Rod-Man Charters Fishing Report

Hi Folks,

Water temps are warming and so is the fishing! We had a good time over the holiday weekend with a bunch of black drum and reds. And …. drum role please…the bonito have shown their stripes. Too rough for the Rod-Man to get out thus far, but some of the bigger boats have reported catches of bonito near shore.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Water temps have warmed to the mid 60’s and the black drum and reds have risen to the occasion. They are biting fresh cut shrimp. I fish for them on a carolina rig.

Near Shore: As mentioned the bonito have started their spring run. Some nice bluefish are biting as well. Both can be had with your favorite jigging spoon or by trolling clarkspoons.

Offshore: I have received reports of king mackerel in the 20-25 mile areas which is a very good sign. Spring kings will be assaulting the near shore areas soon.

Gulfstream: Boats that have been able to make the trip have had good catches of wahoo and tuna (blackfin and yellowfin).

Now if we could just turn that big fan out there down a notch or three….it has been a windy spring.

Upcoming: It will not be long before the spanish mackerel start their migration into our area and we are all looking forward too that time. By mid-May, some flounder should be biting. The first weekend in June brings my new “In the Water” Fishing School. There are still some seats left so check out the details at http://www.rodmancharters.com/2009-inthewater-fishing-school.htm

Until next time…..

LET’S GO FISHING!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett

Rod-Man Charters

910-799-6120

  

Hi Folks,

Has it been a cold winter or what??? The good news is we are starting to get some stabilization in temperatures and the water IS warming. Some fish are biting now and in just days more will show up strong. That’s the way spring is….a day to day change and usually for the better.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore:

Inshore fishing consists of some redfish on the smaller side. They are being caught up the creeks and in the ocean along the beach. Some specks are around as are black drum. The water id still cool, in the mid-50’s, so for specks move your lure SLOWLY. Blacks will bite fresh shrimp chunks.

Near Shore:

Around the near shore AR’s, sea bass and grunts are biting squid and shrimp. Spiny dogfish will be there as well. Expect the bluefish to show up very soon and the Atlantic bonito will not be far behind.

Offshore:

Bottom fish is the name of the game. From 20 to 40 miles, when the weather is right, bottom fishing has been very good. March came in like a lion, so let’s look for it to go out like a lamb!

Gulfstream:

When the boats have been able to get out good catches of wahoo, tuna (yellowfin and blackfin, and mahi have been the reward for going.

River:

The Virginia mullet have shown up and are biting fresh shrimp fished on bottom rigs. In just a couple more degrees of water warmth, the trout should start biting.

It’s been a good winter. We have attended many trade/boat/fishing shows and done a number of fishing schools and seminars. I just got back from the NC Sportsman fishing school and it was a fine school as always. Next up is the WAIT (Women Anglers in Training) school May 2 in Oak Island. This is my first year participating in this event and I am looking forward to it. The Rod-Man in the Water Fishing School June 5-7 is being received well. With a day of classroom and a day of fishing the school is soon to be a sell out. Seating is limited to just 25, so if you have put off your registration, please don’t wait any longer. I had to turn away some people at the February school and hope that is not the case in June, but there is just no way to expand the class. Sign up now!

Hope everyone has their gear ready and anxious to get on the water. Make sure EVERYTHING is working and be safe. Until next time…..

LET’S GO FISHING!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett

Rod-Man Charters

910-799-6120