Carolina Salt December 2016

FREE! DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017

your life on the Crystal Coast

2017

LOOK INSIDE FOR FUN & FREE

THINGS TO DO ON THE CRYSTAL COAST MID–DECEMBER THROUGH MID–JANUARY PG. 8

HOME OF THE CRYSTAL COAST STEAM POT!

GRILL & STEAM BAR

Now Serving!

FRESH LOCAL

OYSTERS! Wednesdays

Good food, good friends, great times!

10% OFF STEAM POTS! Thursdays

JAMAICAN ME THIRSTY

Starting at 4PM in the Boat Bar, CaribbeanStyle drink specials, Heineken & ShockTop $3

Fridays

RANDY’S FAMOUS ANGUS

PRIME RIB Sundays

JOIN US IN THE BOAT BAR FOR

FOOTBALL Starting at noon.

Games kick off at 1PM.

BEER SPECIALS 2 Miller Lite Drafts $ 2 Hoppyums $ 5 Bloody Marys

$

5 APPS FOR $5 Choose one: Potato Skins, Mozzarella Sticks, Queso Dip & Chips, Bucket of Twirls, Bacon Cheese Fries.

8 GIANT FLAT SCREENS IN THE BOAT BAR!

Next to El’s • Look for the Big Fish!

3710 ARENDELL STREET • MOREHEAD CITY 252.240.1313 • SNAPPERZSTEAMBAR.COM

LUNCH, DINNER AND KIDS MENU ALL DAY!

OUTFITTING SALTWATER ANGLERS & BOATERS FOR OVER 15 YEARS! Our knowledgeable staff can assist you with all your fishing and boating needs.

AUTHORIZED DEALER

7802 EMERALD DRIVE • EMERALD ISLE TheReelOutdoors.com • 252-354-6692 RODS & REELS | BAIT & TACKLE | REEL REPAIR | MARINE SUPPLIES SUNGLASSES | APPAREL | SANDALS, SHOES & FLOPS

Join us for breakfast daily starting at 7am 7802 EMERALD DRIVE

EMERALD ISLE • 252.354.6592 VILLAGEMARKETOFEI.COM

JEWELRY • MONOGRAMMING & EMBROIDERY • HOMEMADE FUDGE • CULINARY NOVELTIES HANDBAGS, TOTES & PURSES • APPAREL & ACCESSORIES • MUCH MORE!

We’ve Got Your Holiday Style AND CHECK OUT OUR WINTER SPECIALS — TUESDAY SPECIAL —

20 Off %

All Our T-Shirts

— WEDNESDAY SPECIAL —

Free

Monogramming with $50 Purchase

— THURSDAY SPECIAL —

10 Off Storewide %

Excludes fudge, monogramming and wine.

— FRIDAY SPECIAL —

BOGO

Buy one pound of fudge, get a half pound free!

Z E N Z I I | lost petal linens | EMMA’S CLOSET | PIKO | mudpie | SCOUT WE PROVIDE MONOGRAMMING ON ALL OF OUR CLASSIC APPARREL...

Plus totes, jewelry and your own personal items as well! Please ask us!

Located in the K&V Plaza Next to Flipperz ★ 311 Mangrove Drive , Emerald Isle ★ 252.354.7775

MID -D ECEM B E R 2 0 1 6 TO M I D-JA N UA RY 2 0 1 7

Inside This Issue your life on the Crystal Coast

11 Ask the Aquarium: Sea Stars

While walking along our coastal beaches, you can discover many treasures, common and uncommon.

But common doesn’t always mean plain!

11 Candlelight Tour and ArtWalk

18

12 Resolution Schmezolution OUTER BANKS WILDLIFE Wintering Scoters FREE!

DECEMBER

/ JANUA

Downtown historic Beaufort puts on its holiday finery and invites you in for a tour. Take the Beaufort Candlelight Tour on December 10.

RY 2017

t stal Coas on the Cry your life

December / January ON THIS MONTH’S COVER

2017

E LOOK INSID & FREE FOR FUN

GS THIN TO DO

L COAST CRYSTA ON THE THROUGH CEMBER MID–DE MID–JANUARY PG. 8

2016 is finally drawing to a close. The holiday season is one of our favorites here on the coast, and there’s lots to see and do in our area to ring in the new year of 2017!

Resolutions! Do you make them? Have you given it up? Do you need a laugh? If you answered yes to any of those questions, flip ahead to page 12.

13 Holiday Cookie Recipes

Are you struggling to finish your last-minute

holiday baking, but you’ve run out of inspiration?

Maybe it’s time to try a new recipe or two...

16 Crystal Coast Countdown Events

The Crystal Coast Countdown is a wide-ranging event that happens every year and involves many area businesses. Check out this year’s events!

18 OWLS: Wintering Scoters

These visiting ducks hail from as far away as

the British Isles. Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter is currently caring for a juvenile female.

LOCAL INTEREST

11 ASK THE AQUARIUM Look at and find out about these beautiful purple sea stars.

11 CANDLELIGHT TOUR And ArtWalk in historic Beaufort on December 10 from 5–8 p.m.

Things To Do................................................ 8 Hooked Up Fishing...................................... 19 Diving Our Coast.. ....................................... 20 Tides. . ........................................................ 21

13 HOLIDAY BAKING Two new cookie recipes to add to your holiday recipe box.

19 HOOKED UP FISHING Find out where the fish are still biting on the Crystal Coast.

CarolinaSalt.com » December / January 2017 CAROLINA SALT 5

PUBLISHER

WILL ASHBY C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R

C H E V Y K AY LO R C O N T R I BU T I N G W R I T E R S

Let us put the Leisure back into your most important day!

Sidney Hunter, Sheila Lowe, Anne Stanley, Lindsay Parker, Capt. Jeff Cronk, Lee Moore, Sherry White, Kim Murdoch, Linda Bergman-Althouse and Khristi T. Nunnally.

B E C O M E A C O N T R I BU TO R

Submit your letters to the editor, photos, community listings and articles to will@carolinasalt.com.

The editorial deadline for the next issue is December 16.

The next issue publishes January 7.

B E C O M E A N A DV E RT I S E R

Carolina Salt is a great way to reach out to your local customers, as well as our seasonal visitors.

252-723-7628

Call us to find out how we can help you grow your local business.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Thank you for picking up Carolina Salt magazine, all about our life here on the Crystal Coast.

Our articles are written by locals. Every month we look to our readers to keep our magazine fresh.

If you have a story to tell, an event to promote or an interesting local photograph, send them our way.

Participation is welcomed and appreciated.

Reader contributions are the founding principle of the magazine.

If you like what you see, tell people about it— especially our advertisers. For questions, concerns or more information, send e-mail to will@carolinasalt.com or call 252-723-7628.

For up-to-date info, be sure to look us up on Facebook!

—Free Local Delivery—

WE DEPEND ON OUR READERS!

252.354.8887

Call 252-723-7628 if you’re interested in submitting an article or photo. Our local content is what keeps our magazine fresh and relevant.

Visit Our Showroom!

