Never Too Late

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I’m as guilty as most anglers at this time of year. The 2025 fishing season has been over for months and I have to admit, most of my gear continues to sit idle on my garage rack. But with the 2026 season just around the corner, it’s time for us to complete those off season chores. So put down your remote and let’s get to it!

First, a complete evaluation should be done on your rod and reels. Look for damage, any minor cracks or even corrosion on either the rod seats or guides. Next, removing the reel from the rod will allow you to do a thorough examination and allow for cleaning. Check the butt, reel seat, guides and tip. A good cleaning and applying an anti-corrosion spray might be all you need.  If everything checks out, move on the reel.

The reel should be thoroughly cleaned and oiled. Replace any damaged or worn parts. The drag washer should also be checked. These rarely wear out, but it’s good to just check them anyway. An easy way to check is to tighten down and pull on the line. Make several adjustments and if it pulls drag, it’s good.

Next, gear. Many types of lures and hard bait hooks may not survive more than a year so close focus on these items is imperative. Rusty rings, tangled lines or damaged components can result in potential loss of the catch. Sometimes it’s cheaper to replace the entire lure unless it’s your ‘go-to” catching machine. Then it’s an easy decision to just replace the hooks and rings. One tip: go with a single hook replacement if possible and try to get away from those treble hooks. Makes for an easier release.

Tackle boxes and bags habitually get cluttered over the season with many of those “I must have those” gadgets or maybe the “favor of the month” lure. And even gear attached to leaders that were quickly changed out and too valuable to discard.

Your best option is empty the bag, sort through what’s salvageable and toss the rest.

Sinkers, loose terminal tackle, swivels, extra leader materials should be placed in separate containers for easy access next season. I like to use old plastic medicine jars or even z-lock baggies.

Pliers, scissors, line cutters, fish grabbers should be cleaned or at least organized in its proper place for quick access in the spring.

Remove all batteries on any electronic gear such as bait bubblers, night lights and bug zappers. It is good to look for battery corrosion. Sometimes you can clean the acid but best to replace it completely.

Knives should be cleaned, sharpened, oiled and placed in a sheaths for protection. I typically only keep a bait knife in the bag and leave the filet knives for cleaning fish.

Large items such as coolers, cast nets, pier carts, cutting boards, rod holders and other large pieces need a good flushing, wiped off and stored properly. A mixture of beach and water does wonders in removing stains.

Finally, all metal surfaces should be coated with rods, reels or other gear with an anti-corrosion protectant. Using a good protectant oil is well worth the expense.

Remember, the off season is the best time to find and replace worn or defective gear or equipment.  Because most anglers have their own special fishing collections, I am sure we missed something but that’s what the offseason is for.

It is imperative to address those issues before they cost you that trophy species next year.

Couple things to keep in mind when organizing and cleaning out gear. Salt water is not your friend. Anything that came out of the box should probably be replaced. Once corrosion starts it’s contagious to everything else.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Member of the Club

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Lately, we have been hearing about local fishing clubs having difficulty attracting both new and young members. Here is my recommendation on joining a club.

Fishing clubs can be the best way for a new angler to learn about a local fishery. It can be very frustrating when an angler move§ to a new area and has to start over. But it might be a little more helpful to find that fishing buddy who can show them the best locations and proven techniques in the new area.

But what typically happens when anglers move into a new area? They try winging it on their own. They may eventually give in and stop into a local tackle shop. They might pick up a new rod and reel, grab some bait and then hit the first and possibly the easiest spot and hope for the best. Good start but still not the consistency they need.

Now they may even fall back and attempt to use their personal “it worked up north” gear. They will soon realize that this gear will not hold up for this type of fishing. There is a good chance they may catch something and possibly have a good time. But once they get past that stage, they may ask themselves, now what? Will they continue to return to the tackle shop for advice and keep tempting fate fish or bite the bullet and find a fishing buddy who can show them the ropes?

