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TUESDAY10-31-06
   The weather threw everyone a curve last weekend, but, the recovery has been fast!!! The king mackeral are biting real good at areas like the Shark Hole, 18 mile Rock, 15 Mile Rock. Cigar minnows seem to be their preferred bait of choice at this time. Frozen are working good, but, jig up some live ones and these are working GREAT!!!! Offshore the bite for grouper, kings, amberjacks, various types bottom fish is doing good,and there is still the possibility of hooking up with a Mahi-Mahi. The Gulfstream is producing some Wahoo, although, you may have work a little harder than usual to find some, but, find them and you will be very busy!!!  If the weather stays like this, look for the fishing to just get better!!!

SUNDAY10-29-06
  The high winds have dirtied up the inshore waters and it's too rough to get offshore. As soon as things settle back down we will have some more fishing reports!!! Mother Nature is boss, and all we can do is wait her out. To be continued--------------- FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch and  "Private Bodie".....

In the "GUESTBOOK" Steve asked the question::
Our question is this - when you are bottom fishing what baits do you use and how are they rigged?  Also, do you use wire or rather how do you keep from getting cutoff by the toothy critters that are encountered offshore?
 
OK, as for the wire, no, we just get bit off from time to time and just retie when we do.
 
Now, as for the other question on bottom fishing, wow, I could write several pages on this one!! I will try to get you started!!
 
We tie a double dropper bottom rig in the line, we use 50 lb. line, this works better than light line, using 4/0 circle hooks and either 8 ounce or 16 ounce weights on the bottom depending how hard the current is running and how deep. Use the lightest weight you can get by with.
 
Grouper fishing we use a "modified" carolina rig or a 3 way swivel set up. I don't exactly know how to explain these rigs in writing.
 
As for bait, squid and cutbait is good for bottom fish. Live bait usually better for grouper, Pinfish, Pogys, Cigar Minnows, etc. The trick to grouper fishing is not so much the bait as anchoring on the structure!! Not close to it but on top of it!!!
 
If you can get away, I will be doing Seminars on bottom fishing at both the Raleigh and Greensboro Saltwater Shows in January. I also do them for BOATERS WORLD in Wilmington. And, on February 3rd I will be at Brunswick Community College with SALTWATER SPORTSMAN MAGAZINE SEMINAR SERIES covering bottom fishing. I tell you about these not trying to put you off!! At these sessions you can learn in one day what it could take you years otherwise.
 
Hope I helped some, I know I most likely didn't, but, that's a hard question to answer in writing. Things such as this is better shown!!!
FISH ON!!!
Capt Butch

FRIDAY10-27-06
  As the old saying goes, "what a difference a day can make". Today we were with Joel, Brent, Bruce, and Aaron Somero along with them was good friend David Samuelson. We were supposed to do a full day trip today and I was going to cancel, but, the guys wanted to fish some, so, I advised them that it was not supposed to get bad until later that day and we could stay close in and do some fishing. I let them know the outlook wasn't too good with the weather we had to work with, but, everyone wanted to do what we could.
 
  The strong front that was approaching had definately messed with the fishes minds and equilibreum. The bite we had the day before had been blown away with the winds that had roughed up the water from the day before that was flat calm to a good 2 foot chop this morning.
 
OK, we are going to try it until the swells get to 3 feet, then we are out'ta here I said. Everyone agreed. Suprisingly, we were able to fish longer than I figured we would. But, the bite was definately slowed way down by the low pressure. We caught a big lizard fish, and we promptly deployed it on a downrigger at 25 feet. We had not trolled too far when something big tried to tear the rigger off the boat. It stayed deep like a tuna would do. Brent was the man on the rod but it didn't last too long, the fish proved to be just too much for the 20 pound class king mackeral tackle we had him on!!! We will never know for sure what it was, but, we do know it was "BIG" and "HEAVY".
 
By this time the seas were cranking up and we moved back inshore to a live bottom area, here, we also found the fish to be a little lethargic. After moving up and down the live bottom that is a ledge that runs to the east, I finally found a few fish.
 
