Ocean run striper

Got out in the frigid air last night to try and stick a striper. Winds were out of the north at 20 mph sustained 36 degree air temp and high humidity. Popped a 33 inch striper on the first cast and decided that after my hands were already frozen from landing the fish that I would end on a high note. The fish ate a soft plastic attached to a jighead. I knew he was a good one when he thumped the offering and started burning drag on my little 2500 shimano reel attached to a medium light st croix rod.

Pamlico Sound Stripers

It has been cold the past week but it has not detered me from pursuing stripers in the Pamlico Sound. I landed two last night in a short 30 minute trip on soft plastics and lost about a 15 lb fish on the fourth cast. The fish came up and rolled over as I was trying to land him and spit the hook. It didn't take long to locate the fish on this trip. The two I kept were 21" and 28" fish. Hopefully the weather will allow me to pursue some of the beach run rockfish as they make their way south.

Tight lines,

Capt Ren

Cold Weather Trout

The weather and water has surely cooled down in the month of December. The speckled trout bite has continued to be red hot if you can locate the fish. There are plenty of fish being caught off the surf and around structure. Inshore the fish are hanging in deeper holes in the more stable water temperatures. I have been catching trout on soft plastics matched up to the smallest jigheads I can fish effectively given the conditions-wind, water depth, current, tides, etc. Most of the trout continue to be over 2 lbs. The past two trips have yielded quick action from aggressive legal trout. All of the trout caught lately have been over 17 inches and up to 24 inches. If you can stand the cool weather there are plenty of fish to catch.

I have a few dates still available for January and February. Book now while the fishing is hot and crowds at the ramp are small. This is my favorite time of the year on the water. The redfishing is hot as well with large schools and the best sight fishing opportunities of the year.

Tight lines,

Capt Ren