Wrightsville Beach Fishing Report

Hi Folks,

Can you believe it? Everything is setting up for a big trout run and here comes the remnants of Ida. Sunday the water was clear, the bait was thick, the winds were light and variable, and the trout were biting. Now we have wind and rain and rain and wind for the next couple of days. Ah, the tribulations of serious trout fishermen. But, lots of good fishing is still ahead.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: Water temps are around 66-67. Bait is thick, the fall type bait, shiners and such…the kind trout love. Speaking of trout, they are biting well at the inlets, around the marsh grass banks behind Riches, and up the creeks. Some juvenile reds are biting soft plastics inshore in the creeks and waterway. Black drum are biting fresh cut shrimp. A few flounder are still around for the time being, but most have moved to the ocean.

Near Shore: Bluefish have been thick around the mouth of the inlets. Big reds have been patrolling the surf. They look like big black clouds, literally hundreds of fish. Gray trout are biting jigs at the near shore reefs. False albacore have been around in large and small groups and can be caught with fast moving jigs or on the fly.

Offshore: Kings have bunched up a bit at the 10 mile area, but are more prevalent further out. Some good bottom fishing form 12 to 30 miles out.

Gulfstream: Wahoo and blackfin tuna have been the main catches when boats could get out.

Upcoming: Trout fishing is really just getting started, so look for that to improve steadily. We have some nice pics of fish we have caught, like the one posted with this report on my site and more pics can be seen at my photo gallery. My winter schedule is pretty much set at this point. The Raleigh show kicks things off January 8-10, followed by the Greensboro show January 22-24. Then we go to New Jersey for the Atlantic City International Show, February 3-7 and finally in March, the Somerset Saltwater Fishing show March 19-21.  
Until Next Time….

LET’S GO FISHING!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-520-7661

Hi Folks,

Fishing has been pretty darn spectacular this past week. The high point has been an estimated 45 pound red drum. Please check This Week’s Fishing Report on my page to see this beautiful fish. We have caught flounder and trout as well, but this pic had to come out this week. I’ll get the others up soon.

Now here’s my report:

Inshore: This is the inshore fisherman’s time to shine. Reds, flounder and trout are biting in the creeks, the waterway, the inlets and the river. Artificials work well, as do live bait. The big red we caught was on a 3″ finger mullet. And late fall fishing is going to get even better.

Near Shore: Blues around the inlets on jigs and reds are there two on bait. A few spanish are still around, but blues are much more plentiful and fun to catch on lite tackle. Gray trout are biting live bait and jigs. Albacore are around in small schools. We caught one of those last week as well.

Offshore: The annual king bite at Frying Pan Tower is ON! There are fish between the beach and there as well, but the real bite is at the Tower.

Gulfstream: Reports of wahoo and blackfin tuna have been coming in this past week.

Upcoming: More and better fishing ahead as long as we have good weather. The annual Rod-Man Fishing School is scheduled for February 27, 2010 at the State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. New speakers and new topics should make this year’s school better than ever. Seating is limited so register early.

Meanwhile, until next time….

LET’S GO FISHING!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-520-7661