Well, that’s where a fishing club comes into play. A fishing club can take that new or even experienced angler to the next level. As with every hobby, using certain techniques that if utilized properly will make the activity more successful and even a lot of fun. And this work§ the same way with fishing. Make it a habit doing things right the first time and good times will follow.

Joining a fishing club will give those new anglers that competitive edge. And with the access to a host of knowledgeable and experienced members and the support and camaraderie found there, the angler will find it to be a win-win proposition.

Membership is not just one sided affair though. This commitment in a fishing club takes work. Each member is asked to participate in a number of activities all of which makes the club successful.

There are periodic meetings, assorted committees, picnics, awards dinners and of course tournaments. These all take volunteers to make it happen.  But the rewards are worth the effort.

Most fishing clubs meet monthly sometimes for just a few hours. Typically, there are several part§ of each meeting: Club business, speaker, committee reports and open forum.

Fishing clubs are the best opportunity for an angler to expand their skill level. It can open many doors typically not usually available to the casual angler.

If you are looking for something new and exciting, joining a local fishing club is time well spent and is definitely worth your effort.

The Outer Banks has several types of fishing clubs looking to add new members. Several choices are: Cape Hatteras Anglers Club, Outer Banks Anglers Club and the Nags Head Fishing Club. If you are looking for new friendships and a place to learn new techniques, then check them out.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Fishing in Cold Weather

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It’s January and the air & water temperatures are turning cold. This is a good time to discuss fishing in cold weather.

Fishing in the winter months can present a unique set of challenges for an Outer Banks angler.

Unpredictable weather systems can wreak havoc on even the most experienced angler. And scarcity of cold tolerant species can leave the angler empty-handed.

But in spite of the cold weather conditions, there are going to be many anglers trying their luck and catching fish. So this is a good time to discuss some of the safety precautions that anglers should take when fishing in colder conditions.

Angler comfort should be the first priority. Harsh weather conditions can wreak havoc on even the most stoic angler. Checking the weather forecast before they head out can assist on the type and layers of clothing needed to stay warm and dry. Wind and rain can affect the anglers ability to find a suitable location to actually fish. Stocking hats and gloves help preserve heat. So dress accordingly.

Know the target species. Anglers should check with a local tackle shop to determine when and where their target species was last caught. The tackle shop professionals can help the angler determine the best gear, baits and locations. In cold weather the target species may be scattered about, so narrowing down a specific area will help limit the anglers search time, where to go and limit the exposure to the elements.

In winter it’s best to fish later in the day after both the air and water temperatures have had a chance to warm up. Wintering specie’s metabolism slows in cold water and they typically wait for the right conditions to feed. So a good rule is for the angler to sleep in.

Another reason to fish later is visibility. The angler can see better and observe hazardous conditions such as slippery or uneven surfaces. Piers and bridges can become icy overnight and shorelines can be lined with high tide debris. Navigating on the surf can also be a hazard. Soft sand, drop offs and hidden objects at the water line can cause a trip hazard.

A good rule, if fishing on the surf, is for the angler to wear waders with a belt and a life vest. Even though there is little chance of falling in, at least it can help keep them afloat and visible to rescuers.

The angler shouldn’t burden themselves with too much gear. Only carry what is needed in a knapsack to keep arms and hands free. Taking extra rods and gear can overload them, prevent their ability to move from one place to another and when fishing on the surf or an uneven level can cause them to lose their balance, slip and fall.

Always carry the cell phone in a waterproof container and where they can reach it quickly in the event of an emergency. When fishing in the elements, emergencies can occur quickly and fast action is needed.

Anglers should never fish alone in the winter. The smart thing to do is take a buddy. That way if one angler gets into trouble they have someone who can help out. And if they are fishing alone, it’s imperative that they tell someone where they will be at all times and when they will be returning.

And finally, anglers need to know their limitations. An exhausted angler can put themselves at great risk. When its cold, maybe one more cast is not smart. Live to fish another day.

Fishing in the cold winter months can be both productive and rewarding. But only if the angler takes the proper precautions.

So be a smart angler when fishing in cold winter months.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt Tony