First Time Surf Fishing

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Surf fishing is one of the most popular hobbies for vacationers when they visit the Outer Banks. And with just a little effort, the new angler can have fun and catch dinner. Letā€™s talk about how to get started and be successful.

First, anglers who plan to fish on the surf will need a saltwater fishing license. Short or long term licenses are available either online or at a local tackle shop. And while you are at the tackle shop, new anglers should pick up a copy of the rules and bag and creel limits. Itā€™s also available on the NCDMF website at https://www.deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/marine-fisheries

Once at the tackle shop, the crew can advise you of the best gear, baits, locations, tides and the best times of the day. Of course, most anglers try to fish when and where they can. But new anglers should focus on fishing in the mornings and evenings when there are less swimmers. And more importantly, fish tend to feed more aggressively during those hours.

Now armed with the correct gear and bait, the next thing is finding the best place on the surf. During your visit at the tackle shop, hopefully they provided a little advice on finding fish and reading the water. And as a newcomer, it can be a little confusing and occasionally frustrating because all the water appears the same. But with a steady eye, the new angler will be able to see slight changes in the waves, current and colors.

When reading the water, look for something different. A slough runs parallel with the surf. Moving water creates holes, points and rip currents. Another important key is look at the waves as they break on the shore. Look for piles of gravel, shells and small rocks. This indicates a steep drop off. Fish feed in these areas.

So here are three keys that each new angler should focus on for a successful outing.

First, fresh bait catches more fish. Use shrimp, small mole crabs or artificial fish bites. Blood worms are great but expensive, so stick with more practical baits. Remember,fresh bait spoils quickly so keep your bait out of the sun and preferably in a cooler. This is where fish bites work best, no refrigeration needed.

Hereā€™s a great tip: ninety percent of the fish you catch on the surf will be within fifteen yards from your feet. So keep your casts close in. Allow your bait to move in the current. Check your bait frequently.

And finally move. If you arenā€™t feeling bites within several minutes, move parallel along the beach. The surf bottom has many different configurations. Fish will seek food or protection in an area they find food and safety. Easy to find deep areas and funny wave configurations if you look closely.

If you are fortunate to hook up. The process of retrieving yourĀ  fish should be methodical. When you feel a nibble or bite, and the fish begins to take your line, just raise your rod tip and reel slowly. Never jerk the rod. Jerking pulls the bait and hook away from the fish. Unfortunately many new anglers get excited with a bite and will miss the catch by jerking too fast. So just raise the rod slowly and reel in.

Itā€™s important to use the waves to help bring the fish to the beach. The fish will be trying to escape by swimming straight away. Keeping the line tight, reel slowly when the fish isnā€™t running and taking line. Steady pressure keeps the fish hooked.

The incoming waves will help with your retrieve and push the fish up on the surf. Be patient and use the waves to your advantage.

Once you have brought the fish ashore, remove the hook carefully, take a picture quickly and if you arenā€™t planning to harvest it, release it back into the water.

We will be discussing your best bet and gear types in a future article. Check back soon.

So, there you go. See how easy that was.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Letā€™s Go Pier Fishing

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Donā€™t have a boat and you want to fish. No problem. Fishing on one of the outer banks pier can be an enjoyable outing for the entire family. Itā€™s one of those activities where you can just grab a rod, little bait and catch fish. The best part is you donā€™t need any instruction but with a little guidance, the family can be out catching not only dinner but memories that last a lifetime.

First, most ocean fishing piers offer a blanket license which means you donā€™t need a license to fish. The daily fee allows the angler to fish all day. And if they need to leave for a period and return, that is permissible under the daily fee. The only exception is on the Bonner Bridge Pier where anglers need a saltwater license to fish there.

Next, letā€™s look at gear. Most fish caught on piers are going to be small so there is no need to bring a lot of fishing gear or equipment. Anglers should use a simple seven or eight medium rod and reel that is designed for use in a saltwater environment. If you donā€™t have a rod, everything can be rented at the pier house for a nominal fee.

Next is rigging. This is just as important as the rod and reel. Perfect starter kit is a pre-made two hook bottom rig with small ā€œJā€ or circle hooks and a pyramid sinker. The hook size should not exceed the types of bait. And the sinker should allow the bait and rig to just hold the bottom.