208-A Bogue Inlet Drive | Emerald Isle www.IslandEssentials.com

PUBLISHED BY CRYSTAL COAST OUTDOORS PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 572, Morehead City, NC 28557 | 252-723-7628

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner All ABC Permits

8302 Emerald Drive • Emerald Isle • 252.424.8284 December 9

EMERALD ISLE CLAUS CRAWL Now Serving

OYSTERS!

Crawl for a cause! Get decked out in your finest Claus attire to be a part of a new Emerald Isle tradition.

Check in at the Trading Post as early as 5 p.m. and purchase your $8 wristband that will allow you allnight access to our partners, Emerald Club, Salt Ultra Lounge and Flipperz Family Bar & Grill, to enjoy special Claus drinks and perks. Once you purchase your wristband, put your name in the raffle to win some awesome prizes!

December 10

NoDecember 17

Live On The Patio!

Live On The Patio!

CHRIS BELLAMY

THE AQOOSTIX

November 19

JINGLE & MINGLE WINE DINNER

Jingle all the way down to the Trading Post and join us for our second annual Wine Dinner of the season. We’re taking this one to the next level with a Tacky Christmas Attire Contest, winner gets their wine dinner free! Seats $45 per person.

Visit Us Online! TheTradingPostEI.com FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

THINGS TO DO

✪ = FREE

MID–DECEMBER TO MID–JANUARY

DECEMBER 7, 14, 21, 28

✪

DECEMBER 9

Musket Firing Demonstration

[ 10 AM ] Meet in Fort Macon to learn about a

19th century musket’s history, loading procedures and firing. At 2303 Fort Macon Road in Atlantic Beach. For more information call 252-726-3775.

DECEMBER–JANUARY

Brown Bag Gams: Learning At Lunchtime ✪

DECEMBER 9–10

LIVE NATIVITY

Step back in time to witness the events surrounding the birth of Jesus in this walkthrough outside drama. At 120 Bell Street in Swansboro. For info call 252-393-7330.

Pack a lunch for the Brown Bag Gam during your lunch hour and join museum staff for a series of informal discussions. Gam is defined as a friendly conversation between whalers or to visit with another ship while at sea. Free admission, no advance registration required. At the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort. For more information call 252-728-7317 or visit ncmaritimemuseums.com.

12/8............................................... Coastal Native Americans 12/21............................................Women Were Pirates, Too! 1/5..................................... From Lightships to Light Towers DECEMBER 9–10

Live Nativity [ 6–8:30 PM ] Join us as we step back in time to

witness the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.

In this walk-through outside drama you will experience performers, caroling and live animals.

There will also be hot chocolate and cookies served. At 120 Bell Street in Swansboro. For more information call 252-393-7330.

DECEMBER 9–11

Gingerbread Festival at Crystal Coast Civic Center [ 11 AM–5 PM ] Come join the fun at the 4 annual th

DECEMBER 10

SANTA BY THE SEA

is a magical, memorable holiday evening for children at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Tickets are $15. For information or advance tickets, call 252-247-4003.

Crystal Coast Hospice House Gingerbread Festival at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. For Christmas lovers, gingerbread enthusiasts, master sculptors, kids, amateurs, professionals and candy connoisseurs of all ages! Enter your edible masterpiece in our competition to benefit Hospice House and, of course, for a chance to win great prizes and revel in that gingerbread feeling. At 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City. For more information call 252-808-2244.

Nautical Collection E X C L U S I V E LY D E S I G N E D B Y

VERANDA SQUARE | EMERALD ISLE | CHURCHWELLS.COM 1-800-846-1961 | 252-354-7166 8

CAROLINA SALT December / January 2017 » CarolinaSalt.com

Santa and a Movie at EI Parks and Recreation

[ 6 PM ] Children of all ages join Santa for a

Christmas story after enjoying milk and cookies and watching a short Christmas movie classic!

Kids are encouraged to wear their most comfy Christmas pajamas. Bring a blanket for your family to sit on during the movie. At Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation, 7500 Emerald Drive. Admission fee is one unwrapped gift per child. You must preregister by December 8 to attend. There are only 75 children’s spaces available. For reservations, contact Sheila Lowe at 252-354-6350 or slowe@ emeraldisle-nc.org.

DECEMBER 10–11

Intro to Wooden Boat Building

[ 9 AM–4:30 PM ] In this two-day hands-on course,

students will explore the art of boat building from start to finish. They begin with the design and lofting of boats and move on to the setup, steam bending and different methods of creating the back bone of small boats. In addition, they will learn how to make planking systems, both carvel and lap strake and all the appropriate fastening systems. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and skill to choose a design and style of boat to build on their own and the confidence to take on the job. Course fee is $135.

Minimum age is 16. Advance registration required.

At the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort. For more information call 252-728-7317 or visit ncmaritimemuseums.com.

DECEMBER 10

Santa by the Sea at The Aquarium

[ 5:30–8:30 PM ] Santa by the Sea is a magical,

memorable holiday evening for children. The highlight is personal time with Santa at the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Each child aged 12 and under receives a professional FotoFX photo of the encounter. Make crafts, see a magic show and get in the holiday spirit. Tickets are $15 per person plus tax. For more information or advance tickets, call 252-247-4003 or visit ncaquariums. com/pine-knoll-shores.

✪ = FREE DECEMBER 10

Morehead City Christmas Parade on Arendell Street ✪

[ 11 AM ] Come join the fun along Arendell Street

in downtown Morehead City. Parade begins at 1700 Arendell Street and ends at 8th and Arendell Streets. Floats, community groups, bands, entertainment and, of course, Santa and his sleigh will be featured. For more information or an entry form, go to downtownmoreheadcity.com.

DECEMBER 10

✪

Beaufort Holiday Art Walk

[ 2–5 PM ] The Beaufort Art Walk celebrates

the season for its fifth year with a festive day in Historic Downtown Beaufort. The Art Walk, held in conjunction with the Christmas Candlelight Tour, will begin at the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery at 130 Turner Street. Art Walk maps will be available at participating locations. Artists Carol Roop and Craig Gurganus will be featured. Carol Roop creates beautiful stained glass creations from her home in Beaufort. A perfectly whimsical complement to Carol’s work is Craig Gurganus and his full-fledged menagerie of fish, insects and event airstream trailers all made from surfboards.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 252-728-5225, stop by the Beaufort Historical Association Visitors Center at 130 Turner Street or visit beauforthistoricsite.org.

DECEMBER 10

Historic Beaufort Candlelight Homes Tour

[ 5–8 PM ] This annual tour hosted by the Beaufort

Historical Association showcases Beaufort’s holiday hospitality and provides a rare glimpse into private historic homes, inns, bed and breakfasts and churches, all elegantly decorated for the season and representative of a wide variety of Beaufort’s unique architectural styles from different periods in history. The creativity and imagination used to decorate theses residences is a real testament to the gracious hosts opening their homes for this holiday event. Tickets for this event are $14. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 252-728-5225, stop by the Beaufort Historical Association Visitors Center at 130 Turner Street or visit beauforthistoricsite.org.

MID–DECEMBER TO MID–JANUARY

THINGS TO DO

DECEMBER 10

✪

Backstreet Pub Oyster Roast

[ 5–7 PM ] Kick off the holidays by joining us

at Backstreet Pub in downtown Beaufort for a relaxing evening of local music, craft beer and free oysters. Backstreet will donate $1 from every draft beer purchased to the North Carolina Coastal Federation. Admission is free! Enjoy fresh local oysters and cold draft beer while supporting clean water! At Backstreet Pub, 124 Middle Lane in Beaufort.

