http://hamptonroads.com/node/355376 Outdoors en-us Copyright 2009 PilotOnline.com / HamptonRoads.com. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:27:37 -0500 The Recreational Fishing Alliance has taken extraordinary steps to help puzzled sea bass anglers who recently had the rug pulled from underneath them by NOAA Fisheries - which recently closed the fishery in federal waters from the Outer Banks to Maine. http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/sea-bassers-wanted-action-against-feds-well-theyre-getting-it Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:57:24 -0500 The best surf fishing teams on the East Coast got into the breakers on Hatteras Island this morning to start the 52nd annual Cape Hatteras Angler's Club Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament. With 120 teams, this is the premier surf fishing tournament in the United States, and arguably the world. http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/surf-fishing-its-finest Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:50:47 -0500 While there are plenty of species to be talking about this time of year, most conversations have something to do with speckled trout. Largely because it already is shaping up to be another outstanding fall for one of the area’s most popular inshore species. http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/seeing-spots-youre-ok-its-just-all-speckled-trout Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:44:22 -0500 A picture that ran on Wednesday’s Hampton Roads front has caused quite a stir with hunters and gun owners.   Taken at the Hickory Ruritan Club’s Saturday turkey shoot, the picture shows two men holding shotguns. One has his hand propped on business end of the gun barrel. The other man is holding his gun so that the barrel is pointing at his arm pit. http://hamptonroads.com/2009/10/bad-gun-safety-practices-picture-causes-stir Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:58:02 -0400 As temperatures cool and many fish migrate out of area waters, anglers are able to focus more of their attention on a lessening number of species. Then the tautog bite turns on and complicates everything. What a wonderful dilemma we have on our hands, as one of Virginia’s favorite species has shown up and turned on. http://hamptonroads.com/2009/10/tautog-time-those-goofylooking-fish-humanlike-lips-and-teeth-and-biting Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:10:30 -0400 It all adds up to a pretty serious problem. I absolutely love fishing for both. Bass are closer to home, but trout aren't around all year long like the bass are. Mother Nature provided a remarkable mid-October week. Tuesday I worked the waters of the North River in northeastern North Carolina. Beautiful place with excellent fishing. http://hamptonroads.com/2009/10/speckled-trout-largemouth-bass-good-weather-limited-time Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:14:29 -0400 There basically are two rockfish seasons in Virginia – the one currently going on for school-sized and slightly larger fish, and the winter coastal fishery for the really big ones. Both have their drawing points. http://hamptonroads.com/2009/10/striper-season-multitude-seasons-rolled-one Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:06:06 -0400 I tried to get up and watch the peak of the Orionid meteor showers. I really did. But 2 a.m. just didn't feel right at 2 a.m. But there will be another chance early Thursday morning, when Mother Nature's fireworks will again brighten the skies. My wife and our neighbor said they saw quite a few shooting stars when they started their daily morning walk at 6 a.m. http://hamptonroads.com/2009/10/about-morning-sometimes-early-just-too-early Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:16:53 -0400 While they are not as well-known as the Perseids, the Orionid meteor showers often put on a show that competes equally. This year's Orionids are currently underway, with a peak set to start after midnight tonight. The actual peak is supposed to be around 2 in the morning Wednesday. Showers of a lesser degree can be seen through the weekend. http://hamptonroads.com/2009/10/natures-fireworks-orionid-version Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:57:30 -0400 OK, it's football season and everybody is pretty hyped about everything from high school to college to professional football. Hey, even me. But this is one of the best times of the year to fish and we need to talk about it. Speckled trout, puppy drum and striped bass - three wonderful fall species that are abundant and fun to catch. http://hamptonroads.com/2009/10/time-live-chat-about-something-other-football Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:04:46 -0400