Week Ending April 30, 2004 For the Week Ending April 30, 2004: On Friday, April 30, the bonito really showed up in large numbers for the first time this year; crashing bait and putting on a show. Water temperatures continue to inch upward and the fishing is really starting to take off. The weekend has brought much needed rain, but combined with high winds has prevented any fishing. As soon as this front gets through, the fishing should really be great. Now here's my report: Inshore: Red drum have started biting well near the inlets along with some nice bluefish. Falling tides and fresh bait or lead heads with curly tail grubs have been working best. Look for flounder fishing to start up any day. Nearshore: Bonito have shown up in numbers. Bluefish are still here, Albacore have made appearances (we caught 14 Sunday a week ago). Best baits are the usual jigs: crippled herring, hydro metal, stingsilver and so on. Offshore: King mackerel and even a couple of mahi have been caught at the 23 mile rock. As waters warm, look for more fish and for more fish closer in to shore. Gulfstream: Still producing some nice catches of tuna, wahoo, and mahi. Don't miss this weeks' pic of the week: www.rodmancharters.com Let's go Fishing!!! Capt. Rick Bennett Rod-Man Charters 910-799-6120