Wrightsville Beach Fishing Report

Hi Folks: Late fall fishing is pretty darn hot. We have had some of the best weather of the year and the fish have responded. Even though the fishing is great, I have taken my boat out of the water for the season. I am now very busy preparing for the boat shows and fishing schools….more on that later.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Trout fishing has been exceptional. Many, many citation trout have been caught and weighed in at the various citation locations. Some of the best fish have been caught at the inlets. Trout are biting live shrimp when you can get them. Also, they are biting well on GULP SW. I usually like the 3″ shrimp in New Penny, but with the cooler water I am looking for a little more action on the bait, so I like the 3″ or 4″ swimming mullet which looks like a curly tail. The scent with the tail action drives the trout crazy. Fish them on a 1/4 to 3/8 oz. Saltwater Assassin lead head. Also inshore, the bigger bluefish in the 3+ pound range have been biting at the inlets.

Near Shore: The reds are patrolling the sloughs along the beach. Live bait, dead bait and of course GULP SW will catch these fish. Just remember to slow your bait down. Colder fish move slower…until hooked. Nice sized whiting are biting on the beach…as well as in the river. Fresh shrimp is a must.

Offshore: I have received many reports of great grouper fishing. Grouper fishermen keep their fishing spots so secret it would make a trout fisherman blush. But, figure on the fish holding on the ledges in the 15 to 30 mile areas. There have been many reports of bluefin tuna around theTower and the Fairway Buoy. Kings are at the 68-79 degree water break.

Gulfstream: Backfin tuna, wahoo, king mackerel and a few sailfish have been providing the action in the stream. We have had some nice weather to make the trip.

Just a quick reminder on my fishing schools; Raleigh, February 9 and Wilmington, March 10. Registrations are coming in and seating is limited. Please register early to insure your seating at the best fishing school in NC. Here’s the link: http://www.rodmancharters.com/2008-annual-fishing-school.htm.

I hope to see many of you at the Greensboro Bass and Saltwater Expo, January 4-6; and at the Raleigh Bass and Saltwater Expo, January 11-13. I have lots of discounted custom rods and will be doing some seminars as well. Please drop by and say hello.

Finally, this is most likely my last report for 2007. I want to thank my sponsors for their support throughout the year: Chatlee Marine, Pure Fishing (Berkley), Okuma, Saltwater Assassin, Minn-Kota, and of course Bug-Em Bait. I have said it before, but one last time for 2007: I use these companies and their products because they are the BEST. And most of all I want to thank you, my customers and friends, for helping make this, 2007, a wonderful year for the Rod-Man.

Happy Holidays Everyone,
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120

PS: If anyone wants a great boat…priced to sell…let me here from you.

Hi Folks, I should be out trout fishing, but there are just too many things to do. One of which is to bring you up to date on some new things happening for Rod-Man Charters in 2008.

But first, a brief fishing report:

Inshore: Trout are biting on artificials and live shrimp at the jetties and the creeks and channels. It seems some of the best bites are at night…not unusual for trout. Some reds and blacks are biting at the jetties.

Near Shore: The blues are still biting. Albacore are hanging around. Just look for the birds.

Offshore: Warm temps are keeping the kings around. Just go fish where there is a nice temperature break and the water hits 68+ degrees.

Gulfstream: No reports…but I bet the blackfin are biting.

New for 2008: You can expect the same hard working, friendly atmosphere as always. Yet, we will be changing boats for 2008. My Sea Pro is one excellent boat, but I have been made an offer on a new boat that I do not want to turn down. No it’s not free, but it is a good deal. My new boat will have more seating, more room and the best floor plan I have seen in a bay boat. Until I actually order the boat, I want to keep the make a secret, but you will be hearing me talk about it very soon. As a result of the new boat, it’s official; the Sea Pro is for sale at a price guaranteed to sell fast. Check my announcement page for details.

Also, in 2008 I am proud to announce that we will be bringing on a new Captain to help out with weekend charters. My son, Capt. Ricky Bennett Jr. will be serving your needs many weekends and his fishing ability is sure to put you on the fish. Come meet Capt. Ricky at the Raleigh and

Finally for 2008, I will be doing something I have longed to do for many years. With the addition of Capt. Ricky to the charter business, it will free up some time for me to teach CUSTOM ROD BUILDING. That’s right; I will be holding one day and two day classes on weekends to teach rod building. The one day class is for teaching the “how to” of rod building and the two day class will allow you to build your own custom rod. I will only be doing small classes from one to four in most cases. If you are interested, please give me a call for details and to schedule your weekend…1-888-5RODMAN.

We are now registering folks for my two Rod-Man Fishing Schools. See the ad in NC Sportsman and save.

As always,
Let’s Go Fishing
Capt. Rick Bennett
910-799-6120