Hi Folks: Late fall fishing is pretty darn hot. We have had some of the best weather of the year and the fish have responded. Even though the fishing is great, I have taken my boat out of the water for the season. I am now very busy preparing for the boat shows and fishing schools….more on that later.
Now here's my report:
Inshore: Trout fishing has been exceptional. Many, many citation trout have been caught and weighed in at the various citation locations. Some of the best fish have been caught at the inlets. Trout are biting live shrimp when you can get them. Also, they are biting well on GULP SW. I usually like the 3″ shrimp in New Penny, but with the cooler water I am looking for a little more action on the bait, so I like the 3″ or 4″ swimming mullet which looks like a curly tail. The scent with the tail action drives the trout crazy. Fish them on a 1/4 to 3/8 oz. Saltwater Assassin lead head. Also inshore, the bigger bluefish in the 3+ pound range have been biting at the inlets.
Near Shore: The reds are patrolling the sloughs along the beach. Live bait, dead bait and of course GULP SW will catch these fish. Just remember to slow your bait down. Colder fish move slower until hooked. Nice sized whiting are biting on the beach as well as in the river. Fresh shrimp is a must.
Offshore: I have received many reports of great grouper fishing. Grouper fishermen keep their fishing spots so secret it would make a trout fisherman blush. But, figure on the fish holding on the ledges in the 15 to 30 mile areas. There have been many reports of bluefin tuna around the Tower and the Fairway Buoy. Kings are at the 68-79 degree water break.
Gulfstream: Backfin tuna, wahoo, king mackerel and a few sailfish have been providing the action in the stream. We have had some nice weather to make the trip.
Just a quick reminder on my fishing schools; Raleigh, February 9 and Wilmington, March 10. Registrations are coming in and seating is limited. Please register early to insure your seating at the best fishing school in NC. Here's the link: http://www.rodmancharters.com/2008-annual-fishing-school.htm.
I hope to see many of you at the Greensboro Bass and Saltwater Expo, January 4-6; and at the Raleigh Bass and Saltwater Expo, January 11-13. I have lots of discounted custom rods and will be doing some seminars as well. Please drop by and say hello.
Finally, this is most likely my last report for 2007. I want to thank my sponsors for their support throughout the year: Chatlee Marine, Pure Fishing (Berkley), Okuma, Saltwater Assassin, Minn-Kota, and of course Bug-Em Bait. I have said it before, but one last time for 2007: I use these companies and their products because they are the BEST. And most of all I want to thank you, my customers and friends, for helping make this, 2007, a wonderful year for the Rod-Man.
Happy Holidays Everyone,
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120
PS: If anyone wants a great boat…priced to sell…let me here from you.
