HAWG
(Holy Anglers With God)
October 21-23, 2022 – Buxton, NC
25th Annual Cross Assembly Fishing Event
“Go thou to the sea, and cast an hook and take the fish that first cometh up…” Matt. 17:27
What? This is the 25th Annual Gathering of the men of Cross Assembly at the Outer Banks, NC. The purpose of the weekend is a totally relaxing weekend of fishing, eating, golfing, kayaking, shell collecting, motorcycling, sailing, corn hole, beach football, lighthouse exploring, and everything “pure and wholesome” to support of the sanity of the brotherhood of our church…also known as “male bonding.” The objective of this annual trip is simply to reset our minds, build some wonderful memories, have lots of fun and strengthen our relationships. For many years, we have had upwards to 100 men and their sons enjoy this fellowship, and most are always looking forward to doing it again next year. The following should answer 95% of all of your questions. The other 5% either isn’t important, or can be answered by one of the organizers listed at the end of this document. Here goes…
When? October 21-23, 2022. This is Friday – Sunday, although many will try to sneak an extra day or two and show up on Wednesday or Thursday. It’s up to you. The beach will be there!
Where? Buxton, NC, the closest town to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Buxton is located about 4-1/2 hours from Raleigh. That’s 4-1/2 hours of road time, and doesn’t include the side trip to Cracker Barrel for breakfast or a seafood stop nearer the coast before getting to Buxton. Take your time. Once you leave Raleigh, the event has started anyway.
Who? All men/fathers and sons. While there are lots of guys around, you are responsible for your children (yes, I know that I’m responsible for Pastor Chris). If you’re in need of a change of pace to your humdrum daily schedule, give this a try. Once you’ve been there, you’ll have to go back.
Activities? There are really only 2 officially scheduled and 1 un-official events during the weekend. These are times when all the men will gather at one time and marvel at whose wife actually let them come. The formal gatherings have intentionally been few to give everyone plenty of time to “do their thing.” They are:
Friday Night Cookout:
Our cookout will be @ 7:00pm to allow those rushing from work on Friday to the coast and to give those fishermen all the daylight possible to make that last catch of the day. This, as most other group events, are centered in the parking lot, sound-side, of the Cape Hatteras Motel, HAWG HQ. This year we are looking to do something different – we are planning a fish fry for our meal together. You do need to furnish your own beverages. This event is accompanied by lots of laughter and conversation, and all the mosquitos you can kill. A wise man doesn’t skimp on the bug spray and long pants and long sleeve shirts. Many then venture down the road from the Outer Banks Motel to Uncle Eddy’s Ice Cream. Like we need more food after that meal!! They have all kinds of delicious treats! We’ve alerted them to have some extra help.
Saturday lunch at Angelo’s Pizza:
This is the un-official event, but I wouldn’t miss it. Everyone tries to gather around 1:00 p.m. There’s good room for folks and we pretty much take it over. They have good pizzas and a good variety of hot and cold sandwiches. After swapping stories of that huge red drum that almost made it to the shore, all scatter to the four winds. Some focus in on local college football, while others only want to go back and give another fish a chance.
Sunday Morning Church on the Beach:
This is a time to gather everyone together one more time to say goodbye to the weekend and thank our Lord for the wonderful time we’ve had. Our Lord makes all we have seen and experienced over the weekend possible. If there are any candidates, there will also be a baptism in the surf. Everyone should plan to check out prior to our 9:00 a.m. service, leaving shortly afterwards.
Transportation:
All individuals are responsible for their own transportation to and from Buxton. We encourage everyone to carpool where possible. Note that there is fishing across from the main Cape Hatteras Motel parking lot within walking distance from all rooms, but fishing at The Point requires about a 3-mile drive, via 4-wheel drive, onto the beach from the motel. This driving off-road requires an Off-road Beach Access Pass (information below).
Fishing:
While there are many, many options for everyone during the weekend, the primary activity remains the fishing at The Point. If you talk to avid surf fishermen around the world and mention “The Point”, they will undoubtedly respond and recognize where you are talking about, as this place is truly “world class.” I was once out to the very end of The Point late one Saturday afternoon just before dark. The surf was churning, the wind was blowing, and the ocean spray was lit up by headlamps, lanterns as what I refer to as “real fishermen” were standing elbow to elbow, clad in chest waders, pulling in fish a fast as they could possibly move. They casted their extra-long rods over each other and pulled their gigantic catches (many around 3 and 4 feet) into the water around their feet and steadily moved backwards until they cleared the crowd. No one seemed to mind the crowd. They all were fishing together, slaying the big ones together. The spookiness of all there in the ocean spray over everyone’s heads and the glow of the lights created one of the most surreal experiences I have ever had, and I will never forget it. This took “catch and release” to a whole new level. This is also the primo time of the year for the very best fishing all year.
FYI… most of the fish that are caught are caught and released, as the legal length limits are pretty specific. Sometimes someone will catch a really nice flounder or grouper, but most of the fish are not brought home.
Off-road Beach Access Pass:
We can now get the beach access permit through the mail and/or print it out at home so you do not have to go to the ORV office. Cost of the pass is $50. You can apply up to 60 days in advance for the permit. You simply watch the 7 min video and then provide your info and they will mail or Fedex it to you or you can print. Information can be found at the URL below. For anyone going to The Point, 4-wheel drive is a necessity, and you’ll need to let some air out of your tires prior to venturing out. Search for “Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV”.
https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations
Fishing Licenses:
The State of North Carolina requires all fishermen to buy a Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) to saltwater fish in the state. The annual (resident) license is $15. A 10-day license can be purchased for $5. They can be purchased at Walmart, Red Drum Tackle Shop in Buxton, most hunting/fishing sporting goods stores or online at www.ncwildlife.org
Fishing Contests Rules:
While we do not hold a hard-core fishing tournament, we have established a few rules to have everyone to have friendly competition, a little fun, and bragging rights for years to come. Here are the rules:
a. Entries must be live, fish caught during HAWG Weekend. For our purposes, HAWG Weekend is defined at starting at first light on Thursday before the actual weekend begins, and ending at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday of the weekend. It was necessary to list it as a “live” fish, as one joker caught a skeleton that actually met the loose guidelines of previous years. If you don’t believe me, see me some time, I’ll show you the pictures! ☺
b. The standard way for measuring is a tape from the tip of the nose to the base of the “V” in the tail.
c. Skates, eels, water snakes, sting rays do not qualify as they do not have the terminating tail with a caudal fin with limbs in the forms of fins, when present. O.K., just had to get a little legalistic!
d. Entries will be made by email to [email protected] or text to Danny at 919-348-5080. Entry should include your name, cell phone number or email address, type of fish, measurement in inches of your fish to the half inch, and a picture. Remember, even though this information is required, we still operate on the Honor System. God is Watching!! ☺ Word of mouth entries will not qualify.
e. Ties will be broken and a single prize awarded by placing ties in a hat and drawn after the 6:00 p.m. deadline. Your email will timestamp your entry.
Housing:
Everyone is responsible for their own housing. However, since this is probably the most popular time of year for fishing there and the motels fill up fast, we have reserved, The Cape Hatteras Motel, sound side, and some additional space, ocean side. Unless you have relatives who own another motel there, please plan on staying at The Cape Hatteras Motel, which we have established as HAWG HQ. There should be plenty of room for everyone to be together. The motel is already taking reservations for Friday and Saturday nights. Although the sound side apartments cost may seem a little expensive, remember that each “room” is actually an apartment with a sitting area, kitchen, and sleeps up to 6 folks with two bedrooms (double and single bed in each). Please reference “Pastor Danny Collins” to gain access to these rooms. Other motels are listed below for your information.
Cape Hatteras Motel, Inc. (252) 995-5611 (800) 995-0711 (HAWG HQ)
Outer Banks Motel (252) 995-5601 (800) 995-1233
Lighthouse View Motel (252) 995-5680 (800) 225-7651
Hatteras Island Inn (252) 995-6100
Buxton Beach Motel (252) 995-5972
Tower Circle Motel (252) 995-5353
Falcon Motel (252) 995-5968
Other related websites:
Red Drum Tackle Shop www.reddrumtackle.com
A great resource for fishermen at all levels.
Diamond Shoals Restaurant whttps://diamondshoalsrestaurant.com
Favorite breakfast and Saturday night spot.
Outer Banks (general) www.outerbanks.org
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse www.hatteras-nc.com/light
Contacts for further information:
Jay Mitchell (336) 210-1324 [email protected]
Pastor Danny Collins (919) 348 -5080 [email protected]
25th Annual Cross Assembly Fishing Event
“Go thou to the sea, and cast an hook and take the fish that first cometh up…” Matt. 17:27
What? This is the 25th Annual Gathering of the men of Cross Assembly at the Outer Banks, NC. The purpose of the weekend is a totally relaxing weekend of fishing, eating, golfing, kayaking, shell collecting, motorcycling, sailing, corn hole, beach football, lighthouse exploring, and everything “pure and wholesome” to support of the sanity of the brotherhood of our church…also known as “male bonding.” The objective of this annual trip is simply to reset our minds, build some wonderful memories, have lots of fun and strengthen our relationships. For many years, we have had upwards to 100 men and their sons enjoy this fellowship, and most are always looking forward to doing it again next year. The following should answer 95% of all of your questions. The other 5% either isn’t important, or can be answered by one of the organizers listed at the end of this document. Here goes…
When? October 21-23, 2022. This is Friday – Sunday, although many will try to sneak an extra day or two and show up on Wednesday or Thursday. It’s up to you. The beach will be there!
Where? Buxton, NC, the closest town to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Buxton is located about 4-1/2 hours from Raleigh. That’s 4-1/2 hours of road time, and doesn’t include the side trip to Cracker Barrel for breakfast or a seafood stop nearer the coast before getting to Buxton. Take your time. Once you leave Raleigh, the event has started anyway.
Who? All men/fathers and sons. While there are lots of guys around, you are responsible for your children (yes, I know that I’m responsible for Pastor Chris). If you’re in need of a change of pace to your humdrum daily schedule, give this a try. Once you’ve been there, you’ll have to go back.
Activities? There are really only 2 officially scheduled and 1 un-official events during the weekend. These are times when all the men will gather at one time and marvel at whose wife actually let them come. The formal gatherings have intentionally been few to give everyone plenty of time to “do their thing.” They are:
Friday Night Cookout:
Our cookout will be @ 7:00pm to allow those rushing from work on Friday to the coast and to give those fishermen all the daylight possible to make that last catch of the day. This, as most other group events, are centered in the parking lot, sound-side, of the Cape Hatteras Motel, HAWG HQ. This year we are looking to do something different – we are planning a fish fry for our meal together. You do need to furnish your own beverages. This event is accompanied by lots of laughter and conversation, and all the mosquitos you can kill. A wise man doesn’t skimp on the bug spray and long pants and long sleeve shirts. Many then venture down the road from the Outer Banks Motel to Uncle Eddy’s Ice Cream. Like we need more food after that meal!! They have all kinds of delicious treats! We’ve alerted them to have some extra help.
Saturday lunch at Angelo’s Pizza:
This is the un-official event, but I wouldn’t miss it. Everyone tries to gather around 1:00 p.m. There’s good room for folks and we pretty much take it over. They have good pizzas and a good variety of hot and cold sandwiches. After swapping stories of that huge red drum that almost made it to the shore, all scatter to the four winds. Some focus in on local college football, while others only want to go back and give another fish a chance.
Sunday Morning Church on the Beach:
This is a time to gather everyone together one more time to say goodbye to the weekend and thank our Lord for the wonderful time we’ve had. Our Lord makes all we have seen and experienced over the weekend possible. If there are any candidates, there will also be a baptism in the surf. Everyone should plan to check out prior to our 9:00 a.m. service, leaving shortly afterwards.
Transportation:
All individuals are responsible for their own transportation to and from Buxton. We encourage everyone to carpool where possible. Note that there is fishing across from the main Cape Hatteras Motel parking lot within walking distance from all rooms, but fishing at The Point requires about a 3-mile drive, via 4-wheel drive, onto the beach from the motel. This driving off-road requires an Off-road Beach Access Pass (information below).
Fishing:
While there are many, many options for everyone during the weekend, the primary activity remains the fishing at The Point. If you talk to avid surf fishermen around the world and mention “The Point”, they will undoubtedly respond and recognize where you are talking about, as this place is truly “world class.” I was once out to the very end of The Point late one Saturday afternoon just before dark. The surf was churning, the wind was blowing, and the ocean spray was lit up by headlamps, lanterns as what I refer to as “real fishermen” were standing elbow to elbow, clad in chest waders, pulling in fish a fast as they could possibly move. They casted their extra-long rods over each other and pulled their gigantic catches (many around 3 and 4 feet) into the water around their feet and steadily moved backwards until they cleared the crowd. No one seemed to mind the crowd. They all were fishing together, slaying the big ones together. The spookiness of all there in the ocean spray over everyone’s heads and the glow of the lights created one of the most surreal experiences I have ever had, and I will never forget it. This took “catch and release” to a whole new level. This is also the primo time of the year for the very best fishing all year.
FYI… most of the fish that are caught are caught and released, as the legal length limits are pretty specific. Sometimes someone will catch a really nice flounder or grouper, but most of the fish are not brought home.
Off-road Beach Access Pass:
We can now get the beach access permit through the mail and/or print it out at home so you do not have to go to the ORV office. Cost of the pass is $50. You can apply up to 60 days in advance for the permit. You simply watch the 7 min video and then provide your info and they will mail or Fedex it to you or you can print. Information can be found at the URL below. For anyone going to The Point, 4-wheel drive is a necessity, and you’ll need to let some air out of your tires prior to venturing out. Search for “Cape Hatteras National Seashore ORV”.
https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations
Fishing Licenses:
The State of North Carolina requires all fishermen to buy a Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) to saltwater fish in the state. The annual (resident) license is $15. A 10-day license can be purchased for $5. They can be purchased at Walmart, Red Drum Tackle Shop in Buxton, most hunting/fishing sporting goods stores or online at www.ncwildlife.org
Fishing Contests Rules:
While we do not hold a hard-core fishing tournament, we have established a few rules to have everyone to have friendly competition, a little fun, and bragging rights for years to come. Here are the rules:
a. Entries must be live, fish caught during HAWG Weekend. For our purposes, HAWG Weekend is defined at starting at first light on Thursday before the actual weekend begins, and ending at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday of the weekend. It was necessary to list it as a “live” fish, as one joker caught a skeleton that actually met the loose guidelines of previous years. If you don’t believe me, see me some time, I’ll show you the pictures! ☺
b. The standard way for measuring is a tape from the tip of the nose to the base of the “V” in the tail.
c. Skates, eels, water snakes, sting rays do not qualify as they do not have the terminating tail with a caudal fin with limbs in the forms of fins, when present. O.K., just had to get a little legalistic!
d. Entries will be made by email to [email protected] or text to Danny at 919-348-5080. Entry should include your name, cell phone number or email address, type of fish, measurement in inches of your fish to the half inch, and a picture. Remember, even though this information is required, we still operate on the Honor System. God is Watching!! ☺ Word of mouth entries will not qualify.
e. Ties will be broken and a single prize awarded by placing ties in a hat and drawn after the 6:00 p.m. deadline. Your email will timestamp your entry.
Housing:
Everyone is responsible for their own housing. However, since this is probably the most popular time of year for fishing there and the motels fill up fast, we have reserved, The Cape Hatteras Motel, sound side, and some additional space, ocean side. Unless you have relatives who own another motel there, please plan on staying at The Cape Hatteras Motel, which we have established as HAWG HQ. There should be plenty of room for everyone to be together. The motel is already taking reservations for Friday and Saturday nights. Although the sound side apartments cost may seem a little expensive, remember that each “room” is actually an apartment with a sitting area, kitchen, and sleeps up to 6 folks with two bedrooms (double and single bed in each). Please reference “Pastor Danny Collins” to gain access to these rooms. Other motels are listed below for your information.
Cape Hatteras Motel, Inc. (252) 995-5611 (800) 995-0711 (HAWG HQ)
Outer Banks Motel (252) 995-5601 (800) 995-1233
Lighthouse View Motel (252) 995-5680 (800) 225-7651
Hatteras Island Inn (252) 995-6100
Buxton Beach Motel (252) 995-5972
Tower Circle Motel (252) 995-5353
Falcon Motel (252) 995-5968
Other related websites:
Red Drum Tackle Shop www.reddrumtackle.com
A great resource for fishermen at all levels.
Diamond Shoals Restaurant whttps://diamondshoalsrestaurant.com
Favorite breakfast and Saturday night spot.
Outer Banks (general) www.outerbanks.org
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse www.hatteras-nc.com/light
Contacts for further information:
Jay Mitchell (336) 210-1324 [email protected]
Pastor Danny Collins (919) 348 -5080 [email protected]