries in a protected environment.
A good cleaning of the hull, decks, and other surfaces plus applying a good coat of wax should be standard procedures. Plus installing your winter cover will save you many hours of agony in the spring.
Hopefully there will be better news in the coming days and weeks.
Until next time, Tightlines
Early December Fishing on Outer Banks
I headed out this past week to the Wright Memorial Bridge for Rockfish. The weather was beautiful for an early December morning. Skies were clear, winds from south at about 5 knots and water temperatures were in the upper 50’s. We had just gone through a significant weather pattern which almost completely shut the fishery down so I thought the fishery might be on fire on this day.
This morning we were rigged for just about every rockfish scenario – trolling stretches, rattles, and jig heads. Also, brought along the down-rigger and in-line torpedo weights.
When we arrived at the bridge, we found only one boat. And they told us that they hadn’t marked a fish all morning. Not a fish to be found.
We trolled for an hour and then tried jigging at the pilings. During our time on the water, not more than 6 other boats joined us and promptly departed when they too were unsuccessful. After about three hours, we figured it was time to catch some football on TV.
Even though we can home empty this day, the trip was worth my time. It was the first time I had an opportunity to fish with my longtime neighbor who is an avid angler. Amazing that we lived next to each other for 10 years and never fished together.
On this beautiful day on the Albermarle Sound, my favorite saying could not be further emphasized – “Sometimes it’s not the fish we were after”.
Until next time, Tightlines
2011 Striped Bass Recreational Season Opens
Today the North Carolina Department of Marine Fisheries announced the opening of the Striped Bass Recreational Season effective October 1, 2011 at 12:01 A.M.
Rockfish may be caught by hook and line in the Albemarle Sound Management Area seven days per week. These fish must be at least 18 inches and each angler may keep no more than two fish per day.
The season is scheduled to close at 1800 hrs., Monday, April 20, 2012 unless closed by the NCDMF proclamation.
It’s been a long time since we had a good stripe bass fishery. Only take what you can use. All others should be safely returned to the water.
Only you and I can preserve this important Outer Banks fishery.
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
Still Waiting for My Turn
The 2010 fall Outer Banks Rockfish season has been outstanding. It’s been over four years since we have had a year like this!!
It seems every day we hear of another citation fish being caught. Only problem is that they are a mile or more off the beach. Most surf fisherman can only watch and wait. Boaters are having a field day.
Water Temperatures are still hovering around upper 30’s. We need mid 40’s to bring the big fish within casting range.
When fishing for the Big Rockfish, use a stout 8′ rod , 17 pound test and any shiny spoon, Hopkins or lure that you can cast and retrieve. They are vicious feeders and when they are here, they go after any thing that moves.
Good luck and keep you equipment close. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a banner Rockfish year for the surf fisherman, too.
NCsaltaire 