Cape Hatteras

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

Wade Fishing OBX Style

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Wade fishing is a very popular method of fishing on the Outer Banks. It’s a method where the angler enters the water, stalks their target species in its own setting and is able to reach areas typically not accessible from the land.

Its popularity continues to grow on the Outer Banks because of easy access to the many shallow shorelines and sound front areas holding numerous schools of fish.  This type of fishing allows the angler to get closer to their prey by being stealth which improves their success considerably.   Although it’s not a new way to fish, it does have a very rich history both locally and nationally.

The Outer Banks offer dozens of places that favor wade fishing. Several locations to wade fish include both ends of the Basnight bridge, sound side areas on the northern region as well as many miles in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  Two of the best spots seem to be just south of the Oregon Inlet Marina basin and the Canadian Hole on Hatteras Island. These locations have a tapered shore line, hold plenty of fish and provide plenty of parking.

Now, these are just the obvious spots. But there are also dozens of small lakes and ponds where the sandy bottom gradually slopes the shore to give the angler an advantage at getting close to the prey.

Anglers who plan to fish in North Carolina waters must purchase a fishing license and should always obtain a copy of the local regulations and bag limits. There are some exceptions so each angler must be familiar with the rules.

It is also important to be aware of any restricted places. When fishing in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore you may need a permit to park or permission to be there. There are some areas that are off limits during certain times of the year. Watch for any signage at the entrances to these areas. If you are unfamiliar with a particular area or regulation, always contact the National Park Service for instructions.

When wade fishing your clothing should be SPF rated and include a wide brim hat, comfortable shirt and pants and they should resemble your background or the sky. Light breathable and synthetic clothing works best. Fishing in shallow water affords the fish the ability to see up at the surface and possibly recognize the angler. Remember that the color of your fishing attire must match with the surrounding areas to avoid spooking the fish.

During the cooler seasons, a good pair of hip waders will help keep you dry and warm but it is not necessary in warmer summer months however an old pair of sneakers or water shoes is a good idea.

Sun glasses with polarized lens will protect your eyes and allow you to see better in the water. Sun screen is also recommended when wade fishing to protect your skin due to the strong reflection of sun rays off the water.

Stealth and slow movements work to the advantage of the angler. Quick and erratic body movements will seem unnatural and will spook the fish. When wading into the water, shuffle your feet so as not to stir up the sediment and spook the fish. This technique also helps the angler recognize any small holes or depressions in the bottom. Stepping into a deep hole can cause one to lose their balance and spook your target.

Gear should be kept at a minimum. Carry just what you need for your outing. A simple rod and reel combination, assortment of baits, and a small shoulder bag should work great to carry any extra gear or equipment.

Conservation is good practice with any type of fishing. Harvest only the fish you plan to use and return the rest to be caught again. Always leave an area clean and free of debris.

If you are looking for something different, you might want to try wade fishing on the Outer Banks.  So grab that rod, find your spot and make those memories.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Spring Fishing Fever

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The Outer Banks spring fishing season is well under way with most of our summer species already showing up in the standard venues. Atlantic and sound side piers have opened after weathering the off season. Some of our local piers sustained minor damage over the winter. They are now operating at full strength and welcoming both anglers and seeing good catches of puppy drum, blues and plenty of bottom fish.

Soundside docks and bridges are also becoming productive and will continue to get better each day once the water temperatures increase.

While there is excitement of heading out to join the other anglers, this is a good time to take a step back and review last year’s gear and bait choices, techniques and locations.

Now comes the preventive measures. After many months of dormancy, skill sets and tackle can lose their effectiveness. So now is the time to recover those techniques.

Saltwater gear has a limited shelf life regardless of your attention and care. Take time to evaluate your rod and reels. Correct any corrosion or surface dirt. Replace your line and coat the entire system with a good marine lubricant.

Check all tackle boxes. If you were an artificial bait angler, rusty hooks and connectors can fail after being exposed to saltwater over the course of a year. Plastic baits harden and lose scent when in storage. Having the correct feel and scent is a game changer.

Special techniques can lose their flair over time. Even the best professional anglers seek pointers after time off. Hire a guide or find a friend to evaluate your casting and retrieval techniques. Well worth your time.

Anglers have known for years that even certain species seem to have a memory recall. Occasionally we find what was used last year may not be effective this year. And that not only applies to techniques, but the actual baits. Never be afraid to change up or modify your gear, baits or even retrieval methods.

Scouting some of your old favorite places ensures you are prepared for any changes. It’s best to start at places that were productive last year and work your way to locations recommended by friends and tackle staff.

Tackle shops and pier staff are valuable resources when starting out each new year. Know your creel and bag limits. Know partial or full season closers. Unexpected changes can occur without much notice. Two agencies share regulation oversight on our fishery. Know all sets of rules before you go.

Many of our transitional species including some of our summer species are being landed from northern beaches of Corolla all the way to Hatteras Village and Ocracoke. So the time to go is now.

It appears that after a long winter off season, this year is beginning to mirror last year, which most consider one of the best.

First time out, anglers should pick the right tides, check water temperatures and use only the freshest baits. This will give the spring angler the best opportunity to be successful.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt Tony