Rod-Man Report January 9, 2008

[Capt. Rick Bennett]

Hi Folks and Happy New Year for 2008!

I just returned from the Greensboro Expo where I met a lot of new folks and shook hands with many old friends. The show was very good and I am looking forward to the Raleigh Expo this coming weekend. Hope to see many of you there.

At the Greensboro Show, I ordered my new boat. For 2008 and beyond I will be running a 24' Nautic Star Bay Boat with a 250 HP Yamaha 4 stroke motor. This boat has so many nice features they are too may to list. I hope to take delivery in late February. I will post a pic of it soon. Come visit me at the Raleigh Show and I'll show it to you in the Nautic Star catalog, and better yet take you to see one like it at the Chatlee Marine boat booth.

With the recent cold snap, I have not heard any recent fishing reports. Then again with the more recent warm days we have had, I would not be a bit surprised if the specks were biting. I do know that large whiting are biting fresh shrimp in the river. (a man without a boat is like a fish out of water)

After this weekend, I'll be getting ready for the Richmond Expo, new for the Rod-Man this year. Then on February 9 my first fishing school for the year occurs in Raleigh at the State fairgrounds. Registrations are coming in fast now and if you are interested be sure to register soon. I have to cut registrations off about one week before the school to let the caterer know the final number. You can find all the details at Fishing School - 2008 Annual Rod-Man Fishing School.

Registrations for the Wilmington School are also coming in rapidly. The school is March 1 and will mirror the Raleigh School.

I am really excited about 2008. A new boat is always nice. Adding my son to the business part-time is just great. The fishing schools are something I have always enjoyed and another new feature, rod building classes is taking off well too. I guess if it has to do with fishing, I really like to do it. I am very lucky to be able to follow a dream and after 25 years of being a banker, it is hard to believe that the dream is going into its 12th year.

Ok, that's all for now. Again, I hope to see many of you in Raleigh. I will keep you posted on the new boat...and by the way, I am booking charters for 2008.

Let's Go Fishing!!!
Capt. Rick Bennett
Rod-Man Charters
1-888-5RODMAN