Fishing the Baum Bridge

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There are many places to fish on the Outer Banks in the heat of the summer but none better than the pier under the Washington Baum Bridge. This dock is a favorite for both locals and visitors. Most days throughout the summer and fall, you will find scores of anglers lining the railings.

The pier is located on U.S. Hwy 64 just under the western end of the bridge. The pier along with one of the finest small boat ramps can be easily accessed at the light past the western end of the bridge and just across from the entrance of the Pirates Cove Marina.

Anglers use the side road that parallels the highway to access the area and then follow this road toward the ramp. The pier is located on the left. In addition to the easy access, there are more than 50 parking spots, toilet facilities and sloped ramp that help those with limited mobility to access the pier.

The pier is several hundred feet long with plenty of benches and the best “fish railings”. The entire area is family friendly and a great place to spend the day either catching dinner or just enjoying the outdoors.

Fishing is very good with many species seeking safety under and around the pilings. Anglers frequently catch croakers, spot, and black drum and keeper flounder when in season, speckled trout, and occasional puppy drum. It is not unusual to catch under slot stripers all year but the best catches of keeper Stripe Bass are in the cooler fall months.

Anglers will typically use light tackle 6-7 foot rods with either two hook bottom rigs or a Carolina rig with cut bait, blood worms, fresh shrimp or Fish Bites. Don’t oversize your hooks especially in summer. Squid is an effective bait for flounder but it also seems to attract crabs.

There is a deep slough just north of the pier that holds plenty of fish. But only a strong cast can reach those holes. It’s best to focus under the pier and just a dozen yards out.

You should avoid the south side unless you are fishing the water surface. During the bridge construction much of the rubble and leftover debris was stacked on that side. So unless using a popping cork or jigging, it’s smart to stay on the north side.

The entire north railing is good for catching fish but  the favorite area is just at the easternmost end of the pier. Anglers who cast toward the huge bridge bumpers can be rewarded with larger species that travel along the faster currents under the bridge.

Overall this pier has been a favorite spot to fish for both novice and seasoned anglers for years. It’s the go-to-place when anglers need a change of pace or to get away from the hot summer sun.

Fishing licenses are required to fish on this pier so check with your tackle shop before you go. Also, follow the bag and creel limits. Only harvest what you can use.

So if you are looking for a place to spend the day, discover this pier for your next outing. You won’t be disappointed.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Structure – Helping Hand

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Warm weather fishing can be tough. And anglers can always use a little help especially in summer. So let’s talk about structure again. So what does having structure have to do with being successful?  Plenty!!

An angler can significantly improve their catch rate if they are able to recognize the presence of structure and how to use it to their advantage. This knowledge along with several other scouting skill sets can give both the novice and experienced angler that competitive edge.

Structure can be defined as anything having an unusual characteristic found either horizontally under water or standing vertically in the water column. Many structures are created by nature or man-made. They are either installed to support another structure or stand alone.

Regardless of the type of structures, they can also be found at various locations and water depths.  Either way, structure can be beneficial for both anglers and most saltwater species.

Examples of vertical structure could be pilings, bulkheads, tree stumps, root systems or jetties that extend at or just above the surface. Horizontal structures may be submerged or just below the surface and may include depressions, holes, drop-offs, ledges, rocks, tree roots or sunken logs. The most common horizontal structure are small holes or depressions and the change where sand bottom meets a grass flat.

Regardless of the type, structures provide safety and good food sources for many species. The fish’s ability to move around this formation provides their ability to avoid another predator and feed. Also, many small bait fish and a variety of crustaceans will stay close to the structure, adding to the larger species’ food source. Basically, it’s a smorgasbord or buffet for most marine creatures.

When fishing a vertical structure, the angler should focus on the leeward side. Fish typically remain in the calm leeward side waiting for a bait fish or other species to pass by.  When fishing a horizontal structure such as a depression or grass flat, let your bait pass as close to the change or structure as possible, modifying your speed and lure action as you the retrieve.

As a general rule, when fishing structures, anglers should mimic the action of a bait fish or crustacean. They must provide a natural retrieve. Bait or lure presentation is extremely important as not to spook or chase the fish out of that zone. The bait or lure should be retrieved slowly both in the current and static areas. Then repeated.

Proficient anglers have the ability to use various retrieval or twitching actions that cause the fish to either sense anger, fear or instill their interest to attack.  But it is imperative that the action must be natural and lifelike.

Some structures are easily located but others are not.  Vertical structures are obvious – they stick out of the water. Horizontal ones must be discovered. I have found one way to locate a bottom structure is to take either a bank sinker or a lead jig head with the hook removed attached to a break-away light test leader and cast out in various locations. Feeling any resistance during the retrieve can reveal uneven bottoms or the submerged structure. Repeat this action, sometimes approaching it at an angle to verify the condition or structure. The anglers ability to recognize and use this structure is the easiest way for anglers to improve their catch rate.

And although it’s an important part of finding fish, its only one tool in the angler’s catch box. The ability to recognize structure and use it to catch fish can be a game changer.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Knowing Tides Does Matter

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Tides have a major influence on whether you catch fish or not. It’s the tides that help create the ideal conditions for fish to feed. And if the angler is present during these times, their chances of catching something improve dramatically.

As a rule, most anglers prefer to fish on the high or low tides. And frequently, anglers will also monitor sun and moon phases, but it’s the tides that brings them out.  It’s the specific part of these tides that make all the difference.

Let’s take a closer look at why you too should consider following the tides.

Ocean tides occur up to four times per twenty-four hour period – two high and two low. The tide phases are influenced by a number of conditions but mostly by the moon.  Frequently, we hear that it’s best to fish on the exact full or new moon or on the top of the high or the bottom low tide because in theory that’s when the bite is on.This is only partially correct. Let’s take a closer look at how the tides affect the bite.

But first, a little background. When the high and low tide are at their peaks, the water is slack and not moving unless there is outside influence such as wind. And second, when the tide is between the high and low stage, a significant water movement can occur between the two tide phases.

Now, let’s break down one side of a tide. At the highest phase of high tide the water is slack. As the tide begins to fall, water starts to move toward the low tide phase. As the level continues to fall, this tide or water begins to pick up speed until it reaches a certain point, at which time the water begins to slow again to a slack phase.  Then the process starts again, but in reverse.

So let’s do an example to help find the best time to fish. Let’s start with an example of high tide at 6:00 am  low tide at 12:00 noon. The tide is slack at 6:00 and with gravitational influence the water level or tide begins to fall. As the tide continues to fall, it will pick up speed typically at around 7:30 and continue to increase flow or speed until 10:30. At this point the tide begins to lose its force and between 10:30 and 12:00 noon, the tide slows and finally is slack again.

As you can see in this example, the fastest moving water and the best time to fish is approximately 1-1/2 hours after high tide. Other times work too, but for increased success, focus on the ebb tide, especially around inlets and sloughs.

Remember, there are many other conditions that can influence the bite. Water movement is just one. Monitoring water temperature, seasonal migration and barometer can also improve your success.

But reviewing the tide phase should always be part of your fishing trip preparation.

So the next time you pick up a local tide chart – do some homework and you might just catch some more fish.

Until next time – Tight lines – Capt. Tony