Hi Folks,

Fishing has been good to excellent WHEN THE WIND HASN’T BLOWN. There have been few of those calm days, but hopefully that will change and we can get into a good rhythm.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Water temps have risen to around 70 and the spring weed is just about gone. Live baits are showing up. All this means it’s time for the reds and flounder to turn on and that is what is happening inshore right now. Best bait is live menhaden fished on a carolina rig.

Near Shore: Near shore fishing has been pretty much on fire when the wind is reasonable; We have had very good catches of spanish, bonito and even some spring kings. Most of the fish are being caught on planers and clarkspoons.

Offshore: The king mackerel bite continues to be strong in the 18-25 mile areas. Live bait, cigar minnows, ballyhoo…all are working well.

Gulfstream: When the boats have gotten out, I have received reports of good catches of wahoo and mahi, along with some blackfin tuna.

Upcoming: The first “In the Water” Rod-Man Fishing School is all set for the first weekend in June and we are looking forward to this big event. We will be doing it again next year, so if you missed out this year, contact me and I will get you on the list for next year. Speaking of June, it is one of our biggest fishing months with almost every specie active. Make plans early to join us for a fantastic fishing trip.

Until next time……

LET’S GO FISHING!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett

Rod-Man Charters

910-799-6120

Hi Folks,

Fishing is getting better and better. Inshore water temps are above 65 and near shore water temps are 65. Lots of fish biting now and more to show as the days go by.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Lots of black drum around the docks in the ICW and the creeks. You will find a few reds with them too. So far fresh shrimp cut into 1? chunks, fished on a carolina rig has done well; but the pinfish are showing up and a more sturdy bait will be needed soon.

Near Shore: Lots and lots of very nice bluefish are biting jigging spoons. A few bonito and a few spanish are also biting. Look for more and more spanish very soon with the water now at 65 degrees. Trolling Yozuri Deep Divers may add to your catch.

Offshore: I have received numerous reports of king mackerel in the 20-25 mile areas. Some false albacore and bonito are mixed in as well.

Gulfstream: No reports received this week, but with the light winds, would expect the wahoo and tuna have been biting well.

Upcoming: While we all thought the season would be slow to start due to the cooler weather, it appears the fish pretty much know when to get it going. Things are starting to explode and look for more explosive fishing every day. Bonito, spanish, flounder all will be going strong. Please check out my latest fish pics: http://www.rodmancharters.com/fishingphotos/main.php

A few seats remain for my “IN the Water” fishing school. Anyone interested can call me or check it out at my website: www.rodmancharters.com

Until next time then…..

LET’S GO FISHING!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett

Rod-Man Charters

910-799-6120

Water temps are warming and so is the fishing! We had a good time over the holiday weekend with a bunch of black drum and reds. And …. drum role please…the bonito have shown their stripes. Too rough for the Rod-Man to get out thus far, but some of the bigger boats have reported catches of bonito near shore.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Water temps have warmed to the mid 60’s and the black drum and reds have risen to the occasion. They are biting fresh cut shrimp. I fish for them on a carolina rig.

Near Shore: As mentioned the bonito have started their spring run. Some nice bluefish are biting as well. Both can be had with your favorite jigging spoon or by trolling clarkspoons.

Offshore: I have received reports of king mackerel in the 20-25 mile areas which is a very good sign. Spring kings will be assaulting the near shore areas soon.

Gulfstream: Boats that have been able to make the trip have had good catches of wahoo and tuna (blackfin and yellowfin).

Now if we could just turn that big fan out there down a notch or three….it has been a windy spring.

Upcoming: It will not be long before the spanish mackerel start their migration into our area and we are all looking forward too that time. By mid-May, some flounder should be biting. The first weekend in June brings my new “In the Water” Fishing School. There are still some seats left so check out the details at http://www.rodmancharters.com/2009-inthewater-fishing-school.htm

Until next time…..

LET’S GO FISHING!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett

Rod-Man Charters

910-799-6120

Has it been a cold winter or what??? The good news is we are starting to get some stabilization in temperatures and the water IS warming. Some fish are biting now and in just days more will show up strong. That’s the way spring is….a day to day change and usually for the better.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore:

Inshore fishing consists of some redfish on the smaller side. They are being caught up the creeks and in the ocean along the beach. Some specks are around as are black drum. The water id still cool, in the mid-50’s, so for specks move your lure SLOWLY. Blacks will bite fresh shrimp chunks.

Near Shore:

Around the near shore AR’s, sea bass and grunts are biting squid and shrimp. Spiny dogfish will be there as well. Expect the bluefish to show up very soon and the Atlantic bonito will not be far behind.

Offshore:

Bottom fish is the name of the game. From 20 to 40 miles, when the weather is right, bottom fishing has been very good. March came in like a lion, so let’s look for it to go out like a lamb!

Gulfstream:

When the boats have been able to get out good catches of wahoo, tuna (yellowfin and blackfin, and mahi have been the reward for going.

River:

The Virginia mullet have shown up and are biting fresh shrimp fished on bottom rigs. In just a couple more degrees of water warmth, the trout should start biting.

