Outer Banks, North Carolina, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Captain Tommy Danchise and his crew faced unexpected engine troubles while fishing for Spanish mackerel off North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Their ambitious trip turned challenging when they encountered problems with their vessel’s fuel system, requiring quick fixes to return home safely after an underwhelming catch. Despite the day’s difficulties, Danchise remains committed to fishing and plans to head out again post-Hurricane Erin.
Fishing Trip Turns Troublesome for Captain Danchise off North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Hatteras, North Carolina – A prospective day of fishing for Spanish mackerel turned into a struggle for Captain Tommy Danchise and his crewman Robert Boyd as they faced engine troubles during their excursion off the Outer Banks on a hot August morning. The duo, both in their early 70s and lifelong fishing enthusiasts, set sail at 5 a.m. aboard the 46-foot fishing vessel named Landon Blake, eager to fill their boat with approximately a thousand pounds of fish.
The Oregon Inlet, known for its treacherous waters and history of shipwrecks—including the loss of one of Danchise’s previous boats—served as the starting point for their fishing adventure. Danchise is recognized as the unofficial pilot of this challenging inlet, safely maneuvering his vessel through narrow channels. Boyd played a vital role, spotting birds overhead that often indicate the presence of fish.
Upon receiving signals of bait fish using a Furuno FCV-1100L sounder, Danchise and Boyd deployed a 400-yard long gillnet approximately 20 feet deep with mesh sizes of 3 ¼ inches. After hearing reports from fellow fishermen of good catches, they anticipated a successful haul. However, as they pulled in the net, they found it filled with small bluefish, occasional Spanish mackerel, and sand sharks, yet overall their catch was disappointing.
The situation worsened when the engine failed, attributed to suspected issues with the Racor filter. Danchise and Boyd quickly turned their attention to the fuel system in search of a solution. Attempts to diagnose the problem led them to realize there was no fuel flow from the tank. They worked to rig a direct fuel line, enlisting the help of fellow fishermen who provided necessary fittings. After successfully adapting the fuel line, they managed to start the engine once again, allowing them to return back home at a speed exceeding 13 knots.
After the incident, Jeff Doxey from Narrowshore Marine identified the issue as debris clogging the fuel pickup tube, offering a workaround solution to mitigate future complications. Despite the engine troubles, Danchise expressed his determination to head out again post the passing of Hurricane Erin, showcasing his enduring passion for fishing.
Background Context
The fishing industry in the Outer Banks offers both challenges and rewards, centered around various species like Spanish mackerel. Recreational and commercial fishing in this region has long been a tradition for locals. The Oregon Inlet, while a prime fishing ground, is notorious for its unpredictable conditions which can lead to difficulties for even the most experienced fishermen. Fishing requires not just skill and patience but also a competent understanding of maritime concerns, especially when navigating through challenging inlets.
FAQ
What happened during Captain Danchise’s fishing trip?
During the trip, Captain Danchise and his crew faced engine troubles that required them to diagnose fuel flow issues while fishing for Spanish mackerel off the Outer Banks.
What was the condition of the catch?
The catch included small bluefish, occasional Spanish mackerel, and sand sharks, but overall it was less than expected, prompting further action to maximize their haul.
How did they fix the engine problem?
They managed to rig a longer fuel line after receiving fittings from other fishermen, allowing the engine to run again so they could return home safely.
What was the diagnosis of the engine issue?
The issue was diagnosed as debris clogging the fuel pickup tube, which was identified by Jeff Doxey of Narrowshore Marine.
Will Captain Danchise go fishing again?
Yes, Captain Danchise expressed his readiness to go fishing again after Hurricane Erin passes.
Key Features of the Fishing Trip
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Captain and Crew | Tommy Danchise and Robert Boyd |
| Vessel | Landon Blake, 46-foot |
| Fishing Target | Spanish mackerel |
| Start Time | 5 a.m. |
| Catch | Small bluefish, occasional Spanish mackerel, sand sharks |
| Engine Issue | Fuel system failure due to debris |
| Expert Diagnosis | Jeff Doxey from Narrowshore Marine |
| Future Plans | Fishing after Hurricane Erin |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- National Fisherman: Carolina Fishermen Get Home with a Little Help from Friends
- Wikipedia: Fishing
- Politico Pro: E&E News Article
- Google Search: Spanish mackerel
- National Fisherman: Offshore Gillnetter Comes Home to Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fishing
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
