NC Fishing - Hunting - Outdoors Reports

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 Greensboro boat shows. He will also be a featured speaker at my fishing schools.

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

Hi folks, Capt. David here with this weeks outdoors report.

The cold weather and cooler water temperatures are beginning to affect the fishing. The sound is colder than the ocean and the fish are reacting accordingly. Now thats not to say the fish ain’t biting you just need to start fishing the oyster bars and black bottom areas. The darker bottom absorbs more sun and holds the warmth longer and the fish know this. Redfish are happy when they can find shallow dark flats and oyster bars with deeper water close by. Trout could be in the area too. I’ve been hearing that Howards creek has been hot for some nice specks and an occasional flounder.

The surf seems to be the hot spot with a lot of nice Reds and Trout being caught. Heck this time of the year it’s liable to be anything on the end of your line. If you have a 4wheel drive,you can get a beach permit from Surf City P.D. or the Topsail Beach P.D. and drive out to fish on the beach. It sure beats lugging all that mess by hand. Just go slow and be careful when driving out there on the beach.

On the hunting side the Ducks are starting to show up now. Lots of Mergansers and Ringnecks with a few Buffleheads and an occasional Teal blasting through. I ain’t never been able to hit them things,they’re moving at 300mph when they come by me! Deer season is in and everything else in the woods except Turkeys is in season so take the kids Squirrel or Rabbit hunting for some good fun. Folks please send us your fish and game photo’s so we can make you famous. Well thats about all for this week so remember to take a kid with you into the outdoors and pass on the traditions our fathers and grandfathers passed to us!

Capt. David
Headhunter Outdoors
(910) 329-0818

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving! On Wednesday 11-21, my charter caught a few trout and blues, fishing was ok. The weather had been getting a little warm and the water was coming up in temps. This is not usually good for trout fishing. We picked seven trout, two flounder and a few Blues. The weather around here was not the best on Thanksgiving Day, warm and windy~~~ enjoyed a day with the family.

Got out on the water Saturday 11-24, the front had made it by us that night “Cold and Windy~~~~~!!! I took a good friend of mine Capt Cordy. We fished most of the late morning with not much luck, I told him let’s go finish up around the Masonboro jetties. We fished a few spots, got a nice Tautog and a few Blues. So we moved to try one more spot before we called it a day.

Threw out a live shrimp, hooked up small Redfish. Every cast after that we got a Red, they were not to big 17″ to 22″ a lot of fun on light tackle. I told Cordy there has got to be a Big Trout mixed in these Reds. Hooked number 18 “Red”, he started running hard I looked down in the water “UH-OH” it’s a Nice Trout! Cordy reached down in the water with his hands and grabbed my Trout, don’t ever forget the net when trout fishing “note to self”! Cordy threw him in the boat, time to call it a day.

The Trout was 6.01 on the Xtools scale, number seven over four pounds this year. We caught the Trout and Reds on live shrimp, float rigs running about three feet deep. Thanks for reading this report. Give me a call let’s go get your next nice Trout!

Gear used: Reel Pflueger Infusion 7635SS, Rod: Ugly Stick Lite 7′0″ Med light act. Line: Ugly Braid 10#

Good fishing to Ya,
Capt Jot
910-233-4139