Fish along with Ian Sands of 'Sands in the Surf' on beautiful Oak Island, NC. We’re fishing the surf and surrounding areas targeting everything from puffer, to blues, to black and red drum, to sharpnose and bonnetheads.
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Oak Island Surf Fishing 101 ClassWant to try your hand at fishing the surf but aren’t sure how to start? Do you have questions about the equipment you will need, which rig is right, or what bait is best?
In the Oak Island Surf Fishing 101 Class, specifically designed for Oak Island anglers, we will discuss the different fish in our surf and talk about the right rig and bait for the fish you want to catch. By the end of class, you will know everything there is to know to fish the surf and have fun doing it. |
Top 5 MisconceptionsWith all the information available at our fingertips, misconceptions about everything, including fishing, are bound to happen. So, we thought we would take a look at some of the most common fishing misconceptions that occur right here on Oak Island, NC.
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What Fish Can I Catch?I grew up fishing the lakes and ponds in upstate NY. I knew how to identify and catch bluegills and bass and catfish. However, when I switched to saltwater fishing, it was a whole new ball game. After each catch, I would search Google images, trying to identify exactly what I caught. Knowing the different species can help you target the fish you want to catch. With this knowledge, you can better decide what bait, which rig, and the time of year you should target each species.
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You Can Eat That?Nothing is better than catching a fish… unless that fish is your favorite fish to eat. Maybe it’s fulfilling some primal instinct but, there is just something very satisfying about catching a fish and providing food for the table. However, did you know there is more than just fish to grab and eat on Oak Island? A few things you might have overlooked that when properly prepared, might be as equally satisfying to eat as fish.
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Winter FishingWinter. Some say it’s the most wonderful time of the year. For those who enjoy sipping hot cocoa snuggled up in a blanket, in front of a warm fire, it certainly can be. For those who enjoy fishing, not so much. The thought of standing in the surf in January can leave one cold, literally. To some degree, those naysayers are right. The water temperature drops and the fish slow down along with the bite. But does this mean we need to put away our gear till spring? Not entirely.
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NC Wildlife ArtistsAs an artist and art teacher, I have always shared a passion for wildlife art. For this post, I wanted to share my enthusiasm for wildlife art by presenting a list of very talented and local wildlife artists. I selected artists whose focus is primarily on painting or sculpting fish and other sea life.
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Where to Fish
You planned your vacation on Oak island and are excited to do a little fishing and are ready to fill a cooler. You’ve got your rod, reel, and bait all ready to go. To go, but to go where? Where can one go fishing on Oak Island?
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Improve Your ChancesYou got a rod and reel and a bucket of bait. You cast your line into the surf and wait. Unfortunately, you return home with an empty cooler, blaming the fish for not biting. By knowing and following a few simple tips, you can go from just getting lucky to actually getting on the fish.
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Rods, Reels & LineIf you want to go fishing, you’re going to need a rod and reel. Seems easy enough, that is, until you realize how many different types of rods and reels there are to choose from. so how does one know where to start? Let’s break it down into easy to digest parts.
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Weights, Hooks & Rigs If you’ve walked through any sporting good shop, then you already know how overcomplicated rigging a rod and reel can seem. There are rows and rows of hooks, lures, and rigs. You don’t want to spend the afternoon in the store, you want to spend it in the surf.
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Surf Fishing BaitsThe hook catches the fish but the bait is what makes it possible. We will take a look at the different baits frequently used when surf fishing. We will look at what fish are attracted to each of the baits, where to locate the bait, and how to rig the bait.
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Only Gear You NeedWhen it comes to a selection of fishing gear and accessories, there is no shortage of items to choose from. With so many items available, how does one know where to start… or for that matter, when to stop? Let’s take a look at the top items that you will clearly benefit from as a fisherman.
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Why Fish the Pier?I love surf fishing. However, sometimes when I go, I look up and see people standing on the pier with a rod in their hand. I figure, there must be a good reason why they’re up there and I’m down here. I can’t help but wonder, is fishing on the pier is really worth doling out cash?
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Cleaning & Cooking FishIt was another successful day in the surf. You traded in your bait for a cooler full of fish. Dinner is going to be amazing, fresh fish! But how will you cook it? You put so much thought into catching the fish, you didn’t consider what you’d do with them once you did.
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Sharks in the SurfDuring the Oak Island summer, the fishing slows a bit. The water warms and, just like us on those dog days of summer, the fish get lethargic. This doesn't mean you can't catch something that can put up a fight. With the right rig and bait, a shark can give you a run for your money.
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Crabbing on Oak IslandYou had a great day fishing in the surf. You caught a few keepers and you can't wait to get in the kitchen and fix up some delicious fish tacos. But hold up.... what about the appetizer? Or better yet, the crabatizer! Crabbing is a fun activity that everyone in the family can enjoy.
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Best Places to EatI like to get up early and go fishing. Then in the afternoon, I like to go fishing. Sometimes I’m so excited about fishing, I forget to eat. Then I realize how hungry I am. That’s when I stop fishing (temporarily) and go get a quick bite. This post takes a look at the some of the best restaurants on Oak Island.
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Puffer FishingMarch on Oak Island. The water temperature is below 60 and there's not much biting but puffer. It's true that puffer don't put up much of a fight, unless you like the feeling of dragging in a football. However, they do make excellent table fair!
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Whiting in MarchWhiting, AKA Virginia Mullet, AKA Kingfish start to show up in March here on Oak Island. Many are small but you can catch some 12"+ keepers. They're pretty good to eat.
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Davis Canal PanfishWhen the saltwater fisherman of today imagines the pictures he’ll post on his social media account, he probably doesn't envision a spot or croaker. However, with light tackle, these little fish can lead to a fun and exciting afternoon of fishing.
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