Rod-Man Charters Fishing Report

Hi Folks,

This is an unusual mid-winter fishing report. It’s mid-winter, but it feels like early spring and the fishing inshore is HOT! Here we go:

We’ll start in the Cape Fear River with nice catches of stripers in the 3 to 14 pound range. They are hitting DOA soft plastics rigged weedless and shallow running crankbaits. Trout are hitting as well in the river on ¼ oz. lead heads and pink or chartreuse grubs. Best bite is on the falling tide. In the lower river, the reds are biting well on the high tide. If you like to sight cast, now is the time. The water is clear and the fish are there.

In the New River the trout bite is great up in the creeks with fish in the 5-7 pound range. MR-17 and DOA are doing the catching. The reds are in the lower river flats and banks in big numbers in the shallows staying warm and feeding.

Along the beaches the reds are in the surf with schools numbering in the 2-4 hundred fish and most of the fish are in the 6 to 12 pound range. As long as the wind is offshore to knock down the swell it will be happening. You can see the schools rolling right on the beach. Try to time the front passage to get the blue bird skies and offshore winds to get the perfect conditions.

If you can, get out on the water. If you do not have a boat, I have some of the best guides in Southeastern NC waiting to put you on the fish. Give me a call and I will “hook you up’. Please visit my website at www.rodmancharters.com for more info.

Let’s Go Fishing!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man On Your Boat Guided Trips
Rod-Man Custom Fishing Rods

Rod-Man Charter Booking Service

407 Fox Wood Lane
Wilmington, NC 28409
rodman@rodmancharters.com

http://www.rodmancharters.com
http://www.custom-fishingrods.com
910.520.7661

Hi Folks,

Speckled trout fishing is very good right now and many feel it hasn’t hit its peak yet! High double digit catches of nice fish are common. Other inshore action is very good as well. Offshore the king mackerel bite is on fire. Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Specks galore! Live shrimp and Gulp are about equal in trout landings. In many cases the best bite is on falling water, but don’t hesitate to fish the rising water as well. The important thing with trout is moving water. Red drum action in the river has been pretty awesome as well. Capt Seth from Double Haul Guide Service has had some terrific catches on fly rods in the river. Some sheepshead and ring tail porgies are biting around the jetties.

Near Shore: Some nice red drum and black drum are right behind the breakers. Fresh cut bait and shrimp will get the job done.

Offshore: The king mackerel bite has been awesome in the 20 to 40 mile areas.

Gulfstream:  Boats traveling to the stream have been doing well on wahoo and blackfin tuna.

Upcoming: Inshore trout fishing should continue to get better and better as long as it doesn’t get too cold.

On a personal note, the Rod-Man has made a change in his business pursuits. I am no longer going to be active in day to day chartering. Basically my business will still remain very active in the fishing business. I will be offering “ON YOUR BOAT GUIDED TRIPS”; I will be offering a Charter Booking Service, representing the best captains in the area for: flats boat fly-fishing, inshore fishing, river fishing, near shore fishing, offshore fishing and gulfstream fishing. Rod-Man Charter Booking Service covers from Topsail to Southport, from the shallows to the Gulfstream. Visit www.rodmancharters.com for details or inquire at 910-520-7661. We look forward to serving you in our new capacity. Finally, I will continue to offer my custom made fishing rods. With over 25 years experience in building fishing rods I can make your custom rod a special fish catching instrument. Check us out at www.custom-fishingrods.com

Capt. Rick Bennett 
Rod-Man On Your Boat Guided Trips
Rod-Man Custom Fishing Rods 
Rod-Man Charter Booking Service
407 Fox Wood Lane
Wilmington, NC 28409
rodman@rodmancharters.com
http://www.rodmancharters.com
http://www.custom-fishingrods.com
910.520.7661