National Seashore Updates for the Week of October 30

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) announced several recent updates and news items related to recreational activities and seashore conditions on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.

News items and events related to the National Seashore for the week of October 28 include the following:

Seashore Updates

• The Seashore is still looking for volunteers to help teach basic surf fishing techniques at the Learn-to-Fish-Clinic. See more details in the special events section below.
• Ocracoke Island has not reopened to visitors. The Seashore looks forward to welcoming back visitors when Hyde County reopens the island to non-residents.
• Visitors can sign up for beach safety text messages by texting “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890.
• For current beach access information, go to: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.

Upcoming Events

1st Annual Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, along with partner organizations, are celebrating the area’s strong surf fishing history at the 1st Cape Hatteras Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration this Saturday! The free event will be held at the Fessenden Center in Buxton. Parking for the event will be located in the grass parking area near Dillon’s Corner.

• Date: November 2
• Location: Fessenden Center, Buxton
• Description: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, along with partner organizations, will celebrate the area’s strong surf fishing history at the 1st annual Cape Hatteras Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration.   

Event Program

9:00 a.m. Event begins
9:05 a.m. Welcome by Superintendent David Hallac
9:10 a.m. Overview of Cape Hatteras and Fishing at National Park Units (Speaker: David Hallac)
9:25 a.m. History of Surf Fishing at Cape Hatteras (Speaker: Jami Lanier)
9:45 a.m. Status of Common Marine Sport Fish (Speaker: Andrew Cathey)
10:05 a.m. Break
10:20 a.m. Art & Science of Surf Casting (Speaker: Tommy Farmer)
10:40 a.m. Modern & Historic Rod Building Techniques (Speaker: Ryan White)
11:00 a.m. Break
11:15 a.m. Evolution of Beach Buggies (Speaker: Bill Smith)
11:35 a.m. Lunch break
1:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: Female Surf Fishing Anglers (Panelists: Carol Dillon, Sue Garrett, Nancy Giannotti, Rossie Jennette Jackson, Ginger Knight, Shelly Rollinson)
1:35 p.m. Break
1:45 p.m. Ecology of the Pamlico Sound (Speaker: Michael Flynn)
2:05 p.m. Surf Fishing Photography (Speaker: Daniel Pullen)
2:25 p.m. Surf Fishing Art (Speaker: Kevin McCabe)
2:45 p.m. Break
3:00 p.m. Shark Behavior Along the Outer Banks (Speaker: Dr. Charles Bangley)
3:25 p.m. Panel Discussion Future of Surf Fishing (Panelists: Eric Hoag, Travis Kemp, Pat Preston, Lee Scarborough)
4:00 p.m. Thank you remarks by Superintendent Hallac

Cape Hatteras National Seashore planned this special event in partnership with Cape Hatteras Anglers Club, North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, Outer Banks Forever, Outer Banks History Center, and Outer Banks Preservation Association.

Learn to Fish Clinic

• Date: Nov 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Location: Ramp 55 – next to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
• Description: The International Game Fish Association will host a free learn-to-fish clinic through its Passports to Fishing Program. Participants will learn basic fishing techniques and ethical angling practices. All fishing equipment will be provided. Fishing is catch-and-release-only. Families are encouraged to bring beach chairs, water, and sunscreen.
• Volunteers Needed: We are looking for volunteers to help teach basic surf fishing techniques and ethical angling practices through the International Game Fish Association’s (IGFA) Learn-to-Fish clinic the morning of Saturday November 9. This is an all-day event and volunteers will be asked to assist and teach various stations. All equipment will be provided and IGFA will provide volunteers with training for each station. The clinic will be held near off-road vehicle Ramp 55 in Hatteras Village. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Amiee Ginnever at 252-475-8306.

Winter Lighthouse Climb

• Date: December 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Location: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
• Description: Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for free during the Seashore’s annual winter climb.