Cape Lookout Hook/Small Boat

[albacized]

Hey all...I have a small 12 ft Sea Nymph (fwiw-it is a v-bow and seems somewhat sea worthy for what it is) and was thinking of throwing it in the back of my truck and heading south in Oct or Nov. This leads me to a couple of questions:

1) generally speaking, how safe is 'inside the hook' and do albies come in their frequently? I haven't heard this directly...but I gather from somethings I've read that albies use to come inside the hook more often in years past more so than they have in recent years.

2) as far as redfish and trout, what kind of areas do I need to look for and are they accessable with the boat I described above?


3) on an 'FAC' day, how are the conditions just outside the hook (in regards to a small boat)?

4)what kind of winds should I look out for as far as being either 'favorable' or 'dangerous'?

Thanks

[titleguy]

Absolutely not enough boat for the Hook. That can get real nasty, real fast in there. Even worse, getting back to a ramp across the Sound can be even more dangerous (although you could walk to shore in a lot of spots). I don't know what you have for an engine on it, but the current in "The Drain" alone will keep you from getting there. You can take a ferry from the Harker's Island Fishing Center out to the Hook and wade fish it pretty effectively- plus Sandy, the Ferry Captain knows trout and reds really well.

[DMMSR2784]

I am on the water 6 day's a week in it. Just pick your day's and be in before.. the storms kick in. I go thru the slew almost every day with the SW winds stay close too shore and you will be fine. I have had tarpon too 90LBS over there for the last two weeks! And if you can't get over there the hook has been loaded w/spanish.........Now in the fall the fishing down here is the balls!! Hope I was of some help too you. If not PM me or milewski@comcast.net

[johnmauser]

albacized, I'm not familiar with your boat so I can't answer that part for you, but last year I fished the spit on halloween and there were albies busting on the spit and into the hook, so yes they do still come in there. They were coming up from right on the beach all the way out into the middle of bardens inlet. We usually get a NE wind that time of year which brings them closer in to the beach and near the hook. The only problem you may have is chasing them down, as they were in small schools and were up and down quickly. ooh, it's only July and you've got me hyped for albie season.
Goodluck
John

[JR13]

Will be coming down for the Cape lookout Albie fest again (hopefully its not the inshore drum and trout tourney it was last year) but was looking for suggestions for boat rentals. With the price of gas...it seems like it might be a better option.

I see portside marine has a few rentals, any other suggestions? Thx

[captgordon]

htttp://www.google.com

atlantic beach boat rentals

[ScottP]

It's been a few years, but we used to rent from Causeway Marina in Atlantic Beach (252)726-6977. Last time we were there, a 19' Carolina Skiff (90hp)was about $200/day. If possible, rent for multiple days; otherwise, they want them back by about 4:00.


Regards,
Scott

[JR13]

I was focusing on morehead city...found a couple of places with decent deals but most are renting from 8 to 4, which im afraid isnt going to cut it.

Looks like its back to the trailer.

[captgordon]

Atlantic Beach and Morehead City are 1 mile apart.