Fishing resolutions for 2013

Welcome to the premiere issue of Fish On! & On For 2013!

This year, I’m making some new year’s resolutions that I will keep, and I hope you can do the same.  

1. NETWORK: Social media and the need to talk fishing with everyone I can took fishing to a new level for me in 2012. From Massachusetts to New Jersey to Florida, it is so interesting to learn different fisheries, methods and even slangs. For me, sharing the knowledge and sharing the love is one of the many things that makes fishing what it is. In addition to garnering more insight, fishermen working together can also take common stands on any issues that may arise. From Hurricane Sandy help to beach access on Cape Hatteras National Seashore to the effects of Catch Shares in the New England fishery - as well as ALL issues in between -  it’s important we empower ourselves with knowledge and stick together as fishermen. Besides, it’s always good to have a fishing buddy in each port.

2. TEACH A KID TO FISH: This is s a must for everyone who fishes because there’s nothing more pure than the joy of a child who catches their first fish and knowing you helped make that memory.  Being a good aunt Megpie will be a huge priority for me in 2013, but at 6 months and 18 months, Layla and Londyn are still a little young for the sport. However, they are not too young to learn about it. Thanks to interactions in our coastal community (as well as good books), “Boat” was one of Londyn’s first words and she has developed a fascination with “sish” (fish). This basic knowledge (which I hope is one thing Londyn will indeed share with her sister) will ensure she has respect for the resource once it’s time for her first casting lesson. Living proof of that school of thought, my Godson Thatch, grew up coastal and is now a very seasoned 7-year-old angler. His resolutions are: “to get tangled up less, to not leave my gear out in the rain, to only fall overboard when its hot, and to catch more fish.” He uses artificial bait on his rod and reel, but is also pretty good with working a net in case he wants to bring home dinner or score some bait.

3. TRY SOMETHING NEW: There are so many applications to use when angling, you can keep things fresh all year. Try kayaking out with your pole in the surf or sound, or even an inland river. Usually fish salt water? Grab some corks and worms and go catch a perch in the freshwater. Go out on a boat - hire one or invite yourself along. Maybe even hop on board a commercial vessel and pull some nets. Those are the obvious variations, but I learned another method in 2012 called “Skishing.” Don a wetsuit and fins and swim out with your rod and reel to target fish on their turf. Skishermen get a rush out of fighting the fish while still in the water. Just remember, the sport requires a clear head, so no it’s not a good idea to have a beer while you’re skishing. That being said, maybe I will wait until next year to break out the wetsuit.

4. STAY INVOLVED: Thanks to volunteers that believe in living the salt life, we’ve got groups doing the work for us to take stands on issues that affect our coastal heritage. From political involvement with fishing regulations through NC Watermen United, to promoting free and open beach access alongside the NC Beach Buggy Association or ensuring fresh, local seafood is served with Ocracoke Fresh and Outer Banks Catch, please support these advocates and help keep our culture alive. Everyone has to stand for something, and I stand for fishing in 2013.

5. KEEP A LOG BOOK: As a writer, I can’t believe I’ve never done this but it makes good, good sense to track locations, conditions, techniques and bait used on each fishing trip to refer back to again and again. A technique practiced by ship captains for hundreds of years, it’s a very sensible, time-tested method of ensuring results, as well as safety. For you artsy-fartsies (myself included) it’s a good way to flex your muscles and keep the creative juices flowing - even while you’re fishing.

6. STAY LEGAL: I will remember 2012 as the first year I got “carded” by Marine Fisheries agents nearly every time I fished. I’m on a first-name basis with the local officials, so after a one check they knew I had my license, but you can believe they checked my coolers, as well as compartments on the boats I was aboard. I was legal, so my fun didn't get squashed. Regulatory officials are out in full force, ready to dole out a fishing ticket and ruin a good time by costing you money and summoning you to a MANDATORY court appearance - if, that is, you didn't follow the rules. I didn't make them (nor will I give my opinion about them), but I will suggest knowing and following fishery regulations. I will also suggest using your manners with enforcement officials. You’ll get along a lot better. Another rule I definitely didn't make is the beach driving permit. I spent my permit money at Gaffers, so I didn't get to drive my jeep out in 2012. Fighting my rebellious nature, I decided I didn't want to have to appear in federal court just because I need some sand on my tires. I just had to ride out with someone else (don’t worry, I managed).

7. RESPECT THE RESOURCE: Take your trash with you. No one likes a dirty beach. Nuff said.

8. RESPECT OUR FISHERMEN: A 1988 picture of a snowy harbor in Ocracoke shows just how much our fisheries have changed in the past 25 years. Commercial vessels are getting fewer and working waterfronts are nearly a thing of the past. I’m very thankful the Ocracoke Fish House is a viable business and that it wasn’t turned into condos.  Commercial fishing is a tough, time-honored tradition that is getting lost - as is the average person’s access to local seafood. Imports far outsell the local stuff and I could go on and on. I challenge everyone to learn more about the historical trade of commercial fishing - even a fraction of the regulations they contend with - and be proud to buy local, American-caught seafood.

9. RESPECT EACH OTHER: We all access the fisheries resource, so respect for each other would make things much easier. When the trout bite is on and the hole is crowded, don’t muscle your way in or be rude and don’t point fingers at the other fella who caught more than you - especially if he caught them with a net (see #8). There’s no sense in that. For safety, as well as good etiquette, also remember to be mindful of other boaters to prevent accidents. DON’T be the ding batter that pulled out in front of my cousin’s speed boat. No one was hurt and we held the obscenities, but the blatant show of disrespect left a bad light on every out-of-towner who uses the Swan Quarter boat ramp. And for goodness sake, WAVE to boats that pass by - especially if the girl on the bough waves at you. If you don’t, I’m giving you the finger. If you want respect, you have to give it.

10. HOLD ON AND DON’T RUN AGROUND: I found myself on a marsh island at the Haulover near Swan Quarter after a night-time drum fishing trip last August. The so-called captain wasn't familiar with the waters and his plotter didn’t show the small island, so we hit it going pretty fast. We ran right up on it like we were on a hovercraft and if I hadn’t been holding on, I would have been ejected. I was still thrown hard to the floor, barely missing fish hooks to the face and an anchor to the ass. I was so mad, I didn't even say a whole lot (that's very unlike me, but when you get the wind knocked outta you, you really can't do a whole lot of talking, much less yelling). It did take a bit to get my wind back and my ribs hurt bad while I sat on a cooler in the marsh watching two grown men dislodge a Carolina skiff. My rule of thumb to only ride with very experienced boaters got a little tighter that night and now I also check for adequate running lights.
But, even the most experienced boaters are presented with very real dangers in our local channels. The ever-changing tides, coupled with the lack of federal dredge funding, have made our graveyard inlets and main vain waterways even more treacherous.  Please be careful out there. Situations like this call for special monitoring of the situation, so networking and communications among boaters will imperative (see resolution #1).

KEEP ON FISHING IN 2013!!