It has been a downright cold winter so far, but as I write this report it is warming up nicely for the beginning of February! Fishing can be great during February especially when we have mild runs of weather. Here are some of the species I target around Southeast NC during February.
Cape Fear River Striped Bass are one of my favorites for winter fishing in our area. I look for the Stripers on drop offs, around pilings and creek mouths. Working baits like Berkley Gulp six-inch jerkshad or the new Berkley Powerbait CullShad should get you bites from Striped Bass. I prefer chart pepper neon, Fire tiger and fool’s gold colors for the jerkshad *See here https://alnk.to/gKQ67Wp I use fresh water and saltwater CullShad colors for the Striped Bass fishing. Berkley Power Bait CullShad saltwater colors *See here https://alnk.to/h6GNDA8 and freshwater colors *see here https://alnk.to/9T9W6Dc I rig my jerkshad and CullShad lures on swimbait 7/0 TroKar TK-170 hooks, in 1/4oz or 3/8oz *see here TroKar TK170 Mid water crank baits work too, try lures that dive from three to eight feet deep for best results. If the crank bait starts to hit the bottom let it float up a bit or trust me, you will lose it to structure! Water temps are cold this time of year in the river, I prefer anything above 45 degrees but have caught them as low as 39*. Do not forget that the Cape Fear River Striped Bass fishery is a closed fishery and is catch & release only; you must release all Striped Bass. Keep your eyes out for tagged Stripers there are a lot of tagged fish out there, some even have $100 Red Tags!!
There is one fish that can be caught very easily during the winter months, if you find them! The Redfish bite can be some of the best of the year for catching numbers of fish; the deal breaker for this fishery is you have got to have good weather, calm seas, and bright sunny skies for the ocean schools. I find the winter ocean Reds around the inlets, sand bars, up and down the beaches in the surf line. I use Berkley Gulp paddleshad in colors black gold or black silver *see here https://alnk.to/c09aeMg also, the Berkley Gulp three- & four-inch Shrimp *see here https://alnk.to/58q5o7A work well too both rigged on 3/8oz jig heads. *See here https://alnk.to/28RH5yg A MirrOlure Catch 2000Jr or 2000 lures work well for winter Redfish in the ocean too.
During February I look for schooling Redfish on sunny, warmer, and light wind days. I find these schools on oyster rocks/flats, dark mud bottoms and shallow flats just off the ICW. The Reds will sun on these dark colored bottom areas for a little extra warm up; this is also where you will see some bait fish doing the same thing (warming up). In February the Reds are not hard to catch when you find them, but sometimes finding them can be a challenge. My go to bait for the winter Redfish is scented grubs like the Berkley Gulp Dragon tail https://alnk.to/ge6QBpx or shrimp https://alnk.to/58q5o7A Redfish love these things. Rig grubs with thirty-pound fluorocarbon and a darker colored jig heads like red or gray should get the redfish to bite for you. I use the Fusion 19 jig head series. *See here https://alnk.to/28RH5yg Work’em slow as to not spoke the Redfish. Sometimes a light Carolina rig with a small piece of cut shrimp; for those stubborn winter Redfish may help you get a bite.
There is one fish that a lot of anglers overlook during the winter months, the Black Drum. What I love about these fish is you can catch them in good numbers this time of year and there pretty darn good to eat! On top of all that they can be easy to catch; all you need is a little fresh (as you can get) shrimp. I use a light Carolina rig with an Eagle claw L42 #1 or #2 hook. Light meaning using as light as a sinker that you can get away with so as not to spook the drum. Fish around docks, oyster rock flats and inlets for these Black Drum; often you will catch Redfish and Sheepshead (smaller) mixed in as well.
