Very few changes take place along the northern shores of the Pamlico Sound. The low lands are one of the more remote areas of our state and only subtle changes are caused by tide, wave or wind.

There is very little development in this area like we see in other places. Flood tides and hurricanes could quickly reek havoc on structures built near the waterline.

We enjoy visiting this part of the Pamlico, not only because it holds a lot of fish, but to experience its pristine beauty. In an area that remains so constant, the only hint of change occurs with the passing of a season.

In summer, the grasses that line the shore are green and growing. They play a vital role in keeping the land from eroding.

A strong southwind creates huge waves that repeatedly pound the banks, sending sea water more than six feet into the air. If it were not for the strong root system of these tough grasses, the shoreline would not stand a chance.

We are starting to see the purple martins flock to these same grass to catch insects. When they arrive, fall is rapidly approaching. From experience, we know that the martins in great numbers signal good fishing in the near future.

A few weeks ago, the hard head mullets were so scattered about the sound, it was nearly impossible to catch them in the cast net. Another sure sign of fall approaching is the formation of small schools along the grassy banks.

We watch these schools carefully as they scurry down the shoreline. We see them get nervous, then leap out of the water. Big fish like trout, drum and flounder chase them into the shallows where the catching of lunch is easy.

The menhaden are cruising the shallows in very tight schools as well. One by one, they are picked off by larger fish.

The abundance of minnows in the sound has brought many species of fish close to the grass line. We are seeing large red drum tailing in the bays. Occasionally, a big flounder will break the surface in his attempt to snare a meal.

Flounder are easy to detect, with their distinct chocolate and white colors.

Rarely do we see speckled trout on the surface. They have not began to school in great numbers because the water temperature is so warm. They are never far from the large schools of minnows. Patience is a virtue when trout fishing in mid August.

The seagulls are also enjoying the massive return of the minnow schools. The smaller gulls are very skilled in their ability to skim the waters surface to catch the tiny fish.

As graceful as the gulls are, the brown pelicans are the polar opposites. They spy a school of minnows from above, and go into a dive bomber mode. They slam into the water hard, making an awkward splash.

Sometimes they get lucky with a fish.

The sound is now in transition, from being almost dormant, to being full of life.

The schools of minnows are a most welcome sight.

Without their presence the fish or the birds or the fishermen would have very little reason to be there.

We enjoy watching these subtle changes occur in a place that rarely changes at all. Rapidly approaching is the month of September, and all the ingredients are mixing together for another fantastic fishing season on the Pamlico Sound.