March 8th, 2011 by Capt. Rick Bennett
Hi Folks,
It certainly has been a long time. With my cruise vacation behind me and the cold, cold winter coming to a close, it is time to turn our focus to this years’ spring fishing. I will be putting my boat, the Rod-Man, back in the water next week and already have several charters booked. The really great news is the fish are already starting to bite, and bite well.
Now here’s my abbreviated spring report:
Inshore: Water temps have made it up to the lower 50’s. Reds are biting in the creeks, the ICW and the lower river. Black drum, a favorite this time of year, are biting well too. Popular baits are your favorite GULP SW and fresh cut shrimp. This activity should get stronger and stronger over the next 6 weeks or so.
Gulfstream: When the winds abate, the stream fishing has been productive with wahoo and blackfin tuna. A few mahi have been caught as well.
This time of year there is little action near shore and offshore.
Upcoming: After three very successful boat shows in January and February, along with the great Fisherman’s Post Fishing School in February, we will take the Rod-man booth to the Cape Fear Wildlife Expo March 18-20. On Saturday, March 19, at the same location we will be participating in the NC Sportsman Fishing School. Both events will be held at the new Wilmington Convention Center. I will be offering charters and sale prices on my custom fishing rods at the show. I am looking forward to seeing many of you there. Please visit my website for the latest news, pics and information: www.rodmancharters.com.
Until Next Time….LET’S GO FISHING!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-520-7661
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November 2nd, 2010 by Capt. Rick Bennett
Hi Folks,
This is very unusual for me…but I am closing out the season as of Nov. 1. I am taking a vacation for most of November and going on a cruise to celebrate my dad’s 90th birthday. When I return, I hope the waters and the fishing are cooperating much better than they have for the last month. By then it will be time for me to build some more fishing rods to have for sale at the winter boat shows (more on that later). The 24” rainfall we had has done more to ruin fall fishing than I first thought. The water is dirty and the fish simply don’t like it. Oh there are plenty of fish around; they’re just hiding.
Now here’s my report:
INSHORE: The most consistent and predictable fish has been my favorite, the redfish. You can find them around structure in the creeks, the ICW, and the inlets on a falling tide. Fresh cut bait and artificials work very well this time of year. Trout have been a bit more sporadic, but persistence and time hopefully will find you some fish. Flounder are a bit tough to find right now.
NEAR SHORE: Bluefish around the inlets have been pretty solid on the rising tide. They are hitting your favorite jigging spoon. A few patches of false albacore are here and there. Some gray trout are hanging around, but the new limit of one per person hardly makes for a real target.
OFFSHORE: Reports of king macks from the shore out 30 miles have been coming in with the 23 mile rock seeming to be the hot spot.
GULFSTREAM: I have had reports of wahoo and blackfin primarily.
UPCOMING: After my cruise vacation, I will be building inventory (custom fishing rods) for the four shows I will be attending this coming year: Raleigh Expo Jan. 7-9; Richmond Expo Jan. 21-23; Greensboro Expo February 25-27; and in Wilmington The Cape Fear Wildlife Expo Mar. 18-21.I hope to see many old friends and plenty of new friends at the shows.
Until Next Time….LET’S GO FISHING!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-520-7661
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