|
Summer's End and a few thoughts of Gratitude
Summer's end is around the bend just flying.
The swimming suits are on the line just drying...
-John Prine
The swimming suits are on the line just drying...
-John Prine
09/23/2024
|
One of our NC Albies was re-captured in Alabama!
I recently received some pretty exciting news from the American Saltwater Guides Association that one of the Albies we tagged in North Carolina last October, was just caught off the coast of Alabama! This news shakes up a lot of our assumptions on what these fish are actually doing, how they are migrating and on their population dynamics.
08/09/2024
|
2024 Roanoke River Striped Bass Recap
The alarm sounds off, it’s 5:30, and I force myself to roll out of bed. I walk around the room and turn on every light as I guzzle down a bottle of water. Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I throw on a pair of shorts and reach into the rack of hooded fishing shirts and grab the first one I touch. I splash some water on my face, put in my contacts, brush my teeth, and I am out the door. As I walk across the hotel parking lot in the dim pre-dawn light, I pass Jon boats, center consoles, and shallow water skiffs, all hooked up to their trucks and ready for action. I unplug my battery charger from the boat and jump in the Sequoia. The Roanoke River is just 5 minutes down the road from the Days Inn,
and the Rockfish are waiting.
and the Rockfish are waiting.
05/28/2024
|
Cicadamania 2024
Something very cool will be happening soon and I can't wait to experience it again. All over the eastern half of the United States, 13- and 17-year Cicadas will be emerging over the next few weeks. This will be one of the largest emergences in decades, and trillions of these buzzing insects will break through the surface of the ground only to mate and die within a few weeks. In certain parts of North Carolina, we will be seeing loads of these orange and black Cicadas during May and June. So, what's all this have to do with a fishing post? Well, if you've ever wanted to see Carp and other fish lose their minds for a few weeks, then keep on reading...
04/6/2024
|
Blackwater Canoe Trips
Paddling a canoe in the backwaters, among the cypress and lily pads is too special to keep it to myself. Therefore, I've decided to incorporate it into my guiding business. I don't need or want to run a bunch of canoe charters every year, but I am excited to add this as an offering to any of my anglers that would like to experience something different...something special.
04/15/2024
|
Spring 2024 Nearshore Trips
We are a week into the month of April and things sure are feeling spring-like. Flowers are in bloom, the grass is green, and the air and water temps are on the climb. And warming water temps in April, make me think of one thing. The bite that's getting ready to fire up along our nearshore waters any day now.
04/06/2024
|
March Shadness 2024
I just got back from the Roanoke River targeting Hickory Shad during their annual spring migration. Except for one day of wind and storms, we had a very successful week on the river. We ran a few more trips this year than we did the previous year, and I look forward to continuing to build up this fishery as an opportunity for my anglers to enjoy.
04/03/2024
|
A Big Win for Albies!
This past week a lot of anglers used their keyboards and voices to show their support of guard rail regulations
on False Albacore along the NC Coast.
on False Albacore along the NC Coast.
02/25/2024
|
Rocking on the Roanoke this upcoming May.
I'm excited about returning to the Roanoke River again this May for the Striped Bass run. As of right now, I've cleared out May 1-11 of 2024 for Roanoke "Rockfish", but I could possibly extend that depending on bookings. The fish will hopefully be there before
I arrive, and still there after I leave, but my plan is to hit the peak of the spawn when the stretch of River we
fish around Weldon has the highest concentration of fish.
I arrive, and still there after I leave, but my plan is to hit the peak of the spawn when the stretch of River we
fish around Weldon has the highest concentration of fish.
02/12/2024
|
Returning to the Roanoke - Early Spring Shad Run
As we approach the end of January, I'm already excited about returning to the Roanoke River this spring. In less than two months, I'll be floating down this wild river with clients, enjoying the amazing fishery that is the Hickory Shad spawning run. We are right in the middle of our winter Redfish season here on the coast, but I can't help thinking of what's next, as I order new 4wt sinking lines, tie up Shad flies, and imagine the fun to be had. For some reason, Shad just don’t get the same love that Striped Bass receive on the Roanoke. I truly think anglers don’t know what they’re missing, as fishing for these aggressive, acrobatic fish is as fun as it gets.
