Author: Angler

Starting Point

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The outer banks are a great place to fish whether they are new, a returning visitor or a local resident just looking to jump into something new.

This time of year, visitors are arriving by the hundreds for vacation on the Outer Banks.  Most are looking for their next adventure.  Fishing may have been on their bucket list for years but they really never took the time to explore it.

Now more than ever, visitors are taking that opportunity to experience this pastime that is exploding all over the Outer Banks.  Fishing has been just outstanding over the past several seasons and with so much excitement many new anglers are jumping into this new hobby.

Starting fresh in fishing can be frustrating for any new angler.  Where to go and what to use for gear and bait can be overwhelming to the newcomer.  There are dozens of places that can “set you up” but only a few places can actually get you started so that this first experience is rewarding.

A local tackle shop should be your first stop.  They can help identify the best rod and reel for your use.  They can also provide you with the proper technique but more importantly they can provide the freshest and best choices for bait.  This is lesson #1. Fresh bait, locally caught and unfrozen is the key to getting the most bites. Local tackle shops are also good sources for info on special places to fish, times, conditions and legal regulations that are required.

As any novice would do, some may be tempted to fill their basket with many items that look good or that they saw on TV.  These items do a great job of catching more anglers than anglers catch the fish.  Big box stores or catalogs may offer low pricing but can never provide local knowledge and instruction that your Outer Banks tackle shops can.

This is lesson #2. Fish can be found in lots of places but good technique is specific to an area or region.  What worked at home or what worked last year may not work here and now. A good tackle shop stakes its reputation on return business.  Many consider their return customers as family.  This is something you can’t put a price on.

Once new anglers find their tackle shop home, they can learn the proper basics and move on from there.  Many want to shorten the learning curve by going directly to the advanced class.

But there is no substitute for crawling before you walk, especially when so many knowledgeable sources are yours for the asking.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt Tony

Spring Migration is Here

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We are rapidly heading into the Spring fishing season on the Outer Banks. And with numerous seasonal species beginning to show up on the Hatteras Island beaches, it won’t be long before these summer visitors are moving up to the northern beaches. Water temperatures are gradually increasing and it won’t be long before all of our warm water species are well settled in both the ocean and sound waters.

Most diehard anglers are already catching fish, but are you ready? At the end of the last fishing season, there were many things to address. But the two most important things are to get your gear ready and increase your knowledge on what worked and what didn’t.

First is gear maintenance. This is one of those duties typically lost in the hustle of the off season. But it is imperative to put this in the forefront of your spring duties. Checking your rod and reels for damage or corrosion, replacing rusting gear and updating your tackle bag is only a start. I start with what worked last year and fill in the pieces.

Next, getting more knowledge of our fishery is really the most important key to success. This doesn’t mean we have to go back to school but fishing seminars do help including ones online. Learning new things is important for increased success. There are hundreds of websites, podcasts, and YouTube videos about various techniques.

Another way is stopping by your local tackle shops. They can help with any new gear or specific techniques. You may even want to check the various manufacturer’s web sites. Lots of tips can be found there. These are the professionals – they make it their business to make you a better angler. So stop there frequently.

And finally, checking your catch log book. This is the best way for the average anglers to gain more knowledge. Their log book will tell them what worked best under certain conditions, and when and how? The variables were time of day, tides, weather conditions but probably more important was the water temperatures and barometer readings. Records of what species were caught and what gear and baits were used. One of the best sources of knowledge you can have is a currently maintained log. 

Don’t have a log or reference book. Spring is the best time to start one. Create your own log or purchase one. Then next year you will have an excellent reference on factual data.

Knowledge and personal experience are the best teachers. And the best part, these are simple and provide valuable information that can be used for many years.

Many of the warm water species are close and the summer season is just around the corner. Ready or not, here they come. Will you be?

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Seasonal Change – Getting Cold

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Well, we have finally arrived at that time of year. Another fishing season is rapidly transforming itself into a time of pause. Cold temperatures and the occasional weather system forces our local species into their annual migration. During this phase many of the ocean piers have closed for the season and others modify their hours to accommodate the lack of anglers and fish to catch.

Well, we have finally arrived at that time of year. Another fishing season is rapidly transforming itself into a time of pause. Cold temperatures and the occasional weather system forces our local species into their annual migration. During this phase many of the ocean piers have closed for the season and others modify their hours to accommodate the lack of anglers and fish to catch.

Scarcity sets the stage for anglers to reboot their strategies and plan for the upcoming season. But all is not lost of the lowering temperatures and approaching and unsettled weather patterns.

There are still three ocean access piers open throughout the off season. Both Jennette’s Fishing Pier in Nags Head and Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills will remain open with limited hours. The newest pier, Bonner Bridge Pier at the southern end of the new Basnight Bridge will stay available 24 hours a day.

In addition the three ocean side piers, the Wildlife pier (at Pirates Cove) and Bebop pier (west end of the Umstead Bridge) will be fishable throughout the off season.

The Daniels Bridge catwalk and the Estuarine Access Dock on the Nags Head Causeway are always two great places to fish year around. But in winter, the concrete barrier on the bridge provides a break from the north winds.

The hundreds of miles of surf and sound side access from Corolla to Ocracoke are open to anglers with some restrictions. Check with localities for proper access rules and availability.

There are many days that fishing is very productive when optimal conditions exist but other days will test the angler’s endurance and patience. Anglers should plan accordingly.

And as always, anglers should notify someone where they will be fishing. Due diligence is just good policy. Inclement and winter fishing is different from the warmer weather. Mishaps in summer are easily addressed. But not so much in winter.

The good news is that the Outer Banks surf, three piers, sound side bridges and many of the freshwater ponds and ditches should hold fish throughout the entire winter. Special gear will be needed but those dedicated enough to brave the elements can be rewarded.

Remember to obtain a fishing license where needed and follow creel and bag limits. Release all fish carefully that are not harvested.

As we charge into the off seasons, there is much to learn from last year and much to do in preparation for the coming season.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony