Wrightsville Beach Fishing Report

Hi Folks,

We are finally getting that first wave of cooler weather and the fish are already responding with “enthusiasm”. Fishing in the ocean lately has been a bit difficult with the higher seas, but inshore the redfish and flounder have been biting well and some specks are starting to show up. It will only get better.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Right now, this is where the action is for sure. Redfish are biting in the creeks, the inlets and the ICW. There are plenty of finger mullet around and menhaden as well. Fished on a carolina rig near structure the mullet or menhaden will produce reds and flounder. Cork rigs with artificial shrimp baits or live bait will catch fish along the grass banks….look for a speck or two as well.

Near Shore: Prior to the big surf, the spanish bite was excellent and the flounder bite was great as well around the artificial reefs. I have not fished the ocean lately and I have heard no reports from other boats. When the water settles down, we should have a good fall run of spanish and the gray trout should be biting.

Offshore: Look for the nice fall kings to start biting from 10 miles IN TO the beach. These will be your bigger kings and should go right into late October and possibly early November.

Gulfstream: No reports.

Upcoming: Fall fishing has begun. It will only get better form here. Look for the reds and flounder to continue to bite well and the trout should turn on soon.

We have been working hard on our winter fishing school. The school is set for February 27, 2010 and will feature some new speakers, lots of new visual aides, and the very latest in fish catching techniques. Look for the registration form and information to be online soon. It will be the one fishing school you do not want to miss.

Until next bite….

Hi Folks,
The past two weeks have been pretty awesome for fishing. We have had big catches of reds and flounder inshore and spanish macks near shore. Looks like Bill will give us a little swell activity that may slow the ocean fishing a bit for a short period, but otherwise we are looking at some really good fishing…and fall fishing isn’t here yet!!!
Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Reds have been biting well on both the falling and the incoming tides. Best baits have been finger mullet or fresh cut chunks of menhaden. Fish them on a carolina rig around the docks in the creeks and the ICW. Some very nice flounder are biting near the inlets and the docks. Live finger mullet fished on a carolina rig is the way to go.

Near Shore: Spanish macks are biting strong, and most of the fish are very nice size too. Clarkspoons in the 00 and 0 sizes fished on planers (#1) and on bird rigs are catching the fish from 25 to 50 feet of water. Troll at 4.5 to 5.5 knots. For those that enjoy a good tug and sporting fight on light tackle, shark fishing is fun and exciting.

Offshore: King mackerel are biting from 5 to 25 miles out. I prefer to use live bait and slow troll with light tackle, but dead bait, ballyhoo and cigar minnows, work well too. Mahi have moved a bit farther out but can be had in the 20+ mile areas along with some nice sailfish.

Gulfstream: No reports, but I expect it is too hot except for billfish action.

Coming Up: Fall fishing is almost here…I hope. It will be nice to fish in a little cooler weather. That is what I keep thinking when I am out there in the heat of August. Think cool!

Enjoy the pics of recent catches at http://www.rodmancharters.com/fishingphotos/main.php

Until next time,
LETS GO FISHING!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120