01/29/2024
|
Giving Redfish a Second Chance in 2024
I feel like I should post a trigger warning on this story, as I know I'm going to upset a few people. I've made the decision to go 100% catch and release on Redfish in 2024. I made this decision several months ago, but wanted to
go ahead and put it out there for everyone as we enter a new year of fishing.
go ahead and put it out there for everyone as we enter a new year of fishing.
01/12/2024
|
Tailing Tide's 2023 Year in Review and 2024 Outlook
Here's a quick (not so quick) look back at my best year ever as a fly-fishing and light tackle guide here in Coastal North Carolina, along with a look at what's on the horizon for 2024.
12/31/2024
|
Everything but the Hero Shots - Cape Lookout Fall 2023
Another Fall at the Cape has come and gone. We ran the beaches and inlets in search of fish, but in reality, there was so much more that made up our experiences. From sunrises to wild horses to bait balls full of sharks, there is so much to take in. I've spent the last few posts sharing the fish we've caught at the Cape from September through November. I wanted to take a minute on this post to share some of my favorite non-Hero Shots from this Fall. You may or may not have been there to experience these moments with me, but I hope you enjoy seeing them
half as much as I've enjoyed witnessing them.
half as much as I've enjoyed witnessing them.
12/10/2023
|
Final Nearshore Report of 2023
Albies and Redfish Madness
Well, it looks like this might be my last big nearshore report for the fall of 2023. There are still some Albies around and we'll be chasing the big Bull Reds on and off through the winter, but my "life at sea" is complete for the year.
I've already transitioned to poling the backwaters chasing schools of Redfish.
I've already transitioned to poling the backwaters chasing schools of Redfish.
12/04/2023
|
Hookups and Heros - Fall on the Cape Update
I feel like I'm always busy nowadays (not sure if that's good or bad), but October and November are definitely the busiest months for me. That being said, I wanted to post an update for our fall fishing season.
11/17/2023
|
The Boys are Back in Town.
Well, it's definitely fall and its definitely Albie season, and I am definitely loving it. It's got me so incredibly
busy that I can barely get enough sleep and barely keep my head above water.
Therefore, I'll make this report short and sweet for y'all.
busy that I can barely get enough sleep and barely keep my head above water.
Therefore, I'll make this report short and sweet for y'all.
10/17/2023
|
July Floods and August Albies
It's been a month since my last blog update and we have a lot to talk about. The last 30 days have been a roller coaster ride between some of the best fishing I've seen in a long time and some of the biggest struggle bus rides of the year. We've also gotten to get out looking for some future opportunities for our anglers to enjoy the amazing fishery we have on the Crystal Coast. So without further ado...
08/25/20223
|
Mid Summer Inshore and Nearshore Update
Hey everyone, it's been a little while since I last did a fishing report. I promise I'm not getting lazy, just really busy. Heck, it's even been a few months since I dropped a podcast episode. I have been truly blessed in the fact that all the hard work I've put into the guide service over the last 11 years is really starting to pay off. A huge thank you to everyone who continues to support me and allow me to live the dream.
07/24/2023
|
Striped Bass on the Roanoke River - Spring 2023
I recently returned home from two weeks on the Roanoke River guiding anglers to Striped Bass during their spring spawning run. This season marked my 17th year fishing the Roanoke River for Shad and Stripers. I grew up right down the road fishing on the Chowan River and Albemarle Sound, but I didn't discover the Roanoke until later in life. Although I love chasing Redfish and Albies in the salt, I look forward to floating the Roanoke and enjoying the slower pace and great fishing each spring.
05/16/2023
As I am typing this, I'm sitting in my hotel room in Weldon NC. It's the beginning of the Striped Bass spawn and I'm happy to be on the river again. The only downside to the Striped Bass run, is that it cuts into our Atlantic Bonito season on the Crystal Coast. The Bonito will probably be around for another week or two, but I probably saw my last Bonito of the year come over the gunnels last week before traveling up to the Roanoke River. By the time I get back, it could be over until next year. I don't mind that too much, because we had a great, albeit short, Atlantic Bonito season.
05/02/2023
|
Shad Week 2023
Growing up along the Chowan River in NE NC, I knew about Shad and saw them occasionally, but never knew about the amazing Hickory Shad run on our neighboring Roanoke River. It wasn't until about 16 years ago,
when I was in my mid-twenties, that I learned about this awesome fishery.
when I was in my mid-twenties, that I learned about this awesome fishery.
04/10/2023
Looks like it's about time to end another chapter in the Redfish journey. As the winter 2022/2023 season
comes to a close, and we transition into spring fishing, I wanted to look back and share
some images and thoughts from the final few weeks.
comes to a close, and we transition into spring fishing, I wanted to look back and share
some images and thoughts from the final few weeks.
04/01/2023
|
Winter Redfish Update - February 2023
Just a quick update on our winter Redfish fishery. February was really productive for us on the flats chasing schools of fish in (mostly) clear water. Lots of fish schooled up, some willing to play and some not so much. I had a lot of great clients onboard this month and we had a great time pursuing these blue tailed gamefish.
02/28/2023
|
The Next Two Months...Shad, Bonito, Albies, Redfish and Striped Bass
Although we are in the thick of the winter Redfish season, I'm always prepping for what's coming next. We are in a time of transition... cold nights, clear water and schools of Redfish, while at the same time we have Cherry Trees blooming and pollen is starting to fill the air. Water temps will be on the rise soon, and with that, several new species will arrive that we can chase on fly and spin.
02/20/2023
|
Upcoming Shad Season on the Roanoke
Although Redfish, Speckled Trout, Stripers and Albies seem to get most of the attention here in Eastern North Carolina, there is a fish that is near and dear to my heart during the month of March. Many of us associate the arrival of shad in our coastal rivers with the official kick off of spring and the upcoming fishing season.
02/05/2023
|
Winter Redfish Update for January 2023
Well we are officially 1/12th of the way through 2023. Time flies! I spent a good bit of the past month
out on the water with clients chasing Redfish. I can honestly say that this January was my best January
of fishing in 18 years of living here on the Crystal Coast.
out on the water with clients chasing Redfish. I can honestly say that this January was my best January
of fishing in 18 years of living here on the Crystal Coast.
02/02/2023
|
2023 Preview - Excited For What Lies Ahead
I hope all of you had a good New Years and a great start to your 2023! I'm gearing up for the next 12 months of fishing and planning out all of the different seasons and opportunities. I thought this would be a good time to give everyone a run down of all of the things we have coming up this year.
01/06/2023
|
Cape Lookout Fall 2022 - Beyond The Hero Shots
I love Cape Lookout in the Fall. The sights, the sounds, the smells, all of it. I go there each Fall to put my anglers on fish, but there is so much more to experience beyond the fish. Here are 50 of my favorite images taken while pursuing Albies and other species this past October and November. I hope you enjoy seeing this amazing place through my eyes.
12/20/2022
|
Winter Redfish Season is Here!
This year has flown by, and I can't believe that it's already mid-December. I barely just finished Albacore season and the winter Redfish fishery has already started up. The water temperature is between 57 and 60 degrees, the water is really clearing up, and the fish are schooling together in their winter haunts.
12/14/2022
|
November 2022 Nearshore Recap - Albies to AJ's
Now that Albie season is pretty much, most likely, but possibly not, over...I wanted to sit down
and give you all a summary of the second half of Albie season.
and give you all a summary of the second half of Albie season.
12/01/2022
|
Nearshore Report for Mid October 2022
So far this season has been great, with lots of birds, bait, fish, and happy anglers. Other than a tropical storm and a few odd weather days, the nearshore fishing has been really productive with lots of Albies caught along with Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel. Both fly and spin has produced a solid bite and everyone has caught fish...
10/17/2022
|
September Redfish and Albies
We’ve been blessed with some really pretty days the last two weeks. Sunny skies and low winds. We’ve seen a lot of Redfish, but that hasn’t necessarily made them easy. Most of my trips have been on the fly rod and the fish have demanded accurate casts and have been pretty picky. Let’s just say we’ve earned them.
09/24/2022
|
End of Summer Update - Late August 2022
The inshore bite has continued to be good on most days with a little bit of a struggle here and there. We have been blessed with good weather overall, which has really helped with sight fishing. I'm still seeing a few schools of Redfish...
09/05/2022
|
August Update
After a seemingly never ending 20 plus mph wind the entire month of July, we are finally getting some pretty days
to chase fish. Not only is it nice to not have to pole into a wind tunnel, but it's great to look for fish
that aren't in chocolate milk with whitecaps...
to chase fish. Not only is it nice to not have to pole into a wind tunnel, but it's great to look for fish
that aren't in chocolate milk with whitecaps...
08/16/02022
|
Mid Summer Update for the Crystal Coast
Hey everyone! I wanted to take a minute to update you all on the summer fishing here on the Crystal Coast.
It's been a really great summer so far. A few tough days due to weather or lockjaw fish, but overall
most days have been very good for us.
It's been a really great summer so far. A few tough days due to weather or lockjaw fish, but overall
most days have been very good for us.
07/12/2022
|
Late May Inshore Update
It's Spring on the Crystal Coast but it's been feeling a lot more like Summer lately. Water temps have been steadily climbing towards 80 degrees and the fish are getting fired up.
05/29/2022
|
2022 Roanoke River Striped Bass Season
This marks my 15th year fishing the Roanoke out of Weldon, NC and I had a great time as always. I spent a total of 12 days on the river with my anglers in May, a lot of fish were caught, and a bunch of great memories were made.
05/13/2022
I’m typing this on March 24th, and although we are still enjoying the last of the Winter Redfish fishery, it’s officially Spring and things are heating up both inshore and nearshore.
03/34/2022
|
January through March 2022 Inshore Update
It's been around two months since my last fishing report here on the blog. The fishing definitely hasn't been slow...quite the opposite. I've been fortunate to have spent more days on the water this winter than in the
past few years...business is growing and that's a good thing.
past few years...business is growing and that's a good thing.
03/20/2022
2021 Year End Wrap Up
Congratulations on surviving the insanity of 2021! Seriously though, I had a great year and that has a lot to do
with all of you. After guiding...
with all of you. After guiding...
12/31/2021
Falling into Winter
We've officially transitioned from fall into winter, and so has the fishing. We finished up our nearshore False Albacore season right around Thanksgiving, and transitioned right into winter Redfish. From what I've seen so far, it looks like we are going to have a great winter chasing Reds inshore this year.
12/22/2021
Tail Fly Fishing - Jewel of the Carolina Coast
I've had the honor of having my story "Jewel of the Carolina Coast" featured in the Nov/Dec issue of
Tail Fly Fishing Magazine.
Tail Fly Fishing Magazine.
11/23/2021
Mid Fall Nearshore Report
October was awesome! The nearshore bite was really solid for us all month, minus a few bad weather days that sent the Albies packing. Other than that, we've had some really great fishing.
11/02/2021
September Nearshore Bite is Firing Up
Hey y'all. It's the last week of September and the nearshore bite has really fired up. Northerly breezes and cooling temperatures at night have the baitfish on the move. And when the baitfish are on the move, so are the predators......
9/28/2021
Late Summer Tailers
September has arrived and we are finally starting to see a few days of cool breezes here and there. I hate to admit it, but Summer will be coming to an end soon. The coming change of seasons has me both looking forward to new opportunities, and looking back fondly on...
9/06/2021
|
August 2021 Inshore Update
Just wanted to drop a quick update on the inshore fishing the last few weeks. Like the temperature, the fishing has been hot most days. The topwater bite has been really good on early morning high tides.
We have had a couple days where we found schools of several...
We have had a couple days where we found schools of several...
8/25/2021
|
Eastern Current Podcast
I recently did a podcast with Eastern Current discussing sightfishing Redfish on the Carolina coast, and a bunch of other fun stuff. Hope you enjoy.
8/4/2021
Hey everyone, just wanted to give you a quick update on the fishing here on the Crystal Coast over the last few weeks. It's July, and that means one thing...it's hot, hot, hot!
7/18/2021
Redfish Rodeo...June 2021 report.
Summer is in full swing here on the Crystal Coast. That means Redfish, Redfish, Redfish.
Well, there's a bunch of other stuff going on too, like Flounder, Mackerel, Bluefish, Sharks, Amberjack, etc,
but everyone has been asking for Reds lately, so who am I to disagree.
Well, there's a bunch of other stuff going on too, like Flounder, Mackerel, Bluefish, Sharks, Amberjack, etc,
but everyone has been asking for Reds lately, so who am I to disagree.
6/21/2021
|
Late May Inshore Update...Reds and Flounder
Our excellent winter Redfish fishery from a few months ago, has transitioned into a really solid spring
Redfish fishery. In the short time since I returned from the Roanoke, the fishing has been
excellent most days with lots of Redfish around.
Redfish fishery. In the short time since I returned from the Roanoke, the fishing has been
excellent most days with lots of Redfish around.
5/26/2021
|
Roanoke Recap
I just got back from the upper Roanoke River a few days ago and wanted to share some photos and info from the trip. I was up there for a week this year and had a blast fishing mornings and evenings with a bunch of awesome anglers.
5/11/2021
|
Mid-April Nearshore Fishing
We've spent much of April exploring the nearshore waters from Cape Lookout down to North Topsail. I love the month of April, as you never know what you'll run into as the water temps climb into the 60's. Bonito, Albacore, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Grey Trout, Reds, Sharks, the list goes on...
4/21/2021
Gearing up for Roanoke River Stripers
If you have never experienced the “Rockfish” run on the upper Roanoke at Weldon, you are missing out.
You aren’t guaranteed a 100 fish day (not that it’s not possible), but you can be guaranteed that all but the slowest day at Weldon is usually better than a good day anywhere else.
You aren’t guaranteed a 100 fish day (not that it’s not possible), but you can be guaranteed that all but the slowest day at Weldon is usually better than a good day anywhere else.
4/13/2021
|
Spring Albie Run
We kicked off our spring nearshore season last weekend on the Crystal Coast. I wanted to hit some nearshore structure and see if we could find a few False Albacore or Atlantic Bonito. Every spring as water temps rise into the 60's, the Onslow Bay area becomes a hunting ground for Bonito, Albies, Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel.
3/30/2021
|
Spring is knocking on our door.
65 degree air temps, and SW winds. Pollen and allergies. Active schools of Redfish. Hair Algae and Snot Grass
filling the creeks. We are definitely turning the corner from winter into spring.
filling the creeks. We are definitely turning the corner from winter into spring.
3/16/2021
|
February Redfish Update
February has been a super solid month for Redfish, even though we had to deal with a few weather issues.
Right in the middle of the month we had a solid week of rain, which kept us off the water, shuffled some fish and stained the water. Luckily it didn't take long for it to fire back up after all the rain stopped.
Right in the middle of the month we had a solid week of rain, which kept us off the water, shuffled some fish and stained the water. Luckily it didn't take long for it to fire back up after all the rain stopped.
2/26/2021
|
Spring along the Beaches of the Crystal Coast
With March right around the corner, my thoughts are beginning to wander towards springtime and
everything that comes with it. One of the things I'm most excited about, is the springtime nearshore bite
along the Crystal Coast. The artificial reefs and hard bottom ledges just a few miles off our beaches
will be alive with prey and predators in a few short months.
everything that comes with it. One of the things I'm most excited about, is the springtime nearshore bite
along the Crystal Coast. The artificial reefs and hard bottom ledges just a few miles off our beaches
will be alive with prey and predators in a few short months.
2/16/2021
|
Parker 23 Center Console
On the coldest month of the year, there's no better time to talk about things to look forward to...like adding a second boat to Tailing Tide Guide Service. Really excited to spend a lot of time aboard this 23' Parker in 2021.
2/15/2021
|
Spring Shad and Striper Run
Each Spring, the Roanoke River runs wild with an exceptional Shad and Striped Bass fishery.
1/29/2021
We are two weeks into the new year and starting 2021 and Redfish off with a bang. There's no lack
of Redfish around, you just have to find the ones with the right mindset. We've been seeing
hundreds of fish in schools ranging from 10 fish to 100 fish...
of Redfish around, you just have to find the ones with the right mindset. We've been seeing
hundreds of fish in schools ranging from 10 fish to 100 fish...
1/15/2021
|
|
Gray's Escape
Back in the fall of 2019, Grays Sporting Journal came and spent a few days with me while writing
an article for their magazine. The Albies hadn't quite arrived yet, but there were plenty of
Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Jacks and Houndfish along the beaches here on the Crystal Coast...
an article for their magazine. The Albies hadn't quite arrived yet, but there were plenty of
Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Jacks and Houndfish along the beaches here on the Crystal Coast...
1/10/2021
|
Why I'm a Finatic for my Hatch Fly Reels.
I'm in the mood to share my thoughts about a company and product that I really love. Hatch Outdoors and their Finatic Fly Reels. They didn't pay me to say that, they didn't ask me, they don't even know I'm writing this. I've been fly fishing for 15 years and working as a guide for 9 of those, and I've bought, beat up and sold my fair share of fishing gear.
1/9/2021
|
December Albies?!?
I could just say that "Albie fishing has been stupid good lately", and leave you with these pics and
it would be good enough...
it would be good enough...
12/3/2020
|
Fall Fun with November Albies and Reds
November 2020 has been really good, both inshore and nearshore. Except for a few weather issues, the fishing has been great. I've had fly anglers and spin anglers, veterans and newbies, and it's all been really fun stuff...
11/21/2020
|
Albie Season in Full Swing on the Crystal Coast.
My "Other Favorite Fish" is in town, and he's brought all his cousins with him. There's been some fantastic False Albacore action lately, and I couldn't be happier about it.
10/18/2020
|
|
So ready for Albies!!
We'll be in Louisiana next week chasing Reds, Jacks, Sheepies or anything that will bite a fly. But when I get back, I'll be ready to charge after the Albies. They've been around, but they should really be good in a week or two. Fly fishing or light tackle...it's an insane fishery and something I look forward to every year...
9/24/2020
|
Beginning of the Fall Redfish Bite.
It's now early September and things are starting to "Fall" into place. Yeah...I went there.
9/13/2020
|
Post Storm Report.
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Isaias passed through a week and a half ago, and left us with some down limbs and a few power outages on the Crystal Coast, but otherwise unscathed...
8/13/2020
|
Mid Summer Fishing Update
We are nearing the end of July and we've had some pretty hot fishing and some even hotter days...
7/27/2020
|
Redfish Drills - 15 tips for a successful trip on the flats
The number one question I get when someone books a redfish trip with me, is what flies they should tie. I get it, they’re stoked about their upcoming trip and want to catch a fish on a fly they tied. The second question usually has to do with rod wt, tippet size, or something similar. The truth is, all that stuff only matters if you can put a fly in front of a fish and convince him that it's something worth eating. If you can’t make that happen, then it won’t matter if you have 16lb tippet vs 20lb tippet, or a one prong weed guard vs a two prong weed guard.
Below are the 15 points I feel are highly important for having a successful redfish trip. Heck, this stuff is valid for any sight casting flats trip, be it bonefish, permit, tarpon, etc. I’m a redfish guide though, so I’m going to give it a redfish spin. And by all means, talk to your guide about fly selection, rod wt, and leader construction…but the stuff below, is what your guide really wants you to focus on...
Below are the 15 points I feel are highly important for having a successful redfish trip. Heck, this stuff is valid for any sight casting flats trip, be it bonefish, permit, tarpon, etc. I’m a redfish guide though, so I’m going to give it a redfish spin. And by all means, talk to your guide about fly selection, rod wt, and leader construction…but the stuff below, is what your guide really wants you to focus on...
3/30/2020
|
Let's be honest...
This virus is scary. It's something none of us has dealt with before. It would be one thing if it was just a health concern, but it is also a financial concern...
3/20/2020
|
Chase away the winter blues with some winter reds.
I dream about living somewhere that I can be in boardshorts and flip flops 365 days a year. Although I might be able to pull that off in SE North Carolina, I'd be pretty uncomfortable for at least 4 months of the year. The cooler weather, dead grass and being forced to wear shoes used to give me the blues. It was depressing. Until about a decade ago, when I first realized that I could pursue my favorite fish on fly and light tackle 12 months of the year...
2/20/2020
|
Looking back on October.
This year has flown by. I can't believe it's already November. October usually means we are in full swing with the Fall bite. This year though, October was the victim of a major identity crisis. Some days October knew who it was, and other days October was convinced it was August...
