Rod-Man Report December 14, 2006

Hi Folks,
The Rod-Man is out of the water until next season. We are adding a trolling motor to the boat and some other neat "customizations" I know you will enjoy. Even though I have been "out of the water", I have been keeping up with what's happening on the fishing scene.
Now here's my report:

Inshore: The trout are biting well and many are big citation size fish. You can find them in the inlet areas, the creeks and the river. If live bait is hard to get, don't hesitate to throw some GULP SW at these hungry fish. I like the 5" jerk baits and the 3" shrimp. Reds are mostly in the ocean, patrolling the beach and near the inlets. On real calm days you can see them in large schools that look like dark clouds. You can catch them on anything from chunk bait to mirrolures and of course GULP SW.

Nearshore: Some gray trout are still cruising the nearshore reefs. Live shrimp and metal jigs will do the trick. As the water cools look for nice size black sea bass to move in and bite on squid.

Offshore: The kings are biting near Frying Pan Tower, but watch out; you might just hook into a bluefin tuna. False albacore and bonito schools may be around too so keep a rod rigged with a casting jig.

Gulfstream: No reports.

This will be my last post for 2006. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you and all my sponsors (they are listed on my home page) for your support through the year. We had another successful year and thanks to all.
I have and will be making several speaking engagements this winter. I just got back from Oak Island where I met some wonderful folks and we talked about inshore fishing. January 5-7 I will be in Greensboro at the Coliseum for the Fishing Expo. January 12-14 I will be in Raleigh at the Fairgrounds for the Fishing Expo. I'll have a bunch of custom rods at the shows at deep discounts. Then I am going to take a short vacation to Florida for some fun fishing and hope to bring back some neat pics for you to see. February 10 is the date for my Raleigh area Fishing School and March 3 is the date for my Wilmington Fishing School. I hope to see many of you at some of these events.

A word about the new Saltwater Fishing License for NC. They will be required starting January 1. There are several ways you can handle this requirement. You can best determine your needs at www.ncwildlife.org. Of course if you fish on my boat, I have a blanket license that will have you covered.

I think that is all for this year, but please check back often. I may come up with something that needs posting. I wish each and everyone of you a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year.

Thank you and LET"S GO FISHING!!! next year.....

Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120