Outer Banks

Your Choice – Surf or Pier

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Saltwater fishing either on the surf or ocean pier on the Outer Banks can afford a family on vacation a unique opportunity to catch fish and enjoy the beautiful Outer Banks together.

Family vacation schedules are typically pre-planned months in advance, way before they unpack their car after arriving at their cottage. And typically any modification to the tight schedule can throw off the week’s plans.

But finding time to cast a line either in the ocean or off a local pier can easily fit in any busy vacationer’s schedule.

So now the biggest question, how do we choose between fishing the surf or on an ocean or even a sound side pier? The answer depends on what the angler is looking for.

First, surf fishing can get the new angler up and catching fish quickly and is a great activity for the entire family.  Just walk out on any beach, cast a line and wait for that bite. Easy right? Well pretty close.

When surf fishing, the angler should become familiar with some of the rules and regulations when fishing on the surf. The angler should start by purchasing a fishing license and having a good understanding of the various regulations that apply to this type of fishing. A local tackle shop can help with both of these items.

The next item is fishing gear. A simple rod and reel setup and fresh bait are basically the only things you need to get started.

Cast out and wait for the bite.

Of course, there are many items you can add to that list that will help you make your day successful, and really the sky’s the limit. But the key here is take your time and enjoy the day.

Many surf anglers, regardless of their experience, enjoy the solitude and nature at its finest. Then add a nice catch for dinner, completing their day.

On the other hand, fishing on an ocean pier is another great way to catch fish. Piers are safe and a fun place for the entire family.

A fishing pier gives the angler the opportunity to fish both close to shore and then hundreds of feet out along the pier into the ocean. The various depths of water combined with pilings add structure and safety for a variety of fish that make this location home.

All of our ocean piers carry a blanket fishing license which means you do not have to purchase a license to fish there.

Fishing piers have many advantages over surf fishing. On site tackle shops and professional staff can provide advice and specific techniques. Rod and reel sets with proper rigging can be rented. They have a variety of baits and can advise the angler on what’s biting and which bait to use. And all piers have a place where you can pick up a quick drink or snack.

On the piers, you will also find other anglers willing to provide advice, answer questions or lend a hand retrieving or releasing your catch.

The choice on which type of fishing to do is really up to the angler. Either type of fishing can make any family’s vacation week complete.

So regardless of whether you choose to wet a line on the surf or drop a line off one of our local ocean piers, the memories you make will last a lifetime.

Until next time – Tightlines,

Capt. Tony

Spring Fishing Fever

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The Outer Banks spring fishing season is well under way with most of our summer species already showing up in the standard venues. Atlantic and sound side piers have opened after weathering the off season. Some of our local piers sustained minor damage over the winter. They are now operating at full strength and welcoming both anglers and seeing good catches of puppy drum, blues and plenty of bottom fish.

Soundside docks and bridges are also becoming productive and will continue to get better each day once the water temperatures increase.

While there is excitement of heading out to join the other anglers, this is a good time to take a step back and review last year’s gear and bait choices, techniques and locations.

Now comes the preventive measures. After many months of dormancy, skill sets and tackle can lose their effectiveness. So now is the time to recover those techniques.

Saltwater gear has a limited shelf life regardless of your attention and care. Take time to evaluate your rod and reels. Correct any corrosion or surface dirt. Replace your line and coat the entire system with a good marine lubricant.

Check all tackle boxes. If you were an artificial bait angler, rusty hooks and connectors can fail after being exposed to saltwater over the course of a year. Plastic baits harden and lose scent when in storage. Having the correct feel and scent is a game changer.

Special techniques can lose their flair over time. Even the best professional anglers seek pointers after time off. Hire a guide or find a friend to evaluate your casting and retrieval techniques. Well worth your time.

Anglers have known for years that even certain species seem to have a memory recall. Occasionally we find what was used last year may not be effective this year. And that not only applies to techniques, but the actual baits. Never be afraid to change up or modify your gear, baits or even retrieval methods.

Scouting some of your old favorite places ensures you are prepared for any changes. It’s best to start at places that were productive last year and work your way to locations recommended by friends and tackle staff.

Tackle shops and pier staff are valuable resources when starting out each new year. Know your creel and bag limits. Know partial or full season closers. Unexpected changes can occur without much notice. Two agencies share regulation oversight on our fishery. Know all sets of rules before you go.

Many of our transitional species including some of our summer species are being landed from northern beaches of Corolla all the way to Hatteras Village and Ocracoke. So the time to go is now.

It appears that after a long winter off season, this year is beginning to mirror last year, which most consider one of the best.

First time out, anglers should pick the right tides, check water temperatures and use only the freshest baits. This will give the spring angler the best opportunity to be successful.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt Tony

Member of the Club

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Lately, we have been hearing about local fishing clubs having difficulty attracting both new and young members. Here is my recommendation on joining a club.

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 winging 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 themselves, 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 are looking for something new and exciting, joining a local fishing club is time well 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