fishing on AI, maps?

[Randy Stinchcomb]

I here you guys talk about the "bullpen" now Im not asking you to give up your hot-spots but are ther any published maps for driving on the beach at AI or is this something you get when you get your OSV permit just trying to be prepared for my trip in 2 weeks 8)

also when you guys night fish, I know you build bonfires on the beach but are you allowed to shine any lights into the surf

sorry for all the questions :wink:

[Sam]

The bullpen is about 2-3 miles down the beach. It is a small contained area for campers to park overnight. As far as bonfires, you gotta have them below the high tide line. I have never heard of any rules about not shining your lights into the surf at night, but I do know there are some old timers (I agree) that have a feeling the light scares the fish away, especially stripers and red drum.

About the maps... I have been fishing there hundreds of times and I couldn't tell you where any markers are. I rarely look west while on Assateague Island. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

[chomper]

Here is a link to a map of the Island. Md side allows access to the State line(sticks). To enter the VA end of the Island you must go in through Chincoteague and the refuge. Thats a nice place too. Went there twice last year and no skunk... We caught two 3.5 foot sandbars there last Sept. One for the skillet :chef: one back to the sea...

http://www.assateagueisland.com/map/map21.htm

There are more maps out there in PDF files with better clarity, just couldnt find them.

[Coop]

the darker the better,,,many of use headlamps to rebait and check gear,,,I have been known to light a fire when it does get chilly, not sure if any stripers are bothered by it, but when I get a chill, I fire sure can do wonders,,,one other thing, if you ever get a chance to go out at night on a new moon with clear skies, go, especially well south of the bullpen away from the oc lights on the horizon,,,simply awsome,,,its amazing how many meteors and other strange things you see in the sky,,,still cant figure out that one night we were out with an object in the night sky flickering colors, red, blue, white,,,pretty cool, I can only assume it was a planet or maybe a star, really not sure.

[Sam]

[quote user="Coop" post="2897"]the darker the better,,,many of use headlamps to rebait and check gear,,,I have been known to light a fire when it does get chilly, not sure if any stripers are bothered by it, but when I get a chill, I fire sure can do wonders,,,one other thing, if you ever get a chance to go out at night on a new moon with clear skies, go, especially well south of the bullpen away from the oc lights on the horizon,,,simply awsome,,,its amazing how many meteors and other strange things you see in the sky,,,still cant figure out that one night we were out with an object in the night sky flickering colors, red, blue, white,,,pretty cool, I can only assume it was a planet or maybe a star, really not sure.[/quote]

Scott, that was cool, wasn't it. [smiley smilie=4 fontcolor=000000 shadowcolor=6699AA shieldshadow=1]Twinkle[/smiley]

[chomper]

[quote user="Coop" post="2897"]one other thing, if you ever get a chance to go out at night on a new moon with clear skies, go, especially well south of the bullpen away from the oc lights on the horizon,,,simply awsome,,,its amazing how many meteors and other strange things you see in the sky,,,still cant figure out that one night we were out with an object in the night sky flickering colors, red, blue, white,,,pretty cool, I can only assume it was a planet or maybe a star, really not sure.[/quote]

Its been waaayyy too long since ive been down...I was starting to think I only wanna come for the fishing... Thanks for the reminder Coop.... :up:

[Sam]

Sometimes at work, when I'm all stressed out or I'm stuck in traffic somewhere I think about being 8 miles down AI at 2am with nothing but my fishing gear, fresh bait, cold beer or hot coffee and my books on CD. Man, you can't beat it. I love this place. :v:

[Steve]

No matter the season, I like a fire going. Kind'a helps me set the mood. Kicking back by the fire with a cold brew, good company and lines in. Also helps to find where you parked when you paddle out at night.

[ocsnapper]

ya a fire just makes the night better no matter what time of the year I have heard that the Drum don't like light and have heard of some people won't even drive with there head lights on only there running lights I don't know about all that, all I do is fish and am happy with that...

[Randy Stinchcomb]

OK, Great. thanks for the info guys 8)

now regarding the question of lights in the water. back here on the Bay, stripers are drawn to the lights on the end of piers and such, feeding on bait fish and I just thought that may apply to the surf as well. not a problem 8)

[Sam]

Hmmm... I'm not sure. ?

[Randy Stinchcomb]

yeah, just a thought. but come to think of it, look how many stripers are caught at the RT50 bridge at night under the lights


and....and a few years back there was that 80 lb Black Drum caught off the old "Stinky Beach" wthin the lights of the RT50 Bridge and the lights of the now de-parted "Shantytown" soooo maybe lights are not a bad thing :wink:

[derf]

[quote user="Randy Stinchcomb" post="2932"]OK, Great. thanks for the info guys 8)

now regarding the question of lights in the water. back here on the Bay, stripers are drawn to the lights on the end of piers and such, feeding on bait fish and I just thought that may apply to the surf as well. not a problem 8)[/quote]

the bait fish are attracted to the light , and that brings in the bigger fish ..
but the thing is the lights are on all the time and the pier pillings and bridge pillings are "structure " ; both which are not on the open beach of AI .
imo the less light the better .. you would be surprised how good your night vision can be without a lot of artifical light

[Coop]

One important note that does bug me at night,,,people driving right along the edge of the shore,,,I know some people arent fishermen and dont know any better but that just irritates me.

[Steve]

[quote user="Coop" post="2966"]One important note that does bug me at night,,,people driving right along the edge of the shore,,,I know some people arent fishermen and dont know any better but that just irritates me.[/quote]

Great point derf! Very interesting, and obviously overlooked.
It doesn't seem to matter in the summer, I've had a floodlight going at AI and still caught 'em. It sure doesn't matter to the Charks.
If we took a beam and shined it right at the water I could see it bothering them, but a flood? I don't think they can see it.

Coop, I detest that too. I've hit them with my 6 mil cw spot and they angled away. Really bugs me when they have all the fancy Baja lights going in your face too.