Hi Folks,
Slowly but surely the waters are returning to normal after the deluge we endured a few of weeks ago. The fish are responding as well. As the cool night temperatures continue and water temps continuing falling, look for better and best fishing to come.
Now here’s my report:
Inshore: Redfish, red drum, puppy drum, spottails, whatever you want to call them, they are biting hard. Live bait, fresh cut bait, Gulp SW, all are catching nice fish. Flounder are still around and some big fish are biting. You have to hunt for them and be patient, but they are around. Live bait and Gulp SW are both working. A few trout are biting, but the water is still a bit warm for the trout bite to be consistent.
Near Shore: Bluefish are biting just outside the inlet and along the beach. Some of these fish are in the 3-4 pound size range. Some gray trout are around but be cognizant of the new regs on gray: only one fish per person inside of three miles. Of course I am sure the netters will be able to get all they want. False albacore have made their first few appearances, but look for that to become better and better. Some nice size spanish are still biting. Try the Yozuri Deep Divers trolled at 3.2 kts.
Offshore: Reports of kings in the 15 + mile range are coming in, but I think it is safe to say this has not been a banner year for kings….watch out for next year!
Gulfstream: The stream is becoming very active. Wahoo, blackfin and mahi are biting well.
Upcoming: Lots of things to mention. Please be sure to check out the Photo Gallery for the latest pictures on my site at www.rodmancharters.com/fishingreports/. Look for the trout bite to get really going almost any day now. And the other fishes should continue to get better and better. I know it is early, but the Boat Shows and Expos are really not that far away. I will be in Raleigh Jan. 7-9; Richmond Jan. 21-23, and Greensboro Feb. 25-27. Hope to see many of you there. Along with many seminars, I will have loads of my hand made rods and discount prices at all these shows. I will also be part of the NC Sportsman Fishing School right here in Wilmington in March. More on that later/
Until Next Time….LET’S GO FISHING!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-520-7661
