Nags Head

The Little Bridge

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The Melvin R. Daniels Bridge is one of the area’s favorite places to fish on the Outer Banks. Better known as the ā€œlittle bridgeā€, it was once one of the localā€™s best kept secrets. But with its central location, easy access, amenities and abundance of action most of the year, this bridge is now known as one of the best places to catch fish.

The Daniels Bridge is located in the town of Nags Head on Rt. 64/264 Manteo Causeway just west of Whalebone Junction. The concrete structure is easily accessible to a guarded walkway on the south side of the bridge. A five foot concrete barrier on the south side provides protection from wind and traffic. The north side was closed last year due to pedestrian safety issues.

The parking lot on the west side of the bridge can accommodate dozens of vehicles.Ā  And adjacent to the parking area, visitors will find a nice picnic area, covered pavilion and modern restroom facilities. There is also a fish cleaning table and running water as an added convenience.

When fishing this bridge, most anglers will start on the west side and work their way along the entire walkway from west to east. Since the north side is closed, finding the main slough under the bridge is important. Tides flow quickly under the bridge so fishing close to the piles gives you the best chance for success.

Many species of fish can be found around this bridge. The key is watching the bait fish and other anglers. Try to mirror their actions. The sound bottom is mostly sandy with minimal structures outside the bridge footprint. Unless jigging, it is a safe bet to fish close in toward the bridge pilings. Fast moving current under this bridge is the anglerā€™s best friend.

Most anglers use a light to medium fishing gear to either bottom fish or jig for roving schools speckled trout, puppy drum or stripers. The standard two hook bottom rig tipped with small #4 hooks with fresh shrimp or cut bait is best for bottom fishing. When jigging, anglers typically use small lead head jigs fitted with a swim bait or other artificial plastics.

The best advantage for anglers who fish on the bridge is they donā€™t need any special equipment. It is important to just keep it simple. A simple light rod and reel, a two bottom rig and some fresh bait should help to get the action started quickly.

Anglers who want to fish on the Danielā€™s bridge need to purchase a saltwater fishing license and obtain a copy of the local fishing regulations at a local tackle shop. It is also imperative that all anglers know the creel and bag limits for each species.

So for a great place for the beginning angler, kids of all ages, families or the experienced angler looking for that trophy fish, the Melvin R Daniels ā€œLittle Bridgeā€ is the place to go.

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

Fishing in Hot Weather

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Fishing during the summer months can be challenging.Ā Ā 

The air temperatures can easily reach well into the nineties with ā€œfeel likeā€ air temps being well over a hundred. Combine these high temperatures with the occasional storms and increased humidity and you have conditions that can test even the most seasoned anglers.

But the summer season also brings in the most variety of marine species. So regardless of the conditions, many anglers will brave these high temperatures to test their luck on a local pier or the surf.

There are several choices anglers can make to stay healthy on the water and still enjoy fishing.

Sun glasses are mandatory. The reflection off the water can damage your eyes quickly.Ā  Sunglasses should provide UV protection and block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. Also, opt for wraparound sunglasses or close-fitting sunglasses with wide lenses that protect your eyes from every angle. There are many sunglasses to choose from but donā€™t skimp on these.

Next item is a hat. Use only a hat that covers both your face and neck. Baseball caps are commonplace on the water but they typically only provide partial protection. Be smart and get a good full brim hat.

Also, many anglers are beginning to utilize buffs and gloves. A buff is a lightweight tube fabric used to cover your neck, face and ears. Gloves can protect your hands from not only sun but sharp edges. Some gloves allow your fingers to be exposed for handling gear. Only use types that protect you from the sunā€™s harmful rays.

Many tackle and specialty shops sell cooling towels. These towels can be soaked in water and wrapped around your neck and head. They are definitely worth the price but remember these towels do not have a UV rating so extra precautions are needed when using these towels.

The final component is clothing. Anglers should cover as much skin as possible by wearing long sleeves and long pants. I know, these can make you hotter but there are many styles that are ā€œcool-infusedā€. If you get hot, roll your sleeves. Remember to always look for UPF 40 and UV protection.

OK so you donā€™t care for long clothes or cover up, then use at least a 50 SPF or higher sun screen lotion. They even make a spray ā€“ so there is never an excuse. Apply liberally before you head out and every hour. Donā€™t worry, you will get plenty of sun through this protection.

Finally, stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic beverages. Water or other sports drinks can help keep you cool. Alcohol can rob your system of valuable fluids. So save that for after you come out of the sun.

Remember smart anglers use some type of sun protection every time they are out fishing. Overexposure to the sun can ruin your day and your future.

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

Fishing from Land on the OBX

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We are finally entering the official start of summer so itā€™s a good time to review some of the best places to fish from land.

The most frequently asked question by visiting anglers. Where can I go fishing while visiting the Northern Outer Banks? Well, here are some of the locals’ favorites.

Daniels Bridge ā€“ great bridge deck to fish from only the south side. Easy access, parking, restrooms, shaded area, fishing cleaning station. Good for crabbing. Look for channels and moving water. There is deep hole approximately one hundred fifty yards south of bridge. Long casts and covering more water increases catches.

Wildlife Pier / Baum Bridge ā€“ long dock that separates the Albermarle and Roanoke Sounds. Easy access, parking, portable restrooms, shaded certain times a day, benches. Fish the north and east sides of dock. Drag baits along the pilings and cast north into the slough / channel leading into the marina. Avoid the south side ā€“ rubble and snags from bridge construction.

Various boat rampsĀ ā€“ Wildlife pier ramp (under Baum bridge) and Oregon Inlet (near Coast Guard Station) ramp as well as many other ramps that line the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds are good places to find many bottom fish. Long casts into the sound and slow retrievals into the ramp holes increase catches. Watch to boats being launched and loaded.

Oregon Inlet Fishing CenterĀ ā€“ south point on east side of basin. Good wade fishing and crabbing Watch for waves from boats and deep holes while wading. Parking is good at marina. Restroom facilities are fishing center.

Mid Island – Various dune cross-overs. KH, KDH and NH have dozens of dune break for immediate access to the surf. Some areas require a long walk. Some areas have adequate parking, potable toilets, and stairs and ramps. Fish the moving tides and focus on the close in sloughs.

North Island and Corolla Beaches ā€“ most of this area is a 4-wheel access. A great location during the entire year. Permits are required during the summer months.

BeBop PierĀ ā€“ west end on Mannā€™s Harbor Bridge. Easy access, limited parking, shaded area with benches. Ā North side is good for shallow fishing. East and south are adjacent to bridge. Long casts toward bridge into slough increases chances. Lots of crabs and mosquitoes during the summer.

Bodie Island SloughĀ ā€“ west end of parking area at the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Long walk through gate at end of circle along a dirt road. Minimal parking. No restrooms adjacent to fishing area. Once at slough, good fishing to the north or around any structure. Lots of crabs and mosquitoes most of the year.

Pamlico Sound / Hatteras Island Sound frontsĀ ā€“ many pull offs along the entire coast with direct access to shallow water. No facilities. Park parking permits may be needed if off pavement.

Bonner Bridge Pier – this a new pier at an old location. Located on the south end of the new Basnight Bridge. Extends into the Oregon Inlet channel. Need a license to fish here.

Obviously, there are dozens more but these are my favorites. We havenā€™t included the piers because they are a given. These are the special spots. Piers will be discussed during another post. Remember ā€“ anglers will need a license to fish any of these spots.

Until Next Time ā€“ Tightlines ā€“ Capt. Tony