Posts tagged ‘salt water fishing’
Gulf Stream for Whites
My off shore trip out of Ocean City, Maryland on 23 September was just outstanding.
We left the dock at 0415 on the Marli – 58′ custom Carolina Sportsman. Capt Brian had a goal of whites and meat. His charters this year had an outstanding bite, so we had high expectations. There were four fisherman, two mates and the captain.
With my turn in the chair, I hooked up on the first bull dolphin about 0730. The dolphin bite continued to be productive but somewhat intermittent throughout the morning. Everyone got into the party!!
About mid-morning I brought in the first yellow fin of the day. This fish weighed in at about seventy lbs. Great start. A short time later we had a quad hook up of yellow fin but only brought two in. These two weighed in at 60 lbs each. Not too bad.
Just after lunch the whites began to surface. During the next two hours, we hooked up with seven whites and boated four.
We finished our day with four white marlin, three yellow fin tunas and twenty dolphins. This ended up to be a great day in the gulf stream.
If you are looking for a charter out of Ocean City, ik recommend Capt Brian on the Marli. We stayed at the Comfort Inn which was 5 minutes from the Sunset Marina.
We have already booked our date for next year.
Until next time, Tightlines.
Off Shore Fishing – Ocean City, Md
Heading to Ocean City to fish out of Sunset Marina on Friday. This trip is my annual with my work buddies. Sunset Marina is a full service facility. I might be bias but this is a first class marina.
Weather calls for high chance of rain and thunderstorms. Seas are expected to be 3 to 5 feet with 15-20 knot winds. Should be excellent conditions to raise those white marlin. Only fly in the ointment is that chance of rain. Hopefully we will not melt, so off we go.
Before the “blow”, many whites were caught and released. Charters are also bringing in plenty of “meat fish”. Hope they school up a little before Friday.
Check back for updates on my trip.
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
Fall Fishing in the Outer Banks
As we move into the fall season, we find saltwater fishing in transition. We go from a terrific summer bite in warm water where there is just something different on every cast. Then we move to a more targeted approach and many unpredictable conditons.
We are used to just throwing the bottom rig and waiting for the bite or using a small swimming jig. Typically, we find the smaller fish in the surf with an occasional trophy.
Our fall season opened this week with a bang. There was a 43″ – 26-1/2 lb. drum caught off the end of Jennette’s pier on Monday. As well as many pompano, croaker and plenty of spot still being caught on the surf. The water temps have been steady dropping but there are still many suitable species available.
September can be more of an unpredicatable time. Weather can be rough or calm. Seas can cause havoc with timing and patience. We need to begin breaking out the heavier gear. Line, lures and tackle should be thoroughly checked. The first thing we should do to open this season is replace the lines. Failing this basic chore can mean a disaster when you hook up with that prize. If you can afford it, go with braid. Any premium brand should work.
Next, I try to toughen up the hooks. Exchange the standard ones with a premium brand. They are easy to replace. This is where you should never go cheap. You should buy in bulk so you have replacements throughout the fall season.
Finally, you should check your rods and reels for damage and repair any findings.
Fishing gear in good condition increases your odds at success.
Until next time. Tightlines.
One Last Look at “My Irene”
The Kitty Hawk area of North Carolina area got hit very hard. I am very lucky compared to many others. Several new inlets were cut on Hatteras Island, 25% of the new beach was lost in Nags Head, significant damage to sound side homes and property and many other horror stories both from friends and in the news. With all that was lost by others on the Outer Banks, I am very thankful.
One result of the storm was a neighbors pontoon boat broke its moorings and ended up in my yard. Not sure how we can move it. “No, I don’t need another boat.”
Also, a huge tree fell and landed on my flats boat in the driveway. There was minimal damage even though it appears worse. A BIG thanks to many helpful neighbors who assisted lifting this tree off the boat and moving the debris to the road.
And finally, several huge trees blocked our road. Again, a big thanks to the Town of Southern Shores for the quick cleanup.
Now it’s time to focus on the purpose of my blog – Fishing. As I write this blog, I am heading to Florida. I plan to fish several different areas in the southwest regions; Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Longboat Key and maybe a trip south to 10,000 Islands.
Hopefully, the fish cooperate.
Stay tuned for Forida fishing news.
Tightlines.
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.
They Are All Winners In My Book
Well the Ladies on the Marlin Gull did not place or show in the Alice Kelly Tournament but a great time was had by all. Twelve hours on the water never dimmed their spirit to charge on, just hoping the next hook up was that “big white”.
While several white marlin were caught by the ladies as well as two nice bonita, they were not enough.
But my first mate was on the rod for one of those bonita. Excitement was an understatement when she first spied me waiting for her on the dock.
It appears we now have another off-shore fanatic in the family. Can’t wait until next year. All I have been hearing is “when is the next tournament”? Can’t come soon enough for them.
But until then, they are all winners in my book.
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.
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
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
NCsaltaire 