Kitty Hawk

Using Jig Head Lures

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Fishing with a lead jig head and soft plastic lure is one of the most popular methods of fishing on one of the Outer Banks piers, bridges and even the surf.

Jigging is the practice of casting out a lead jig head with a plastic body and retrieving  it through the water at varying directions and speeds. And depending on the size and shape of the lure, the angler can cover vast amounts of water and all levels of the water column very quickly. If a target prey is in the area, this method attracts them quickly.

The jigging method is designed to mimic a bait fish that may be injured or struggling in the current. There are two popular methods of jigging. First is a cast out and a slow and steady retrieval speed with an occasional pause. The second is a cast with an erratic retrieve followed by a steady pull, pull, pause, and repeated. Either way, these methods can quickly initiate an aggressive strike. And it’s typically during the pause of either phase that most strikes and hookups occur.

The jigging method can increase the success rate when the angler focuses on three important phases of the process: the action, sound and vibrations, and smell and scent.

The action of the jig lead head and soft plastic is the most important. The speed or erratic behavior of jig head and soft plastic can quickly attract the attention of a target species. A hungry speckled trout or puppy drum can sense a struggling or wounded baitfish by its erratic movements. A slow moving bait can also be an easy prey for a waiting fish. 

Sounds or noise from a lead head and specific type of plastic pushing through the water can cause a significant vibration. Sound and vibration can travel great distances underwater so any unusual sound can quickly get the attention of a searching species.

Soft plastic bodies are designed to make specific sounds by the each manufacturer. For example, swim baits create a drumming sound as the paddle tail swings in the current. Twister tail plastics cause a high pitch tin-like sound. And a finesse plastics will give off a swishing sound. Each soft plastic has their own specific sounds when dragged through the water. So the angler should select the specific soft plastic body for each targeted species.

Finally, selecting the proper scent or favor for the soft plastic body should correspond with the specific bait fish in the water. Fish have a tremendous ability to smell. And they can sense a fish scent hundreds of yards away. So when choosing a soft plastic, always select one with the scent that is embedded into the bait. Adding an after-market scent can also provide additional attractant although plastics designed with scent will retain that scent longer.

The key to successful jigging is to first, select the proper lead jig head action for the specific area and depth you are fishing. 

Next, select the soft plastic that can give off the right sound and vibration. 

And finally, it’s very important for the angler to vary their retrieval rate frequently. And finally, make sure your soft plastic bait has the same scent as the other bait fish in the water.

Remember – when handling scented soft plastic baits, make sure your hands are clean. Don’t allow any body oils and suntan lotion get on you soft plastics. Any foreign substance may compromise your ability to fool your target.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

May is for Sea Mullet

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Sea mullet are one of the easiest fish to catch on the outer banks.  They have a slender body with a slightly arched dorsal fin. Their color can range from a light to dark gray with dark shaded stripes. Their mouth faces downward to assist in feeding.

The range in size from several inches to eighteen with the typical size being caught range to ten to fifteen inches. Sea mullet can go by several names including Whiting, Kingfish or roundhead.

Most anglers just call them “fun to catch and great to eat”.

Sea mullet can be found along the entire outer banks coastline from April through October.  They typically show up in the spring when the water begins to reach fifty degrees and stay around until the water cools in the fall.

Local anglers target these fish in the shallow surf zones and on the ocean piers.  They can range from the close in the sloughs to out in deeper water adjacent to structures such as piers and docks.

 I usually find them either right near the beach in shallow water or half to three quarters out on the piers. When fishing on the piers, I usually will cast out and away from a structure and retrieve back to me.

They are typically bottom feeders and prefer cloudy or stained water.  Sea mullet stay in a zone where there is a lot of water movement. This constant water movement stirs the bottom and mixes the food source that the mullet search for. They also search for food by smell so fresh baits are always the best way to go.  

These regular visitors to our waters are caught on standard one or two hook bottom rig. Sea mullet have a small mouth so I always start with a small hooks and depending on my success I might change up or down in size.

I prefer a number four “J” or circle hook. I just bait the hook with a small bait. The best baits for sea mullet is fresh shrimp, bloodworms, or fish bites.

When you use shrimp, always purchase eating type shrimp. I never peel the shrimp. The hard shell usually helps the bait they on the hook.

When the sea mullet are in season, you can fill a cooler in no time. And most probably one of the best eating fish with its white flaky meat.

But please remember, when fishing, only harvest what you plan to use fresh. Frozen sea mullet or any fish loses it favor quickly.

Oh, and one more thing that will make your day better is to take a kid fishing.  With every fish they catch that smile gets wider. 

Grab a rod and hi the surf today. There is no better time to catch a sea mullet is now.

Until next time – tightlines – Capt. Tony

Fishing Clubs

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Fishing clubs can be the best way for a new angler to learn about a local fishery. It can be very frustrating when an angler move§ to a new area and has to start over. But it might be a little more helpful to find that fishing buddy who can show them the best locations and proven techniques in the new area. 

But what typically happens when anglers move into a new area? They try wing it on their own. They may eventually give in and stop into a local tackle shop. They might pick up a new rod and reel, grab some bait and then hit the first and possibly the easiest spot and hope for the best. Good start but still not the consistency they need.

Now they may even fall back and attempt to use their personal “it worked up north” gear. They will soon realize that this gear will not hold up for this type of fishing. There is a good chance they may catch something and possibly have a good time. But once they get past that stage, they may ask themselve§, now what? Will they continue to return to the tackle shop for advice and keep tempting fate fish or bite the bullet and find a fishing buddy who can show them the ropes?

Well, that’s where a fishing club comes into play. A fishing club can take that new or even experienced angler to the next level. As with every hobby, using certain techniques that if utilized properly will make the activity more successful and even a lot of fun. And this work§ the same way with fishing. Make it a habit doing things right the first time and good times will follow.

Joining a fishing club will give those new anglers that competitive edge. And with the access to a host of knowledgeable and experienced members and the support and camaraderie found there, the angler will find it to be a win-win proposition. 

Membership is not just one sided affair though. This commitment in a fishing club takes work. Each member is asked to participate in a number of activities all of which makes the club successful.

There are periodic meetings, assorted committees, picnics, awards dinners and of course tournaments. These all take volunteers to make it happen.  But the rewards are worth the effort.

Most fishing clubs meet monthly sometimes for just a few hours. Typically, there are several part§ of each meeting: Club business, speaker, committee reports and open forum. 

Fishing clubs are the best opportunity for an angler to expand their skill level. It can open many doors typically not usually available to the casual angler.

If you looking for something new and exciting, joining a local fishing club is time worth spent and is definitely worth your effort. 

The Outer Banks has several types of fishing clubs looking to add new members. If you are looking for new friendships and a place to learn new techniques, then check them out. 

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony