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

  

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

  

Everybody knows March went out like a lion and as yet it hasn’t stopped roaring very much. High winds have hampered fishing effort and fish catching. The good news is it is still early and it looks like we are about to have a pretty good stretch of weather.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Puppy drum and a few small flounder are biting on the low tide around the inlets, ICW and creeks. I haven’t seen a black drum as yet, but they will surely show up soon….maybe on today’s trip.

Near Shore: I have been “told” that the bonito are out at the liberty ship, but high wind and seas have thus far prevented me from seeing for myself. This may change as soon as tomorrow or Friday based on the wind predictions.

Offshore: No reports.

Gulfstream: No reports.

Just a word about my new boat: other than a few days of strong puppy drum fishing, the only thing I can make a strong statement about this year is my new fishing platform. My Nautic Star 24 Bay Boat from Chatlee Marine in Sanford is totally awesome. The 101 pound thrust Minn-Kota trolling motor has put me on the fish quietly and the Power Pole from Tex’s Tackle is the greatest invention for inshore boating….possibly ever. Quietly approach the fishing ground and then push a button and you are anchored, securely and quietly. I can honestly say if you are an inshore fisherman, you need/want a Power Pole. You can see how one operates on my boat or drop by Tex’s Tackle for a demo. In addition to these electronic marvels my boat has superior seating for comfort and safety and two large casting platforms, forward and aft.

That’s all for this week. Until next time,

Let’s Go Fishing !!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120

  

Although the recent cold front put a slight damper on things, for sure the spring fishing has busted wide open over the last few days. Over the weekend we had 3 consecutive days of double digit redfish catches. The fish were small, 17-18 inches, but very nice to catch on light tackle.

What made fishing even more enjoyable was my new Power Pole. Folks this is the real deal. Ease up to your fishing hole in under 8′ of water and push a button and you are anchored. No ropes, no chains, no heavy anchors and no cold wet hands. When you are ready to leave, just push the button and up comes the pole. You can check it out at http://www.texstackle.com/ Just look under the Products tab.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: The redfish bite is excellent. You can catch these feisty fish on Gulp SW rigged on a 1/4 oz. jig head or on fresh cut shrimp fished on a carolina rig with a 1 oz. weight. The best bite is on falling water and on the docks in the ICW and the creeks. Bluefish are also biting around the inlets. A few specks are around for those willing to put in the time to find them. Best bait….Gulp SW.

Near Shore: The weather has been too windy the past week for boats to venture outside. When things calm down a bit this weekend, we might find that the bonito have shown up. At any rate they cannot be far away now.

Offshore: No Reports.

Gulfstream: No Reports.

Check out the 2008 Fishing Pics on my site at http://www.rodmancharters.com/fishingphotos/main.php

That’s all for now. Until next week…..

LET”S GO FISHING!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120

  

Spring is just around the corner and the fishing is set up to come with it. Make sure all your gear is in order and ready to go. Here’s what is happening now:

Inshore: Large schools of specks are around but a bit sluggish when it comes to biting. A few more degrees of water temperature and they will be chomping. Red drum are patrolling the beaches and you can sight cast to them on a sunny day when the water is clear.

Nearshore: Some bottom fishing and the ever present dogfish (spiny dogfish shark) are around. False albacore sightings have been reported. Look for the bluefish to move in any day and right behind them will be the bonito.

Offshore: Very good bottom fishing awaits the hardy. Nice grouper and black sea bass are waiting for your bait.

Gulfstream: I have reports of a good blackfin bite happening and some nice wahoo too.

Take a moment to look at my new Nautic Star boat on my home page at www.rodmancharters.com. She’s beauty and rigged to the hilt. My newest sponsors, PowerPole and Raymarine have helped tremendously. I also have a new 101 pound thrust Minn-Kota trolling motor. The new boat is a bit bigger with a great layout.

We have had a great winter doing seminars and boat shows, but it is time to get back on the water. I am looking forward to it and hope to see you there.

LET”S GO FISHING!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120

  

I just returned from the Greensboro Expo where I met a lot of new folks and shook hands with many old friends. The show was very good and I am looking forward to the Raleigh Expo this coming weekend. Hope to see many of you there.

At the Greensboro Show, I ordered my new boat. For 2008 and beyond I will be running a 24′ Nautic Star Bay Boat with a 250 HP Yamaha 4 stroke motor. This boat has so many nice features they are too may to list. I hope to take delivery in late February. I will post a pic of it soon. Come visit me at the Raleigh Show and I’ll show it to you in the Nautic Star catalog, and better yet take you to see one like it at the Chatlee Marine boat booth.

With the recent cold snap, I have not heard any recent fishing reports. Then again with the more recent warm days we have had, I would not be a bit surprised if the specks were biting. I do know that large whiting are biting fresh shrimp in the river. (a man without a boat is like a fish out of water)

After this weekend, I’ll be getting ready for the Richmond Expo, new for the Rod-Man this year. Then on February 9 my first fishing school for the year occurs in Raleigh at the State fairgrounds. Registrations are coming in fast now and if you are interested be sure to register soon. I have to cut registrations off about one week before the school to let the caterer know the final number. You can find all the details at http://www.rodmancharters.com/2008-annual-fishing-school.htm.

Registrations for the Wilmington School are also coming in rapidly. The school is March 1 and will mirror the Raleigh School.

I am really excited about 2008. A new boat is always nice. Adding my son to the business part-time is just great. The fishing schools are something I have always enjoyed and another new feature, rod building classes is taking off well too. I guess if it has to do with fishing, I really like to do it. I am very lucky to be able to follow a dream and after 25 years of being a banker, it is hard to believe that the dream is going into its 12th year.

Ok, that’s all for now. Again, I hope to see many of you in Raleigh. I will keep you posted on the new boat…and by the way, I am booking charters for 2008.

Let’s Go Fishing!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett

Rod-Man Charters

1-888-5RODMAN

  

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.

  

But first, a brief fishing report;

Inshore: Trout are biting on artificials and live shrimp at the jetties and the creeks and channels. It seems some of the best bites are at night…not unusual for trout. Some reds and blacks are biting at the jetties.

Near Shore: The blues are still biting. Albacore are hanging around. Just look for the birds.

Offshore: Warm temps are keeping the kings around. Just go fish where there is a nice temperature break and the water hits 68+ degrees.

Gulfstream: No reports…but I bet the blackfin are biting.

New for 2008: You can expect the same hard working, friendly atmosphere as always. Yet, we will be changing boats for 2008. My Sea Pro is one excellent boat, but I have been made an offer on a new boat that I do not want to turn down. No it’s not free, but it is a good deal. My new boat will have more seating, more room and the best floor plan I have seen in a bay boat. Until I actually order the boat, I want to keep the make a secret, but you will be hearing me talk about it very soon. As a result of the new boat, it’s official; the Sea Pro is for sale at a price guaranteed to sell fast. Check my announcement page for details.

Also, in 2008 I am proud to announce that we will be bringing on a new Captain to help out with weekend charters. My son, Capt. Ricky Bennett Jr. will be serving your needs many weekends and his fishing ability is sure to put you on the fish. Come meet Capt. Ricky at the Raleigh and Greensboro boat shows. He will also be a featured speaker at my fishing schools.

Finally for 2008, I will be doing something I have longed to do for many years. With the addition of Capt. Ricky to the charter business, it will free up some time for me to teach CUSTOM ROD BUILDING. That’s right; I will be holding one day and two day classes on weekends to teach rod building. The one day class is for teaching the “how to” of rod building and the two day class will allow you to build your own custom rod. I will only be doing small classes from one to four in most cases. If you are interested, please give me a call for details and to schedule your weekend…1-888-5RODMAN.

We are now registering folks for my two Rod-Man Fishing Schools. See the ad in NC Sportsman and save.

As always,
Let’s Go Fishing
Capt. Rick Bennett
910-799-6120

  

Inshore: Trout are biting. GULP, mirrolures, live bait if you can find it; all are catching trout. Best bites have been very early in the morning and at high and low tides. Reds have been spotty this week, but this is the time of year when they move to the ocean and patrol the beaches. Still catching some flounder. Blues (big ones) are biting in the inlets.

Near Shore: Bluefish are just about everywhere. Albacore are on the beaches balling bait. Look for the birds. Still some gray trout around when you can find a calm day.

Offshore: This may be the best year for kings in close in many, many years. Grouper are biting at 10 miles.

Gulfstream: It has been hard to get out to the stream due to winds, but one report coming in noted a good catch of wahoo and kings.

Of interest: The Rod-Man Fishing School is just around the corner. Seating is limited so don’t be left out.

I have said it before and I’ll say it again: try some GULP SW on jigs and catch fish without having to mess with live bait.

Okuma VS reels continue to impress me and my customers. Recently, two customers went fishing with me wearing Okuma hats…now I have to find out where I can get one.

I may be looking for a new boat (wife says I’m never satisfied) this winter. I will be looking at Chatlee Boat and Marine in Sanford. If you are interested in a good custom rigged Sea Pro Bay Boat, contact me.

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

  

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: On the falling tide we have been catching some nice redfish, some nice flounder and some nice trout. I have used live finger mullet, Gulp SW on ¼ oz. jig heads and some topwater mirrolures. Fish are showing around the inlets, the ICW, the creeks and the marsh banks.

Near Shore: And I do mean near! Plenty of nice blues are at the inlets on high tide. Catch-em on just about anything.

Offshore: No reports due to wind.

Gulfstream: No reports due to wind.

Hopefully the weather will settle down in the next few days and great fall fishing will explode. The fish are ready.

In just two short months the boat shows will be here and right behind them will be my two fishing schools in Raleigh, February 9 and in

Wilmington, March 1. We have some the absolute best captains and speakers lined up this year with a program that has something and in most cases a whole lot for everyone. Individual attention is guaranteed. Check it out at http://www.rodmancharters.com/2008-annual-fishing-school.htm

See you on the water….or you can come with me.

Let’s Go Fishing!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
1-888-5RODMAN (576-3626)