We were catching some Black Bass that would have been keepers just a week ago, but were now a 1/4 inch short of the new size limit, along with those we were catching a few bluefish, some sharks, Aaron caught a real nice flounder,(of which I forgot to get a picture), maybe they will email me one!! But, again Brent was the "rod man" when the big red drum hit. We all thought it was a big shark since we had caught several but when it came to the top it was a 60 inch red drum, which I estimated at 45+ pounds, we did get that picture, since it was too big to keep!!
 
Guys, we did the best we could today with the weather we had to work with and had to call it quits around lunch time. The seas didn't want to cooperate past mid day, maybe we will have better weather next time, don't think it will be any worse, unless there is a hurricane!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, what was my final score for the "swan dive" I did off the transom!!!!

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THURSDAY10-26-06
 Today "Private Bodie" and I were in the great company of some local fishermen and fisherwomen. We had with us today Kim Ann Russ, that's right, the Kim Ann Russ from Southport reality, with her we had the "birthday girl" Jane Astoske, who told her age but I don't think she looked a day over 20, with those  girls were Kai Nielsen, and Kid Caison.
 
  We started off on a King Mackeral mission and found some at the Shark Hole and Coral Bottoms. The bite was not on "fire", but, it was steady most of the morning. As with all fishing, some of the fishermen had put together the right combination of colors along with the preferred trolling speed, you know, all the "right little things" that make the difference, while others were just "picking" at them. We would have limited out if we could have kept all that hit on the hook. But for various reasons, several were "quick released" to fight again another day.
 
We got all we wanted by lunch time and we went bottom fishing. The bottom fishing was a little tougher. The new size limits that went into effect this past Monday has made keeper size fish a little tougher to come by. But, we kept moving and moving until we found a school of fish that were keeper sized and wanted to bite.
 
We were catching Triggerfish, Spanish Mackeral, yeah, Spanish Mackeral on bottom rigs, I would say there were several where we were at, Black Bass, and of coarse, we were catching some sharks. But, I must say that the fun really began when a big school of Bluefish moved in. They were catching them two at a time as fast as they could drop down, and quite a few were good size fish.
 
Kim, Jane, Kai, and Kid I hope we met and passed your expectations of  what you expected on a fishing trip!!!, I know that Bodie and I enjoyed fishing with y'all!!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!.

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WEDNESDAY10-25-06
  This is a call for all fishermen and fisherwomen!!! "Private Bodie" the fish dog and I need your help!!! The fish, all types of fish, inshore fish, offshore fish, all kinds of fish are on the attack here in Southport,NC. Grab your rods and reels and come help us catch these fish, IT IS TIME TO FILL YOUR FREEZOR FOR WINTER, NOW!!!!

 
 
TUESDAY10-24-06
I am thinking that someone e-mailed me about some numbers to the 390/390, etc. or something like that. Please, if I didn't answer you, Please e-mail me again, I am thinking it got deleted by accident

TUESDAY10-24-06
 All I can say is that until all these fronts cool the water down too much, the fish are biting. Right now, it seems like everything is biting somewhere. Too many fish, Too little time!!!!
 
INSIDE: Redfish, Speckled Trout fishing is real good, especially the Red Drum!! Also, the spot bite in the river at Southport and Lockwood Folly is cranking up!!
 
INSHORE: Blues, Whiting, Flounder, Spots are starting to make some strong runs. Between the inshore and offshore, areas like 15 mile rock 18 mile rock, shark hole, this is where  some of the king mackeral have moved to. However, with the bait making it back to the beached and the spots starting to run, look for some to make it back to the beaches to feed on these. On the way out to these spots, look for big schools of spanish mackeral and blues that are popping up on top. Grouper bite is good now in these areas.
 
OFFSHORE: There have been some Black Fin Tunas spotted  and caught around areas like the Horse shoe's 1 & 2. Some king mackeral are also in these areas also as are some Mahi-Mahi still hanging around. I caught a Mahi- Mahi last Saturday at 18 mile rock, and Capt Chuck Gambino on the "FISHBUSTER" caught a Sailfish around 70 lbs. last Saturday around the 15 mile rock area.
 