DECEMBER 10

A ‘Dickens’ of a Dinner [ 7–10 PM ] You are invited to a festive Christmas

Dinner Theatre of literary proportions! Join us as we retell a time-honored story and celebrate the season in a most memorable way at the Infusion Cafe! This joyful and traditional Christmas celebration will feature readings from Dickens’ beloved tale, wandering minstrels playing instruments and singing Christmas songs, Christmas fare all presented in halls decked with holiday finery! Surely it will be a night in which the treasured memories of Christmas past are made.

Tickets required. Call 252-240-2800 for details.

DECEMBER 10

CANDLELIGHT HOMES TOUR

annually hosted by the Beaufort Historical Association showcases Beaufort’s hospitality and beautiful homes. Tickets are $14. For information call 252-728-5225.

DECEMBER 14

Merry Time for Tots: Shark Tales ✪

By popular demand, this Merry Time for Tots program focuses on sharks! Children and their caregivers are invited to learn about sharks starting from their teeth and ending with their tails. This exciting program will give students the chance to handle a few different shark’s teeth and create their own shark fin hats to wear home. As with all of our Merry Time for Tots programs this program not only focuses on teaching kids about sharks but will also touch on the importance of brushing your teeth and getting along with others. Ages 2–5.

Free. Space is limited, pre-registration is required.

At the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort. For more information call 252-728-7317 or visit ncmaritimemuseums.com.

DECEMBER 10 ✪ BACKSTREET OYSTER ROAST from 5–7 p.m. at the Backstreet Pub, 124 Middle Lane in Beaufort. Admission is free!

Enjoy fresh local oysters and draft beer while helping to support the NCCF.

ENTER TO WIN Every Time You Spend 30! $

*

DRAWING February 23

At Asheville Beer Party

DrinkCoastal. 911 Cedar Point Boulevard • Cedar Point • 252.354.7911

CarolinaSalt.com » December / January 2017 CAROLINA SALT 9

THINGS TO DO DECEMBER 15

Coffee with a Cop in Emerald Isle ✪

[ 9–10 AM ] Join your neighbors and police

officers for coffee and conversation! No agendas or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the officers in your neighborhood! Coffee with a Cop sessions take place on the fourth Thursday of each month at different locations in town. At Village Market, 7802 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle.

DECEMBER 16

There will be raffles, giveaways, costume contest and live music at the after party. This is going to be the best Christmas party of the year! For any other information please call Janita Gonzalez at 252-259-6562!

DECEMBER 17

Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market Holiday Market ✪

[ 4:30–8:30 PM ] Old-fashioned holiday market

at 300 Courthouse Square in Beaufort. For more information call 252-564-8822.

Astronomy and Stargazing at Fort Macon

DECEMBER 17, 18

view space through a telescope and learn more about our universe. At 2303 Fort Macon Road in Atlantic Beach. For more information call 252726-3775.

Join Crystal Coast Choral Society and Orchestra for their December 17 performance of Messiah at Cape Carteret Presbyterian Church, 100 Yaupon Drive, Cape Carteret, at 7:30 p.m. The December 18 concert will be held at Brookwood Baptist Church, 903 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information and ticket information email finley@ec.rr.com or call 910-358-2997.

✪

[ 5:30 PM ] Meet at the Fort Macon bathhouse to

DECEMBER 16

✪

Blood Drive in Emerald Isle

[ 2–7 PM ] The Carteret County chapter of the

American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Community Center, 7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle.

DECEMBER 16–18

Carteret Community Theatre Christmas Spectacular

Celebrate Christmas with the CCT Players as they present an extravaganza of music, song, dance and comedy for the entire family. General admission seats are $15 for adults and $10 for children. At 1311 Arendell Street, Morehead City.

For more information call 252-497-8919 or visit carteretcommunitytheatre.com.

DECEMBER 17

Claus Crawl 2016

IS

I

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F

FA

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N

LE

O

Crawl in downtown Beaufort! Tickets are $10 and on sale now through the chamber website at nccoastchamber.com/clauscrawl/. Must be 21 to purchase a ticket. One ticket will get you a free Claus Crawl mug, special offers to 10 different locations in downtown Beaufort, swag and invitation to the after party at Backstreet Pub.

ERALD

TR

O ADE C

Crystal Coast Choral Society and Orchestra: ‘Messiah’

DECEMBER 20

The Embers Christmas Show at Carteret Community Theatre

F

DECEMBER 31

Crystal Coast Countdown at the Maritime Museum ✪

[ 1–4 PM ] Ring in the new year in style! The

museum will supply a template for 2017 glasses and hats, you supply the creativity! Adults and children alike are invited to participate throughout the afternoon. Free admission. At the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort. For more information call 252-728-7317 or visit ncmaritimemuseums.com.

DECEMBER 31

✪

New Year’s Eve in Beaufort

[ 6–9 PM ] Pirate Plunge: Arrghhh! Capt. Shack

is getting ready to walk the plank high above the Beaufort Docks for the New Year’s Eve Pirate Drop from 6–6:30 p.m. Watch Beaufort’s pirate take an icy dive into Taylor’s Creek.

Marshmallows and Resolutions from 6:30–8 p.m. gather around the fire pit! We’ll have everything you need to make s’mores, hot coca and cider.

The whole family will love getting down to a bit of rock’n’roll in the streets of downtown! Bring some lawn chairs, but no coolers. Beer and wine sales on site. The event takes place at John Newton Park, next to the Dockhouse. At 500 Front Street, Beaufort. For more information call 252-732-0828.

DECEMBER 31

New Year’s Eve Cannon Blast

[ 7:30 PM ] This legendary beach music band

✪

DECEMBER 22

off its big guns in celebration of the new year. This year there will be live entertainment starting at 6 p.m. and the cannons will go off at 7 to correspond with 12:00 UTC. Bring a folding chair and picnic meal! At 2303 Fort Macon Road in Atlantic Beach. For more information call 252-726-3775.

sings new arrangements of classic Christmas tunes the whole family will love. All Seats $25.

At 1311 Arendell Street, Morehead City. For more information call 252-497-8919 or visit carteretcommunitytheatre.com.

Knockerball: The Bounciest Fun You Will Ever Have

[ 1–3 PM ] Sitting at home with nothing to do on

[ 2–6 PM ] Connect Carteret presents Claus

EM

✪ = FREE

MID–DECEMBER TO MID–JANUARY

holiday break? Got Cabin Fever? Experience the new sport, Knockerball! It’s being played worldwide! Get in the ball, strap yourself in and let the fun begin. Games include the Gauntlet, KnockerSoccer and others. It’s the most fun you will ever have! Open play at Western Park is only $5 per person. For more information, call 252222-5836.

