Harkers Island Albies
Our good friend, Theo Baakelar, has forwarded photos of a trip that he and our mutual friends Chuck Furimsky and Harry Schoel took to Harkers Island in North Carolina last November for false albacore—“albies.” They had a great trip. You can read about it in the photographic story below. The fish will be there this November, so get your gear ready and start planning now.
Take at least two rods on the 10 to 11 weight category—one equipped with a floating line and one with the fastest descending full sinking line available.
Flies should represent the small baitfish that the albies are constantly feeding on.
They take the flies hard and fast, and the angler must be ready every second for the power of the strike.
When the albies are in the boats are out—in numbers!
Many anglers fish from boats where they can pursue the fast moving albies, but these fish can also be taken from shore, where one many encounter the island’s ponies.
There they are—oops, those are dolphins.
There they are—this time it really is a school of fast moving albies smashing bait—quick get the fly in the water.
An 8 pound albie pulls like a 24 pound striper, and then some. The never seem to quit.
But the fight is well worth the result. Truly beautiful—the fish, not Theo.
When the school is large really busting bait, everyone gets hooked up. Chuck lands a nice one, too.
And Harry is not to be left out.
In addition to their beautiful silver blue color, the back of the albie is vermiculated like that of a brook trout.
Let’s see, sushi or cork, sushi or cork?
Albies have to be shot back into the water like a torpedo on release so they will swim strongly and keep their gills well oxygenated.
One may find tasty weakfish while fishing for albies, and these go back to the Barbie.
The pelicans wait patiently on the pier for successful anglers.
Mmmmmm, weakfish entrails, just what we’ve been waiting for. A great end to a great trip for our anglers.