What chilly winter so far in Southeast NC. You can find a good winter Speckled trout bite, but it takes the right weather pattern for good results. Yes, as of the writing of this report, Speckled trout is release only until June 15 due to the cold stun effects. Here are some ways I like to target Speckled trout into later winter months. A lure that always comes to mind for winter Speckled trout is the MirrOlure in the 52M, 52MR and TT series. MirrOlure color codes I prefer are: 11, 21, 26, 51, 704, CFPR, CH, EC, HP AND Capt. Jot Custom color #1, #2, or #3 (only found at Tex’s Tackle shop). Most any local tackle shop can help you with these color codes (a lot easier than spelling them all out here). As far as colors go, I try to use light colors in clearer waters and darker colors in stained/river or dirty waters.
Good looking scented lures that have been working very well for me when the water temps drop. Berkley Gulp three-inch shrimp, five-inch Jerkshad and of course the new Dragon tail! Gulp comes in many colors, but here is a few that I like for trout in (shrimp pattern); sugar spice glow, pearl white, Sangria & Scooby. In the Dragon tail I really like the colors scooby, sangria, big money, and key lime chrome. See the Dragon tail here https://alnk.to/ge6QBpx
The Berkley PowerBait Bonga saltwater series really impressed me last season and this one so far. I worked on this project, and I am really excited about these lures. There are three shapes in this series that I really like and come with a new saltwater scent: different from the regular Powerbait scent. I am really liking the Bonga Shad, Bonga Shrimp and Bonga Stick of this series! *Check out the Bonga series here https://alnk.to/cSIC5G1
I rig all my trout soft plastic lures on 1/16oz, 1/8oz and 1/4oz jigs heads in colors red, gray, or white and I always use a fluorocarbon leader when trout fishing. I use the Fusion 19 jig head series. *See here https://alnk.to/28RH5yg I prefer Berkley Pro Spec twenty pound in clear, thirty pound if the blues show up in numbers. *See here https://alnk.to/aLJ9PR2
Tackle run down: PENN New Battle IV https://alnk.to/eZHlnEs and Slammer IV Spinning https://alnk.to/aWD5L7j reels in sizes 2000, 2500, 3000 & 3500. Low profile bait-caster PENN Fathom 200 size https://alnk.to/dAmWQIH, if that is your game! Redfish, Speckled trout, and Striped Bass Rods: Fenwick Inshore HMG 7’ medium action (Redfish & Striped Bass), Speckled Trout Fenwick Eagle rod series in 7’ medium action; line Spiderwire Ultra-cast in eight- or ten-pound test for Speckled trout fishing and ten and fifth-teen pound for Reds/Stripers. Tackle Storage I prefer Plano Guide Series *see here https://alnk.to/gKQItqB and Z-series https://alnk.to/9bu8in4 with EDGE https://alnk.to/eZH8FjA boxes inside.
*PS: One spinning reel series that I think is overlooked is the PENN Fierce IV. I use these reels for Speckled trout and Largemouth bass fishing in sizes 2000 & 2500. PENN is having a great sale for the month of February on the Fierce IV series. Check out the full line of Fierce spinning reels here https://alnk.to/dAnZ4oa
Thanks for reading, stay warm or cool and good fishing to you!
Capt. Jot Owens
910-233-4139
Posted in Fishing Reports on January 30th, 2025
New Dragon Tail Gulp lure!
Wow it is December and winter weather too! Where did fall go, from what I remember it was pretty good. I guess that is why it went by so darn fast! So, December and much colder weather. Hard, fast change of weather, more like January. Here is how I am going to attack this much cooler December fishing.
December can be a good month for bigger speckled trout, especially when we get colder weather fronts. Knowing what to cast, can make a big difference in what you catch. Hard baits like MirrOlures have put some big trout in the boat for me and for many other anglers over the years. The different series I prefer are the 17MR & 22MR (Catch 2000jr) suspending, 18MR, 51M and 52MR sinking baits.