Stir a little love into everything you do.

coffee local baked goods gluten-free choices • •

[ 6:30–8 PM ] Fort Macon will once again be firing

JANUARY 1

First Day Hike

[ 2 PM ] Start the new year off right with a hike

in your favorite state park. Fort Macon will be offering two ranger-led hikes this year, both starting from the Visitor Center. One will be a short nature hike on the Yarrow’s Loop Trail and inlet beach covering about ¾ of a mile. The second hike will be along the 3.2-mile Elliot Caues Trail. At 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For more information call 252-726-3775. €

December Special

16-oz. gingerbread

latte $3.50

MON–fri 7 AM−6PM • sat–SUN 7 AM–3PM •252.354. 2643• Emerald Plantation • 8700 Emerald Drive

10 CAROLINA SALT December / January 2017 » CarolinaSalt.com

FREE

NCAQUARIUMS.COM/PINE-KNOLL-SHORES

ASK THE AQUARIUM

WE FOUND a purple starfish on the beach at Ocean Isle. We’d never seen a purple starfish before. Are they common in North Carolina?

T

hese lovely colored, celestially- shaped animals are fairly common from Cape Hatteras southward. Technically, the purple variety you found is the margined sea star Astropecten. articulatus. They have slender spines (arms) and can measure 5 inches across.

Starfish has long been the name for this family of animals, but starfish aren’t fish.

They are echinoderms, more closely related to their cousins sand dollars and sea urchins, all of which exhibit radial symmetry and move about on tiny tube feet. In recent years, starfish have been more correctly renamed sea stars.

Sea stars are sometimes washed on shore by storms or currents or sometimes caught in fishermen’s nets and wind up on beaches. The specimen you found is a lovely lavenderpurple when alive, but fades to a dull gray as it expires once out of water.

Like all sea stars, the mouth is on the underside in the center of the arms. At the end of each arm is a tiny eye which can primarily distinguish only light and dark. Tube feet affixed with suction cups line the underside of each arm and are used for moving and feeding. Movement is very slow, only a few inches per minute.

Sea stars are carnivorous preying on scallops, clams, mussels, oysters and the like.

Fishermen dislike sea stars because they ravage shellfish beds and can deplete fishermen’s catch. Before much was known about the slow moving sea stars, fishermen would cut them up and throw them back into the sea, not knowing that many sea star species can regenerate and create an entirely new animal. €

Discover more fascinating facts about North Carolina’s aquatic environments and inhabitants by visiting the aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. Call 1-800-832-FISH for more information.

A Forbes Asterias sea star (top) and a purple Margined sea star wind up on the beach after a storm.

Christmas Candlelight Tour and ArtWalk

T

he Beaufort Historical Association will host the ninth annual Christmas Candlelight Tour Saturday, December 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. The tour showcases Beaufort’s holiday hospitality and provides a rare glimpse into private historic homes, inns, bed and breakfasts and churches, all elegantly decorated for the season. These private homes represent a wide variety of Beaufort’s unique architectural styles from different periods of the town’s history. Christmas Candlelight Tour tickets are $14.

Guests will have the opportunity to stroll through candlelit streets or join the carolers aboard the BHA’s 1967 English double-decker bus for a free ride to their destinations. Maps of the tour and information on the homes will be available at the BHA Visitors Center at 130 Turner Street. In addition, the Beaufort Historic Site and buildings will be open for free tours to the public that day from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Those who want to see and learn more about the history of the town can take a narrated tour on the double-decker bus at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. An ongoing raffle and silent auction will also be taking place at the Visitors Center, where guests can place bids on a wide variety of items, thanks to the generosity of our Carteret County businesses.

In addition to the Christmas Candlelight Tour, the Beaufort ArtWalk celebrates the season for its sixth year with a festive day in Historic Downtown Beaufort, from 2 to 5 p.m. The ArtWalk, held in conjunction with the Christmas Candlelight Tour, will begin at the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery located on the Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner St. and ArtWalk maps will be available at participating locations. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 252-728-5225, 1-800-575-7483, stop by the Beaufort Historical Association Visitors Center at 130 Turner Street, or visit beauforthistoricsite.org. €

Enjoy a festive day in downtown Beaufort during the ArtWalk before getting a rare glimpse inside many historic homes, inns and churches decorated for the season during the Beaufort Historical Association’s Christmas Candlelight Tour Saturday, December 10 from 5 to 8 p.m.

CarolinaSalt.com » December / January 2017 CAROLINA SALT 11

LOL!

KIM MURDOCH

NEW YEAR’S 2017

Resolution Schmesolution 2015 NEW YEAR’S

RES-NO-LUTIONS

① Eat what I want … especially if it contains white flour, sugar, carbs, fat, aspartame, corn syrup, anything that ends with –ate or Red Dye No. 5. ② Drink nothing that comes from the ground or a spring. Have you SEEN the ground? And things LIVE in springs. Ewww. ③ Watch more television, read less. Reading is for suckers. I watched Les Miserables in, like, an hour and a half. Took me two weeks to read it.

Life is short. ④ Bungee jump….off of anything.

⑤ Cross country road trip…with my mother driving. ⑥ Laundry challenge: See how many loads of clothes I can stack onto Mt. Laundrymanjaro before a “landslide” occurs and forces the laundry room door shut or we’re all forced to become nudists because there are no clean clothes in the house. ⑦ Kitchen challenge: See how many plastic storage containers I can shove into my upper cabinet. Turn it into a contest. Whoever opens the door and gets hit with an avalanche loses. ⑧ Church attendance will now only consist of “the big days” (you know, Easter, Christmas) and/or whenever there’s food (you know, Homecoming, funerals). ⑨ Spend less quality time consumed with those pesky human beings I birthed. Ugh. They’re just so … so … so … needy. ⑩ Don’t even BUY floss.

12 CAROLINA SALT December / January 2017 » CarolinaSalt.com

R

emember that episode from Seinfeld? You know, the one where George figures that every decision in his life has been WRONG so he decides from that from now on he is going to make the OPPOSITE decisions and see how things work out? Well, in that vein, I’ve been rethinking the whole New Year’s Resolution deal.

You see, for me it’s never really worked out. Ever. Oh sure, I’ve lost a few pounds in January only to gain them back by February 15. (Nothing says weight gain like post-Valentine’s Day half-priced Whitman’s Samplers—especially when you’re eating them ANGRILY—because your husband gave you a CARD for Valentine’s Day. Seriously? A CARD?! It’s the ONLY holiday where you can express your love for me, pound for pound, with dark chocolate truffles and you give me a CARD?! Whatever. Oh, hey!

There’s a caramel one!)

I quit smoking once, which probably would’ve been a way bigger accomplishment had I actually been a smoker to begin with. I’ve promised to drink more water, eat healthier, swear less, exercise more organize … de-clutter … floss. So far, none of these things have panned out for more than a week or so. Except for flossing, which I do on occasion either (a) right after I eat ribs or (b) right before a dentist appointment.

Seeing as I’ve usually busted through most of these promisesto-self before New Year’s Day is done (a little hair o’ the dog to help fend off the headache from the night before, traditional New Year’s Day black-eyed peas with salt pork is HARDLY health food, does putting away Christmas decorations count as exercise? and I defy you to NOT swear while you’re squeezing them back into your already-filled-to-capacity-and-where-in-the-WORLD-did-all-thiskid-crap-come-from attic), I’m officially deciding to make resolutions that are the OPPOSITE of what I want to accomplish in the coming year.

That being said, I put together a list of my Top 10 New Year’s Res‑NO‑lutions List, 2015 Edition, at right.