GULFSTREAM: I have not been or heard from there, but would expect it to be doing well with Wahoo's and it is time for the Yellowfin Tunas as well.
 
  Weather permitting, I will be fishing sometime this week. Have had to cancel all my trips so far this week. Hoping that I will be able to get Thursday, Friday, and Saturday's trips in, not looking to promising at this point, but, it is that time of year.
 
Also, remember, we have had some regulation changes that went into effect on the 23rd of this month:  SNOWY GROUPER: Possession limit to one per person in the 5 grouper per person per day aggregate recreational bag.
 
Golden Tilefish: Same as above, 1 per person in the grouper limit.
 
VERMILLION SNAPPER (B-LINER): Size limit increased from 11 inches to 12 inch total length.
 
BLACK SEA BASS: Size limit increased from 10 inches to 11 inches total length and to 12 inches next year, and bag limit reduced to 15 fish per person.
 
RED PORGY (PINKIE) Increase the bag limit from 1 to 3 per person per day.
 
  I have compiled the above fishing report for you to help you decide what to do this weekend if the weather will cooperate!! Worse case scenerio, you can always go spot fishing on the piers, it really is fun, and although they are not one of my favorite fish to eat, they're not too bad!! Hope this wil help!!! FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and (soon to be promoted )"Private Bodie" the fish dog, say HI!!!!.

SATURDAY10-21-06
   I cancelled Fridays trip due to the winds, but, Saturdays forecast was for 10 to 15 out of the NE with 2 to 3 foot seas. Well, lets see, 10 to 15 if you add those together, that's 25, throw in an occasional 30 knott gust, OK, that's pretty close. Now, let's see 2 to 3 foot seas, if you add those together you get 5, throw in an occasional 7 to 8 footer, yeah, that's pretty close too!!!
 
   OK, that's enough picking at the weather forecast, we are all only humans, and we all do and will make mistakes as long as we live here on earth. So, we had to make the best of what weather we had to work with.
 
  We decided to go fishing because  the forecasted NE winds at 10 to 15 would have the beach laid down and we were looking for some kings, grouper, and bottom fish, which are all now in reach closer to the beach. We had another group of fishing guys from Fayetteville, NC. These were Troy Ham, Marquail Flemings, Mark Flemings, Kerwin Steele, and Vic Impemva.
 
  As we reached our first destination, the Shark Hole, we were greeted with high winds and high seas. We and the weather made it there at about the same time. We were there and was going to have go back in a 5 to 7 foot head sea, so we decided to make the best of it and it might possibly lay down some later that evening, Wrong!!! Hey, it's the weekend, isin't it supposed to blow on the weekends?
 
   We started off bottomfishing and light lining. The current was running strong, real strong, this made it hard to grouper fish and bottomfish, but, we managed to put some fish in the boat. Troy Ham caught his first grouper ever, even though it was too small to keep, he said that's fine, I have always wanted to catch a grouper. Don't ask him about the other three he hooked up with and liked to took the rod out of his hands before they broke off!!
 
   Also, while bottom fishing, a small school of Mahi-Mahi came by the bost, I grabbed a spinning reel baited with a cigar minnow and pitched it to them. They would look at it and turn away. I pitched it back out and as they run up to it and started to turn away, I reeled it as fast as I could and that was more than they could stand. One of them charged the bait and hit it in a mad rage. We left it in the water, but, after a bit, we never seen the rest of them again.
 
   Marquail was the rod man on the dolphin, this guy handled the rod that was loaded with light line like a pro. He and the mahi-mahi went head to toe for several rounds back and forth and on both sides of the boat, later, I was very impressed that this was his first time fishing in the ocean on a boat. You couldn't tell it by the way he handled that Mahi-Mahi!!! I will have to say that I believe he is a great fisherman headed for many more great days on the hi seas!!!
 
