outer banks fishing

Do You Know When

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Earlier this week, I received a question from a friend on the pier. He asked me how I knew the best time I go fishing. The most logical answer is when you have time and when the fish are biting. My answer was a little sarcastic but I told that’s  really is simple if you know the keys

There are three key conditions that I focus on before I go on a serious fishing trip. They are the water temperature, barometer readings and what are the tides during my time on the pier.

Now obviously, there are many other items that should be included but let’s look at these first.

First key is to check the water temperature. The temperature is the signature of several things – whether the fish are there, is there bait in the water and are conditions right for them to feed. Fish won’t be present if the conditions aren’t right and there is no bait in the water.

During my preparations, I always determine the optimal temperatures of my target species. Tackle shops and pier staff constantly monitor the water temperatures. Free for the asking.

The next key is weather patterns. Look for cold or warm fronts. Did any just pass by or are we expecting one in the near future? The key here is what the barometer readings were doing over the past 24 hours and where are they going now.

Rising or falling barometers can have a significant effect on marine species. Also, if there prediction that a weather system is on the way, did one just pass or will it be as they say “a blue bird day”. Depending on these findings, this information will help me decide if the time is right.

The final key to the plan is the tide phases. Most anglers prefer a low or high tide. High tides bring in more fresh and clean water especially during full or spring moons. Low tides trap fish in pockets or small depressions on the bottom making it easier to see and catch them. But ultimately the fastest part of the tide is what matters. So try to be where you plan to fish during that period.

What most anglers fail to recognize about marine species is that they too must consistently be on the move. Whether it’s searching for food or to prevent being eaten by another fish.

Keep in mind, your target may be there one minute and gone the next. So it’s imperative to keep your eyes open and adapt to the conditions. Move when you must.

So to answer my friend’s question, they need to remember the three keys.

Now let’s say not all the conditions exist and you still want to go fishing. I would recommend this one key more closely, it’s water movement. This might be the most important key for deciding when to go fishing. Anglers should know the current force, speed or direction of the tide at the area they are fishing. Adjustments can always be made once in place and you put all the pieces together. But know the tide!!

So the next time you plan a fishing trip focus on these three keys: water temperature, weather patterns and tide and water movement.  These are just one more set of tools in your fishing arsenal. Don’t limit yourself to these three, explore and challenge yourself.

Remember, more fish are caught the day before. Your homework and preparation should help you to be a better angler.

The next time someone comes up to you on the surf or Pier and asks when is the best time to fish, hand them the three keys!!

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Might Be the Pressure

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It might Just Be the Pressure

Now that we are in storm season, it’s a good time to talk about how weather affects fishing.

Anglers who take the time to monitor specific weather conditions, especially barometer readings, can result in the difference between catching and just sightseeing.

There are specific weather conditions that anglers should monitor before they go fishing. This effort can mean the difference between catching and just sightseeing.

We all know most anglers will go fishing when they can. But the remaining anglers are a little bit more studious and will go only when the conditions are right. And one of those major weather conditions is barometric pressure reading.

Barometric pressure is the amount of force or weight that the atmosphere pushes down at any point on earth and its inhabitants. This pressure can be either steady, rising or falling according to the current weather conditions. And these three different readings can have a significant effect on fishing.

Anglers have used weather instruments including barometer readings for years. And those anglers have realized that you don’t have to be a scientist to understand how these readings affect wildlife including our saltwater species.

Each living species responds to many different weather conditions. But the change in barometric pressure can be felt in both humans and wildlife alike. And when there is a change, sometimes even slight everything responds including wildlife.

Weather systems are the main cause of barometric pressure changes. When the sun is shining with little wind, the barometer is steady. Falling pressure actually increases the pressure felt on the surface. And rising pressure will decrease this effect.

This rising and falling typically proceeds or follows a weather system. For example, an approaching front will cause the barometric pressure to decrease and once passed the system increases pressure as it does after a tropical storm. The closer the storm is to a particular area, the lower the pressure becomes. And vice versa.

And its effect on wildlife does not have to be significant – only a few degrees of measurement can make a world of difference.

So how does this condition effect fishing?

On steady calm or “bluebird” days, fishing is dependent on many natural instincts of a specific species. They act in a normal fashion. But with an approaching system or storm the pressure begins to fall and this pressure pushes in on the fish’s organs, causing them to feel full and reducing their instinct to feed. Now once the front or system passes, the pressure rises and the “full feeling” effect diminishes, and the fish will begin to feed aggressively.

Many anglers who have followed barometric pressure change concept have been richly rewarded.

Looking for one more advantage, why not check the weather page before your next fishing trip.

It just might surprise you.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

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 “little bridge”, it was once one of the local’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.  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 angler’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 don’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 Daniel’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 “Little Bridge” is the place to go.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony