In this hands-on, how-to guide to fishing North Carolina's Outer Banks, expert fisherman Stan Ulanski combines his enthusiasm, his experience, and his scientific expertise to show anglers how to catch more fish. Focusing on the essential but often misunderstood links between recreational fishing and the biology, geography, and natural history of the region, Fishing North Carolina's Outer Banks fosters an understanding of the aquatic environment of one of the nation's prime fishing destinations. Ulanski reveals the best approaches to the six main Outer Banks angling scenarios: surf, pier, sound, offshore, inshore, and reef, ledge, and shipwreck fishing. The book features illustrated fish profiles--each loaded with essential information, including identification, food value, and habitat pointers--and species-specific fishing tips for thirty-five of the Outer Banks' most common game fish. And, once you've made your catch, Ulanski provides important storing, cleaning, and cooking advice--including six of his favorite fresh fish recipes. This is a trusty tackle box tool for planning fishing trips to the Outer Banks and for understanding the underwater setting of the fish you're out to catch. Southern Gateways Guide is a registered trademark of the University of North Carolina Press

Fishing North Carolina's Outer Banks

The Outer Banks have long been of interest to geologists, historians, linguists, sportsmen, and beachcombers. This long series of low, narrow, sandy islands stretches along the North Carolina coast for more than 175 miles. Here on Roanoke Island in the 1580s, the first English colony in the New World was established. It vanished soon after, becoming the famous "lost colony." At Ocracoke, in 1718, the pirate Blackbeard was killed; at Hatteras Inlet and Roanoke Island important Civil War battles were fought; at Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills the Wright brothers experimented with gliders and in 1903 made their epic flight. The Graveyard of the Atlantic, scene of countless shipwrecks, lies all along the ever-shifting shores of the Banks. This is the fascinating story of the Banks and the Bankers; of whalers, stockmen, lifesavers, wreckers, boatmen, and fishermen; of the constantly changing inlets famous for channel bass fishing; and of the once thriving Diamond City that disappeared completely in a three-year period.

Fishing on the Outer Banks for subsistence began over 1,000 years ago with the Algonquin Indians, who made their summer camps on the islands. They came for the seafood and learned how to fish for various species during each season. Some of their fishing methods are still used by local watermen. The early settlers to the area were also fishers for sustenance. It was not until the Civil War, however, when they became commercial fishermen. Historic shad runs combined with the building of infrastructure such as an ice plant, roads, and bridges finally made possible the exportation of their catches to northern markets. In the 1950s, tourists started trickling in, and restaurants began dotting the landscape, promoting the consumption of fresh seafood. Today, in an economy ruled by tourism, fishing for profit still plays a strong role. What began in the 1660s with a shipment of 80 barrels of whale oil has continued to the present with internationally coveted catches of bluefin tuna. Although the fishing industry is threatened today as never before, commercial fishermen will continue to develop new markets and fight for their livelihoods.

Take a walk on the beach with three coastal experts who reveal the secrets and the science of the North Carolina shoreline. What makes sea foam? What are those tiny sand volcanoes along the waterline? You'll find the answers to these questions and dozens more in this comprehensive field guide to the state's beaches, which shows visitors how to decipher the mysteries of the beach and interpret clues to an ever-changing geological story. Orrin Pilkey, Tracy Monegan Rice, and William Neal explore large-scale processes, such as the composition and interaction of wind, waves, and sand, as well as smaller features, such as bubble holes, drift lines, and black sands. In addition, coastal life forms large and small--from crabs and turtles to microscopic animals--are all discussed here. The concluding chapter contemplates the future of North Carolina beaches, considering the threats to their survival and assessing strategies for conservation. This indispensable beach book offers vacationers and naturalists a single source for learning to appreciate and preserve the natural features of a genuine state treasure. Southern Gateways Guide is a registered trademark of the University of North Carolina Press

The Outer Banks, barrier islands off the coast of northeastern North Carolina, have long provided inhabitants with ready access to clean water and bountiful wild fisheries. In the 1930s, these locals recognized they could make a living full time by taking out paying parties of sport anglers. At this time, entrepreneurs built oceanfront piers to get these sport fishermen closer to migrating schools of fish. An act of Congress preserved the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which promoted the pastime of surf fishing. As the industry of charter fishing developed, captains working out of Hatteras and Oregon Inlet ventured farther into the Atlantic Ocean to reach the Gulf Stream, the home of the ultimate fishing trophy, the blue marlin. This book chronicles the history of sport fishing on the Outer Banks. Whether fishing is a livelihood or a pastime, fishermen and fisherwomen invest in more than just catching. They commune with a seascape that is both inspiring and potentially dangerous. And what locals and visitors alike have found on this sliver of sand is simple: paradise on earth.

"These laminated, fold-up identification guides-- FoldingGuides¿-- speak for themselves. Written and illustrated by local experts who know their stuff, waterproof and indestructible, they¿re the perfect choice for beginners and intermediates who want to know what they¿ll encounter in their particular locale. This guide includes 48 inshore marine fish, both common and exotic, found in the waters surrounding the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Includes Groupers, Snappers, Jacks, Drums, Porgies, Grunts, as well as Rays and Sharks. Typical size, both length and weight, as well as edibility index are included for each fish. Species selection and text by Kevin McCabe, legendary local expert. Illustrations by Diane Rome Peebes, noted illustrator and naturalist.Includes a detailed map of the OB showing boat ramps, fishing piers, and tips on where to find the big ones."