Capt. Richard Bennett
June 4, 2003
Wrightsville Beach - Saltwater Fishing Report
Summer Fishing Heating Up
Hi Folks,
Inshore fishing for big flounder and red drum has been very good and steady this week. Flounder in the 4-8 pound range have not been uncommon. Our largerst red this past week was 32 inches and on medium spin tackle that WAS a fight! King mackerel have benn biting well from 8 to 25 miles out.
Here's my report: For the week ending June 4, 2003.
Inshore: Large flounder are biting well. Best bait is menhaden (live) fished on a carolina rig (25 pound test with a #2 wide bend hook). Red drum are providing a lot of action as well. Again best bait is menhaden, live or chunk, fished on a carolina rig (80 pound test with a 2/0 wide bend hook).
Nearshore: Spanish mackerel are biting along the beaches, the inlets and the nearshore artificial reefs. Clarkspoons (I use 00) fished on 30+ foot leaders work best. Try a #1 planer on a rod, a #4 planer on a hand line, and a 4-5 inch bird teaser on a top rod. They all work well and you are covering the water column.
Offshore: King mackerel are biting at the 8 mile reefs, the 10 mile rock/box cars and out to 25 miles. Best action is on live menhaden, but cigar minnows and ballyhoo work well too.
Gulfstream: Good action is being reported on wahoo and mahi, with a few yellowfin being landed as well. Billfish are adding excitement to the mix. One captain had a marlin take not one but TWO baits and they fought him on TWO lines for 45 minutes before the release.
Summer is here and with plenty of good fishing action.
