Wrightsville Beach Fishing Report

Hi Folks,
I hope everyone had a nice and safe holiday. I was fishing most of the time, and it was very nice. The very cool temperatures had moved the water temps down to the low 50′s, but the moderation has brought them back up to 57-58. That is the perfect range for great inshore fishing.

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

Hi Folks,
Weather permitting this past week’s fishing has been a very good. If you like bluefish (catching or eating) they are hitting hard and good size too. On one trip we caught and released over 60 blues. Specks are biting well also, with some fish running in excess of 5 pounds. Grays are biting too.
Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Specks are biting near oyster banks, marsh banks and the inlets. Topwater baits when it is calm and soft baits when it is choppy or later in the day. Blues are hitting anything that moves, jigs with curly tails, and any metal jig. A few nice sea bass are biting in the deep holes of the inlets. And there are still a few flounder around but that is getting more and more iffy.

Near Shore: Again, more bluefish. Again, more gray trout. Look for the bonito and false albacore to show up any day.

Offshore: Kings are moving out. Look for them in 67 degree water or even higher temps. One of the best spots this time of year for kings is Frying Pan Tower.

Gulfstream: No Reports

Some of the best fishing of the year is just ahead for inshore fishing enthusiasts. Speckled trout will be the main attraction and the fish are here.

I am already receiving registrations for my Rod-Man Fishing School. The school will be held in Raleigh for the second straight year at the Fairgrounds. The date is February 28, 2009. The cost is only $75, a reduction from last year. (I thought since everything else was going up I would reduce the price of what we love to do!)

That’s all for now.

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