Colors: MirrOlure makes a lot of different colors but here are some of my go to colors around Southeast NC area waters. MirrOlure color codes: 11, 21, 26, 51, 704, 706, CFPR, CH, EC, HP, and Capt. Jot Custom color #1 (Pink back/white belly), #2 (purple back/pink belly) and #3 (Blue back/pink belly) colors in 17MR, #1 in 22MR & 52MR (only found at Tex’s Tackle shop) Any local tackle shop can help you with these color codes or at MirrOlure.com. Fishing Depths to use these lures; 17MR & 22MR use these lures in two to six feet of water (suspending). 18MR, 51M & 52MR use these lures in four to fifth-teen plus feet of water with current (sinking). If your lure is hitting the bottom go to a shallower running lure (suspending type). If the water is in the 50’s slow down your presentation. I am a firm believer in “you can work a MirrOlure to fast, you really can’t work them to slow.”
As water temps drop, I really do enjoy using soft plastic lure. The reason I enjoy them more when the water temps fall is, less darn trash fish!!! Like Puffers, Bluefish and lizardfish that eat up my soft plastic lures!! Good looking scented lures that have been working very well for me when the water temps drop. Berkley Gulp three-inch shrimp, five-inch Jerkshad and of course the new Dragon tail! Gulp comes in many colors, but here is a few that I like for trout in (shrimp pattern); sugar spice glow, pearl white, Sangria & Scooby. In the Dragon tail I really like the colors scooby, sangria, big money, and key lime chrome. See the Dragon tail here https://alnk.to/ge6QBpx PS: they are on sale right now!!
The Berkley PowerBait Bonga saltwater series really impressed me last season and this one so far. I worked on this project, and I am really excited about these lures. There are three shapes in this series that I really like and come with a new saltwater scent: different from the regular PowerBait scent. I am really liking the Bonga Shad, Bonga Shrimp and Bonga Stick of this series! *Check them out here https://alnk.to/cSIC5G1 PS: they are on sale too!!
I rig all my trout soft plastic lures on 1/16oz, 1/8oz and 1/4oz jigs heads in colors red, gray, or white and I always use a fluorocarbon leader when trout fishing. I use the Fusion 19 jig head series. *See here https://alnk.to/28RH5yg I prefer Berkley Pro Spec twenty pound in clear, thirty pound if the blues show up in numbers. *See here https://alnk.to/aLJ9PR2
Do not count out live bait for Speckled trout if you enjoy fishing with it. Just understand as it gets colder live bait will be harder to come by. Try live smaller finger mullet, mud minnows and shrimp. In shallow waters of two to six feet I like to float these live baits with a cork and a small treble hook. In deeper waters of six to ten plus I rig them on light Carolina rigs with a small #1 or #2 Eagle claw L42 offset circle hook. Just wait until you feel that trout take off with the bait and lightly set the hook, remember trout have very soft mouths fast hooks sets but with light power work best.
In December another fish I really like to hunt for on sunny, warmer, and light wind days is schooling Redfish. I find these schools on oyster rocks/flats, sand bars in the surf and shallow flats just off the ICW. In December the Reds are not hard to catch when you find them but sometimes finding them can be a challenge. My go to bait for the winter Redfish is scented grub like the Berkley Gulp Dragon tail https://alnk.to/ge6QBpx or shrimp https://alnk.to/58q5o7A Redfish love these things. Rig grubs with thirty-pound fluorocarbon and a darker colored jig heads like red or gray should get the redfish to bite for you. Sometimes a light Carolina rig with a small piece of cut shrimp; for those stubborn fall/winter Redfish may help you get a bite.
Just a little inland in Southeast, NC runs the Cape Fear River and in the Cape Fear there is one of my favorite winter fisheries, the Striped Bass. These fish are not the easiest to catch, but they fight very well even in cold water. Working drop offs and grass lines on the edge of the river is where you can find the Stripers, using swim bait lures like Berkley Power Bait Cull shad https://alnk.to/h6GNDA8 These lures should put a few Cape Fear Stripers on your line. I rig these lures on swimbait hooks for weedless fishing, (lots of hangs in the river). I use TroKar TK170 and TK178 swimbait hooks, super sharp! Do not forget that the Cape Fear River Striped Bass Fishery is closed; catch and release only!