   The kings were biting today, as we heard from other boats on the radio. They were not "on fire" by no means, but they were catching some. We never got the first king mackeral bite on our lite line, we did get several sharks on it though!! The King we caught was on a Drone spoon we pulled as we moved to different spots to fish, too rough to run fast, so we fished while we were moving!!! The bottom bite and lite lineing included today, Black Bass, Grouper, Bluefish, Flounder, Grey Snapper, Mahi-Mahi, King Mackeral, Sharks, eel's, Ringtails, Pinfish, and Lizardfish.
 
   All in all, we had a great day on the water fishing. The weather was not like what we would have preferred, but, you have to sometimes make the best out of what you have, and today we did just that. We caught fish, exchanged some fish tails, talked about past fishing trips, told some jokes, had a lot of laughs, got some lines broke, had some fish get off, put some fish in the boat, and just had another great day of fishing with some more of our customers that have become our friends through fishing!!!!!! Now, can you improve on that, I don't think so!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch Foster and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, WOW!!!! those were some big waves!!!!!

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FRIDAY10-20-06
 The king mackeral bite has moved a little off the beach, but, some can still be caught in the areas of lighthouse rocks and the reefs. The best bite has been in the areas around the 18 mile rock, 15 mile rock, sharkhole, etc; The grouper have also moved into these king mackeral hotspots. They come in closer to shore this time of year, and they are here!! Try live bait or frozen cigar minnows on the kings, live bait is usually better for the grouper, however, that is not written in stone!! The black bass will and are also moving in closer this time of year. The same areas as for the kings and grouper should hold some schools of black bass very soon!! Closer to the beach, there have been some pompano, whiting, flounder, red drum and black drum caught. The grey trout should be here as should be the spots, but I haven't heard much out of those lately. Also, the spots should make their fall run soon!! The strong SW winds we have been having will have the water dirtied up, but, it should clear up fast. On the inside creeks and such, the Red Drum and Black Drum bite has been on fire. live mullet minnows and the berkly gulp baits are doing very well!! The Gulfstream has been a little slow, there are some Wahoo's and Sailfish reported from there, but that's been about it for now. The Yellowfin Tuna's should show up any time and when they do, that's where you can find me, around the 100/400 or the Black Jack Hole!!  Tomorrows weather looks pretty good, maybe we can go fishing again!! Till next time, FISH ON!! Capt Butch  and "Private Bodie" the fish dog, says HI!!!!.

TUESDAY10-17-06
  I have taken a few days off to get some much needed repairs done on the "YEAH RIGHT" and to start getting ready for the up coming Bluefin Tuna season!! We are also starting to prepare for the Greensboro and Raleigh Saltwater Shows, and we are trying to get our loose ends tied up so I will be ready to go when the SALTWATER SPORTSMAN SEMINAR SERIES comes to the east coast, I was asked by George Poveromo himself to join up with them this year and I accepted his offer!! Two days from now, on Thursday, I will be doing a fishing trip and shoot a video for AMERICAS OUTDOORSMAN. We may do King Mackeral or bottom fish, and we may do two shoots, one on each one!!
 
  I have gathered a fishing report in the middle of all this for you so it will help you plan your next outing. I didn't include the "inside" report, but, I was told today that the Speckled Trout and Red Fish were biting like bulldogs and a lot of the Red Fish are big enough to fit into the required slot limit to make them legal size. That means some "Blackened Redfish" for dinner!!!! Even a few flounder are mixed in as are Black Drum also!! If you would like to go catch some Red Fish and Black Drum and flounder on the "inside" give Capt. Marty Wright a call at (910) 200-7801. He operates "WRIGHT OF PASSAGE" charters and you will get the same type of quality customer service you have grown to expect from "YEAH RIGHT CHARTERS".
 
Here's the report::
 
King Mackeral fishing is still good to great. They have moved out a little, but, areas like Shark Hole, Jungle, 390/390, 18 Mile Rock, etc; there seems to be quite a few still here, and some are big ones!!  Live bait is getting harder to obtain with them going deeper and getting more scattered. Look more for "mud balls" now than "flips" on top. Grouper fishing has picked up with the fish moving closer now to the beach. Try the above areas with live bait, you may get a big suprise!!! The black bass are also moving in closer now, find a good school and expect the action to be fast and furious!! Offshore, the bottom fish are willing to bite as they always do in the cooler months. Winter is some of the best bottom fishing to be had offshore here in Southport,NC. with the usual being vermillion snappers, grouper, triggerfish, porgies, silver snappers, grey snappers, and various other species. The false albacore should be here very soon and Bluefin Tuna fishing is just a few weeks away!!  Wahoo are reported in the Gulfstream, WHERE ARE THE YELLOWFIN'S????  Inshore reefs are producing some grey trout and red fish along with some bluefish. Spots should arrive in big numbers anytime now, but, a few are being caught now!!! Inside the Red Drum and Black Drum are biting real good!!Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and "Private Bodie' the fish dog says HI!!!!.

SATURDAY10-14-06
 A question was asked in the "Guestbook" of what size fish won the US OPEN KING MACKERAL TOURNAMENT and how much they won? The winning fish was 39.30 and they won over $39,000.
 
 

  We had a trip today with the guys from Fayetteville, NC. They are regular fishermen on the YEAH RIGHT, but, today the weatherman and mother nature could not agree on things, and as usual, mother nature won again, as always.
 
  The King Mackeral's were biting all around us, but, we were wanting bottomfish, and not being able to get offshore made that task rather difficult, but, we did find some black bass and some sharks. The bite was slow, with a lot of juvenile fish in the mix, but we fished as long as we needed, to make sure everyone had a good amount of fish to show for their efforts.
 
  It was a tough weather day and a tough fishing day, but everyone worked together and we kept moving till we found what we were looking for, as James says, "GET THE HOT SAUCE"!!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch & "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, HI!!!.
 
Here is a report of what's happening now!!!
 
    The King Mackeral are biting at the old sea bouy and the Cape Fear river channel, best bait here is live pogys. Cigar Minnows are doing good on the kings around the 18 muile rock area. A sail fish was caught and released at the 18 mile rock by Bayne and Becky Hobbs on the boat "Bubble Gum" this past weekend, The trout and drum bite has been hit and miss on the inshore reefs. Expect this to improve as the water cools a little more. Spots, well, it's "spotty"!! I talked to several "spot fishermen" and got mixed reports as to some being caught to a lot being caught and some wanting to know where they were. I guess you got to find the right "Spot" now at the right time!! This will improve as well very soon!! There are lots of Bluefish in the area now and the Spanish Mackeral are scattered, but, run into a school and you can catch them. Best place for them lately seems to be around AR-440. The grouper are moving in closer to shore now as they do this time of year. The bottom bite offshore is real good, actually, some of our best bottom fishing occurs in the winter months offshore. Haven't heard from the gulfstream, but the Yellowfin Tuna bite should be anytime now!!  FISH ON!! Capt Butch & Bodie.

FRIDAY 10-13-06
   Today we went in pursuit of Flounder and trout but they were not aware of it, or, maybe they were!! I went to several spots and we were met by some nice size bluefish, but, no flounder or trout. The King Mackeral bite was happening around the "old sea bouy" and the river channel. From the radio talk, it was doing well!!! Even a friend of mine, Bayne Hobbs on the boat "Bubble Gum" reported that he had just boated a Sail Fish, got pictures and released it to fight again another day!!!
 
  Now, it was  hard to keep fishing for these but, Bill Young, Gwenn Young, David Haney, and Jeannette Haney, from VA, and MD did not want any King Mackeral, so, we kept looking for some trout and flounder. Every where we went it was either Bluefish, trash fish, or nothing at all!!
 
  I had another place I needed to check.  It always has something on it, it may not have trout and flounder, it has in the past, but if not it will have something on it, and today was no exception. It was loaded with black sea bass and a few sharks. We decided to get a mess of these since the other fish were playing hard to find. I put 4 hooks on Jeannette's line and she even caught 4 at a time. There were a lot of small fish (9 1/2") but there were quite a few good keepers here also. We even caught a gag grouper that was too short also.
 
   I had a time finding fish today, but, again determination and the desire to not give up pays off again. No, we didn't get any trout or flounder, but, when the cold winter winds are blowing up in Virginia and Maryland, and you curl up by the fire place with a bowl of "Fish and cheese soup" (found on the recipe page on this site) trout and flounder will then be the last thing on your mind!!!  Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says,thanks David for the ginger snaps, they were real good!!!
 

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THURSDAY10-12-06
  I am sitting here at this "tireless tube" instead of fishing today. We were going to go, but, the 15 to 20 knott SW winds had other ideas. Yesterday was a pretty day and to recap a little of what is happening when you can get out will follow.
 
  We are getting back closer to that time of year when you need to be able to drop what you are doing and be able to go fishing at a moments notice, such as yesterday!!
 
  The king mackeral bite was good on cigar minnows at the 18 mile rock yesterday as was a report from Capt. Ron Farnsworth on the "Shes Slick" that the Spanish Mackeral were on the AR-440 everywhere and they were hungry and were biting 00 Clarke Spoons. I know he is telling the truth, he and Admiral Helen are bringing some to the house tonight for dinner.
 
  Capt. "Dickie", on the "Get Reel" had a good day yesterday on the bottom fish SW of the Tower. He was fishing with my todays charter, in which we were headed out for a day of flounder fishing, but, the winds said other wise!! All of us had to cancel todays trips!!
 
  This front is supposed to pass through this evening and tonight. It is going to feel more like winter than fall, but, after things settle down, I look for the great Fall fishing that we have down here to get into high gear. This cold front should "fire off" the spot run and get the kings to "chewing" everything in sight!!! You can also look for the grey trout and Red Drum fishing to improve on the inshore reefs. There have already been some grey trout being caught on the reefs along with some "BIG" Red Drum hooked up and caught.
 
  While I am here, I would like to take a moment and again thank all of you that have either signed, left a comment, or asked a question on our "Guestbook" section. This helps us to know that you enjoy and like what we do. I am working hard at being your "one stop" on the web that will keep you informed as to what is biting when and where here in Southport,NC. It is a lot of work to keep all this up and keep a boat up and run charters too, and the only reason that I can physically and mentally do this is because it is a "Labor of love" for my fishermen and fisherwomen family!!!! So y'all enjoy this site, it is here exclusively for all of you to enjoy, and THANK YOU again for letting me know how you like it in the "Guestbook Section"!!!!
 
  We are going to try it again tomorrow, if we get out,You can find out what happened right here!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, dang wind, I wanted to go fishin'!!!.

In the "GUESTBOOK" Tyler asked about stopping an anchor from dragging. First, THANKS for visiting our site and for asking your question!! You didn't say what size boat or anchor you are using, but the system I use will hold a big boat (45 ft.+) or so and will allow you to anchor right the first time.  
 When the current is running that strong, it is usually to strong to bottom fish anyway.This used to happen to me as well, sometimes I would go to all the trouble to get anchored up then the anchor would "drag" through my grouper hole, a fluke style anchor was the worst for me to do this, and this will spook everything. To stop this, I now use 50 feet of 5/16 chain and a 22 pound Plow Anchor. 300 feet of rope will be enough rope in most cases, however, I keep twice that much on my boat, (just in case). I strongly reccommend, unless you look like "HULK HOGAN" to incorporate a windlass with this chain and anchor set up, or in a few weeks, you will look like "HULK HOGAN"!!!! Hope this helps, I know this in most cases is "overkill" but in my business, I can't use an anchor that drags!!! When  this rig hits the bottom, the boat is anchored. If you go to this, be sure to hook up the chain to the back of the anchor and tie the chain to the front where it will break loose and pull the anchor out backwards if it gets "hung up"

SUNDAY10-8-06
  Todays weather was predicted to be NE 10 to 15. Well, it wasn't. We went to try to get some more kings and when we got back to the old sea bouy area the winds picked up to 20 to 30 out of the SW and the bite was non-existant except for a couple of sharks, one was an Atlantic sharpnose and the other was a hammer head.
 
