Nags Head

Let’s Talk Bait

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One of the most frequently asked questions that anglers on the Outer Banks ask is, “Which bait works best?”

It is a question with many answers, but the simple answer is, it depends.

Just like the number of available fish species, there are dozens of types of bait that work in our saltwater environment.

To be sure, some baits work better on specific species, while others are good for general use.

Let’s focus on three basic types of baits. There is live bait, fresh or natural bait and artificial or synthetic baits. Each type has its place in your arsenal.

In my opinion, using live bait is the most productive. Most saltwater species are more likely to choose a live bait over any other. Examples of these baits are shrimp, sand fleas, crabs, small bait fish, clams, finger mullet, menhaden and many types of worms. The reason that live bait is best is because it causes vibration, special sounds and a scent that attracts just about any predator.

Live baits are typically the most productive and should be the preferred bait of choice. These baits are typically readily available in our waters and are easy for most anglers to catch.

My next choice would be fresh or natural dead baits, which are easily obtained and work very well. Examples of these baits are bagged shrimp, squid and cut mullet. Some natural baits will be found in individual packages or larger frozen packs. The angler should prefer the freshest bait possible and try to avoid using baits that were previously frozen and then allowed to thaw. Keep in mind that local tackle shops go out of their way to source the freshest bait daily.

These baits typically work well because they appear as an easy food source. Occasionally, the angler’s presentation can increase the attractiveness of the bait.

Fresh baits should be a single-use bait because these baits lose scent and freshness over one day. So these should be discarded after one day and bought fresh the next day for best results.

Finally, another option is artificial baits, which are proven favorites for local fishermen.These baits include synthetic materials such as “Fish Bites,” soft plastic worms or fake fish-like lures.These baits and lures are also very productive in most settings.The advantage of artificial baits is their longevity and staying power. When using artificial soft plastics, always select the pre-scented types when available.

Most saltwater species have sharp teeth or a mechanism to separate the baits from the hooks, and using a tough soft plastic or synthetic material sometimes makes it difficult for the fish to steal the bait before being hooked.

A good rule to follow is to always check with the local tackle shop professionals before heading out. They can help determine which bait will provide you with the best opportunity for success. Local knowledge is a valuable tool and doesn’t cost a thing.

Also, don’t be afraid to change to a fresher piece of bait frequently or even a different bait all together.

So we go back to the question of “which bait works best?”

The answer is that all of them work well under certain conditions. And, as the angler, your ability to find the correct bait when targeting a certain species can increase your success rate.

Final tip – there is an old saying for maximum success. Always try to use a bait that will “match the hatch” and mimic the taste and smell of a predator’s juvenile food source.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt Tony

Boat Ramp Wars

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I know this is a shore based fishing resource page but sometimes it’s nice to change it up a little. August means boat season is heating up so it’s a great time to talk about boat ramp etiquette.

Proper boat ramp etiquette means preparing your vessel away from the water, taking turns in order, and clearing the active lane immediately after launch.

Follow these key rules to keep traffic moving safely: prep in the staging area, launch without blocking the ramp, and park your vehicle properly.

Before You Reach the Ramp

  • Do your prep work early: Put in your drain plug, load your safety gear, take off tie-downs, and test the engine while parked in the prep or staging area.
  • Wait your turn: Line up in order and do not cut in front of others who are waiting for their turn at the ramp.
  • Use courtesy lighting: Dim or turn off your vehicle’s bright headlights if you are launching or loading in the dark so you do not blind other drivers.

On the Ramp and Dock

  • Never block the ramp with gear: Do not load coolers, extra passengers, or gear onto the boat while it sits on the ramp. Do all final loading after the boat is in the water and moved away from the active lane.
  • Clear the ramp fast: As soon as the boat is off the trailer, one person should move the boat to the courtesy dock or idle out into the water while the driver pulls the vehicle away.
  • Share dock space: Tie your boat securely using short lines at the end or side of the dock so you do not hog space and block other incoming or outgoing boaters.

Parking and Retrieving

  • Park in designated spots only: Leave your truck and trailer inside the proper marked stalls, taking up only a single space so you do not block turning lanes.
  • Reverse the process on retrieval: Get your vehicle ready in the staging area before pulling down to load the boat back onto the trailer. Pull the plug and drain live wells in the designated cleanup area away from the ramp to stop the spread of invasive species.

Courtesy goes a long way between boaters. Never know they might even share one of their favorite fishing spots.

Until next time – Captain Tony

Your Tackle Bag

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Here’s another tip for the summer angler.

Two of the most guarded secrets an angler keeps is their favorite fishing spot and the contents of their tackle bag. While secret fishing spots are frequently shared only to close friends, their tackle bags contents can be held stealth for years.

To guard that secret, most anglers will quickly retrieve gear from their bags away from spying eyes. It’s probably no secret to the contents of a typical tackle bag but serious anglers can be a little funny on their favorite and probably the most reliable lures and techniques.

The tackle bag, as a general rule, should only include items you will need on the current fishing trip. But lots of anglers, including this author, use the bag sometimes as a storage box for everything they possibly could ever use even if it doesn’t work on every trip. While a great place to store gear when not in use it’s especially not one to drag out on each trip.

Tackle bag contents will vary depending on the target species and fishing location. Let’s look at my suggestions.

Standard contents should at least include a collection of sinkers, hooks and terminal rigging gear. Don’t go wild, just a few are needed. Store more in your vehicle tote box.

Also several types should include some two hook bottom rigs, one or more Carolina rigs, bluefish rigs and finally some pompano rigs. Extra leader materials can always come in handy. I use Fluorocarbon for clear water and monofilament when the water is a little cloudy. I always carry several sabiki rigs for catching your own baits.

You should also carry a small bait knife, plastic cutting board, finger nail clippers, and pliers, tape measure, and fish grippers.

Several rags will help steady a fish to remove hooks – but remember, if holding a fish with a rag make sure it’s wet. Dry rags can wipe the protective slim off a wiggling fish quickly.

The bag should also include a variety jigging gear with a variety of lead heads, various soft swim baits, and several different got-cha plugs or top water hard baits. A bottle of attractant, such as Procure, will help enhance the artificial smell similar to real bait fish. I sometimes even spread some procure on my fresh baits. Can’t hurt to enhance the scent.

A tackle bag will not be complete without “fish-bites” or some type of artificial baits.

This list is definitely not complete and inclusive but it should give the new or occasional angler as least a start on filing that tackle bag with basic gear.

Of course, there is always time to load it, so full of the angler’s special & most reliable gear, which like the author, can act more like a storage bin than a tackle bag.

One tip: Put extra gear that will not be used that day in a rubber-made crate in your vehicle. That way, the gear won’t load down you bag but if needed it’s just a quick walk back to your vehicle.

Until next time – Tightlines. Capt. Tony