Albies in NC from Shore

[thawk]

Has anyone ever tried fishing for Albies in NC from the beaches or shore ?? Any suggestions would be appreciated !

Thanks
John

[BuzzBryson]

John,

It can be done, but it's frustrating. The very tip of the "hook" at the southeastern end of Core Bank (near the Cape Lookout lighthouse) is the best place. There's a bit of a "flat" there, but also the water drops into the channel pretty quickly. Bait moves through there, etc. That's about the best place, and some are caught there frequently, but unpredictably. You can get a ride out on the boat shuttle for $10 or so.

Buzz Bryson

[thawk]

Buzz....

Thanks so much for the response. I know it is a crap shoot...I got spoiled here in New England last year as I had an unbelivable year from shore with Albies. Just was one of those years I guess.I am now itching for Albies that are bigger than 10lbs..... I think my plan is to go to fish (making sure I am rigged for Albies w/ 10wt and 350yds backing) and hope I catch something. Whether it be Blues, Macks or Reds and if Albies are there, great ! I was just planning on using deceivers in white....I assume this would be ok ?? Thanks again for the help !

John

[lollygagger]

There are several posts and articles out about this fishing, and I would say that the deceivers will work...somewhat. The primary forage at that time is silversides (glass minnows). I think that there are also bay anchovies early in the year that everyone calls glass minnows too, but that could be totally wrong. anyways, the point is that you would be severely handicapping yourself to not bring glass minnow imitaions down. I generally have two sizes, #1 or #2, and #6's. Any silversides pattern will work, the most popular being a surf candy, and the albaclouser. I think the latest issue of Flyfish America (that free mag at flyshops) has an article about this fishery off the beach. Keep your eyes peeled on the flyfishing mags and the internet boards for the next couple months, and you will get an overload on info. Good luck, hope to see you down here!

[BuzzBryson]

Dead on. The Clouser and Surf Candy are the favorites, as are the many variations (AlbaClouser & Deep Candy). Take along a few larger patterns, 'cause if the albacore are eating bycatch behind the shrimp trawlers, sometimes a bit larger fly works. Sometimes a pale pink works (matches the bycatch squished in the trawl). And sometimes, when you have to resort to chumming (a last resort, but I'm not a purist), some small, lightly weighted pattern (frozen dead anchovy patterns) work well.

Buzz

[frank]

<P><FONT face=Verdana size=2>what is the fishing and conditions like in early November....i am interested in the shore fishing also.....where is the best place to fly into to get close enough to drive to fishing shore spots?...thanks for any info</FONT></P>
<P>frank n1gdo@juno.com</P>

[lollygagger]

Frank,

The conditions all depend on the weather. The fishing here is caused by surface temp causing a huge glass minnow migration into the beaches and inlets. I am not sure of the exact temps, but early November is usually optimum time for the blitz. I would suggest looking in to the Raleigh-Durham airport, and possibly New Bern (very small airport there, though). If you are planning on flying in, then I would recommend getting a guide. The shore fishing can be good, but it is a crap shoot, and since you already have that much invested...may as well play the odds in your favor. See previous comments about available guides for the area and surf fishing techniques. I am not a guide, but could possibly be looking to take people out to help offset gas prices, so if you decide to go and need a boat, let me know. I have a flats boat, so I can be stuck inside as well, so your best bet is to book a guide. Good luck.

email: flyfish@dellnet.com

[captjoe]

Hi Frank,
I am sorry that it has taken me so long to respond to your post about the alberts. There are some very good areas to surf fish for the albacore all along the Morehead City, Atlantic Beach and Cape Lookout area. There are many ferries that will take you over to Shackleford banks or to the hook of Cape Lookout. As far as where to fly int, New Bern N.C. is a small airport but it is a new facility and is served by to major commuter lines. US Air and I can't remember the other airlines. It is only a 35 minute drive from New Bern to Morehead City, and Atlantic Beach area. We have plenty of excellent motels and condos at very reasonable rates for the October and November albacore season. If you have a private plane you can fly directly into Beaforts Micheal J Smith airfield. I own and operate Cape Lookout Fly Shop and Fish Finder Light Tackle and Fly Fishing Charters in Atlantic Beach. As far as fly patterns to use, chartruese and white, olive and white and brown and white clouser minnows are very productive for the alberts. The crystal copperhead flies are also very good on the albacore. If you need any more information on fly fishing for the false albacore you can check my link on the fish wire under the Carolina section. I almost forgot, the weather during the albacore season in primarily northeast winds which calm the surf and make for good fly fishing off the beach since the wind is at your back. The air temps vary but are usually in the upper 50's and low 60's.
Good Luck & Good Fishing