beach fishing

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

The New Surf Angler

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Summer is here and what better way to start a vacation than by learning to surf fish on the Outer Banks. We have talked about this topic many time and since the weather is beautiful and the fish are biting, what better way to start a new activity.

Fishing on the surf is the easiest to learn and enjoyable for the entire family. And now that you are here, why not give it a try. And it can be fun for the entire family.

All you need is a simple saltwater rod, reel, fishing license and fresh bait.

The first thing you want to do is research the regulations. Make sure you know the limits of any species you catch. Also, you may need a license to fish on our beaches. Licenses and rules can be obtained at any local tackle shop. Tackle shops are the newest (and experienced) angler’s best friend.

Next is selecting the spot on the beach. I always check with other local anglers or tackle shops for this information. They can usually point you in the right direction. It’s important to learn to also read the beach. It takes a little time, but we’ll worth the effort. But basically, most spots on our beach will hold fish.

Like any sport, you will need specific gear. These items will include a good medium seven foot rod and reel set up, a bottom rig, package of hooks, several different size sinkers and bait. If you don’t have your own rod and reel set up, a complete package can be purchased any tackle supply shop.

If you purchase a rod and reel from a tackle shop it will already be rigged with a line. Once ready to fish, you will attach the bottom rig to the line. You can either tie the rig directly to the line or use a snap swivel to the line first and then hook the rig to this connector. A snap swivel allows for a quick change over if you need to replace the bottom rig.

Next you want to install the hooks. Number four or number six size “J” hooks should work fine. I slide the loop end of the hook line over the bottom rig loop and slip the hook through the bottom rig loop. This creates a strong connection. A sinker is attached to the bottom of the rig. I carry different size sinkers and attach the lightest one that will allow me to hold the bottom.

Bait is the most important component. I use fresh shrimp or fish bites. Do not peel the shrimp; just place a small piece on each hook. Sometimes, I insert a small quarter inch piece of a fish bite or fish gum over the hook after the shrimp. This keeps the shrimp on the hook and prevents smaller fish from stealing the bait before a larger fish eats it. Remember – the fresher the bait – the better the chance for success.

Most bottom fish can be found within fifteen feet of our shore line. So cast just over the waves. Let the bait sit on the bottom and wait for the bite. The bite feels like a tap tap tap. When you feel the bite, just raise your rod tip and reel in. If your line moves on the bottom, change to the next size up sinker.

It’s that simple.

So the next time you have a little free time and want to learn a new hobby – take up fishing on our beach. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and our beautiful beaches.

One final tip – release all fish carefully that you are not going to keep the fish so it can be caught again

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony