Some redfish and a few smaller flounder are biting bait and artificials

Article by: Capt. Rick Bennett

Hi Folks,

This has been the most unusual early fishing season I personally have experienced in over 16 years of professional fishing. This past weekend saw an explosion of near shore fishing, while inshore fishing with the exception of the river, has slooooooooooooowed way down. Winds have been consistently SW for a good period and have brought good fishing to the area. The SW winds are forecast to stay for a while. Bait fish are abundant and HOPEFULLY everything will soon be NORMAL! Water temps in the ocean are around 67 and inshore 70. Now here is my report:

INSHORE: Some redfish and a few smaller flounder are biting bait and artificials near Wrightsville Beach. Best tide for both seems to be the falling.

NEAR SHORE: The best run of Atlantic bonito in years hit the Wrightsville Beach area this past week. Large schools of bonito were biting your favorite casting jig, trolled clarkspoons or Crystal Minnow Deep Divers. Plenty of bluefish, large Spanish and spring kings added to the foray.

OFFSHORE: Kings and AJ’s are biting at the 15 to 25 mile areas. Live bait is sure to attract any patrolling cobia also.

GULFSTREAM: The steam is producing wahoo, blackfin and mahi.

CAPE FEAR RIVER: While generally inshore fishing has slowed somewhat the Cape Fear might be the exception. The upper river is producing trout while the lower river is producing trout and redfish.

UPCOMING: The door is open and the fish are really starting to come through. With consistent SW winds we should see the inshore fishing explode like all the rest is right now. Flounder fishing should pick up as well as redfish. Please be sure to check out the photo section of my website, www.rod-man.com., for the latest photos.

Until next time: LET’S GO FISHING!!!

“Fishing is Our Business”

Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man, Inc.
www.rod-man.com
www.custom-fishingrods.com
rodman@rod-man.com
910-520-7661

Capt. Rick Bennett

A lifetime fisherman, Capt. Rick Bennett, better known as the Rod-Man,has retired from the day to day activities as a charter boat captain but does offer “ON YOUR BOAT” Guided Fishing Trips. Capt. Rick will show you the when, the where and the how. From rod and reel selection to terminal tackle to bait, Capt. Rick has the know how.