THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 18, 1996 TAG: 9602150203
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: Tight Lines
SOURCE: Damon Tatem
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
As has been the case for many years, bluewater fishing has provided the only reliable saltwater action during February. Bluefin tuna catches have been outstanding off Diamond Shoals Light Tower.
Some of the best action so far this season was reported Feb. 10. Bluefins ranging in size from 100 to 300 pounds were plentiful. The number of fishing vessels in the area was substantial, with an estimated 100 boats chasing the well-publicized bluefin tuna.
Teach's Lair Marina weighed a 325-pounder and reported the release of several fish in the jumbo category. A few yellowfin tuna also were taken, and Charles Cralle of Virginia Beach landed a 97-pound wahoo while fishing aboard the Phideaux.
Strong winds Feb. 11 and 12 kept offshore fishermen at the dock waiting for better weather. Although conditions improved only a little Feb. 13, a few anglers went offshore searching for bluefin. They were rewarded with some scattered small fish well south of ``the rockpile.''
Yellowfin tuna fishing has been good around ``the point,'' southeast of Oregon Inlet. Fish have been taken by trolling and chunking. Unfortunately, fishing days have been few because of consistantly strong winds and rough seas.
Recent southerly winds have resulted in rising water temperatures in the Hatteras area and along the northern beaches. The surf temperature Feb. 13 reached 47 degrees at Buxton and 39.5 degrees on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pier in Duck.
A continuation of mild weather and light southerly winds should improve the possibility of some surf action at Cape Point. Striped bass and trout continue to be reported in good numbers in deeper water in the Hatteras area.
Some striped bass action was reported in the Croatan Sound around Marshes Light Feb. 11. A few stripers also were landed along the Manns Harbor bridge, but fishing in the area continues to be slow overall since the snow and ice of early February.
Proclamations should be issued soon, listing the opening dates and regulations governing commercial and recreational harvest in the Albemarle-Roanoke Management Area. The commercial season probably will open as a by-catch fishery Feb. 16, and the recreational season probably will open during mid-March. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DREW C. WILSON
During the winter lull in fishing, the owners of the Outer Banks'
oldest fishing pier, Jennette's, have been busy renovating the Nags
Head facility. The pier house is being remodeled and a new
restaurant and gaming room are expected to be open by spring.
by CNB