Outer Banks

Reading the Surf

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Finding the best place to fish on the surf is sometimes one of the major challenges for both the new angler or  tournament participants.

New anglers just pick a spot and cast their lines. But when you are in a tournament, your spot is usually assigned. So how does the angler find a good spot to fish on the surf within their zone?

The successful key when surf fishing is to look for the signs. They are easily spotted if you know where and what to look for. It is important to keep in mind that obvious first look signs can and do change by the hour or tide phase. So a consistent review of conditions is imperative for success.

When hitting the beach for the first time, anglers should first focus on the entire picture. Look at everything but mainly focus on the surf zone. Specifically sand formations and waves are a good spot to start.

Flat sand beaches can indicate shallow water. On the beach where the sand tapers from a flat surface into the water will indicate a gradual slope. This area will be shallow for some distance. Typically don’t hold fish.

Some sand formations that include cusps or small hills could indicate a greater slope and deeper water. The deeper water close to shore is better at holding fish. This is where the angler should spend their efforts.

Wave action will also give out specific signs. Normally waves form offshore and travel a good distance without breaking and then break right on the surf. This is a sign that the bottom has a gradual slope for most of the wave set.

The best condition is when the waves start offshore, break on the bar, taper off with a foamy appearance and then re-form to again break near the shore. This is an indication of a slough where the deep water begins and after the foam begins to form again. Sloughs form before a sandbar and after at a steep sloping beach. These sloughs are where most of the fish will be found.

If the wave breaks and seas remain flat or foamy, move to the right or left until you find the right conditions.

Just a review, a slough is a channel of moving water that flows parallel along the beach and provides a highway for fish to find food and protection from other prey. This is the best place to focus your attention.

The final sign is a rip current. A rip current is a rapid outflow channel or river of water. This happens when the waves push too much water onto the beach and there needs to be a way for the excess of water to flow back out to sea. They are easy to spot, Just look for the rapid out flow current. These may be absent from surface foam.

So when looking for the best place to fish on the surf, focus on the far and near sloughs, deeper water channels and rip currents.

Remember most fish are within ten feet where you stand. So keep your eyes open, fish your bait close and never oversize your gear.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Transition to Fall

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Fishing on the Outer Banks during the Fall transition can produce catches of puppy drum, big drum, Speckled Sea Trout, Stripers and dozens of other species.

September typically means two things to me – the start of a new school year and Fall fishing. Classrooms and school buses get crowded and popular fishing spots become deserted. But just like school, there are many lessons to be learned when fishing between the Summer and the Fall on the Outer Banks.

Summer fishing is a lot like swinging in a hammock. You find a seat in the shade on the pier or maybe under an umbrella on the surf.  You cast your bottom rig out and wait for something to come by and take it. Summer fishing is usually very slow and kind of easy going. There are always plenty of small bottom fish to keep you busy. So as you can see those lazy summer fishing days are a lot like swinging on that hammock. Not real exciting nor is there a lot of interruptions but still a lot of fun.

Fall fishing on the other hand is where those summer lessons are put to the test. The Fall species that move into our waters can be very large and aggressive and fast.  These fish are aware that their main food source will be scarce in the coming months so they must feed aggressively.

The Florida pompano and Spanish Mackerel will be leaving for warmer waters soon and two of our most popular fall visitors will be taking their place. The Norfolk Spot and Atlantic croaker are a huge draw on the local piers in the fall. The Norfolk “Spot Run” occurs in mid to late September. During these runs, it is easy to fill a cooler in a matter of hours.

A short time later we see an increase of our native sea mullet, speckled sea trout, puppy drum and bluefish as well as the prized big red drum and many other traditional species such as flounder, sheepshead, sharks and rays and many others.

When fishing in the Summer we typically use light to medium gear. In the Fall season with the onslaught of huge and aggressive species moving in, we need to consider the use of stiffer and heavier gear. Larger rods, heavier reels, more stout lines and of course stronger rigs.

We also need to think about how we present our baits. Fresh shrimp, finger mullet or cut baits are your best bets this time of year. Some anglers will stay with fishbites, sand fleas, and even go with artificials and metals. But the key is the action and presentation of your retrieves. This action must match the feeding preferences of your target.

Weather in the fall is very unpredictable. Outer Banks environment can be brutal on anglers and gear. Preparation is key to a successful outing.

Now is the time to prepare. Our local tackle shops, piers, many of our media outlets and of course my website can help make this year’s fishing experience one to remember.

Fishing in the Fall on one of the local piers or the surf can be one of most enjoyable times. Many anglers travel hundreds of miles just to fish this time of year in our waters. Will you be joining us this year?

Captain’s Tip – always keep a light tackle rod set with you at all times in the fall. Hot action with a light rod and big fish are what memories are made of.

Watch for more fall fishing, gear and techniques shortly.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

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