"Swell" Fishing and the Flounder and Reds are Biting

[Capt. Rick Bennett]

Hi Folks,
The high swell from Bertha has taken its toll on fishing beyond the inlets this past week. Add to that the recent rains mucking up the inshore fishing and it has been somewhat of a difficult week. We have managed to catch a few fish though, mostly reds and flounder inshore. Things should be settling down rapidly and the weekend looks good.
Now here's my report:
Inshore: We are catching some nice flounder in the inlets and the creeks. Action has come on live bait and strip bait fished on carolina rigs. Reds are hanging around the ICW dock and up the creeks with the best bite on the falling tide.
Near Shore: Spanish have been biting here and there, but the swell has slowed the bite. Look for the action to pick back up today or tomorrow. It's hot so clarkspoons fished deep on #1 planers is the way to go. Just before the swell got here we had some nice king mac action in the 5 mile area.
Offshore: Look for kings, amberjack, barracuda and mahi, along with an occasional sailfish in the 8-15 mile areas. Slow trolling with live bait, cigar minnows and ballyhoo have produced the best results.
Gulfstream: No reports this week.

I haven't said much about my new Nautic Star 24 lately, so after running her for 4 months I thought I would give you an update. I cannot imagine that there is a better bay boat with more room and versatility. I have so much storage space sometimes I forget where I put things! It runs shallow and it takes the ocean great. It is truly a do everything boat.
Be sure to check out the pics I have added to the photo gallery.
Hope to see you on the water.

LET'S GO FISHING!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
910-799-6120