Pirates Cove Marina

An Angler’s Resolutions

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Resolutions on New Year’s Eve sometimes get the revelers into a trouble. Some commit to outrageous goals that usually are forgotten just hours later. But what if you made a resolution that could improve your fishing for the coming year. Well, I have several resolutions that I make annually and most times it does make me a better angler.igfa-paper-fish

My first resolution is never allow your gear to be neglected. During the season, maintenance is easy. Rise off any gear that was subjected to the environment especially salt water, air or debris. Lures, jigs and terminal tackle should be cleaned and put in its place. Old bait should be thrown away and not into the water. After each trip remove ten yards of line from your reel to avoid any weak line that may have chaffed and will break under stress. Maintained tackle and fresh bait catches more fish so start fresh each day.

My next one is do your homework – now and all year long.  My home work is studying the areas I want to fish in, the species I target and any new techniques or gear that will give me an advantage. Each year, tackle shops invite representatives to talk about new innovative ways to catch fish as well as the new products on the market. These new items were field tested to improve the catch. Watch for something that makes your angling better. If you don’t hear about any lessons, contact your local tackle shop.

Next one is go to school – learn more. This is the one I can’t stress enough. Over time we all lose our best angling techniques. Even professional guides hire another guides annually to watch their techniques and make recommendations. I have a good friend who has fished for over twenty five years professionally and even he hires a guide to evaluate his skills.  We are never too young or old to learn new tips and to get better at what we do.

Also, there are many seminars and fishing classes available both locally and regionally. Most are in convenient locations. You can also pick up great tips by going to boat shows. I have found professional anglers, fishing club members and boats dealers to be a fantastic resource.

My final resolution is to always “Keep it Simple” when fishing. Never over fish your skill set or knowledge. Start off using tried and true techniques but be prepared to change as the species change their preferences. The lure or jig that worked great last year just might spook the prey this year. So be flexible, be observant and learn something every trip.

So as you think about fishing during this New Year celebrations, make those resolutions that can make a difference in you.

Until next time – Tightlines – Cat. Tony

Striped Bass Season Opens for 2016

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striped-bassToday the North Carolina Department of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) announced the opening of the Striped Bass Recreational Season effective October 1, 2016 at 12:01 A.M. in the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

Striped bass maybe caught by hook and line or recreational commercial gear for recreational purposes all seven (7) days per week. If you intent to use a recreational commercial gear license gill net, you must refer to M-proclamations for additional information.

These fish must be at least 18 total inches and each angler may keep no more than two (2) fish in any one day.

The season is scheduled to close at 1159 P.M. on, Sunday, April 30, 2017 unless closed by the NCDMF proclamation.

Additionally, the Atlantic Ocean Striped Bass fishery remains open to all anglers at one (1) fish per day at a minimum of twenty-eight (28) inches. For more information on the ocean fishery, please check with your local tackle shop.

It’s been a long time since we had a good striped bass fishery. Only take what you can use. All others should be safely returned to the water.

And only you and I can preserve this important Outer Banks fishery.

Until next time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Discount Tackle is no Bargain

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There is no sign that gets an anglers attention more than a sign that reads, “Discount Tackle”.

Many anglers have experienced the consequences of using “discount gear” at least once in their lives. And most smart anglers will try to steer as far away from places that sell discount tackle.IMG_1972

But there are many anglers who will still use anything they can to just wet a line. And they do this at the expense of losing that fish or having a disappointing experience.

Discount tackle can be typically found in most “big-box” stores and on the shelves of many small variety shops. And the quality of the tackle can be different depending on where you shop.

Many of the big box retailers will purchase large amounts of specific tackle because it can be purchased in volume and at a discount. By buying in volume and at a low price, they are able to sell it to the anglers at discount. But anglers should keep in mind that just because there is a large variety of inexpensive tackle doesn’t mean it is quality gear. Buying quality tackle at a discount store can be done but it requires a smart angler.

I have found that discount tackle from the big box stores has an overall lesser quality. Anglers may find some high quality gear there but overall they will have trouble differentiating the good from the poor quality. And the worst thing that can happen when you use less than quality gear, is that you lose your fish. And become frustrated when using something that doesn’t work well or last through the season.

When I purchase tackle and fishing gear, I always head to my local tackle shop, marina or pier house. I might pay a little more but the quality is always top notch. Ironically, if you price the tackle at big box and local tackle shops, prices are going to be the same or close to it.

Now the best advantage to shopping at our local tackle shops is the professional advice. Not only are you getting the best gear and tackle for specific species but also the proper techniques, times to go and the best place to fish. So when time is short, you can’t waste time trying to find a great spot. Let the tackle shop professionals do the homework for you – they will help put you on the fish “QUICK”.

So the next time you see a sign that reads, “Discount Tackle”, and you want to take a chance, then go ahead and shop. But if you are more serious about catching fish, do yourself a favor and pass it by and head to your local tackle shop. You will not regret that choice.

On the Outer Banks there are many shops to choose from and each one will gladly help you make that fishing memory.

Until next time – Tightlines. Capt. Tony