Blues but no Bonito

Greeting from the Cape Fear Coast

Yesterday afternoon there was a chance to get off the beach, in search for the Bonito, the wind was laying down and suppose slick out by evening. So I got on the water around 12:00 and waited for some friends. The wind had not slackened and as I approached the inlet for a look at the ocean the ride out to the Liberty Ship was going to be wet and sloppy. Finally my guys arrived at 15:30 and it was out Masonboro Inlet we went. It was a wet ride out and the wind had picked up since I got out on the water.

Arriving at AR370, there were was only one other boat on scene and not doing much as far as we could tell. We drop some Stingsilvers and begin to search for signs of life. The Bluefish were willing to fill the void of February ocean fishing. After several hours of we had boated and landed about fifteen blues, several rat seabass and a couple other bottom dwellers. Most of the blues were released but a couple went in the cooler for a tasty dinner. The sun was setting and time to head for the hill. The forecast for tommorow morning was looking and maybe the only shot before the Monday next week.

Today the wind was still laid out and the ocean was going to be nice. So I kept the boy out of daycare and took hin to catch some blues. We arrived at the wreck at 07:45 and the fog was building up with overcast skies and three boats fast trolling and two other boats drifting and not catching it was going to be a slow day. You catch more Bonito drifting with the engine off than zooming at 4-8 knots all over their heads, that has typically been my experience. Anyway, my hunch was correct. We landed to small blues in about two hours and headed for the hill. Two hours is typically enough fishing time for my son, so we cruised in and went in search of floatsom and the new moon high tides had pulled some cool stuff " trash" out of the marsh. Finally there are some fish in the ocean that a skiff can reach and it only going to get better, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Rip'em up and let some go,

Capt Danny Wrenn

96 Charter Company

Wilmington, N.C.

910.619.2224

New Plug

Greetings from the Cape Fear Coast

After a missed shot yesterday it looks like the next day will be Wednesday. The water temps coming up (63 reported Sunday) and Bluefish are here. I can't wait to throw this creation in a school of Blues or Bonito. It dives to about six feet and has a slow wobble. We'll have to see how it tracks on the troll. It may be strickly a casting plug. I stop at a creek on Masonboro Sound and tested it today and spotted a lot of one inch bait cruising the creek when I saw a huge tail and swirl. Although I did not get a good look at the fish if it was a mullet it was a four to five pounder. I'll say it was ol' Red and we'll all feel better.

Rip'em up and let some go,
Capt Danny Wrenn
96 Charter Company
Wilmington, N.C.
910.619.2224

Missed a Shot

Greatings from the Cape Fear Coast,

The wind does howl and has for two weeks. Some Bonito have shown up down in Southport about a week ago but yet to show off of Wrightsville Beach. This morning I missed a shot at the Liberty Ship, as the wind came around from the Southwest to the North, when the wind and the sea laid this morning. The phone rang a my buddy Allen woke me up at 07:00. "Masonboro is laid out and it's do-able" he said but I did not get the hint as I recovered from the sudden awakening. "Let me know how you do," I said knowing I a commitment at 11:00 and hung up. Luckily all I missed was some bluefish and a boat to the Liberty Ship and Johns Creek.

The forecast looks like Wednesday afternoon might give me a shot and I plan to take it hopefully the Bonito will reciprocate and get to the hill even though the water temp looks cool on the map. You don't have a shot sitting on the hill.
If the wind does blow the Lock and Dam #1 will see me again and those feisty American Shad will see me again. The bite continues and the big cats and Stripers should make their appearances soon if the water slows after all this rain. Stay tuned and one day there will be pictures of fish.

Rip'em up and let some go
Capt Danny Wrenn
96 Charter Company
Wilmington, N.C.
910.619.2224