As the summer chaos at my Flip Flops Donut shop subsides, it’s time for me to enjoy refreshing dips in the ocean and take long walks on the beach, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean. My walks are invariably interrupted by conversations with people fishing in the surf, a reminder that Fall is one of the best times to go fishing here along the Crystal Coast. One reason is that Fall is one of the least expensive times to visit the Crystal Coast. With students back in school and mom and dad back at work, demand for accommodations declines after Labor Day. And so do the prices. Second, during September and October many migratory fish e.g. tuna, and drum, make their semi-annual run along the Crystal Coast, increasing the opportunity for huge and tasty catches. Third, Fall fishing offers several ways to go about landing that trophy catch. The aforementioned surf fishing is an especially popular option as the beaches are less populated and the ocean and air are cooler. Plus, starting mid September, anglers can drive on the beach in Emerald Isle to more readily locate their preferred fishing hole. As Emerald ISle is the only Bogue Banks community to allow driving on the beach, the town’s beaches are especially popular with surf casters. Posting up on the beach or wading out into the waves gives you a chance to catch some flounder, pompano, blue fish and saltwater trout. For some, playing nature’s waiting game is the path to relaxation. Other anglers read surf reports and analyze the incoming Emerald Isle tides. Either approach you take, cast your line anywhere you see birds hovering, and do not neglect the calmer waters in front of the breakers. as this approach will set you up to catch a big one. If you are not driving on the beach, remember that there are many public beach access areas stretching from Emerald Isle all the way to Atlantic Beach. And, don’t neglect fishing off the Beaufort Inlet at Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach or Bogue Inlet in Emerald Isle.
You can also give in to pier pressure. Pier, in this context is spelled P.I.E.R. Pier fishing is perfect for anglers of all ages.. Some feel it holds greater potential reward than simply setting up on shore.. In Emerald Isle, the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier is a great place to relax with family or on your own while casting your line in hopes of landing some fine fish.. With the purchase of a day pass, visitors can enjoy casting from atop the pier to catch wahoo or king mackerel. The pier house situated on the dock offers snacks, drinks, bait and all your fishing necessities. The 1,000-foot Oceanana Pier is a popular destination for families in Atlantic Beach. The pier’s ultra-extended length allows anglers to catch a wide variety of fish. Cooler fall months are prime time for redfish and black drum and flounder. There’s also a restaurant serving every meal of the day when you get a little hungry or need a break from the elements. Another relaxed fishing option is kayak fishing. Home to barrier islands, the Intracoastal Waterway, and literally hundreds of creeks, rivers, and inlets, kayaks allow anglers to maneuver in shallow waters, where larger boats cannot go. This time of the year, kayakers can expect to land reds, flounder, and trout up and down the Crystal coast. Fish not biting? Not to worry as kayakers have a front row seat to witness some of nature’s most secluded and picturesque land.
For the more competitive and experienced angler, the Crystal Coast offers two world class options in Fall. The first is charter fishing. The Crystal Coast is located just off the productive waters of the Gulf Stream which provides a variety of sport and competitive fishing opportunities. The best and fastest way to reach these offshore waters when you want to experience the thrill of landing a giant bluefin tuna is to hire an experienced captain from one of the largest charter fleets on the east coast located in Morehead City. Other frequent catches off the Carolina coast are trophy-sized marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, mackerel, and yellowfin tuna. This heart-pumping, adrenaline-racing experience can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. Book your trip today and you’ll have plenty of fish for the holidays. A second option in the fall for the competitive angler is the annual Emerald Isle Fishing Tournament. Now in its fourth year, and organized by my friend Mark Taylor, this family friendly King Mackerel tournament takes place on September 17th and elite and sport fishermen alike can compete and provide a positive environment for young anglers. 100% of the entry fees are paid directly to the participants in the forms of prizes and other awards. Captains meeting is on Friday, September 16th at 7pm at the Islander Hotel.
However and wherever you decide to fish this fall, everyone, 16 years of age or older using any type of bait or gear to catch any and all finfish while fishing in any one fo North Carolina’s public waters must possess a valid North Carolina fishing license. Some piers such as the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier and Oceanana Pier have blanket licenses and when you purchase a pass to use their facilities you get the use of that license. Many charter boat captains have blanket licenses as well. Otherwise, you can purchase a license at one of our several local bait and tackle shops as well as sporting goods stores or go online to the NC Wildlife website. Or you can call to purchase a license at (888) 248-6834 during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To learn more about fall fishing opportunities, please go to my website, www.EmeraldIsleHomesforSaleNC.com and sign up for my blog. Ready to buy or sell? Call me at 919-308-2292. Explore the video tab for my weekly uploads to my YouTube channel. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and receive free donuts at my Flip Flops Donut shop. Text your email address to 919-308-2292 and subscribe to my newsletter. My book, "Live Where You Vacation" is available on Amazon.com or at Kindle.
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