Kitty Hawk

Ready Set Drum Roll

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September marks the start of the legendary run of big drum on the Outer Banks. The autumn air brings a crisp northeast breeze, cooling water temperatures and the highly anticipation of fall big drum migration.

Anglers wait all year for a chance to catch one of these trophy giants. North Carolina big drum are well known for their huge size and ferocious fight. Anglers travel many miles to experience this phenomenon.

These remarkable creatures originately known as puppy drum, can grow 40 to 50 inches or more in a matter of couple years. Once they reach full size, they are referred to as ā€œbullā€ or just big drum.

Big drum are originally targeted early on in the surf. But as the conditions change, anglers have their best chance to land one on the ocean piers. The best bites occur with rough churning seas and constant winds up to 20 to 30 miles per hour.

Most pier anglers focus on the deep end but many different sizes of fish, along with the big drum, are caught along the entire length of the pier. So proper location is imperative.

To catch these giants, specialized gear and rigging is required. Heavy conventional or spinning surf rods of eight to ten feet or longer rated and reels designed to hold 17-20 lbs of monofilaments or 30-50 lbs braided line are the standard set up. Caution using braid lines on piers or near other anglers. And donā€™t forget that 50 lbs mono shock leader.

Rigging and baits are personalized. My favorite rig is the “Fish Finder” with short leaders and circle hooks. This rig helpsĀ  prevent deep hooking and is the one most frequently used. The second one is a standard drum or cannon ball rig. This rig uses a heavy sinker slide attached to a weight on the main line swivel then a short leader with your preferred circle hook. Either way, these rigs work well.

Cut pieces of menhaden, mullet or spot are the baits of choice. Large chunks including bait heads with lots of scent attract these big drum. Anglers are known to use chunks of finger mullet or other oily smelly baits too.

The key to catching them is placing your baits where the drum are. While you may have the tendency to long cast, big drum will stay near structures. So while under the pier is perilous and can result in snag or being cut off, this area holds drum.

Every angler has their own strategy. Some anglers position themselves directly at the end of the pier, others will start at the shallow part and move to cover each side, just moving and looking for another opportunity. Another strategy, the big drum moves around to find a food source, so the anglers should too.

Regardless of your strategies. The passionate drum angler watches the weather and knows the migration signs.

Remember all red drum over 27 inches must be safely released in North Carolina, handling them with care is paramount. Keep the fish in the water as much as possible, minimize their time on the dry sand or pier deck, snap a quick photo, and support the fish in the water until it swims away under its own power.

Joining the elite fraternity of anglers who have landed an OBX autumn giant is an unforgettable experience, and protecting the fishery ensures the tradition continues for generations to come.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt TonyĀ 

Spanish Bite is On Fire

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I’ve been hearing reports lately of huge schools of Spanish mackerel traveling between the northern beaches south to the point.

Spanish mackerel are a perennial favorite during the warmer months for both surf and pier anglers on the Outer Banks. These aggressive fighters can give the light tackle anglers all they want. It seems they show up once water temperature reaches 68 degrees and follow their migratory patterns in the late summer to fall.

So today, I thought I would spendĀ  several hours on a local pier targeting these lightning speed and aggressive Spanish mackerel. Traveling light, I just packed one rod and a small bag of the preferred baits.

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Most anglers prefer a 6 to 7-Ā½ā€™ medium rods with a fast tip. Load the reel with 10-15 lbs braid and then attach an eighteen inch heavy 20-25 lbs fluorocarbon or wire leader to prevent sharp-toothed fish from biting through your line.

Gotcha plugs are the go to lure but many anglers prefer sting silvers or Clark spoons. But almost any type of flashy jig will work.Ā  Regardless of your lure type, itā€™s the fast erratic action that produces the hook up

Both pier and surfĀ  anglers should evaluate conditions using the wind and tides to help put the lure in the right position.

Once at the proper place on the surf or pier, the anglers should throw the lure as far out as possible. Count several seconds to allow the lure to sink to the desired depth. Reel in the slack then use sharp, quick pops or jerks of your rod tip while reeling at a fast, steady pace. This makes the lure dart frantically side-to-side. An occasional pause briefly will let it drop again during the retrieve if you donā€™t get a hit. Sometimes we find that fish may be deeper in the water column so more pauses will tempt them to hit the lure.

Once hooked up, continue your rapid straight retrieve. If on a pier, smallerĀ  fish can be raised up but larger ones need to be drop netted.

Remember, Spanish mackerel have extremely sharp teeth. So use pliers or de-hooker to remove hooks.

Harvested fish should be immediately stored in a ice cooler. And release any unwanted fish unharmed.

It was a successful day for me. Caught six beautiful Spanish mackerel ready for the grill.

Keep in mind, these fish will be migrating soon so if you have always wanted to catch Spanish mackerel, now is the time.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt Tony

Fishing at Night

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When fishing after dark, it can be as different as night and day. Most anglers prefer the comfort of a pretty blue-bird day when the sun is shining and the weather is warm. That comfort level enhances the experience but may not necessarily the catch.

Fishing and catching during the day depends on certain conditions. And depending on the season, these conditions may not always cooperate. But as night falls, conditions begin to favor the angler.

The other night I had an opportunity to try night fishing. I visited a local pier at dusk and hoped to enjoy an ā€œevening out on the waterā€.

The catch after dark was phenomenal.Ā  It seemed that once the sun went down, the bite picked up.Ā  It did not matter whether I cast under the pier or out and away. The bite was sometimes very soft and others an aggressive hit. One thing that added to my success was the under pier lights that attracted bait fish.

Being a novice at after dark fishing, I noted several important points.

Be prepared and know your gear. During the day, looking for that hook, sinker or even that knife and pliers is simple. But after dark, you depend on pier lights or flashlight to guide you. Probably not the best light to perform tidiest tasks.

Tying knots or getting un-tangled from another angler is made even more difficult at night.

So my advice for night fishing:

Take only what you think you will need. Pack light and organized. Digging through that tackle box or bucket when its dark or spilling your gear on the deck is a good way to lose stuff.

Bring at least one extra rod and reel with the preferred set up that you plan to use.Ā  Have your pliers and line cutter handy. Bait should be in easy reach. And extra bottom rigs, hooks and sinkers should be in separate bags and easy to access.

I would bring a cooler for drinks, snacks and bait. A separate cooler for fish you plan to keep is a necessity. Especially, if you donā€™t want everything to smell fishy.

My first experience at fishing at night on a local pier was exciting and very successful. We took sandwiches and drinks and made it a great evening out. And yes, we filled a cooler with keeper bottom fish.

All of the local Outer Banks piers are completely safe at all hours especially after dark. And they continue to provide all the amenities you need to enjoy yourself. Kids may even be more attentive to night fishing because the action is more consistent. And their focus is on fishing and not the many distractions that a busy pier brings during the day.

So if you have only fished during the day, you are missing a great experience.

Until next time ā€“ Tightlines ā€“ Capt. Tony