Tackle run down: PENN New Battle IV https://alnk.to/eZHlnEs and Slammer IV Spinning https://alnk.to/aWD5L7j reels in sizes 2000, 2500, 3000 & 3500. Low profile PENN Fathom 200 size https://alnk.to/dAmWQIH, if that is your game! Fishing for Redfish, Speckled trout, and Striped Bass Rods: Fenwick Inshore HMG 7’& 7’6” med/light (Speckled Trout) and medium action (Redfish & Striped Bass); line Spiderwire Ultra-cast in eight- or ten-pound test for Speckled trout fishing and ten and fifth-teen pound for Reds/Stripers. Tackle Storage I prefer Plano Guide Series *see here https://alnk.to/gKQItqB and Z-series https://alnk.to/9bu8in4 with EDGE https://alnk.to/eZH8FjA boxes inside.
*10% Off 2025 four- or five-hour Fishing Charter gift certificates, only a few left! Message me for details, and yes you can buy one for yourself!
Thanks for reading have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, a Happy New Year, and good winter fishing to you!
Capt. Jot Owens
www.captainjot.com
910-233-4139
Posted in Fishing Reports on December 3rd, 2024
PENN has been making fishing tackle a long time, since 1932 to be exact. In 1963 PENN came out with its first generation of spinning reels the Greenie series, then PENN added the 2nd generation the Z series of reels. A little later, the 3rd generation, SS series, came along and it was not too long after that PENN introduced the 4th generation: SSm & SSg series, then the 5th generation (V). After that came the 6th generation (VI), I helped with that series myself and very much enjoy using my Spinfisher VI today.
So, after sixty years of great spinning reels PENN is stepping it up again! Yes, you guessed it, the Spinfisher VII (7th) series of spinning reels! I know; why fix something that is not broken, it is more like taking what is good and making it better! PENN has really put together a versatile line of spinning reels. From the Speckled Trout and Redfish catching with the SSVII 2500 size to the SSVII 5500 Cobia catching size, to the 7500 Long cast Big Drum surf fishing, to the White Marlin kicking SSVII 10500, yes that is right a 10500-size reel with a max drag of fifty (50) pounds!
I know what you are thinking, but this series does not seem much different than the VI’s?? And you are correct, well kinda; but a few upgrades have been done. The first upgrade is now the 2500 to 5500 sizes also have CNC Brass main gears, before it was only in the 6500’s or larger sizes. I am a big fan of the 5500 size and use this size a lot for big Red drum, Tarpon and Cobia fishing. This is good news to hear from a fishing guides prospective. Why go to brass gears in the smaller series, stronger and they will stay smoother longer. Another upgrade is the Line clip design on the spool. The new design allows for nearly any size line to hold in it. From super thin braid to larger Fluorocarbon leaders, this design will hold them. Good news here is you will not have to lose those expensive Fluorocarbon leaders now. No more making a loop or cutting the leader off, it will now hold just fine in this new line clip design.
Here are some of the other great key features of the new Spinfisher VI series:
• Full metal body
• Sealed HT-100 Carbon fiber drag washers
• Superline Spool-No backing needed because of the rubber gasket keeps superline (braid) from slipping
• IPX5 Sealed body and Spool
• Six (5+1) Shielded stainless steel bearing system
• Line Capacity Rings
• Bail-Less in sizes 4500 and 6500
• Long Cast in sizes 5500, 6500 and 7500.
• Live Liner Feature available on sizes 2500, 4500, 6500 and 8500.
The PENN Spinfisher VII features IPX5 sealing so whether it gets hit with a wave, or you let it ride in the spray all the way home, you do not have to worry about saltwater getting into the gearbox or drag system. The HT-100 drag washers are housed in a fully sealed spool to give the stopping power needed for big saltwater fish. A Full Metal Body and side plate keep the CNC gear system in precise alignment under heavy loads.
