Rod-Man Charters Fishing Report

Hi Folks,
It has been an interesting week with various degrees of good and bad. The bad came on weather days that were much less than optimum and the good came on those rare light and variable wind days that seem to be farther and farther apart. Yesterday was absolutely the prettiest day thus far this year. Unfortunately, the rest of the week and weekend does not look very good…high winds and rainy.
Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Fishing has been good one day and slow to stopped the next. This is fairly typical in the spring and totally unpredictable. On the good days we did have some nice action on reds and blacks. Best bait has been shrimp fished on a carolina rig with a #2 wide bend hook. The live bait is starting to show up and look for the flounder bite to kick off hard soon.

Near Shore: We are still having good catches of bonito and the first big spanish of the season have arrived. We caught two yesterday in the 3+ pound range. Best near shore bait right now has been the Yozuri Crystal Minnow Deep Diver fished trolling and 3 to 3.2 knots. Use spinning gear and have some fun.

Offshore: King macks are biting from 10 miles on out to the Tower. Cigar minnows and ballyhoo work well. Try some GULP cigar minnows…the spring kings love them. Also, the larger size Deep Divers work well.

Gulfstream: I have had reports of good mahi catches. Blackfin tuna and a few yellowfin have been biting as well along with some real good catches of wahoo. There has been some good billfish action as well.

It’s time to make your plans to go fishing. Many folks wait ’til the last minute only to find their favorite captain is already booked. Book early to assure your best date.
Until then…..

Lets’ Go Fishing!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120

  

Hi Folks,

This weekend brought some nice weather and gave us the opportunity to get out and chase some bonito. The good news is there are bonito out there and more.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Reds and trout are biting in the inlets, the ICW and the river. Best baits right now are GULP SW and fresh shrimp or cut bait. A few flounder are starting to show up…a bit on the smaller size.

Near Shore: Bluefish are just about everywhere. Catch-em trolling Yozuri Deep Divers or jigging with you favorite jigging spoon. Bonito are around and the best method right now is trolling: you can do this two ways; try trolling Deep Divers and 3-3.4 kts. or use clarkspoons on planers at 5-6 kts. The deep divers are more sporting.

Offshore: The kings are getting closer…25-30 miles. Bottom fishing for grouper in the 30-40 mile range is good.

Gulfstream: I have received reports of great mahi catches with some yellowfin and blackfin tuna added to the catch. Wahoo have been biting as well.

Outlook: Look for things to fire off fast now. The water is in the 67-68 magic mark. Spanish should show up any day and the first of the year are the big ones. The bigger flounder should move in very soon.

I am really enjoying my new Nautic Star 24 Bay Boat. It does it all and with all the amenities.

The primary vote is just around the corner. I won’t express my political view, but I will urge you to vote. It is not only your right, it is your obligation.

Don’t miss the action:

LET”S GO FISHING!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett

Rod-Man Charters

910-799-6120