Posts tagged ‘salt water fishing’
Get Them While They Are Hot
Fished the new Jennette’ Fishing Pier in Nags Head this past Saturday with my Dad.
We arrived early in the morning which during the summer months is the only time to get there. Parking is always at a premium after the sun comes up.
Our goal was to just wet a line and enjoy the day. The weather was in the mid eights with a southwest 10-15 mph breeze. Minimal clouds made it a typical day on the Outer Banks.
We brought shrimp and Blood worms as our fresh bait. I also had an assortment of jugs and spoons. We rigged our 7 foot rods with bottom rigs, 4# “j” hooks and 2 ounce pyramid sinker. We started on the north side about 3/4 the distance to the end.
The only thing we caught was the old pilings that were left over from the original pier. So if you fish Jennette Pier, Remember they left many of these “snags” just for you.
We moved to the south side at the same distance out and caught 30 plus fish. No size but fun all the while. One big change was we reduced the sinker size to 1 ounce. This allowed us to hold the bottom and feel the tender bite.
So if you are looking for a nice time, head to the Jennette’s pier for a great time. Don’t forget, conditions change so do not be afraid to change with them.
Until next time,
Tightlines.
Finally – Fishing in Alaska
Fishing in Alaska was in the cards. We 
stopped by the local sporting goods store for gear and advice. Sportsman’ Warehouse is like a Dick’s / Sports Authority and Bass Pro all rolled in to one. This store was enormous. Your could find gear for all types of fishing and hunting and probably a little of something else. Wow, what a place.
My first question: What can I catch in one outing? The salesperson told me that “Graylings” were running in the Chena River. I was sold – What do I need. ( A Grayling is a fresh water fish in the Salmon family but very small)
I picked up a small 5-1/2 Diawa spinning reel and had it loaded with 6# mono-filament line. No leaders are recommended here. Several small Mepps spinners and believe it or not, they also use small flies suspended under ball floats. Obviously, and out-of-state license was needed.
The best place to catch Graylings was in the Chena River. It was a 45 minute drive northeast of Fairbanks. With no time to spare, we were off.
We arrived at the recommended spots and found them to be absolutely beautiful. Clean, fresh and very cold water.
I tied on a Mepps gold spinner and after several casts, we hooked up with some nice fish. But the enjoyment was short-lived.
The misquitoes were unbelieveable. They would swarm you and soon as you got out of the car. The only saving grace was the occasional breeze.
We fished for several hours that evening. The sun set was scheduled at 1230 am and rise and again at 0335. Actually it would be dusk for three hours then sun rise. My flight was scheduled for 0630, so our time was very limited that evening.
Memories of that beautiful area will be with me forever. If you ever get a chance to fish Alaska, just do it. Just don’t forget your bug spray.
And if you were wandering what an Alaska fishing area looked like, well you are in luck.
Here is my secret spot.
Until next time,
Tightlines.
My First View of Alaska
I flew into Fairbanks, Alaska on Monday, 13 June.
The mountains were surprisingly absent of snow. But I guess in June, most of the snow was further north. The closer I got into Fairbanks, the more level the topography became. Just an amazing sight.
The weather was mild in the mid 60’s with evenings in the low 50’s. Over cast with sun and clouds. Seemed like a beautiful climate. With more than 21 hours of sun and 3 hours of night (really dusk), I was sure to see plenty.
I checked in to my hotel and planned the next several work days hoping I was able to find several hours to wet a line. With plenty on the schedule, my hopes were dim.
One unique landmark that I had to see was the Alaska Pipeline. The pipeline ran through Fairbanks and being so close to my hotel, I had to see it up close. The pipeline runs from the Prudhoe Bay south all the way through the state to the Bay of Alaska
.
Completed in 1977, it runs over 800 miles through the state. When completely filled, it can carry 9 million barrels of oil.
The pipeline runs through three major mountain ranges – Brooks, Alaska and Chugach. It crosses three major rivers and 800 smaller waterways. And to protect the wildlife and not interrupt their environment, there are 554 specially built animal crossings.
If you look at the picture close, you can see several upright units on the brace stand. These are lightning rods designed to absorb the charge.
This is one landmark that should not be missed.
Until next time, Tightlines.
New Destination this Week
Fishing been slow all week here in the Outer Banks. Croaker, spot and plenty of sea mullet could be found both on the piers and small sound bridges. Water temperatures have stayed around the upper 50’s. So you have to work hard to get their attention.
Temps are predicted to rise this coming week. Fish are here but we need to just try many different tricks to catch them.
Work has required me to be away from home and the beautiful Outer Banks this past week. And coming week is no different, but my travels will be taking me to a real fascinating place.
I will be flying into Fairbanks, Alaska on business. The trip will take me through Minneapolis to Anchorage then into Fairbanks. The final destination is Delta Junction, AK.
Schedules are pretty tight but since there happens to be over 20 hours of sunlight, I might find time to seek the water after hours. I have found that there are many places to wet a line in this region. Although I am not familiar with Alaska fishing or any of their techniques, what a great time to learn. Like they say, “No time like present to learn a new lesson”.
Stay tuned for updates on my trip.
Until next time, Tightlines
Speckled Sea Trout Season to Re-Open in NC
Speckled (spotted) Sea Trout fishery will be re-opened at 12:01 A.M., Thursday, June 16, 2011.
According to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, recreational fisherman may harvest six (6) Speckled (spotted) sea trout per person per day by hook and line.
The minimum length is fourteen (14) inches total length. Of those six (6), no more than two (2) may be greater than 24 inches in total length.