All right, folks. That’s it! I can hardly wait to see how this goes.

If it does work out, I’ll let you know how well. If not, well … I’m sure you’ll hear about that, too. In the meantime, have a wonderful Christmas and a delightful New Year.

Go ahead! Get to working on those res‑NO-lutions. Can’t work out any worse than last year’s. Right? €

HOLIDAY RECIPES

Best Cookies

Bird’s Nest Cookies Recipe courtesy of ZEST! 1¹/³ cups flaked coconut softened 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine,

r ½ cup granulated suga

1 large egg

½ tsp. real maple syrup 2 cups all-purpose flour ¾ tsp. salt 1¾ cups mini M&Ms candies (divided) 1. PREHEAT oven to 300 degrees. sheet. Toast in oven, 2. SPREAD coconut on ungreased cookie Remove coconut from stirring occasionally until lightly golden. temperature to 350. oven cookie sheet and set aside. Increase until light and fluffy; beat 3. CREAM butter and sugar in large bowl in egg and maple syrup. . Blend into creamed 4. COMBINE flour and salt in medium bowl s.

M&M mini cup 1 in Stir butter and sugar mixture. toasted coconut. in ily heav Roll .

5. FORM dough into 1 inch balls . Make sheet ie cook ed greas ly light on Place 2 inches apart b. thum with ie cook each of r cente in indentation is golden brown.

6. BAKE 12 to 14 mintues or until coconut tations immediately with inden Remove cookies to wire racks and fill nt for each cookie. amou l smal a remaining mini M&Ms, using 7. COOL completely and enjoy!

f F RO M K H R I S T I N U N NA L LY o D A E T S E M COLORED EGG HO d is a first generation selfKhristi Nunnally of Colored Egg Homestea of laying hens and grows flock d taught urban farmer. She raises a mixe her Etsy shop at www.

Visit lot. herbs and vegetables on her small city ktnunna.com.

Salt and this holiday season Khristi is a frequent contributor to Carolina es: Bird’s Nest Cookies. We’re chose to pass along one of her favorite recip ributes the egg called for in the pretty sure that one of Khristi’s hens cont will work just as well! recipe, but rest assured that store bought estead! € Merry Christmas from Colored Egg Hom

Best Pastries

Flaky Apple Dumplings

F RO M M I C H E L E PA S C H One of the best parts of the holidays is passi ng on family food traditions to the next generation. My gran dmother always made oyster stuffing for Thanksgiving. The day before, she bundled me up against the brisk November air and we’d make a special trip to the fish market for fresh oysters. She would choose 24 oyste rs very carefully, “not too small, not too big,” and insist the fisherman shuck them fresh for her into a small bucket, shoveling in tiny hand fuls of ice so they would stay chilled. So many memories revolve arou nd the comfort of food.

They aren’t all perfect memories (the overd one casseroles, the time the dog got the turkey right off the platter) but mostly it’s the comfort of smells, the hot apple pie, that keep us comi ng back asking for seconds, so gather a plate and a few good friends and remember to slow down a bit and savor every bite! €

Recipe courtesy of ZEST!

1 box packaged phyllo (fillo) dough 6 large, firm apples 2 Tbl. cinnamon

1 cup organic brown sugar ¾ cup raisins 3 Tbl. butter

1 stick butter

1. FOLLOW package directions to thaw phyll o dough.

2. PEEL and core apples. Leave whole.

3. MIX cinnamon, sugar and raisins in a bowl . Melt 3 Tbl. butter and add to mixture.

4. STUFF the mixture into the center of the apples. When all apples are filled, melt 1 stick butter in the microwav e.

5. BRUSH each layer of phyllo with melte d butter using a pastry brush. Layer the phyllo, 6 sheets per apple . This must be done quickly, as the dough dries fast.

6. FORM each dough stack into a “blanket” around each apple, twisting the dough into a “leaf” at the top.

7. BAKE at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, about 15 minutes.

8. SERVE with a scoop of ice cream, if desir ed.

CarolinaSalt.com » December / January 2017 CAROLINA SALT 13

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HOLIDAYS EVENTS THE CRYSTAL COAST COUNTDOWN

The Crystal Coast Counts Down to the New Year Again

I

f Mount Olive can drop a pickle for New Year’s, why can’t Morehead City host a New Year’s Celebration? That was the challenge put forth by Morehead City Mayor Jerry Jones on December 31, 2010. With just over twelve hours, the Morehead City employees pulled together the first Crab Pot Drop on the Morehead City waterfront. What began as a Mayor’s challenge has become a countywide, family-friendly, multi-day event, called the Crystal Coast Countdown.

During the inaugural Crab Pot Drop, conceived and planned in less than a day, there were over two hundred people in attendance. This single act proved that people were looking for fun events to be hosted on our beautiful Crystal Coast during the week that schools were out of session.

If locals were looking, then we knew potential visitors were looking for fun coastal events as well. Think of the opportunity to show the world that Carteret County is more than a beach and open for business even in the dead of winter. The Crystal Coast is open all year and with the Crystal Coast Countdown, we are showcasing the best of the events during the holiday season.

Morehead City invited Atlantic Beach and Beaufort to the table to discuss the possibility of having a multi‐jurisdictional event on the weekend of New Year’s Eve. It did not take much convincing. Atlantic Beach had been interested in sponsoring a Bonfire on the Beach and our New Year’s celebration provided the perfect opportunity. Beaufort agreed to host the Resolution Run and from those humble beginnings, the Crystal Coast Countdown was born.

Now in 2017, Crystal Coast Countdown is a non-profit organization led effort between Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Down East, Emerald Isle, DECEMBER 18–JANUARY 3

Ice Skating Rink on the Morehead City Waterfront

Admission $5 per person. For group ticket sales please call 252-726-5083. For rink schedule go to moreheadcity.nc.gov. Sponsored by The Town of Morehead City.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30

✪

Free Scavenger Hunt

[ 10 AM ] At Emerald Isle Community Center,

7500 Emerald Plantation Drive.

Search for hidden treasures along the multi-use path. There will be prizes for the winners! For information call 252-354-3424.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30

✪

Snacks and Facts

[ 10 AM–4 PM ] At 220 Chatham Street,

Newport. Learn about Civil War history and take the opportunity to visit the Civil War Memorial Park (Battle of Newport Barracks). For information call 252-241-1793. Free event.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30

Make a Musical Instrument Workshop at Teacher’s Pet ✪

[ 10:30–11:30 AM ] At Teacher’s Pet, 2410

Arendell Street, Morehead City. Come and make musical instruments with us to ring in the New Year. For information, call 252-240-2515. Free

event.

Morehead City, Newport and Pine Knoll Shores, which offer family friendly New Year’s events and activities all Crystal Coast Style. This event further supports local business and encourages visitation during the holiday season and brings our communities together to ring in the New Year.

Crystal Coast Countdown is based on the idea of First Night, which are family oriented artistic and cultural celebrations taking place in many cities worldwide on New Year’s Eve. Our goal is to provide a memorable weekend of activities that will evolve and grow each year, making the Crystal Coast a preferred destination for people looking for an affordable and unique coastal New Year’s experience.

Also, since the event will span the entire weekend, businesses in the area will benefit as many attendees will be lodging, dining and shopping here.

Crystal Coast Countdown is very proud to work homogeneously with different municipalities coming together as one. Crystal Coast Countdown has grown over the years to include a plethora of events across six towns featuring their individuality, but complementing each other just as we live all year, so we celebrate during this season. €

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30

8x10 canvas with a template. Cost is $15. Stop by and write your resolution on our large canvas!

✪

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

Take a Tour of the State Port

[ 11 AM, 2 PM ] See the port behind the scenes. ID

required for Homeland Security. Please RSVP before December 19 to charlene.pennuell@ ncports.com. Provide name of guests, driver’s license number and state to register. Arrive 15 minutes prior to tour. Free event.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30

Art By the Truckload: The Scrap Exchange ✪

[ NOON–4 PM ] At the Core Sound Waterfowl

Museum, 1785 Island Road, Harkers Island.

Make your own masterpiece with colorful, fun materials for hands-on creativity for all ages. For information call 252-728-1500. Free event.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30

Bonfire & Live Music at Atlantic Beach Circle ✪

[ 6–8 PM ] Gather around the fire and dance to

live acoustic tunes from Parker Millar and Jake Ross. Free event.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30

Community Painting at BluSail Gallery

[ 1–3 PM, 6:30–8:30 PM ] At 903 Arendell Street,

Morehead City. Come by to paint a crab on an

16 CAROLINA SALT December / January 2017 » CarolinaSalt.com

Countdown at Webb Library Day Camp [ 11 AM–2 PM ] Cost is $5 per hour, limit two

hours per child. Learn about worldwide New Year’s celebrations through crafts, games and stories. Snacks provided. For information call 252-726-3012.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

Countdown at the History Place ✪

[ 11 AM–4 PM ] At 1008 Arendell Street,

Morehead City. Make a pirate hat, search for treasures and explore the “gaming” track. For information call 252-247-7533. Free event.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

✪

A Maritime New Year

[ NOON–5 PM ] At the Maritime Museum

in Beaufort. Visitors will see artifacts from throughout NC’s maritime history including artifacts from the Queen Anne’s Revenge. Design and create your own 2016 New Year’s glasses and party hats! For information call 252-7287317. Free event.

THE CRYSTAL COAST COUNTDOWN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

✪

Historical Grounds Tour

[ 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM ] Beaufort Historical

Grounds. $10 adult, $5 ages 6–12, free for 5 and under. For more information call 252-7285225.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

Double-Decker Bus Tour [ 1:30 PM ] Cost is $8 adult, $4 ages 6–12, under

5 free. For information call 252-728-5225.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

Art By The Truckload: The Scrap Exchange ✪

[ NOON–4 PM ] At the Public Safety Building

in Pine Knoll Shores, 314 Salter Path Road.

Make your own masterpiece with colorful, fun materials. For more information call 252-7281500. Free event.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

✪

Early Crab Pot Drop

[ 2–4 PM ] Carteret Community Theater,

Morehead City. Juggling show, face painting and performances for younger audiences with the culmination of the Crab Pot Drop. Free!

HOLIDAY EVENTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1

New Year’s In Downtown Beaufort

Resolution Run 1-Mile/5k

✪

[ 6–9 PM ] John Newport Park at Front

and Craven Streets. PIRATE PLUNGE: Watch Beaufort’s pirate take an icy dive into Taylor’s Creek. MARSHMALLOWS & RESOLUTIONS: [ 6:30–8 PM ] Gather around the fire pit! We’ll have everything you need to make some melty, delicious s’mores, hot cocoa and cider. LIVE MUSIC with OUTER BANKS PHILHARMONIC: Rock’n’roll in the streets! Bring some lawn chairs, but no coolers please! Beer and wine sales on site. Free event.

Corner of Turner and Front Streets, Beaufort.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1

✪

Guided First Hike

[ 10 AM ] Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic

Beach. Explore the winter at the beach with a park ranger. Call 252-726-3775. Free event.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1

First Climb at Cape Lookout

Fireworks, Music & Shamrock Drop in Emerald Isle

Celebrate the New Year and the 50th anniversary of Cape Lookout National Seashore by taking in the beautiful views of Cape Lookout from the top of the lighthouse.

Join national park service rangers aboard the Island Ferry Express that departs at 10 a.m. Tickets are $25 per person. For more information call 252-728-2250, ext. 3001.

[ 9 PM ] At Bogue Inlet Pier.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

Penguin Plunge

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31

✪

✪

Crab Pot Drop & Party

[ 1 PM ] Atlantic Beach. Ring in the New Year

[ 9 PM–12:30 AM ] Katherine Davis Park,

Morehead City. Live performance by Beaufort Blues Project & Straits Heaven followed by Crab Pot Drop and fireworks at midnight! Free event.

by taking a dip in the ocean. The charity for 2016 is the Loaves and Fishes program! For more information visit penguin-plunge.org. €

✪ = FREE

CarolinaSalt.com » December / January 2017 CAROLINA SALT 17

OUTER BANKS WILDLIFE SHELTER LINDA BERGMAN–ALTHOUSE

Wintering Scoters

T

here are so many species of duck that belong to the Anatidae family of birds—Dabbling Ducks, StiffTailed Ducks, Sea Ducks, Whistling Ducks, Diving Ducks—that it’s hard to know them all, especially those we don’t see in our area very often. Some ducks live and breed as far from the U.S. as the north of England or Scotland, and only pass this way during winter migration.

The coast of North Carolina has been a good choice for wintering Scoters for many years. They gather in tightly packed, large flocks that take off together and move either in a straight line or in a V formation. A group of Scoters is called a mooter or a scooter.

Avid birdwatchers have discovered that freshwater rivers and lakes are not off limits to wintering Scoters. Recently, a wildlife enthusiast in Emerald Isle noticed a rather stocky brown duck who seemed to be having trouble getting enough lift to fly. After it appeared flight wasn’t going to happen, he managed to scoop up the duck and transport her to the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter in Newport for a checkup. The little diving sea duck turned out to be a juvenile Common Scoter, which are also called Black Scoters, depending upon gender.

The scientific name of the Common Scoter is Nigra, which means black. An adult male has glossy black plumage with a shiny black bill adorned with a colorful yellow or orange bulbous knob at the base. Our patient had pale cheeks, a milk chocolate body with a whitish belly and a dark brownish-black and a wide bill, so we assessed her as female. Both males and females have dark brown eyes, and their legs and webbed feet are brown to black.

Generally speaking, this is a dark, cold water duck—but not so cold it doesn’t head south for the winter!

Her examination revealed no injuries, but she was underweight. Since there was a covered swimming pool in the area where she was found, our theory is she landed on the cover thinking it was a body of water and did not have the water source required to make her usual run across the water for takeoff. She basically grounded herself. A sea duck’s legs are situated a little farther back than those of a Mallard, Muscovy or Pekin, so they don’t walk upright on land very well. It’s not known how long she’d been sitting there with no food or water, but we do know she hadn’t eaten in some time because she was very, very hungry.

