Wrightsville Beach Fishing Report

Hi Folks, fall fishing is definitely here! Weather has been an issue on some days, mainly wind and fronts, but that is to be expected. We have seen the start of the trout bite and that should only improve, especially after this cold snap. Live bait is hard to find, but no worries. Recently, I had a trip without live bait and we went up a creek and used GULP SW shrimp in New Penny color on ¼ ounce jigs. We caught reds and flounder (see the pics below or on my website under this week’s fishing report.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Trout are biting. GULP, mirrolures, live bait if you can find it; all are catching trout. Best bites have been very early in the morning and at high and low tides. Reds have been spotty this week, but this is the time of year when they move to the ocean and patrol the beaches. Still catching some flounder. Blues (big ones) are biting in the inlets.

Near Shore: Bluefish are just about everywhere. Albacore are on the beaches balling bait. Look for the birds. Still some gray trout around when you can find a calm day.

Offshore: This may be the best year for kings in close in many, many years. Grouper are biting at 10 miles.

Gulfstream: It has been hard to get out to the stream due to winds, but one report coming in noted a good catch of wahoo and kings.

Of interest: The Rod-Man Fishing School is just around the corner. Seating is limited so don’t be left out.

I have said it before and I’ll say it again: try some GULP SW on jigs and catch fish without having to mess with live bait.

Okuma VS reels continue to impress me and my customers. Recently, two customers went fishing with me wearing Okuma hats…now I have to find out where I can get one.

I may be looking for a new boat (wife says I’m never satisfied) this winter. I will be looking at Chatlee Boat and Marine in Sanford. If you are interested in a good custom rigged Sea Pro Bay Boat, contact me.

Let’s Go Fishing!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120

Hi Folks, Well it has been windy and will be for a day or so more. Good thing, so to speak, the fish cannot feel the wind. Inshore fishermen have heart. There are plenty of good fish biting: reds, flounder and trout. It just takes time and patience.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: On the falling tide we have been catching some nice redfish, some nice flounder and some nice trout. I have used live finger mullet, Gulp SW on ¼ oz. jig heads and some topwater mirrolures. Fish are showing around the inlets, the ICW, the creeks and the marsh banks.

Near Shore: And I do mean near! Plenty of nice blues are at the inlets on high tide. Catch-em on just about anything.

Offshore: No reports due to wind.

Gulfstream: No reports due to wind.

Hopefully the weather will settle down in the next few days and great fall fishing will explode. The fish are ready.

In just two short months the boat shows will be here and right behind them will be my two fishing schools in Raleigh, February 9 and in

See you on the water….or you can come with me.

Let’s Go Fishing!!!

Capt. Rick Bennett

Rod-Man Charters

1-888-5RODMAN (576-3626)