The closure this past spring was due to several cold stun events: one in December and the second in mid-January. This event took a significant toll on this fishery.
Even though this fishery has re-opened, only through a conservation effort will we all enjoy this recovery into the future. Remember, only take what you are going to use.
Until next time, Tightlines.
A Great Day to Take a Kid Fishing
On Saturday, the first mate convinced me that visiting “Dare Days” in downtown Manteo was a better choice than working in the yard or fishing. Well, I thought otherwise and when the time came to depart home, I had the rods and gear loaded in the truck.
Dare Days, held annually on the first Saturday in June, is the un-official kickoff for summer for many locals on the Outer Banks. The festival, held on the waterfront and surrounding streets, brings many local artists and vendors from around the region to display their wares and just have a great relaxing time.
The day was beautiful but with all that water around me, my thoughts turned to fishing. After several hours of enjoying the sights and smells of the festival, it was time to go.
I made my way the walkways under the Washington Baum Bridge. The Baum Bridge is on Rt 64 just east of the Pirate’s Cove Marina. This area boasts five new boat ramps and several hundred yards of walkways suitable for fishing, crabbing and relaxing in the shade. There is plenty of parking for both boats and private vehicles.
I had packed both fresh shrimp and blood worms for the day. I also took several of my favorite saltwater artificials.
I did not take long to land several small spot, croaker and pinfish. No size to either but an enjoyable time all the while. I did hook up with a nice 2 pound speckled trout but as reported before, that fishery is closed until 15 June.
My recommendation for a great day. Take a kid fishing under the Washington Baum Bridge. The safety of the dock and walkways make it perfect for small children to learn to fish or crab.
Pick up a small rod, use a double hook bottom rig with 1-2oz. weight. Get a small bag of bait – shrimp or worms, and turn the small angler loose. You need to cast on the north side and wait for the tug. Many oyster shell beds line the south side under the bridge. So be careful not to hit a snag and lose your rig set up.
If you choose to crab, bring some chicken parts, string and a long-handled dip net. Throw the lines with the chicken attached and wait for the pull. As you retrieve the bait and the crab gets close, just scoop them up. Remember, crabs have claws and they know how to use them.
With a little luck, you can catch your dinner or just make memories. And don’t forget the camera. This experience will last a life time for the youngsters.
Until next time, 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.
Special Message from the US Coast Guard 2011
This past Saturday marked the start of National Safe Boating Week 2011. It is no coincidence that this week, focused on educating boaters about the latest safe boating practices, takes place in the days leading up to Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the recreational boating season. Whether you plan to spend the summer sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding or just relaxing by the water, it is important to educate yourself on proper safe boating practices as you enjoy the majesty of our nation’s lakes, rivers and coasts.
Many of you will be taking your boats out for the first time in months and should keep an eye out for the men and women of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Nationwide, the Auxiliary offers free vessel safety checks at various locations convenient to boaters including docks, marinas and launch ramps. The vessel safety check is a courtesy examination to see if your boat is properly equipped for an emergency. One of the best aspects of the safety check, besides the fact that it is free, is that it does not constitute law enforcement activity and citations are not issued regardless of the result of the exam. If you don’t know when the examinations will take place in your area, you can always schedule one here.
Until next time, Tightlines
All You Need is Thirty Minutes
I got off work a little early this evening, made a trip to the fitness center and had a little time before sunset. So I loaded up the “quick surf bag”, 6-1/2′ light tackle rod, and two of my favorite spring lures and headed to the beach. My plan was to fish on the surf just north of the old Kitty Hawk Pier. (on new Hilton Garden Hotel property)
I arrived on the beach close to sunset. So I had to do a quick scan of the surf and fortunately located a nice slough. The outgoing surf was typical with rolling one to two foot waves breaking near the beach. Perfect height to cast over the crests to the flat water. My rod was pre-loaded with a yellow and red “gotcha”. It took about five casts and boom. It was a hard hit. I know that feeling well – small tailor blue.
The easy retrieve brought him to the beach on short order. Several more casts produced nothing. Did I just happen to catch a single blue by accident or did the school continue down the beach.
Thought I would do a quick change up and tied a “krocodile” spoon. The second cast drew another blue out of the surf. As the fish approached the beach, I did the “no-hands” self release technique. All you do is just drop the rod tip down and the fish spits the hook. Easy and safe for both the angler and prey. This technique allows the fish to go free without you rubbing any scales or the protective film off the fish.
Caught two nice tailor blues in 30 minutes at sunset. Using a quick release technique to prevent injuring the fish. Just Priceless!!
So for you all who say, I just don’t have time to wet a line, try my 30 minute technique. It does wonders for your health. And I guarantee even if you don’t catch anything, experience will time well spent.
Until next time – Tightlines.
Nothing could be finer, than to be in Carolina
Today, that saying is as perfect as can be. 
At 1045, the grand opening presentations began for the revamped Jennette’s Fishing Pier in Nags Head. If you weren’t there, you missed an outstanding show. It began with the many congrats to all involved in the construction to the mass entrance for the visitors.
Four members of the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team made a grand entrance. Landing on the beach.
Next the many dignitaries made congratulatory comments. Then Govenour Perdue broke the champanye bottle a piling. As should be expected, the bottle was connected to a fishing rod. She just reeled the bottle into the pier.
Then the race was on. Hundreds of spectators poured into the new pier house, classrooms, gift shop and of course the 1000 foot pier. The new structure included many sheltered areas, benches, fish cleaning stations and signs instructing the visitors to the various sea life. It will be as much a vacation spot as it will be a training center.
Enjoy my pictures.
Tightlines!!
NCsaltaire 