  Gave that up after a couple of hours and moved to some rocks that were loaded with fish. Here we hooked up with some big fish several times that broke our 50 lb. test line. We caught a lot of small fish, a few black bass, and a few more sharks. The fish that broke the lines, some acted like sharks and some of the others acted like some big red drum.
 
  It is time for the big red fish to be here, so, I am fairly sure that a few were red drum, this is the time of year for the big boys to get on the rocks and reefs just off the beach. It was a very tough day, but, we had fun and managed a few fish for the frying pan!! Till next time FISH ON, Capt Butch & Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, man, that jerky hit the spot!!!

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SATURDAY10-7-06
   This was a "wild weekend" with the US OPEN KING MACKERAL TOURNAMENT and trying to figure if the weather was going to be as reported or not, and it was not. We had beautiful weather to fish the tournament, only thing, to get that beautiful weather meant the passing of a cold front and the awesome king mackeral bite that was going on on Thursday was slowed way down by the full moon and the front that went through.
 
  Now, it didn't shut it off completely, but, it was slow for most and some didn't get a bite. Capt Chris came home this weekend to fish with me and Andy Smith of Charlotte,NC.
 
  Our day started off capturing live pogys at 58th Street and then we headed to the old sea bouy, just like everyone else, because the day before the bite there had been awesome!!! We found it to be slow,  Around mid day we checked out WOFES and the rocks off Lockwood just to see, we found nothing, so we went back to the bouy.We ended that day with a "teenager" and one 22.40 and another 24.10. when we weighed in we were in 13 place. The next day we had trouble getting bait and Ricky Holden saved the day for us again by floating us a bucket full. We went back to the old sea bouy and we found the bite to be REAL slow today for us. We caught one around 15 lbs. and a little later one "crashed" a double pogy rig in the prop wash. Everyone that King fishes knows that this bait is a "Big Fish Bait".
 
   This fish tried to leave the country!! Now I know that my "fish tale" is like many others, but this one did happen to us today!!!
This was a heavy fish, it made a couple of long runs and Andy was working him slowly and gently to the boat. We were getting anxious, we had half the leader on the reel. We run about 50 feet of Trilene XT to help prevent the "tailing" of a big king mackeral, and it does a great job!!! But, when the line goes limp and you pull back in two hooks and you only had a slight bend in a live bait rod it means only one thing, today was not your day. Capt Chris and I have come so close so many times, we are past due!!!
 
   Now, we know it could have been a big shark, but it sure acted more like a big king. We never saw it, so, we will never know. We do know this, whichever it was, it will be bigger next time!!!
 
  Congratulations to those that placed and a special congrats goes to good friends Bill Sears and his wife Barbara for taking 2nd place, WAY TO GO BILL & BARBARA!!!!!
 
  Andy, Capt Chris and I could have not had a better team mate for this tournament, you were great and you handled the rods like the professional fisherman that you are, we will get him to the boat next year!!!! FISH ON!!! Capt Butch & Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, don't forget the treats!!!

This is Andy Smith with his daughter Madison, holding the King Mackeral we boated the second day of the tournament

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THURSDAY10-5-06
 THE KINGS AND BAIT ARE ON THE BEACH, THE BITE HAS BEEN AWESOME, INCLUDING SOME "BIG" SMOKERS 40+ LBS

WED.10-4-06
   The fish are biting but I have taken this week off to get ready for Thurs, Fri, and Sat. This week is the week of the U.S.OPEN KING MACKERAL TOURNAMENT!!!!
 
   Here is the fishing reports that I have at this time, this is the one that I sent to all the newspapers and magazines that I report to weekly, when I can't go get it first hand,these come from very reliable sources!!!Let's go fishing!!!!FISH ON!! Capt Butch.
 