A Scoter is a coastal duck that usually breeds in the sub-artic and has not been studied extensively in North America. Only a few nests in our country have ever been found. The common Scoter is a highly sociable species and is often seen in large groups, especially during the winter. For this reason, we knew rehabilitation timing would be an issue. She needs to pack on weight quickly so we can return her to her own kind before she succumbs to depression or the stress of captivity.

A Scoter is a bulky little duck who weighs on average 2 to 2½ pounds with the male typically heavier. Wingspan is 28 inches, and height, bill to tail, is 18–20 inches. They have a long, pointy tail they hold straight up while sitting on water.

This duck species dives for food, so it was a little tricky getting her to eat fish, shrimp, worms and insects in a hospital setting, but her rumbling tummy won out. It won’t be long now! In the wild, 18 CAROLINA SALT December / January 2017 » CarolinaSalt.com

she will add crustaceans, mussels, fish eggs and duckweed to her diet. A Scoter swallows mollusks whole, crushing the shells in its gizzard. An interesting factoid regarding this diving duck is that they literally spread their wings under water and fly through the water to catch their prey!

The Common Scoter is a fairly quiet bird, so we don’t hear much from her, but when we do catch a rare vocalization, it’s a harsh, raspy quack and just one. During courtship the male Scoter gets a little noisier with some high, shrill whistles and is known to be the most vocal of all waterfowl year-round.

In their native territories in Europe and Asia, male and female Scoters build a nest during April or May which is nothing more than a hefty scrape on the ground near water, lined with a grass and down mix and hidden by vegetation.

The female will lay 6 to 8 off-white to pinkish-buff eggs which hatch in about 30 days. The ducklings are born eyes-open and dark brown. They are able to swim and feed themselves soon after hatching, although they are not able to fly until around 45 days old. The youngsters then head out on their own and the parents return to their flock to molt, which will render them unable to fly during the time they are losing and growing in new feathers.

The Common Scoter is found all over the world, but in their native countries, numbers of Scoters have fallen by 47 percent over the past two decades. Although the reason has not been pinpointed, the decline in population has been attributed to a number of factors such as oil spills, offshore wind farms, disturbance by boat traffic, hunting, climate change, pollution, development, natural predation, commercial exploitation and possibly, lower breeding success. England has placed the Common Scoter on their “Red List” which means they recognize urgent conservation action is needed. We hope our plumping Common Scoter continues to thrive and is able to return to her flock. We aren’t sure what country she’s from, but we think we’ve heard a wee bit of an English accent in her quack! €

A Special ThankYou

TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED MAKE OUR ANNUAL NOVEMBER FUNDRAISING EVENT AT THE CIVIC CENTER SUCH A HUGE SUCCESS. BESIDES HAVING A WILDLY FUN TIME, WE RAISED FUNDS NEEDED TO CONTINUE OUR MISSION TO CARE FOR ALL WILDLIFE REQUIRING ASSISTANCE THAT COMES THROUGH OUR DOORS AT THE OUTER BANKS WILDLIFE SHELTER.

ABOUT OWLS TAKE A TOUR of the facility at 100 Wildlife Way in Newport.

To volunteer, call 252-240-1200. If your organization would like to learn more about wildlife, the OWLS non-releasable education animals jump at the chance!

CAPTAIN JEFF CRONK

HOOKED UP FISHING REPORT

YEAR ENDS, FISHING DOESN’T A H O O K E D U P L O O K AT W H AT ’ S B I T I N G I N D E C E M B E R

D

ecember marks the end of another amazing fishing season along the Crystal Coast. Fortunately, for those of us who are true fishing addicts, there are several species that winter over in our area and can be pursued with success if fishermen take the time and effort needed to both locate and entice them to bite. With a little luck, anglers heading out to fish this December along the coast can expect to hook up with both Speckled Trout and Redfish. Other species that can be targeted near shore include bluefish, albacore, sea bass, grey trout—even a few flounder.

SPECKLED TROUT Aboard Fish’n4life we’ll be targeting Speckled Trout and Redfish along the surf, around inlets and inlet structure and up local rivers and creeks. The tributaries off the Newport River, White Oak River and New River will hold fish willing to bite the right baits during the right weather. It’s important for anglers to concentrate their efforts on mild weather days. Small scented baits, like Berkley’s 3-4" assortment of Gulp baits, will no doubt be some of the best baits onboard. The incredible scent absorbed into their biodegradable bodies is released over 400 times faster than scents in plastic baits. Another excellent soft bait is Bett’s Perfect Sinker (shrimp). Working these baits slowly through your favorite fishing holes creates a scent trail that quickly turns these cold, lethargic fish on to feed. While scaling down your bait it’s also important to use a lighter jighead. A good rule to follow, in slow currents, would be to use a 1⁄16-oz. in less than 5' of water, a 1⁄8-oz. in 5–10' of water and 3⁄16 or better in depths over 10'.

Areas of strong current will call for slightly heavier jigheads. It’s important to work your baits slowly with slight twitches and long 2 to 3 second pauses to get that hang time.

Anthony Musses of Greenville landed this 6-pound Speckled Trout with Captain Jeff Cronk this November.

REDFISH Mild weather days with light winds will offer up the chance to sight cast to Redfish in both the shallow mud flats of the backwaters and the sand flats and shoals around the inlets. There will be large concentrations of Redfish working the surf zone. This will provide anglers the opportunity to sight cast to schools of 500 or more fish with dozens of catch and releases in just a few hours. I’ve been guiding clients to this fishery for almost 20 years and would advise everyone to use caution when navigating close to the surf zone. I’ve nicknamed this “Extreme Redfishing,” as we often have waves breaking around the boat while fishing. When attempting to locate redfish in the backwaters there are a few tips to remember. First, dark, muddy bottoms absorb the sun’s radiation much faster than sandy or light-colored bottoms. This type of bottom can usually be found up creeks and farther up rivers. There’s also a better chance of fish in one of these areas if deeper water is nearby which provides a place for the fish to retreat to in extreme cold temperatures. Another factor is protection from the cold winds. A cold wind can quickly bring down the water temperature in the shallows which can shock or kill the fish. So, you will often find Redfish utilizing bays and creeks that are blocked from northerly winds. Finally, the presence of bait is always important.

NEW PRODUCTS

Chris Navinski of Greensboro with one of 25 Redfish he caught while aboard Fish’n4life Charters this November.

FISH’N 4 LIFE CAPTAIN JEFF CRONK

leads fishing and nature charters on the Crystal Coast. To get out on the water with him, call 910-325-8194. You can also visit him online at nccharterfishing.com.

