One Fish, Two Fish

It’s drum season here on Hatteras Island. It’s probably one of the most exciting times of the year for anglers, who come from all over to brave the ever-changing April weather for a chance to land one of these big – and tasty – fish.

It’s also tournament time again. There are usually two times of the year that we see the tournaments at the beach. The fall – think October and November – and then again in the spring. As those of you who read “Hooked on You” learned, tournaments are big business. Not only are the anglers renting motel rooms or cottages, but also, they are shopping in the grocery stores, eating out at the newly-opened-for-the season restaurants, and buying lots of gear at tackle shops.

Every angler (and notice that I don’t say fishermen or women as there are plenty of both so angler is the all-encompassing term) has a specific idea about which rods, what reels, and the type of bait to use. If the water happens to be clear, there are plenty of lures to choose from. If the water is cloudy, or “drummy” as they say, then usually there will be a switch to bait like mullet or menhaden.

I saw a photo just a few days ago of the Point, that famous cape on Hatteras where the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Current collide. The waves were crashing and the white water and foam were flying. But so were the lines of literally hundreds of anglers out there. From what I read, their efforts were rewarded, and plenty of drum were caught. No doubt the fish stories were flying that night. It’s all part of the camaraderie that makes up a fishing trip to the Outer Banks.

This weekend there will be a big tournament, the 4 Plus 4WD. There are categories and prizes – it’s one of the tournaments I used as inspiration when I was writing about Jenni’s escapades. No doubt that for some individuals, fishing in a tournament is a bit of fun, but for most folks it’s serious business. There’s the travel time involved, the entry fees, and then the challenge of setting up on the sand and casting for hours on end. If there’s a big run, it can be frantic and rewarding. But many times, it’s hours of nothing. That’s when a real love of just being in the moment can be an angler’s best friend.

I have to admit I am not a big angler. But I have fished. And when you feel that rod bend, and you realize you have something on the line it is truly exhilarating. For the most part my catches from the surf have been blow toads or sand sharks or rays, all of which go back in the ocean. I have caught a few mullet and some other small fish, but never a big one from the surf.

The reality is that you’ll never catch a fish staying at home thinking about it. But some of the largest fish are taken when the weather is the absolute worst, which is not my idea of fun. But I do enjoy seeing when someone does hook into a big one. For visitors it becomes the story of their vacation, or tournament. Those memories last a lifetime, and it’s why people return again and again to Hatteras Island to fish.

And for some folks, it really isn’t about whether or not they catch a fish. It’s about being out in the salt air, in a beautiful place, watching and listening as the waves rolls onto the shoreline and the birds soar above them. It can be therapeutic, mesmerizing, calming, and exhilarating all at the same time. It’s why fishing is so popular, and why Hatteras, with its perfect combination of sun, sea, sand and surf, attracts of thousands of anglers each year.

The next time you’re here, give it a try. It might not end up being a passion, but at least you can say you’ve done something that’s on plenty of bucket lists – casting into the surf on the Outer Banks.

Photo Courtesy of Kim Mosher and Kim Mosher Designs. For more information on her shirts and colorful designs, visit her Facebook page.

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The Rules of Beachcombing

How can I find a whelk?

Where can I find beach glass?

What’s the best time to go shelling?

I was asked those questions, or questions very similar to those, over and over again when Dave and I owned the Cape Hatteras Motel. And for good reason. Shells and pieces of glass are beautiful, colorful, exotic, and, best of all, free! It just takes time, patience, and a good eye. But there are no real rules of beachcombing. Most of the time, great finds are pure luck, being in the right place at the right time.

That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind to improve your odds of finding that perfect beach souvenir to take back home.

  1. If you are on the island during a storm, try to get out on the beach once it is safe to do so. The ocean gets pretty churned up very easily. It doesn’t need to be a hurricane or even a nor’easter. A passing low-pressure system that creates swells will bring things up from the bottom and deposit them along the shoreline. Yes, many things might be broken, but shells are pretty hardy and the larger ones will appear intact.
  2. It is often said that the “best” time to find shells is at low tide. In my experience, I have found wonderful treasures at high tide, low tide, and at all times in between. Just after a high tide, you can find items deposited higher along the shoreline. And at low tide, don’t forget to check that high tide line as well, as many people don’t even look there. Low tide doesn’t always occur right at sunrise. I believe it is more important just to be there, one of the first people on the beach in the morning, to have the best chances of finding something special. This is especially true during the summer when more people are out walking every day.
  3. The more you go out looking for shells, the more likely you are to find something. Hatteras is not Sanibel Island where shells are everywhere, all the time. To find a unique, intact shell here is really something special. Persistence pays off. Yes, there are some wild days when you can go out and see whelks, or starfish, or moon shells in abundance. But most days aren’t like that, so just being present every day increases your chances of finding the perfect shell.
  4. And speaking of perfection, don’t be afraid to pick up a shell that is “almost” perfect. Nearly all shells have some sort of crack or hole or flaw in them, but I see those “imperfections” as part of a shell’s history, and makes them even more special.
  5. If you’re looking for glass, you must train your eye. It is challenging to look for big whelks and tiny pieces of glass at the same time. Glass likes to reside in gravel beds, but that’s not to say you can’t find pieces of glass washed in all on their own. On Hatteras brown is the most common color, followed by clear and green. Blue is a bit tougher, and if you should find red, yellow or lavender, go buy a lottery ticket!
  6. Be a respectful beachcomber and take an extra bag for trash or those pieces of glass which really aren’t smooth enough to be beach glass, but could be sharp enough to cut someone’s foot.
  7. And if you find a shell of any kind where an animal is “home,” please throw it back into the ocean.

In my books, my characters are often found taking walks along the beach. The combined experience of the sea, salt, sand, and sun can wash away anxiety, bring clarity of thought, enhance an enjoyment of nature, and create a real sense of inner peace. Not to mention it’s great exercise. And if you find a shell or two or a piece of glass, that’s really a bonus. Don’t let shelling or glass hunting stress you out. You’ll find the ocean will surely reward you in its own time!

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