The most popular bait for pier fishing is fresh shrimp. Keep shrimp out of the sun and in a cooler if possible. Fresh bait catches more fish. Other popular baits are artificial fish bites, worms and cut bait. Either works fine but as a new pier angler, shrimp is best.

Picking the best spot on the pier is key. Most piers are long and lined with anglers. It is probably best to start on one side of the pier and fish both sides until you begin feeling lots of hits or bites. The key to successful pier fishing is to move around.

And finally, itā€™s time to fish. You now need to bait your hooks. Use only a small piece of shrimp,Ā  just enough to cover the hook.

Once your bait and rig is ready, just drop your bait straight down over the railing into the water. Make sure your sinker is on the bottom and wait for the tap. Most small fish will tap your bait to loosen it from your hook before taking it. When you feel the tap followed by a tug, raise the rod and reel it in. Thatā€™s it, you are fishing.

Another very important part of any type of fishing is releasing all unwanted fish. If you are not keeping your catch, it should be released back in the water as quickly as possible.

And finally, angler safety is also important. Always wear a hat and dress for the conditions. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed places year round. Bring plenty of drinks and snacks will help make for an enjoyable day.

So now that you are ready, letā€™s go fishing on a local pier!!

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt Tony

Fishing from Land on the OBX

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We are entering the official start of summer so itā€™s a good time to review some of the best places to fish from land.

The most frequently asked question by visiting anglers. Where can I go fishing while visiting the Northern Outer Banks? Well, here are some of the locals’ favorites.

Daniels BridgeĀ ā€“ great bridge deck to fish from the south side only. Easy access, parking, restrooms, shaded area, fishing cleaning station. Good for crabbing. Look for channels and moving water. There is a deep hole approximately one hundred fifty yards south of bridge. Long casts and covering more water increases catches.

Wildlife Pier /Ā  Baum BridgeĀ ā€“ long dock that separates the Albemarle and Roanoke Sounds. Easy access, parking, portable restrooms, shaded certain times a day, benches. Fish the north and east sides of the dock. Drag baits along the pilings and cast north into the slough / channel leading into the marina. Avoid the south side ā€“ rubble and snags from bridge construction.

Various boat rampsĀ ā€“ Wildlife pier ramp (under Baum bridge) and Oregon Inlet (near Coast Guard Station) ramp as well as many other ramps that line the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds are good places to find many bottom fish. Long casts into the sound and slow retrievals into the ramp holes increase catches. Watch for boats being launched and loaded.

Oregon Inlet Fishing CenterĀ ā€“ south point on east side of basin. Good wade fishing and crabbing Watch for waves from boats and deep holes while wading. Parking is good at marina. Restroom facilities are fishing center.

Mid Island – Various dune cross-overs. KH, KDH and NH have dozens of dune break for immediate access to the surf. Some areas require a long walk. Some areas have adequate parking, potable toilets, and stairs and ramps. Fish the moving tides and focus on the close in sloughs.

North Island and Corolla Beaches ā€“ most of this area is a 4-wheel access. A great location during the entire year. Permits are required during the summer months.

BeBop PierĀ ā€“ west end on Mannā€™s Harbor Bridge. Easy access, limited parking, shaded area with benches. Ā North side is good for shallow fishing. East and south are adjacent to bridge. Long casts toward bridge into slough increases chances. Lots of crabs and mosquitoes during the summer.

Bodie Island SloughĀ ā€“ west end of parking area at the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Long walk through gate at end of circle along a dirt road. Minimal parking. No restrooms adjacent to fishing area. Once at slough, good fishing to the north or around any structure. Lots of crabs and mosquitoes most of the year.

Pamlico Sound / Hatteras Island Sound frontsĀ ā€“ many pull offs along the entire coast with direct access to shallow water. No facilities. Park parking permits may be needed if off pavement.

Bonner Bridge Pier – this a new pier at an old location. Located on the south end of the new Basnight Bridge. Extends into the Oregon Inlet channel. Need a license to fish here.

Obviously, there are dozens more but these are my favorites. We havenā€™t included the piers because they are a given. These are the special spots. Piers will be discussed during another post. Remember ā€“ anglers will need a license to fish any of these spots.

Until Next Time ā€“ Tightlines ā€“ Capt. Tony