The Penn® Slammer III spinning reels feature everything one would expect from a legendary fishing tackle manufacturer. The gear train runs off CNC Gear technology, featuring a brass gear system that’s precision cut with tight tolerances. This provides serious cranking power and offers a more durable and long-lasting gear train. The Penn Slammer III is Penn’s first spinning reel to utilize the proprietary Dura-drag system, allowing it to achieve the strongest and smoothest drags of all their spinning reels. This reel has an IPX6 waterproof rating, allowing it to withstand high velocity water spray while not allowing saltwater intrusion into the sealed gear box, six sealed bearings or drag system. Other features include both machined aluminum and EVA handle knobs, top/bottom line capacity rings and a braid ready spool. These reels are offered in sizes ranging from the 3500 (30-lb. drag) to the 10500 (80-lb. drag). Anglers fishing the backwaters for Trout, Reds and Flounder will find the 3500-4500 series the best match for the fight. Anglers fishing nearshore for Spanish, Kings, Albacore and Mahi will want to fish the 5500-6500 series. If you’re into some serious knock down, drag-out fights with Amberjack and Grouper, I would load up the 7500-8500 series reels with some 60-lb. Spider Wire Ultra-Cast Invisibraid and hold on tight! Finally, the larger, 9500-10500 Slammer III reels are perfect for battles with large Tuna, Wahoo and Marlin! €

CarolinaSalt.com » December / January 2017 CAROLINA SALT 19

DISCOVERY DIVING

LEE MOORE

DIVING OUR COAST W H AT ’ S U N D E RWAT E R I N D E C E M B E R

D

ecember is when the inshore water temperature will be in the upper 50s and the offshore water temperature is in the lower 60s. Whales are continuing to migrate and can be seen as they pass the Crystal Coast. The migration will continue throughout the winter months. Charters will still be running, but holiday activities and the chill in the air will keep most divers out of the water. Some divers will be wearing drysuits, but it is still warm enough for divers to wear 7mm wetsuits. Most boats have heat on them, so divers getting out the water can find comfort in a warm cabin.

WINTER WETSUITS Most divers wear a 7mm Farmer John wetsuit while diving the Crystal Coast in the winter.

The advantage of the Farmer John wetsuit is that is comes in two pieces. The bottom part covers the legs and the torso, but does not have sleeves to cover the arms. The jacket covers the arms and the torso, but also extends down to cover the thighs. When the two pieces are worn together, the torso and thighs have 14mm of thermal protection. The double insulation keeps the core of the body warm. The wetsuit covers all of the body except for the feet, hands and head.

Like wetsuits, booties and gloves are made of neoprene, the same material as the wetsuits.

Also like the wetsuits, booties and gloves come in a variety of thicknesses. Booties range in thickness from 3 to 6mm. Most of the booties are covered by the foot pocket of the fin or by the leg of the wetsuit. Since little of the booties is exposed to the water, 3mm booties can be worn year-round. For those individuals whose feet tend to get cold even in the summer, 6mm booties can be worn year-round.

Hoods come in different thickness and designs. Hoods have an opening that covers the head, except for the face. Some hoods extend down to cover the neck and part of the shoulders. The part that extends down to the shoulders gets tucked inside of the wetsuit to help keep the water out. Another style of hood is one that extends down to the neck only. The edge of the hood stops at the top of the neck on the wetsuit jacket, but still allows water to get into the wetsuit. A beanie just covers the head and stops at the base of the skull. There is a chinstrap that holds the beanie in place. A majority of hoods have a vent in the top that allows air exhaled from the mask that got into the hood to escape. A hole can be added to hoods that don’t have a vent to allow the air to escape.

OTHER KINDS OF SUITS There are some exposure suits that are designed to be worn underneath wetsuits. Vests are sleeveless wetsuits that cover the chest and back of divers. They are worn under the wetsuit to give the diver added warmth. The thickness can range from 1 to 7mm. Some of these vests have an attached hood for the colder months. Lavacore makes a full-length exposure suit that can be worn underneath a full wetsuit. The lightweight combination of materials wicks moisture away from the body and the anti-bacterial inner fleece layer minimizes odor and keeps the diver warm above and below the surface.

Drysuits are an option for those divers that do not want to get wet. A drysuit is a shell that the diver wears that has seals on the wrists and neck. The undergarments that are worn under the drysuit provide thermal protection. Drysuits also help to keep the diver warm on the surface by keeping the heat inside the suit, unlike a wetsuit that releases heat while the diver is on the surface. Before divers venture offshore, proper training is needed to ensure the diver is properly weighted and can safely dive in a drysuit.

FIND GOOD DIVING THIS WINTER Even though the weather has turned cold, divers continue to come to the Crystal Coast to enjoy our wrecks. Drysuits and 7mm wetsuits allow divers to dive year-round. To increase their comfort level, divers can add hoods, thick gloves and exposure suits worn underneath the wetsuit or drysuit. If you would like more information on diving year-round on some of the best wrecks with some of the best marine life in the world, contact Discovery Diving at 252-728-2265 or at dive@discoverydiving.com or like us on Facebook to see what events are coming up in the near future. €

20 CAROLINA SALT December / January 2017 » CarolinaSalt.com

JOIN DISCOVERY CONTACT

Discovery Diving at 252-728-2265 or visit them on Facebook to see what classes and events are coming up. You can also visit them online at discoverydiving.com.

JOIN ECARA ECARA

works to continue sinking ships to create artificial reefs here in North Carolina, but their resources are limited.

To get involved, visit carolinareef.org.

DECEMBER 7 TO JANUARY 7

CAPE HATTERAS TIDE CHART

200

NORTH CAROLINA

WET & DRY SLIPS

WILDLIFE SERVICE AGENT

BOAT SERVICE OFFICIAL CITATION WEIGH STATION

The most complete bait & tackle marina on the East Coast. Extensive boat storage and a friendly staff make Dudley’s a one-stop shop for all your boating needs.

ETHANOLFREE GAS AT THE DOCKS

HIGHWAY 24 EAST • SWANSBORO • 252-393-2204 • DUDLEYSMARINA.NET

m o t s u c of on i t c e l e s t n s i e e g s r i d la n a h c r . e s m e i t t r n a u c o golf and onslow c om t e ts.c r r e a t k r m ca usto ltlifek

Get in the Kalt Life!

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SALES // KUSTOM KARTS // PARTS & SERVICE // RENTALS

We provide our customers with a full bumper-to-bumper warranty on every custom golf cart that goes out our doors.

If you’re looking for style, class, speed, durability, quality, or even just made in the USA right here in our home state then you have come to the right place.

Full Service Department // Lift Kits // Detailing Repower (Install Batteries) // Custom Bodies Routine Maintenance // Performance Upgrades Collision Repair // Rear Seat Upgrades Suspension Upgrades // Charger Repair

Kalt Life Kustom Karts 1801 HIGHWAY 58 • SWANSBORO

252.503.6583 MONDAY-FRIDAY 8 -6 • SATURDAY 8 -1 AM PM

AM PM

SEAFOOD ♥ STEAKS ♥ SANDWICHES 311 Mangrove Drive Across from CVS in Emerald Isle 252.354.7775 • flipperz.net • facebook.com/flipperzemeraldisle Open Tuesday–Thursday 11am–8pm • Friday-Saturday 11am–9pm • Sunday 11am–8pm • CLOSED MONDAYS

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from the Staff at

caribsearestaurant.com

EMERALD ISLE // NORTH CAROLINA

FISH

Sustainable local seafood utilizing modern cooking techniques.

From local boats to our table– prepared with a Southern flair.

PRIME

Prime certified Angus® beef. Aged up to 36 days in-house for maximum flavor, and simply prepared, showcasing the best of American ranchers.

RAW

Special techniques in preparing seafood and beef ensure food safety and maximum flavor and texture.

JOIN US AT THE A ROOFTOP EXPERIENCE

Best Sunset on the Island

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Bar Menu

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Drink Specials

open for lunch & dinner // 8920 crew drive // emerald isle // 252.424.8400