Stripers, baby

By Molly Harrison | Monday, January 10, 2011

Everybody is talking about the stripers. Maybe I cross paths with a lot of fisherpeople, but the striped bass catch seems to be the big news of the year so far (well, that and the little tidbit about Senator Marc Basnight resigning). Everyone is catching beyond their limits and bringing home their allotted two fish per person, and the skillets and grills have been sizzling...

All the fishing action has led to some crazy tales. * Get this: Last Wednesday, 12-year-old Stephen Furlough, fishing on the Rigged Up, landed a 63-pound fish that earned him the state record. But the poor kid only held the record for 48 hours because on Friday, Keith Angel landed a 64-pound striped bass on The Poacher. Both catches were weighed at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and you can see them on their website. * By the way, did you know the offshore boats are also catching tuna? So bundle up, book an inshore or offshore charter and have fun...

As mentioned, the biggest news here on the Outer Banks was Senator Marc Basnight's surprise announcement last week that he is leaving the state senate. Basnight, who served 13 terms in the state senate, nine of those as president pro tem, and was long considered the most powerful politician in the state, announced that he will resign his position on January 25, citing health concerns due to a motor neuron disease. The Democrats are in the process of selecting his replacement. Basnight's impact on northeastern North Carolina was tremendous and there will never be another like him...

Polarizing issues are in the news as well, specifically the Town of Nags Head's proposed Beach Nourishment project; the National Park Service's decision on beach driving (26 miles permanently closed to beach driving, including some popular spots, 28 miles open year round and 13 miles open seasonally); and the building of a Lowe's bordering a residential neigborhood in Kill Devil Hills. * On the good news side is that the Federal Highway Administration signed a Record of Decision in December that clears the way for the NCDOT to move ahead with the replacement of the Bonner Bridge. NCDOT says it is taking measures to get the project going as soon as possible...

Meanwhile, what's everybody up to this week? There are a few things going on...

On Wednesday, head to Corolla for the Corolla in Retrospect series of programs. Wednesday's program is "In the Dark, Before the Lighthouse" focusing on shifting sands and shipwrecks. This program will be held at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education at 9:30 a.m. Preregistration is required at (252) 453-9040 ext. 3...

Artist Stephanie Kiker is showing a collection of colorful originals and functional art a show called Island Inspirations at the North Carolina Aquarium! The show will run from January 10 to March 31...

On Thursday, the Outer Banks Birth Network is hosting a discussion on the importance of nutrition and benefits of yoga during pregnancy and birth. Registered dietician Nancy Gray will discuss nutrition and yours truly will discuss yoga for pregnancy and birth. Pass the word about this new organization to anyone you know who is pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. For info, email outerbanksbirth@gmail.com. The meeting will be held at the KDH Library Meeting room on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m...

Also on Thursday, Michelle Madden Smith will lead a Community Yoga class at the Unitarian Church in Kitty Hawk at 6:30 p.m. Cost is only $5...

On Friday, the N.C. Aquarium is hosting a Quarter Moon Night Hike in Nags Head Woods. Learn about the moon and enjoy a good walk. Cost is $7 per person. Call (252) 473-3494...

On Saturday in Currituck, there's a Horse Show at the Currituck County 4-H Rural Life Center in Powells Point. Proceeds will benefit the Currituck Food Bank. * On Saturday in Manteo, there's a Martin Luther King Day Celebration at Manteo Elementary School at 11 a.m. Tom Williamson will speak and lunch will be provided. Call (252) 473-3151...

Cape Hatteras School is hosting the Hurrah Players for a showing of High School Musical 2 at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets cost $10 and the show will benefit the school's DECA club...

If you're amping up your exercise routine for the new year, consider visiting a local gym or yoga studio. Everyone welcomes first-timers with a day pass, so go check out something new. The Outer Banks Family YMCA is offering its Try the Y for Free on Saturday. Call (252) 449-8897 for info...

If you're getting cabin fever and need to get out and see some people, here are some nightlife options. Kelly's has Carbon Jam on Friday and Saturday, plus karaoke on Monday and Tuesday, open mic on Wednesday and Jazz, Martinis and Manicures on Thursday. * Brewing Station is closed 'til Feb. * Peppercorns has The Wilder Brothers on Friday and karaoke on Saturday. The Outer Banks Shag Club meets at Peppercorns on Mondays. * Ocean Blvd. has its Friday night thing going on, with live music, tasty martinis and a fun crowd. * Barefoot Bernie's has Scott Franson on Tuesdays. * Poor Richard's has Garyoke on Wednesdays. * Beach Road Grill has Barryoke on Friday and The DreadNecks on Saturday. * Lucky 12 has DJ Bruce on Thursdays. * Mama Kwan's has DJ Bruce on Fridays. Good times...

And remember, NOW is the time of year to eat in the local restaurants. Enjoy a crowd-free, leisurely dinner in a local restaurant this week. Try somewhere you've never been before. Drive to another town to do it. Check out our Restaurants Specials page for ideas...

That's what I've got for you this week. Keep looking around the site for more ideas of things to do...

And Thanks to Kelly Hogan for the striper photo...

About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.