Rod-Man Charters Fishing Report

Hi Folks,

It is past time for a report, but I was trying to wait until I could give you something more positive. It seems the weather has a longer time in mind, so I thought I would go ahead and bring you up to date. The persistent NE winds and now the strong low pressure have really put a stop to fishing. The fish are there, but it is just not comfortable to get out in 20-40 knot winds to fish. When the wind does settle we will be in full fall fishing and look for the fish to be hungry. Founder, reds and trout should be biting.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: We have gotten out a couple of times in the past week and have had some good luck with reds and flounder. Look for this trend to explode when things calm down.

Near Shore: I have not been in the ocean in two weeks. I do know of a couple of cobia catches. I figure a few spanish have been around, but expect they may be gone by the time the ocean settles down. We may have one more run, but it is more likely that we will see false albacore and Atlantic bonito when the seas settle. The gray trout bite should be in full swing and the ocean bite for flounder should be peaking. Look for bluefish as well.

Offshore: The king mackerel bite should move in fairly close in the next few days and the fish should be bigger. Frying pan tower will be on fire for the next two months.

Gulfstream: I have no reports, but figure it is about time for a strong run of tuna and wahoo in the very near future.

We are entering that time of the year when some of the best fishing occurs.Summer is good and sometimes great, but fall, October thru December is the best fishing of the year. Take advantage of it. Many folks put their rods up too early.

The annual Rod-Man Fishing School is set. It will be February 28, 2009 at the Raleigh State Fairgrounds, the Gov. Martin Bldg. In an effort to go against the tide, I am reducing the price this year from last years’ $90 per person to only $75 per person. That includes a little something to get you started in the morning and a full catered lunch, and of course a full day of fishing information…the what, when and how. More will be on line soon, including a printable registration form.

That is all for now and as usual….when we can:

LET’S GO FISHING!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120

Hi Folks,
When we are not catching spanish we are fighting some pretty nice red drum on lite tackle. Spanish macs have been the fish of this season thus far, but we cannot forget our popular inshore friends the reds, flounder and trout. Fall fishing is just around the corner and all three will be chomping.

A note for your address book. I am changing my email address to rodman@rodmancharters.com. please make a note or change in your address book. Thank you.
Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Red drum continue to supply a lot of action. Best bait is finger mullet fished on carolina rigs around heavy structure. Large flounder are biting near the inlets and the cut. Same bait, same rig for flounder.

Near Shore: Spanish macs continue to produce big catches. I have the best luck with #1 planers and 00 clarkspoons on 35? 25# leaders. I also use a bird rig on top with a spinning rod.

Offshore: The king bite continues to do well in the 10-25 mile range with still some mahi and a few sails in the mix. Slow trolling with live menhaden, ballyhoo and cigar minnows will do the trick.

Offshore: A small marlin, only 1228 pounds, was caught off Oregon Inlet recently. Congrats to the captain and crew.

I am happy to announce a new sponsor. Island Tackle and Hardware, located in Carolina Beach has joined the Rod-Man Team. They will be at our 2009 Fishing School offering great deals on all the best tackle. Be sure to stop in and check out their store. They are expanding by over 50% and the expansion should be complete within two months in time for holiday shopping. Welcome Dennis and Wanda and staff.

Time is flying and soon we will be in the middle of fabulous fall fishing and then we will be in boat show season and my fishing school in Raleigh on February 28, 2009. Stay tuned for all the details. Just a hint, with everything going up in price I have decided to REDUCE the price of the best fishing school in North Carolina. More later.

Its time to gear up for fall. Check out Bug-em Bait and Island Tackle for all your needs. Until then,

LETS GO FISHING
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120