Lessons Learned...OBX

So, I've been wondering since I got back from NC what I did wrong. Why was it I only hooked up once but saw an amazing amount of fish from puppy Red Drum to 5' Houndfish, from Flounder to Speckled Trout. I had all the right reports, all the right flies, all the right equipment. I hit the right spots based on tides and recommendations, listened to seasoned OBX fly fisherman and locals.

Then it dawned on me, I listened to locals. Of the 8 tackle shops I went into, I got reports and recommendations from every person there, but when it came to asking about fly fishing, everyone laughed or snarled. All but one, Ryan, the owner of Hatteras Jack in Rodanthe, about a half mile down the road from our house. He said he had fly fished before and had a Google Maps picture in his head of all the big backcountry holes. Unfortunately, I got this report on our second to last day and actually spent our last day packing and enjoying some family time.

Either way, I had an absolute blast and enjoyed every moment in the Outer Banks. It was a great vacation spent enjoying firsts with my daughter, family, and self. I got to learn a bunch about my new GoPro and even refined my saltwater fly fishing skills. Although I was handed a huge skunk, I have to say a bad day of fishing in OBX is better than a good day of fishing here. The sights, sounds, smells, and simply atmosphere makes one almost want to pack up and find a house down there.

When it comes to redemption, it shall be in the form of a revisit next summer. As for this summer, a lot is ahead for the TLTFF crew. We plan on not only hitting up our honey holes harder than ever, but exploring new waters and giving thorough reports for you guys, but also hooking up with new species on the fly (for us), tossing lines with old and new friends, filming footage never captured by ourselves, and as always, keeping you entertained and hooked making you want to come back for more.

Anyone looking to fish with the TLTFF crew, hit us up at tightlinedtalesofaflyfisherman@gmail.com. Although our schedules get crazy sometimes, we are always willing to work things out and find time to fish. Happy summer everyone, get ready, set, here we gooooo!

Boom...Morgan

Trip Days #8 & #9

So of course the first time I ever go fly fishing in OBX I get skunked. Fortunately I brought my surf rod and found a steal of a deal on a new one. With the help of those and some squid and sand crabs, I was able to feel a tight line. But of course, broke off whatever beast was on the end of my line... So yes, I pitched a no-hitter, not one fish in hand. PRetty discouraging and making me semi-contemplate hanging up my fly fishing hat.

NOT.

I love this stuff way too much. But seriously, next time, I've got karma built up to waazoo! Zach and I should be heading up to the Gunpowder next weekend, were going to formulate a plan on the golf course this Thursday. Luis and I have talked briefly about hitting up Liberty Reservoir for some carp, I have to get #17 off my list.

Videos and pictures of the trip should be going live soon, depends on when I get back into my normal routine here at home. Stay posted, we have some good stuff coming up including another contest.

Boom...Morgan

Trip Days #5

Yesterday I got my fly line wet for the first time in OBX, felt great. Thanks to some awesome reports and help from the guys at Hatteras Jack I headed over to "New Inlet", an inlet that was courtesy of hurricane Irene and now one of the hottest flounder spots on the entire Outer Banks.

I decided to go back today after getting skunked (but some great footage with the GoPro). The inlet has a great channel that really rips when the tides change. I was in one of the back creek targeting drum and trout when all the sudden, puppy drum start hitting the surface. I there everything from shrimp to crab to what I was told to throw, clousers (in every color). Like I said, no bites, but definitely beautiful. The tides here are pretty crazy, especially in New Inlet. I sent my backpack down on a sand bar to try and get some further casts and before I could blink, water was rising up to my backpack at a rapid rate, I grabbed it just in time to save my phone.

The water clarity is amazing and species availability makes the Bay look like its for rookies. I love it, can't wait to see what decides to bite later in the week. I have a few wading spots I plan on trying out, all within 20 minutes of the house. Cant wait. Till tomorrow I leave you with this...

Boom...Morgan