I was honored to be on the test team for these new Spinfisher VII reels and I can truthfully tell you I was impressed with these reels right out of the box. They have a very clean, powerful, and traditional, yet a newer PENN look/design to them. The reels are smooth while turning the handle, but still have the power to crank in big fish! I caught loads of keeper size Speckled trout on the SSVII 2500, large Flounder, Redfish, and Striped Bass on the SSVII 3500 size. The drag system is super smooth even on the highest drag settings. I put some very high drag pressure on the larger Redfish (Bulls) I caught with the SSVII 4500, Cobia, sharks, and Tarpon on the SSVII 5500; with that said the drag kept its setting through the length of the fight and stayed smooth.
If you have enjoyed the Spinfisher series of the past or are ready to purchase a reel that will last a long time; take a good, look at the new Spinfisher VII series. I believe that this reel is going to turn quite a few heads in the fishing world, and you will be happy you have them in your arsenal of fishing tackle. I am especially happy about the CNC brass main gears in the smaller sizes going forward!
The new Spinfisher VII series will be hitting your favorite tackle shops this fall.
Check out PENN’s full line of great Rods, Reels and Accessories at www.PENNreels.com
Thanks for reading and if you have any questions about any PENN products just let me know.
Capt. Jot Owens
www.captainjot.com
PENN Let the Battle Begin!
Posted in Product Reviews on September 12th, 2023
PENN has been around a long time, since 1932 to be exact. In 1963 PENN came out with its first generation of spinning reels the Greenie series, then PENN added the 2nd generation the Z series of reels. A little later, the 3rd generation, SS series, came along and it was not too long after that PENN introduced the 4th generation: SSm & SSg series, then the 5th generation (V). I can tell you I have fished with three of the five series ever made and that they were some great spinning reels. My father and I still have and use some of them today.
So after fifty plus years of great spinning reels PENN is going to blow your mind again! Yes, you guessed it, the Spinfisher VI series of spinning reels! I know; why fix something that’s not broken, it is more like taking what is good and making it great! PENN has really put together one versatile line of spinning reels with the new Spinfisher VI series; lighter and tougher! From the Speckled Trout catching SSVI 2500 size to the SSVI5500 Cobia catching size, to the 7500 Long cast Big Drum surf fishing, to the White Marlin kicking SSV10500, yes that’s right a 10500 size reel with a max drag of fifty (50) pounds! SSVI 2500 to the big Dog SSVI 10500 and every size in between….
You asked what makes this line different from the older Spinfisher series? A lighter design, a lighter weight reel makes those longer days on the water more comfortable. Bigger max drag sittings, bigger fish; smaller reels and not to mention in a lighter reel too. And all reel sizes are IPX5 rated sealed.
Here are some of the other great key features of the new Spinfisher VI series:
• Full metal body
• Sealed HT-100 Carbon fiber drag washers
• Superline Spool-No backing needed because of the rubber gasket keeps superline (braid) from slipping
• IPX5 Sealed body and Spool
• Six (6) Shielded stainless steel bearing system
• Line Capacity Rings
• Bail-Less in sizes 4500 and 6500
• Long Cast in sizes 5500, 6500 and 7500.
• Live Liner Feature available on sizes 2500, 4500, 6500 and 8500.
For all sizes and stats: http://www.pennfishing.com/penn-reels-spinning-reels
The PENN Spinfisher VI features IPX5 sealing so whether it gets hit with a wave, or you let it ride in the spray all the way home, you don’t have to worry about saltwater getting in to the gearbox or drag system. The HT-100 drag washers are housed in a fully sealed spool to give the stopping power needed for big saltwater fish. A Full Metal Body and side plate keep the CNC system in precise alignment under heavy loads.
