Hi Folks,
Busy is not the word and I am sorry I have been less than punctual with my reports. As always, I will try to do better. This has been a very unusual year thus far. From the lack of flounder inside to the abundance of king macks in close, things have just been different. Nevertheless, I am happy to report that fishing is very good and there are definitely some hot spots. Now here's my report:
Inshore: The hot fish right now is the redfish. We are catching nice reds in the 20 to 27+ inch range up the creeks and in the waterway. Best bait has been menhaden, dead or alive...it doe not matter. I use 20# Fireline by Berkley and a 50-80# leader and 1.5 to 2 oz. egg sinker with a 2/0 wide bend hook fished carolina rig style. I use Okuma VS 45 reels for these fish and the smooth drag and toughness of these reels really help with landing these brutes. A few flounder are being caught; some are small and some are nice size. They are just flat unpredictable as to where and when they will bite. Finally, some big bluefish are being caught in the waterway and creeks, blues up to 6 and 7 pounds...I told you it was an unusual season.
Near shore: The spanish bite is pretty good right now and some of the fish are very nice size...3-5 pounds. Best methods are trolling with planers and using clarkspoons and when it is calmer use a bird rig on top. Some tarpon have shown, but large live baits have become scarce which makes this fishing a challenge. The shrimp boats are not running yet so the shark fishing is not happening for the time being.
Offshore: From 4 to 10 miles, king mackerel fishing is hot hot hot. Live bait, cigar minnows, ballyhoo...it doesn't seem to matter. Mahi and sails are also close in and do not be surprised if you get one or both of these popular fishes while king mack fishing.
Gulfstream: The heat of the summer seems to cool off the gulfstream fishing a bit. Fish very early in the morning for mahi (large size) and fish deep for wahoo. Billfish are active as well.
I am in the process of finalizing plans for the 2oo8 version of the Rod-Man Fishing Schools to be held in Raleigh and Wilmington. Look for a new all-star cast of speakers and new and expanded topics. More details will be available soon.
Enjoy the fishing, be safe and courteous on the water, and....
Let's Go Fishing!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120
