Outer Banks

Starting off Strong

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We have just entered a new year and it gives us another chance to get it right. So let’s start off this year strong.

Resolutions on New Year’s Day sometimes get the revelers into trouble. Some anglers commit to outrageous goals that are usually forgotten just hours later. But what if you made a resolution that could improve your fishing for the entire year. Well, here are several ideas that might be worthwhile to consider and I believe most times might just help to make you a better angler.

The first resolution is never allow your gear to be neglected. During the season, make maintenance a standard process. At the end of your trip, rise off any gear that was subjected to the environment, especially salt water or air. Lures, jigs and terminal tackle should be cleaned and put in its place. Old bait should be thrown away and not into the water. Maintained tackle and fresh bait catches more fish so start fresh each day.

Next one is do your homework – now, during preseason and all year.  Your homework might include studying the areas that you might want to fish in, the seasonal species that you plan to target and any new techniques or gear that will give you an advantage. The learning process should be continuous.

One more is getting to know and make frequent visits to your local tackle shops. Each year, representatives visit these shops and look forward to sharing new innovative ways to catch fish as well as the new products coming on the market. These tips and techniques are a valuable resource for both new and experienced anglers. Don’t miss these opportunities in your community.

Next, go to school – learn more. Look for stand alone seminars or classes at boat shows. I can’t stress enough how valuable it is to hear it directly from the experts. Over time we begin to lose our best angling techniques. Even professional guides hire another guide to watch their techniques and make recommendations. I have a good friend who has fished for over twenty years professionally and he even hires a guide annually to evaluate his skills.  We are never too young or old to get better at what we do.

Another is the internet. If you search the web, you will find many seminars and fishing classes which are available both locally, regionally and web-based. Most in person classes are in convenient locations. You can also pick up great tips going to boat shows. I have found that professional anglers, fishing club members and boat manufacturers can be a fantastic resource. Don’t forget the web based programs, while not local, contain many skills you can use anywhere. No excuse not to be able to improve your skill set.

My final resolution is to always “Keep it Simple” when fishing. Never overfish your skill set or knowledge. Try to learn one skill each outing.

Also, use your experience to teach others. Over the past several years, one of the best parts of my fishing trips for me was helping someone catch their first fish.

So one recommendation that we should all try to keep this year is to “Take a kid fishing”. That’s one resolution that will make memories for them and a difference in you.

Until next time – Tightlines – Captain Tony

Not Done Fishing Yet

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Thanksgiving week has arrived on the Outer Banks and it seems it always brings out the best of our area.  The region is alive with both locals and visitors busy shopping, preparing for that big meal and enjoying those final days of our fantastic fall fishery.

The weather is still beautiful and the fall fishing continues to be exceptional. And both surf and pier fishing is still in high gear.

But as this week comes to a close on the Outer Banks so starts the closing of our ocean piers for the season. Most will close for the season by this weekend.

There are several exceptions: Jennette’s Pier, Bonner Bridge pier and the Hilton Garden Inn Kitty Hawk pier. Avalon hasn’t made the decision what their hours will be but Jennette’s pier will remain open the entire winter season with limited hours.

Now just because the piers are closing and crowds are smaller, doesn’t mean our fall fishery is over. There are plenty of fish to be caught so don’t put that rod and reel up just yet.

Most sound side bridges and docks are always a semi-protected place to fish when the weather is a little rough.

The surf is also a great place on nice days to try your luck. You may still find some scattered puppy drum, black drum, sea mullet, blues, speckled trout and possibly puffers around for several more weeks.

In December, we begin to move into our ocean winter fishery where “practice fish” such as rays and dogfish are the most common catch. But you never know what else is out there so always keep your big game gear close.

The sound side piers may also be productive over the next several weeks too with catch & release Striped bass as the primary target. These fish could possibly be around throughout the winter season. Depends on the weather. Never discount an occasional resident species over wintering in our sound waters.

Remember cold water fishing requires you to change up your approach slightly and modify your techniques a little. But if you work hard and fish smart, you can still be successful.

There are plenty of opportunities to catch fish into the cooler months so don’t put that gear away yet!!

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