Thanksgiving week on the Outer Banks always brings out the best of our area.  The region is alive with both locals and visitors busy shopping, preparing for that big meal and enjoying those final days of our fantastic fall fishery.

The weather is still beautiful and the fall fishing continues be exceptional.

But as this week comes to a close on the Outer Banks so starts the closing of our ocean piers for the season. They will all be closed by 01 December.

There are two exceptions: Jennette’s Pier and the Hilton Garden Inn Kitty Hawk pier. The Jennette’s pier will remain open the entire winter season with limited hours.

The HGI Kitty Hawk pier will also remain open too but you must check in with the front desk for hours and to gain access.

Now just because the piers are closing and crowds are smaller, doesn’t mean our fall fishery is over. There are plenty of fish to be caught so don’t put that rod and reel up just yet.

Most sound side bridges and docks are always a semi-protected place to fish when the weather is a little rough. The surf is also a great place on nice days to try your luck. You may still find some scattered puppy drum, black drum, sea mullet, blues, speckled trout and possibly puffers around for the several weeks.

In December, we begin to move into our ocean winter fishery where “practice fish” such as rays and dogfish are the most common catch. But you never know what else is out there so always keep your big game gear close.

The sound side piers may also be productive over the next several weeks too with Stripe bass as the primary target. These fish could possibly be around throughout the winter season. Depends on the weather.

Remember cold water fishing requires you to change up your approach slightly and modify your techniques a little. But if you work hard and fish smart, you can still be successful.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy and safe Thanksgiving. And especially for supporting the Walkingangler in 2015.

Look for more exciting entries for 2016.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony