Hoping some of the fellow diehards on here can give me some good advice...

Recently discovered that I have a random few days off from work (plus weekend) from Nov 1-5. My primary saltwater fishing buddy is also off. So we decided we want to do a surf/pier trip. The question is...where do we go? We've gone in November before but always focused on trout in the sounds. He wants to leave the kayaks behind to force ourselves to focus on the sand and planks, hopefully for drum (and any trout that might be in the surf zone). He'd be mostly soaking bait, while I'd also be throwing lures at the same time (that's just my thing). We've always stayed around Nags Head, mainly because of our familiarity with the many restaurants and such in that area, and usually fished from the piers all the way to Manns Harbor. But I've kind of got the itch to explore Hatteras this time. Considering the time frame we are looking at, it Hatteras/Buxton worth the extra drive, or are the northern beaches just as good (plus more sound options if the surf is stupid rough...even too rough to be "drummy")? We would NOT do the Point. More like Avon Pier, beach near the groins, etc. Possibly Rodanthe Pier, although I hear they don't allow braid at all (not just on the end). Can anyone confirm this? All my light setups are braid to mono leader. Only my heavier rigs are straight mono.

For what it's worth, I'll be in KDH for a week in mid October fishing sound and surf, and hopefully it will be better than our family summer trip back in July. Worst 2 weeks fishing in OBX for me since summer of 2018 (although I did catch fish). Which is why I didn't post a summer report afterwards (something I've done the past couple years). And a wacko smashed the rear quarter panel of my truck while I was fishing. But still had a great time.

Any input appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Caveat emptor, I don't drum fish seriously, but have been coming down here for decades, read a lot about local fishing, and have a lot of local fishing friends on both the commercial and recreational side and get the skinny from folks who would never report what they do to local tackle shops.

If you're not willing to fish the point (I don't blame you) then just check the Facebook pages for all of the area fishing shops and piers. All of the piers, including those up to the north, can be drum hotspots. Folks here started hitting the piers in Nags Head in recent days with the blow. I haven't heard of any hot bites from the piers, yet. A buddy went Monday to Outer Banks Pier and nothing was happening.

Braid is a no-go on all piers and frowned upon at the Point. Many folks will tell you that braid will slice through mono like a hot knife through butter. That is up for debate; there's plenty of evidence and more "scientific" test videos out there showing it doesn't matter, but folks will know of a second cousin's sister's ex-husband's oldest son who had it happen. At the very least, a braid tangle is impossible to undo so if you're fishing amongst others, don't bother with it and you'll save yourself a headache and getting blasted by some Old Salts if you get wrapped up in someone else's gear which is quite possible if you're on a pier and there's a drum bite.

For surf fishing I think you want to be further south. At the very least, you do not want to be in South Nags Head. This place is a dead sea after October unless you want skate, dogfish, bluefish, and the occasional puppy drum. Every couple of years I'll see reports of a good drum bite up around Corolla/Carova.

EDIT: If it were me I'd go to Facebook and scroll through the historical posts from your target timeframe in past years. That should give you an idea of trends.

Thanks for that info. I'm not exactly new to fishing the OBX, just way less familiar with the southern beaches (we've actually traded some info before). I've done well on trout well into Nov around little bridge/Manteo before, but your observation on S Nags head is well taken. What's odd though is that I've used braid on Jennette's before and nobody said anything. Maybe because it wasn't crowded? Maybe because I know what I'm doing and don't tangle others? Who knows?

The debate continues but I'm leaning more toward Hatteras area now.

What's odd though is that I've used braid on Jennette's before and nobody said anything. Maybe because it wasn't crowded? Maybe because I know what I'm doing and don't tangle others? Who knows?

I think you're right. I found this on their website:

"Braided line is prohibited on the first 100 yards of fighting or anchor rod."

Posted under rules for cobia/king mack fishing. Seems not to apply to the non-specialized fishing, for lack of a better term. And those are specialty "end fishing" concepts anyway.

Now I have another consideration to mull over.

Thanks again for your insights.

Go south young man.
The beaches south of 38 will be productive just watch the water temps and wind and make a decision on where exactly you want to fish. Also dress appropriately "Drummy water" is usually the result of pending or receding hard weather on the outer banks.
as far as braid vs. mono . I can tell you from personal experience it will cut mono quickly if it is entangled with mono. if it is just drifting over it you are usually fine but anything more and braid always wins.
The issue is also because braid moves and floats diffrently than mono so if you have a conga line of fishermen and they are all moving as the current pulls the bait the braid will float faster and is lighter than mono so it will overtake and tangle mono in the same conditions.
Posted from pier and surf is a good explanation of "Point Etiquette"

Cape Point Etiquette

Having spent the better part of the past month in Buxton I thought I'd put together a little refresher on "how to" fish Cape Point. I'm not talking 100 yards north or south but jumping in at the point proper.

The dynamics seemed to have changed a bit over the past few years and it seems not necessarily for the better. I'm hoping this will help fishermen/ women understand a little better how to avoid tangles and keep things working smoothly.

I'm not trying to step on toes or upset anyone here, just a refresher or a guide for those that haven't fished there much and would like to have a more enjoyable experience.
• When the wind is SW for a day or more, there will normally be a left to right drift. This sets up what is known as the "conga line". Everyone's line will move south to north as the sinker bumps and rolls along the bottom. It is important to find out how much weight it takes to bump along at the same pace as the other fishermen. 7-8 oz and a short leader drum rig is common, but please take a few minutes to watch or just ask someone.
• If the drift dictates 7-8 oz, DON'T jump into the fray with a 3 oz sinker and a two drop bottom rig. Your line will drift faster than everyone else and unless you are very careful, cause inevitable tangles when someone reels in over your line. If your gear won't allow you to throw 7-8oz then just move north or south a bit. You will have a better chance at a drum if you're fishing and not untangling lines.
• Move to the end of the line when you cast. When your sinker lands, assess where you are in relation to others and move to the appropriate spot. If you cast over three people it is OK, just fix it then by walking behind them and take your place in the conga line.
• KEEP YOUR LINE IN FRONT OF YOU. This is the single most important step in avoiding tangles. If your line drifts faster than the guy beside you just move past him. If you're out farther, lift your rod tip and pass behind, if you're shorter, just dip your rod tip and walk in front to take your place in line. This is key to navigating the conga line.
• FISH ON has priority. Help the guy coming through with a fish. His hands are full and he'll need help to avoid tangles. If he needs to go under your line, lift the tip and let him through. If his fish has taken off a lot of line (as often happens) and he is outside of your line then drop your tip and let him pass behind. If there is a tangle with a fisherman that has a fish on then do whatever you can to help untangle the mess without causing him to lose the fish. He will return the favor when YOU have a fish on.
• Don't be the smartass/loudmouth. It causes tension and short tempers, especially if a fish is on.


Hope this helps,

Tommy

Just heard that the oil slicks have shown up again in Buxton. Am I wrong to be completely rethinking my location for first week of November?

Just heard that the oil slicks have shown up again in Buxton. Am I wrong to be completely rethinking my location for first week of November?