Wrightsville Beach Fishing Report

Hi Folks,

Time for the Easter weekend fishing forecast. This past weekend was the first weather perfect weekend of the year, and even though we are having a couple of rough days in the middle of this week, it looks like the weekend is shaping up to be nice. It may be a bit breezy, but it will be sunny and seasonable temps will prevail.

The water temps inshore are in the low 60′s while from 3 to 5 miles the temps are running 59.5 to 60.5 as of Sunday. This puts us on the edge of when the fishing will break open…and that could be this weekend.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Redfish and black drum are biting fresh shrimp around the docks and in the creeks. Some specks are biting near the marshy areas near creek mouths and in the creeks. Best baits have been Bass Assassin’s Blurp and Gulp SW shrimp. Fish these baits on jig heads or saltwater spinners.

Near Shore: Look for bluefish and possibly some bonito to show up any day now. The water is getting right. Gray trout should be biting shinny jigs worked up and down near the bottom.

Offshore: False albacore have been reported along with bonito  from 10 to 25 miles out. Also, some nice grouper have been taken vertical jigging in the 40 mile areas.

Gulfstream: Fishing here has been weather dependent. When you can get out, wahoo, blackfin and yellowfin have been providing great action.

Even with a slow start to the season due mostly to weather, things are falling into place and fishing will fire off very soon.

The ultimate Rod-Man “IN the Water” Fishing School schedule for June 5-7 still has some seats left. Only 25 total seats are available, so do not miss this chance to learn form the pros and to go fishing and use what you have learned. you can find all the information at http://www.rodmancharters.com/2009-inthewater-fishing-school.htm

Remember there will be a lot of people on the water this weekend so be careful and make sure you boat and gear are all in good working order. And then……

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

Hi Folks,

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