910-622-3474
Our recent attendence at the fishing schools and boat shows around the state have been great. We managed to attend the Raleigh Boat Show, the Bass Pro Boat Show, Saltwater Sportsman fishing school with George Poveromo, and the Fisherman’s Post fishing school. These all provided very informative seminars and I was proud to be a part of each and every one of them. If you did not get a chance to stop by any of these schools this year, then be sure to stop by the schools next year and gain knowledge that will be very beneficial to your fishing experiences up and down the east coast.
The grouper fishing off our coast is good as usual right now, with Gags and Reds biting biting from 15- 35 miles right now. They will be willing to bite most live baits as well as cut bait and cigar minnows droppeed on any ledge. There are also many different assorted bottom fish willing to tug your line right now. The snapper and sea bass provide a great fight and a fantastic meal for anyone, and they are also easily caught by all ages. The fishing will continue to be heating up as the spring season comes upon us, and will bring in the many different migrating species of fish into the warming waters of the Atlantic.
Bluefin Tuna Fishing
If you are a fishing enthusiasts but have never experienced the thrill of big game fishing, then fishing for bluefin tuna should be your entree into this exciting sport. Bluefin tuna is a delicacy and highly prized by sushi connoisseurs and should be on the list of “must catch” for every big-game angler.
The bluefin is one of the swiftest and most elusive fish you’ll every attempt to catch. Their speed and size is what makes them popular among experienced anglers. Bluefin tuna weighing almost 1000 pounds have been caught in Ireland. Smaller size tuna are also commonly captured.
Hunting a bluefin tuna requires patience, careful planning and a little research. The Northeast coast of the United States and the Western coast of Ireland are two popular areas where bluefin tuna have been frequently captured. On the Northeast U.S. coast, June through November is the peak seasons for bluefin. On the Irish coast, August through November is the best time for bluefin tuna angling. Depending on your budget and travel preferences, either location is an excellent choice for capturing a trophy bluefin tuna.
Bluefin tuna can only be caught in the deep waters – they never approach shallow coastal shores. Their specific habitat has resulted in enterprising anglers to establish themselves as knowledgeable experts in locating and capturing bluefin tuna. Your best chance to catch one is to charter a private boat with a reputable skipper who uses well maintained equipment. The skippers should have a verifiable reputation for catching bluefin tuna or other big-game fish. You should avoid charters who claim they know where to find these sea giants but can’t document or prove their claim.
Scheduling a date and an experienced crew is not the only things you need to worry about. You should also use professional-grade equipment (rod, reel, etc) that is designed for big game angling. If you are an occasional big-fish angler, investing in this type of equipment might not be cost effective. That’s why the boat you choose to hire should provide all the necessary equipment you’ll need to catch a bluefin tuna. Most skippers include the rental of this equipment with the price of the charter. Other skippers will charge an extra nominal charge. Before finalizing your charter boat reservation, make sure what equipment is included so that you won’t incur any unexpected expenses. You should also be aware that you might also be responsible for equipment that is damaged or loss. Verify your reservations “terms and conditions” before confirming your charter.
Most boats come equipped with a “fighting chair”. This is a chair that is anchored to the boat’s deck from where you can easily “fight” the pull from a big-game fish. The chair is designed to anchor your fishing rod such that it makes it easier for you to reel in large powerful fish. Although this specialized equipment is not required, having a fighting chair makes reeling in your giant bluefin tuna a more memorable experience.
Conrad is an avid angler, has experienced big-game fishing all over the world and urges you to choose wisely before committing to hire a fishing charter. The last time he went bluefin tuna fishing was in Northwesten Ireland and he selected an experienced crew at Broadhaven Charters
Man, this is what its all about….
For the fishing enthusiast, one will be hard pressed to find a more relaxing locale than the Currituck Outer Banks to partake in your favorite activity. Pleasant, year-round weather, spacious beaches, and excellent locales up the coast allow for excellent fishing on charters, area piers, and even the shore. Grab your tackle box and your best spinning rods and spend the day in Currituck. Whether you take home just one drum or an entire cooler full of spot, a day of fishing in the Outer Banks beat a day at work.
Where to Fish in the Outer Banks
The northern coast of the Outer Banks and Knotts Island offer many places for serene, comfortable fishing. Residents and visitors alike often congregate at the Coinjock Marina, where one can fish off the pier or charter a boat trip for some deep sea action. The Midway Marina & Motel, on the Intracoastal Waterway, offers a number of amenities for traveling fishermen, including Internet access and clean, comfortable rooms for extended stay. On Knotts Island, there Pearl’s Bay Villa Marina & Resturant across the Currituck Sound from Carova Beach. There the fish are plentiful and the views especially breathtaking.
Types of Fish in the Outer Banks
Many associate the Chesapeake Bay area with crabbing, and indeed you may find a number of commercial trawlers on the sea when you head out to fish. Truth is, though, there are a variety of fish to be had in the Currituck Outer Banks. On a good day, one can catch bluefish, speckled trout, spot and puppy drum, as well as some croaker, black drum, flounder, and even small sharks. When the tides are right, pier fishermen may be able to catch some red drum, while striped bass is reported found near Oregon Inlet.
Weather Conditions for the Outer Banks
The best thing about fishing in the Outer Banks is that it need not be limited to the warmer months. Truth be told, the warmth in this region stretches further through the year than in most areas, and during the off-season the beaches are not crowded. Fishermen can take advantage of the time before Spring Break for uninterrupted fishing.
From March through November you may see lows in the 60s in the colder months, and highs into the 80s-90s at the peak of summer. Consequently, water temperature also varies, in the 50s during colder month, warming in the summer and staying relatively warm (as high as 70 degrees) as late as October.
Whether you want to fish early in the year or in the heat of summer, the Outer Banks should be a must visit for all fishing enthusiasts.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance writers whose travel articles appear on many websites, including VisitCurrituck.com, the official website of Currituck County Travel and Tourism.
Photos: 1
Photos: 1