The Ocracoke Community Center has been abuzz for the past few days as island volunteers make all the necessary preparations for the building to serve as the tournament headquarters. Teach’s Trophy has been moved from its year-long home to await the photo opportunities with the winning team. Local folks have been beating the street, handing out tournament info and gathering raffle prizes.
Fishing teams began to trickle down at the early part of the week, but many are pouring into town just in time to get in some fishing in before the captains' meeting. Riding the beach today and eyeballing the conditions, I was pleased to see anglers testing the water, in hopes their strategy will win them the bragging rights, the swag, and their team name on the trophy.
I stopped by the Pony Island Motel to touch base with the NC Sea Hags, the team I’m fishing on as an alternate. I also got to talk with some other female teams, who took a break from decorating their porches to swap stories and strategy.
The camaraderie of what is dubbed by many as the most fun tournament in the state’s surf fishing competitions is palpable in the air here on Ocracoke Island.
This year is the 30th annual anniversary of the Ocracoke Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament. Not only does the board of directors ensure local causes are benefitted by the event,this memorable event also brings a much needed boost to our island economy after a long winter.
Many anglers are coming from just up the beach and likely understand the dynamics of a fishing, tourist community. We hope you will remember that and patronize our local businesses.
And, you can do it on the cheap. For the afternoon munchies, there are several happy hours that you can catch right after the fishing session ends at 4. Daily from 3-5 p.m., you can get 50-cent wings at Gaffer’s, 50-cent oysters at Topless Oyster, or 25-cent shrimp at Dajio. There’s a pretty good chance your local restaurants are offering beverage specials to welcome anglers, too.
All of you that will be cooking at your accommodations, stop by Ocracoke Fish House and pick up some trout, drum or bluefish from our local fishermen. You’ll be glad you did. The retail market also has a nice selection of seasoning mixes and provisions to compliment the fresh seafood. They’re open until 5 p.m.
As for fishing strategy, anglers should target drum, bluefish, maybe casting close in the wash to get at puffers and sea mullet. Recent catches have been scattered in the Ocracoke surf, but there has been consistent news of large drum and keeper puppy drum, decent sized blues, as well as some puffer fish and sea mullet.
The folks at Tradewinds have the required tackle in stock, along with plenty of sinkers. You’re going to need some weight out there. My 8 ounces barely held bottom this morning.
Water today (Wednesday, May 1) was clear and slightly grassy, with a strong current pulling to the south. The surf temperature is still a little cold for May, hovering around 64 degrees.
Conditions are expected to be about the same tomorrow, with northeast winds kicking up to 10-20 kts. and pushing a stronger current across the beach. A moderate threat of rip currents is expected to continue and a small craft advisory is in effect until Saturday. Air temperatures are to be balmy, but bearable for fair weather fishers like me with highs in the 60s Thursday and Friday. There is a chance of rain, but showers are predicted to be scattered.
Best of luck to everyone who will be fishing the 30th Annual Ocracoke Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament. Thanks to the countless volunteers who make the event happen, as well as those that come down and enjoy Ocracoke Island.
Catch (and release) 'em up!