Hi Folks, I know it has been a while since I put out a report, but until recently the weather has been so poor, there just wasn't much of an opportunity to fish. But at last we have some stable weather and the fishing is outstanding. Inshore there is a strong flounder bite; near shore the spanish are biting very well; offshore the kings are biting; and in the stream the mahi are thick. Now here's my report: Inshore: Water temps are reaching the mid to upper 70's and the fishing is just as hot. A very strong flounder bite is going on. Best fishing is with live menhaden on a carolina rig on the incoming tide. Reds are in the creeks and the ICW docks. Same bait as for flounder and the same rig with heavier hooks and leader. Near Shore: The spanish bite is hot! Clarkspoons fished deep are doing best, but if you find a school try the new "clark caster: by Clarkspoon. The spanish love it. Cobia are biting well near the inlets and the AR's near shore. Live bait or dead fished on the bottom, just off the bottom and on top will catch these brutes. Chum doesn't hurt either. I have heard reports of a couple of tarpon sightings and that is early, but hey, we'll take it. Offshore: Kings are biting in the 7 to 25 mile areas. You can catch the kings on spoons, on cigar minnows, on live bait; slow troll or fast. Near the offshore AR's, cobia are hitting live bait. Gulfstream: Everyone going to the stream are catching mahi and plenty of them. Some wahoo are biting as well. Upcoming: This is the time of the year when virtually everything is biting...maybe not at the same time, but somewhere the bite is happening. Whether you like the inshore, the near shore, the offshore or the gulfstream, there is something biting hard. It's time to get on the water. Anyone looking for a steal on an awesome skinny water flats boat, please email me at [email protected]. I have a friend selling a 17′ Pathfinder flats boat with all the trimmings. I have fished with him and this rig is terrific. Email for more info and contact info on the seller. Until next time.....LET'S GO FISHING!!! Capt. Rick Bennett Rod-Man Charters 910-799-6120
troycreasy