Posts tagged ‘surf fishing’
Big Warm Up Coming
Fishing has been real slow. No news from the northern beaches. Some fish are being caught at the 1-1/2 to 3 mile off the beach.
Most times, we can’t even get on the beach due the snow. I took this picture at the old Kitty Hawk Pier behind the Outer Banks Hilton garden.
The weather is projected to be in the high 50’s through the weekend – might even hit the lower 60’s. So the snow should be gone.
Water temperatures are still a little cold at 40 degrees. Stripe bass seem to get a little lethargic at this temp. We are scheduled to get a south breeze by weeks end so we are hoping that this will bring in the fish. It will be a nice change from the cold and damp winter up to this point.
Cabin fever is beginning to set in and the winter has just begun!!
Fish on Ice
We had a day after Christmas snow storm. Most of the Outer Banks received 3 to 5 inches. At the beginning of the storm even the roads were covered.
Weather will improve over the next several days. The reports call for temps into the upper 50’s and maybe 60’s by the weekend. Go figure!
Ocean water temperatures have been hovering around 39 degrees.
Either case our fish are temporarily on ice.
Watchful Waiting for the Fish
Last picture from the December 2010 Chesapeake Bay fishing trip.
We have been waiting for the Rockfish to arrive in the Outer Banks surf. Over the past several days we heard reports of the “big fish” showing up off the mid Atlantic coast.
Our local boats are catching them at the 1-1/2 to 3 miles off the beach.
No word on anything within casting range. I cruise the beach every day I can for the sign of birds. The heavy gear is ready and like potential new parents, we are watchful waiting. Stay tuned!!
Enjoy Cold Weather Fishing
In a previous post, I briefly described our fishing trip in Hampton Virginia.
The day was extremely cold. Most times when fishing, it’s the angler who has a tougher time than the prey. But with a little preparation the day can be an enjoyable experience regardless of the season.
When fishing in cold weather, remember that you must keep your head, hands and feet warm. Maintaining warmth in these spots will give you the best opportunity for success.
One of the best ways to keep warm is to keep chemical warmers in your tackle box.
One of the best items to help keep you warm is to have several chemical warmers in your tackle box.
I always purchase three large packages (six warming pads in each) each fall. They have a one year shelf life but mine are used way before the spring.
So to make a cold trip enjoyable, don’t forget the three cold spots – heads, hands and feet.
New Spotted Seatrout Regs for NC
New regulations for spotted seatrout will go into effect Nov. 30 for recreational and commercial fishermen in North Carolina coastal waters.
The recreational bag limit for spotted seatrout will decrease from 10 fish to six fish per person per day. No more than two of the six fish may be greater than 24 inches in length. The current 14-inch minimum size limit will remain in effect.
Lack of conservation has caused a significant reduction of this species. Do your part. If your catch is undersized, put it back. But release it carefully so it will survive.
This resource are too valuable to waste!!
Best Fishing Supplies on the OBX
I have patronized TW’s Bait and Tackle for many years. Owners Terry and Robin have been a permanent fixture in the Outer Banks fishing community for close to 30 years.
Their 3 shops continue to be one of the best resources for fishing and boating news, hunting and supplies.
Each year they reward us by holding an oyster roast and all of the fixin’s during the Thanksgiving weekend.
More than 100 loyal customers and others who just happen to visit the Outer Banks this weekend stopped by today to enjoy the outstanding feast.
When visiting the Outer Banks, and you fish , boat or hunt or know someone who does, one shop you must visit is TW Bait and Tackle. They have three locations on the “banks” and each one will fill you in with the lastest sportsman news.
Their web site is www.twstackle.com
During your next visit, this is a stop you must make anytime of the year, but especially during the Thanksgiving weekend.
Pesky Summer Visitors
Summer always brings a challenge for surf fishing. It might be the black flies or storms or maybe beachgoers. But in early August it tends to be those pesky sea nettles. Most of the time, they are harmless. But wade or swim near them and bingo – a painful stings.
This past week, the water began to warm into the 70’s and with it, would come the fiesty Florida Pompano. Or so I thought.
With the upwelling causing the water temperatures to fluctuate and rain changing the sanity of the sound waters, the surf was prime for the summer invasion of jellyfish.
I spent two days this past week chasing this elusive and tasty Pompamo. I tried everything. But between the nettle bodies catching on the line and surf being churned up with Tropical Storm Collin, I came up empty.
I will have to wait for another day when the odds are in my favor. Stay tuned.
What’s with all this cold water
During the summer months, Outer Banks beach patrons may experience a significant change in water temperatures from one day to next.
This phenomenon is known as upwelling. It is typically caused by circular wind motion due to a front from the north that blows winds parallel along the beach. The steady wind blows the warm summer water out at a diagonal direction which ultimately takes it out to sea. With the warm water now gone, the cold replaces it quickly – thus the sudden decrease in water temperatures from one place on the beach to anther. Tides can also aid in replacing the warm water with the cold water. (Double click on picture for water movement).
On the Outer Banks, bathers may feel cold water for hours or days or sometimes longer. And this cold water exchange may be different from one beach area to others along the coast.
If you find yourself in an upwelling situation, either wait it out or move down the beach until you find a warmer spot. Unfortunately, if the wind continues to blow, cold water is here to stay. You may either suffer with the cold water, stay on the beach or find a nice pool.
By the way, fishing is outstanding in areas with upwelling – so grab a rod.
NCsaltaire 