THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 3, 1996 TAG: 9610020763
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Bob Hutchinson
LENGTH: 32 lines
If the surf angler's heart beats at a slightly quickened pace in October, there is reason. The 10th month produces some of the year's best surf action.
If that were not enough, October can be an incredibly beautiful time to be on the beaches of Virginia and North Carolina.
Days can be crisp and cool, bright and balmy. The surf can be wonderously clear and south-migrating waterfowl and shorebirds are greeted by hardy brown pelicans.
But the fishing is the great attraction. You'll find a mixed bag of small stuff, plus the improving prospect of connecting with a false albacore or maybe even a big red drum.
And while the 1996 surf run of puppy drum is not up to that of a year ago, you'll find enough scattered about to make things worthwhile. This is especially true on the fabled North Carolina Outer Banks, where autumn as splendid surf action are practically synonymous.
That's why two of the year's biggest East Coast surf contests are fall standards on the Banks.
Things start with the annual Nags Head surf fishing tournament Oct. 10-12 and the annual Cape Hatteras Invitational Nov. 7-9.
The events draw between 80 and 100 6-person fishing squads from all over the East Coast for two days of team fishing followed by a one-day individual contest. MEMO: For complete fishing forecast see microfilm. by CNB