It’s been a good winter. We have attended many trade/boat/fishing shows and done a number of fishing schools and seminars. I just got back from the NC Sportsman fishing school and it was a fine school as always. Next up is the WAIT (Women Anglers in Training) school May 2 in Oak Island. This is my first year participating in this event and I am looking forward to it. The Rod-Man in the Water Fishing School June 5-7 is being received well. With a day of classroom and a day of fishing the school is soon to be a sell out. Seating is limited to just 25, so if you have put off your registration, please don’t wait any longer. I had to turn away some people at the February school and hope that is not the case in June, but there is just no way to expand the class. Sign up now!

Hope everyone has their gear ready and anxious to get on the water. Make sure EVERYTHING is working and be safe. Until next time…..

LET’S GO FISHING!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett

Rod-Man Charters

910-799-6120

Now my report:

Inshore: Trout and drum (red and black) are STILL biting. Falling tide seems to work best. In the river, stripers are biting fairly well around Wilmington.

No reports available on ocean fishing, but hey, this is the time for inshore anyway.

This will most likely be my last report for the 2008 season except for some updates on upcoming events.

Until next year…………………

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

Inshore Fishing: Trout, trout and more trout…. Specks are biting very well. We have been having nice catches of specks in the river, the inlets and creeks. My favorite bait this year (and it seems it changes form year to year) has been the Bass Assassin “Space Guppy” split tail and paddle tail, fished on a 1/4 to 3/8 ounce lead head. I should have a video up on my website soon.

With the few days of warmer weather, the fishing should continue to be excellent for a few weeks to come. Even so, by the first of the year, I will have to pack it in for the season and start gearing up fast for the boat shows and my fishing school.

It has been a wonderful year. I would like to thank those who have fished with me and hope we will have another opportunity in the coming weeks or next season. I have been fortunate to sell a good number of custom fishing rods and to those new friends I say again, thank you. Finally, I want to thank all my sponsors. Folks, these are my sponsors, not because they give me something, but because they are simply the best.

Be sure to check out my photo page for the latest and keep looking for the trout video.

Until next time…..
LET’S GO FISHING!!!

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

Now here’s my report:

Inshore Fishing: Lots of puppy drum are running in the inlets, the ICW and the creeks. With the pinfish gone ( a blessing) you can catch the puppies on fresh shrimp fished on a carolina rig. Specks and some grays are biting well also. You can catch them on live shrimp, your favorite Mirro-Lure, or your preferred lead head and plastic. And the ever present bluefish are still hitting jigs on the high tide.

Near Shore Fishing: Some gray trout are biting at the near shore reefs. Cut bait and jigs are best. Also, some nice sea bass are biting as well.

Offshore Fishing: Kings are biting in the 20-30 mile areas. Grouper and quality bottom fish are biting in the same areas.

Gulfstream Fishing: The stream is hot. Good catches of wahoo and mahi mahi are being reported as well as some sailfish.

How long can the good fishing continue? That will be decided by the water temps. I am hoping for a few more weeks …at least. Until the water temperature gets down in the very low 50’s or lower, we should be fine. As the water cools, be sure to move your baits slower and slower.

The Rod-Man Fishing School registrations are off to a fast start. With the line up of speakers on hand and the good food, it should be a full day of great “indoor fishing”. Seating is limited, so register early to insure your seat.

Be sure to check out our Inshore Photo Gallery for the latest pictures.

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

Inshore: Trout fishing is fantastic. While fishing with Wayne and Dave during the Cape Fear Red-Trout Tournament we caught 13 trout and had a nice surprise of a 5.25 pound flounder…all on artificials. We were pretty high on the leader board but for several reasons, including the weather, we did not fish the second day of the tourney. Reds are biting, but you have to hunt for them. The big flounder are definitely biting.

Near Shore: Just before this cool snap, the big spanish were providing hot action with a lot of nice blues mixed in with them. Look for the spanish to boogie on south as the water temps go down. The gray trout bite and bluefish along with some bonito and false albacore should keep you busy just off the beach.

Offshore: I have heard many reports of kings from 10-25 miles out. Remember as long as the water is 68, there is a good chance kings will be around.

Gulfstream: Persistent NE winds have prevented the usually fall trips. It is time for a big wahoo bite as well as tuna.

The Annual Rod-Man Fishing School is launched on my website. The school date is February 28, 2009 at the Raleigh Fairgrounds, Gov. Marin Bldg. You can view the details at http://www.rodmancharters.com/2009-annual-fishing-school.htm I do want to point out in this time of rising prices, I have REDUCED my school price. You get some coffee and doughnuts, a catered lunch, door prizes galore and all the fishing knowledge you can handle in one day for only $75. This class is sure to fill up so register soon so you won’t be left out.

Be sure to check out this weeks pick of the week at http://www.rodmancharters.com/fishingreports/ Other new photos can be seen at the photo gallery http://www.rodmancharters.com/fishingphotos/main.php

Any questions, feel free to call and until next time….

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

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

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