I was honored to be on the test team for these new Spinfisher VI reels and I can truthfully tell you I was impressed with these reels right out of the box. They have a very clean, powerful and traditional, yet a newer PENN look/design to them. The reels are smooth while turning the handle, but still have the power to crank in big fish! I caught loads of keeper Speckled trout on the SSVI 2500, large Flounder and Striped Bass on the SSVI 3500 size. The drag system is super smooth even on the highest drag settings. I put some very high drag pressure on the larger Redfish (Bulls) I caught with the SSVI 4500, Cobia and sharks on the SSVI 6500LL; with that said the drag kept its setting through the length of the fight and stayed smooth
If you enjoyed the Spinfisher series of the past or you’re ready to purchase a reel that will last a long time; take a good look at the new Spinfisher VI series. I believe that this reel is going to turn quite a few heads in the fishing world and you’ll be happy you have them in your arsenal of fishing tackle. I’m personally happy about the 2500 size; now there is a size reel for any Saltwater fishing situation!
Check out PENN’s full line of great Rods, Reels and Accessories at www.PENNreels.com
Thanks for reading and if you have any questions about any PENN products just let me know.
Capt. Jot Owens
http://www.captainjot.com
captainjot@captainjot.com
PENN Let the Battle Begin!
Posted in Product Reviews on July 20th, 2018
The PENN Slammer is back by popular demand, back as the Slammer III series! This Slammer III series is built for heavy-duty fishing from boat, shore, surf or kayak; however you fish hard core! Designed, tested and trusted by Charter and Fishing guides all over the world. The Slammer III reels feature the new IPX6 Sealed system which keeps water, salt and sand out of the gear box and drag system. PENN is also using the updated Slammer Drag System which now utilizes PENN’s proprietary Dura-Drag material. The same Dura-Drag material used in PENN Internationals; “Big Smooth Drag Systems”!
Here are some of the key features of the New Slammer III spinning reel series:
- Full Metal Body, side plate and rotor
- CNC Gear Technology; smooth out of the box and stays smooth under pressure.
- IPX6 Sealed body and spool design
- Sealed Slammer Drag system with Dura-Drag
- 6+1 Stainless Steel bearing system
- Super Line ready spool
- Line Capacity Rings
- Instant Anti-Reverse
- Techno-balanced body
- Slammer III comes in sizes 3500, 4500, 5500, 6500, 7500, 8500, 9500 & 10500
- Drag ranges of thirty (30) pounds 3500 size reel and Sixty (60) pounds 10500 size reel (Max drag)
You may notice the larger gold handle in the photos of the new Slammer III reels. I was on the test and design team for these reels for the last two years. Yes I was wondering the same thing out of the box; “boy that handle looks odd, how’s it going to feel and fish?” To my surprise it feels and works great. It’s easier on your hands and fingers, makes it easier to hold the rod and not have the reel walk back and forth in your hands. Also when reeling in fast or working a lure fast it’s easier to keep the speed constant with the easy control of the larger handle. All models of the Slammer III reels come with the metal gold handle knob and an EVA foam knob as well in the box. You can choose whatever you like to fish with!
As a guide on the design and test team for the Slammer III I’ve been very impressed with the lasting smoothness and strength of this series of reels. I’ve had them for just over a year & a half and they are still just as smooth as they were out of the box! On my 3500 test size I’ve cuaght hundreds of deep water Flounders of one to six pounds with countless by-catch sharks, sea bass and grunts. We also landed five Cobia over fifty pounds on the 3500 size Slammer III test reel! I’ll definitely have a set of these reels for next year’s fishing season, for sure! The Slammer III series should be in your favorite Tackle shops mid-November; Showing up Now!
f you have any questions of the PENN Slammer III series or any other PENN product please let me know or check out www.pennfishing.com
Thanks for reading and good fishing to you!
Capt. Jot Owens
Posted in Product Reviews on November 15th, 2016
