Because the Cape Lookout rock jetty attracts so many spotted seatrout and other species during the late fall, it’s a popular venue for anglers and boats —and that can cause problems.
“The main things to remember are etiquette and safety,” said guide Bryan Goodwin. “You must anchor to fish the jetty, so bring your patience, good will and a sense of humor, because it’s the closest thing to parking-lot fishing. You’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with other boats and other people, and crossed lines and lures are gonna happen.”
The main problem Goodwin has noticed is anglers with anchors too small to hold their boats in position, which drifts them into other boats’ fishing areas.
“(Unanchored boats) don’t have enough chain, so they get anchor slippage,” he said. “Anybody coming out there should first observe the boats already there, wind direction and current. See how the boats are anchored up and laying on anchor.”
A Danforth anchor with an adequate amount of chain will prevent anchor drift, he said.
Sometimes Goodwin schedules trips to the jetty for mid-afternoons after most anglers have left.“I watch for moving current, because the bite peaks then,” he said. “Doesn’t matter what time of day that happens.
“It’s also a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket and pants, especially if it’s windy and you don’t like (getting) spray on you. It’s not so much a problem in October, but it’s not much fun in November to get wet out there.”
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