ABOUT FISHING
You see, in our house there was a sort of family prejudice against going fishing if you hadn’t permission. But it would frequently be bad judgment to ask. So I went fishing secretly, as it were–way up the Mississippi.
– Speech by Mark Twain, March 7, 1906 
But Especially – Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don’t tell them where they know the fish.
– More Maxims of Mark, Johnson, 1927
Many traveling anglers search for that sweet spot where there is easy access, safe for families, surrounded by a beautiful environment and a place where they can regularly catch fish. Well, there is such a place like that on the Outer Banks.
The “Bebop” Public Multi-use Pier on the western bank of the Old Mann’s Harbor Bridge, just outside Manteo on Rt. 64, is that special spot. So special, that when you visit the pier, it will exceed everyone’s expectations.
The facility was built in remembrance of Betty Dean “Bebop” Fearing, a Dare County local. She enjoyed a life-long love of nature and the outdoors on the Outer Banks. And so after she passed away after a long illness, her family and friends helped create a magnificent memorial to her where locals and visitors can enjoy an easy access to one of her favorite places. 
The pier location splits the Albemarle Sound and Croatan Sound where water flows freely across grass flats and edges and points. Views from the pier are just spectacular of the Albemarle Sound and the surrounding areas. And the local waters hold many species of fish.
Local anglers frequent this pier in the spring and fall in search for prized catches of stripers, puppy drum and sea speckled trout. In the summer, anglers catch large numbers of flounder and croaker in addition to many other local species.
The pier has plenty of parking including for those who have limited mobility. Handrails, railings, and benches are provided for safety and convenience and a covered pavilion will provide shelter from rain or sun. And the entire pier is surrounded by a substantial guardrail to prevent falling into the water.
This area is also a destination for the region’s largest community of purple martins.
So for both anglers, visiting families and anyone who seeks a special sweet spot to enjoy nature, the outdoors for the whole family along with a great opportunity to catch fish, this is the place not to be missed.
Until next time – Tightlines. Capt. Tony
Second in a Series – You arrived on the Outer Banks safely. Your family is settled into their vacation house and kids are on the beach. Now it’s time for you to plan for your first fishing excursion.
You brought your gear from home and plan to save some money and to fish with your “old faithful” rod. Sometimes this technique can result in more frustration and less catches. Other local anglers and I recommend against this.
The first stop for any angler but especially someone new to the area, should be to stop by a local tackle shop for advice and recommendations on the proper gear and equipment. The staff will help determine what rod and reel will work best with the type of fishing you plan to do.
The best start up gear should be a standard medium size rod and reel combination. This set up can be purchased along with a temporary license for less than fifty dollars.
Next, the staff will help you with what’s biting and on which baits. It’s important to follow their suggestions until you have developed your own methods.
Of course, like any hobby, the new angler can fill the trunk with many other items, but really you only need several items to get started. Those items include your rod and reel set up, bait and a small cooler to keep it fresh, small knife, fish gripper, a de-hooker and a rod holder. You might even consider several replacement bottom rigs, various size hooks and sinkers.
Additionally, you might consider obtaining a five gallon bucket to carry your gear. And the bucket can also be used as a seat.
Sure there are other items you could use to make life easy but remember you are just getting started. There is plenty of time for you to experience fishing and then add to your tackle collection as you find things work.
So now you should be knowledgeable enough to start planning your first excursion.
This is part two of the series, “Hey, I am new” and I want to add fishing to my favorite things to do.
Until Next Time – Tightlines. Capt. Tony