Outer Banks North Carolina Fishing Reports
|
Bad day turn into outstanding afternoon
|
|
With the weather forecast calling for rain, my charter decided to reschedule there trip for a dry day. Around eleven, the sky cleared and the wind fell out, so I told my seven year old to dress warm and we were off. Once we got outside the inlet, the ocean was flat clam. We only had a few hour to fish, so I put the hammer down and we were flying along at 55mph headed toward Corolla. Once we arrived in the area, you could see where the fish were, by the thousands of Gannets diving in the water. I drop two lines in the water and no sooner than I set the drag, both of them starting singing. After 45 minutes of that, my son was wore out and took a breather. I couldn’t keep up with two lines, so both of them came in and I went to jigging. I couldn’t believe it, but I caught bigger fish this way using smaller lures. I’d have to argue with the person that said, bigger bait, bigger fish. I was using 3oz bucktails and catching 35lb plus fish. My son got back into the action when the old man pulled in the first big one. We ended the day with them still biting and our two biggest fish at 37lbs and 46lbs, citations for the both of us. You don’t get many days that nice. Next time you guys might not let a little rain ruin a good day of fishing.
Tight lines, Ray
|
|
|
|
Still catching Stripers
|
|
Sorry for being slack with the fishing reports, but after fishing three tournaments back to back, plus making 50 mile runs everyday to catch fish, I’m worn out. I haven’t fished the past several days due to the weather, but the fishing has been great if you enjoy a long boat ride. Most of the stripers have been hanging around the Virginia / NC border. The big fish are staying in that area until the water gets colder up north and makes them move south. We have boated numerous citation fish, but nothing above the 50lb mark. The first place boat during the last tournament had three fish that weighed 147lbs., which one fish was over fifty. There are still a few trout being caught in the surf and some tuna being taken offshore. Here is Jim & buddies from W. Va. with a nice catch. Jack caught the only citation of the day which was just over 36lbs and most of the fish were caught during the last hour.
Thanks, Ray
 |
|
|
|
Year end fishing
|
|
Well I didn’t plan many trips around New Years because the fishing hasn’t been the best, plus I had a few tournaments to fish. Our last ASA for the year was held down here on the Outer Banks. You would think we would have the home court advantage, but the fish haven’t been here in large numbers. So, we decided to make a 120 mile run up into the Chesapeake Bay. There were reports of 40lb plus fish being caught. We left Oregon Inlet at 4am to make it by our start time of 7am. It’s kind of nerve racking running 40mph in the dark, but we made it with no problems. We setup drift fishing with eels and after several hours we only had a 18lb fish to show for it. We were going to work back towards Carolina and fish along the way. After running to the mouth of the bay, we spotted the fleet. I’ve never seen so many boats in my life fishing at one time. There had to be over 500 boats packed in a small area at the mouth of the bay. Out went our gear, dodging other boats as we trolled along. Zero bites, I just couldn’t believe it. So we pack up again and aim it to the south. After another 30 minutes we notice a loud noise out of the starboard motor. We’re not sure what it is but we make it to the dock. Not knowing if we will be able to fish the next day, we decided to weigh the small fish in and run the boat over to dealer to see if it can be fixed. When we get there the mechanic, Craig at Wanchese Marine, tells us the lower unit has several broken teeth on the forward gear. Just so happens that my other boat has the same lower unit , so Craig makes the exchange and we are set for the next day. Day two, we are back up and running at 4am. We reach our spot in the bay and set out. Not much time passes by and we get several runs, but no fish. Then when the tide changed, things started to happen. The first fish was around 25lb, but not what we need. The second fish was 37lbs, getting better, but no cookie yet. The we get the big pull. The fish is taking line like there is no tomorrow. After a five minute fight, we get a look at her. We are all excited because this fish is BIG. Out comes the StowMaster net, because gaffing is not allowed in the bay. We missed the first try. Now we are hoping for a second try. Earlier, a boat beside us lost a big fish while trying to net it. On the next pass, into the net it goes. It takes two of us to lift this huge fish. After a round of high fives, we weigh the fish. The scales are hitting the 50lb mark. We pack our gear, and make the long run back to Oregon Inlet. Back at the scales, the official weight is 48.30lbs and gets us the second largest fish of the tournament and 13th overall. We also fished 3rd in our division. By the way, the first place fish was 48.40lbs., that’s the 3rd time we have finished in second by a tenth of a pound. The tournament crew of Brian Bracey, Woodie Spruill, and myself start our 2007 in a few weeks in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I do have some open spots for Striper fishing in Jan. And Feb. If you want to go look for a 50 lb. fish.
Tight lines, Ray
P.S. Sorry about the bad photo, I was excited.
|
|
|
|