11/17/2019
|
|
Albies with Bud
One of my anglers, Bud Onstad, put together this awesome YouTube video of a recent trip on the Crystal Coast...
11/4/2019
|
Early August Update
Normal summer time stuff. Early mornings and late afternoons to beat the heat. We are on some good groups of redfish right now with flounder mixed in. Top water bite has been good, especially early morning. Skitterwalks and spinnerbaits have gotten most of the action. Fly has been pretty decent on low tide...
8/7/2019
|
Winter Redfishing
Winter-time redfishing has been top notch lately. The water has been really clear and the fish have been schooled up in huge numbers in certain spots...
2/10/17
|
July 4th, 2016
We'll just let the pics do the talking...
7/4/2017
|
2016 Tailing Redfish Dates
The Redfish have been tailing pretty good for a few weeks now here in Coastal North Carolina. I couldn't be more happy to see those golden tails waiving in the spartina grass after not seeing them all winter...
5/17/2017
|
April 11th, 2016
The water temperatures are steadily rising and the bite seems to be picking up. We're seeing growing numbers of reds back in the marsh lately as more fish are starting to show up. The water is still pretty clear in some places, providing for some great low tide sight casting to schools of fish.
4/16/2016
|
Shad fishing is really good right now.
Shad fishing has been really good lately on the upper Roanoke. It should continue for the next 2 weeks. If you are interested in getting in on the action on fly or spin, let me know and we'll get you on them! I'll just let pics speak instead of words.
4/2/16
|
Shad Season is Here!
Although Redfish, Speckled Trout, Stripers and Albies seem to get most of the attention here in Eastern North Carolina, there is a fish that is near and dear to my heart during the month of March. Many of us associate the arrival of shad in our coastal rivers with the official kick off of spring and the fishing season...
3/12/2016
|
The highs and lows of summertime redfish.
It's been a busy summer between family, work, and fishing. I've been on the water with charters and with friends as much as possible, and it's been pretty good here on the coast...
8/10/2015
|
Shrimp Fly Tutorial
I've been tying this fly, or some variation of it for a few years now ( I still haven't come up with a name for it ). I usually have a handful of these in my Redfish box in varying colors of Chartreuse, Tan, Olive and Rootbeer. The main thing to know about this fly is that it works! It's equally at home being used for schooled up winter Redfish or for summer time tailers. It consistently gets eaten in sight casting situations...
2/1/15
|
Mid Winter Redfish Report
Well, looks like we are about mid way through Winter, and I have to say the fishing has been really fantastic so far. The Reds are in their normal Winter time patterns for January/February. They are schooled up in big numbers in certain spots trying to stay warm and safe...
2/1/15
|
|
November 14th, 2014
Newest Video from Chasing Tailing Redfish in North Carolina....
11/14/2014
|
Time flies...
This summer has flown by so fast. It's been non stop for me with work, family and fishing. Looking back, we had a fantastic summer here in Eastern NC with some really good fishing...
10/8/2014
|
Good things coming.
I watched my Ankona Native SUV roll away last week, on the way to it's new home in the Low Country. She's seen a bunch of redfish in the last 3 years and I'm pretty sure she's going to see a bunch more...
6/13/2014
|
Spring finally decided to show up...
Spring finally decided to show up after a long harsh winter. I'm looking forward to the temperatures continuing to warm, and all the good things that come with it...green grass, warm southwest breezes, fishing barefoot, and happy tailing redfish....
4/26/14
|
Project Healing Waters Trip to Weldon on the Roanoke River
As some of you may know, I'm a proud volunteer with the Crystal Coast Chapter of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. Our group was formed less than a year ago, but we already have a great group of volunteers and some wonderful participants whom I can call friends at this point...
3/31/2014
|
Ankona Native SUV17 for sale - SOLD SOLD SOLD...Thanks!
Hate to see this boat go, she's snuck up on an unbelievable amount of redfish. I'll still be running charters out of her until she sells, then I'll be guiding out of another boat.
1/25/2014
|
The New Tailing Tide Blog
Just wanted to welcome everyone to my new fishing report blog. Glad to have you aboard! I plan to keep my old blog up, so if you want to check out any of my old archived posts, just click the link pic below to open the old blog.
11/26/13