The fall fishing is upon us. The problem with making a fishing report
> now is trying to decide where to start!!! I'll do my best!!
>  
> INSHORE: The spots made a little run a few weeks ago, just enough to
> get a spot fishermans adrenlin flowing then they seem to have stopped
> or slowed down a lot. Rest assured, the "BIG RUN" is just around the
> corner!!! Whiting, Spanish Mackeral, Grey Trout, Speckled Trout, Red
> Drum, Bluefish, Some Black bass, Flounder, King Mackeral, all these
> are biting inshore now!! As the water cools, the trout, Black
> Bass, and Red Drum fishing will get even better.
>  
> OFFSHORE: The bottom bite is good with Vermillion Snapper, Grey
> Snapper, Grouper,, Amberjacks, Triggerfish. The KIng Mackeral are in
> the South 40 area and to the west, they have been biting in the Jungle
> area. Bait (pogys) are starting their fall tricks of "Here comes a
> boat, RUN"!!! They are getting hard to catch and scattered and real
> spooky as they do this time of year.
>  
> GULFSTREAM: The word from the stream is a few Wahoo with a King
> Mackeral mixed in once in a while, as well as a few Blackfin Tunas.
> The Yellowfin Tuna should show up anytime, I hope!!!

SUNDAY 10-1-06
  Can you believe it!!! October is already here. And this month means great fishing along the Southport, NC beaches, and today was no exception.
 
  We left South Harbour Marina with Willie Spivey and his son Alex, along with Brandon King, James McNeill, Alvin Chriscoe, and  Gene Turner from Asheboro, NC.
 
   We decided since the King Mackeral bite had been so hot the day before that we would just go out and load up on those and then go bottom fishing. Let's see, isin't there some kind of saying  about counting chicken before the eggs hatch or something like that,well, it should pertain to fish eggs. Every one was finding that the King bite from the day before had vanished. There were some being caught but pale in comparison to Saturday.
 
  We started at the Shark Hole, the bite there was slow, I did see one boat hook up with a fish, don't know what it was, it pulled the hooks before they could ever see it. There was very little bait there. Left there and went to the 18 mile rock, same scenerio, 22 mile rock, same thing. I decided to head to the Gary Ennis, on the way out, we decided since the King fishing was so slow we would try bottom fishing.
 
   First stop the Vermillion Snappers were biting like bulldogs. The guys were pulling in 2 to 4 pounders as fast as they could get to the bottom. Next thing we knew, we started getting only the heads in. Sharks and 'Cudas moved in and took over, And just as I would have done, the Snappers left!!! We moved to several more places only to find the bottom fishing to be slow also. I went to place to place in my search and marked plenty of fish but they were reluctant to bite.
 
   We decided to call it and head in. As I was cruising back towards the Cape Fear, I told Willie I got one more place I want to check. I haven't fished it in a couple of years, it has always been my "Ace in the hole" so to speak. I altered course about 30 degrees and set out for my "hot spot".
 
   Upon arriving, The fish were there, now will they bite, or be like the other spots. It has been a good while since I got my fishermen into Black Bass that were biting like these were. Two at a time as fast as you could drop and crank them up!!! It was no time until we had a five person limit of Bass in the boat and these were the big ones. There is no telling how many smaller ones we threw back. Not only that, the guys pulled two nice Flounder off the spot and limited out on Atlantic Sharp Nose  Sharks at the same time.
 
  I must say, I tryuly thought that today was going to be one of those days that I was going to be ashamed to report on as far as the catching is concerned, but again, perserverance and the drive to not give up paid off once again.
 
  Oh yeah, Alex, who is 8 years old, well, I won't tell you put right about all the big fish and big sharks he caught, but, I would like too tell him to be sure he doesn't spend all those guys money at one place. He did so good, I even paid him also because I was on the boat!!!!
 
   Willie, It has been a while. Seeing you again brought back memories of the old Striper fishing days on Badin Lake. Thinking back makes me realize how fast time on this earth is slipping by. Hope to see all of  you again soon!! Hope everyone had 1/2 as much fun as we did!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, don't forget the dog treats!!! 

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SATURDAY 9-30-06
   We went fishing again today with Dave Gorsline, Bobby Williams, and Jeff Noyes. Even though the King Mackeral are biting very well on the beach, we wanted some Grouper and bottom fish for the freezor.
 
  The passing low pressure and the high that built in fast afterwards had the fish a little disorentiated, but we kept on looking until we finally found a "rock" that had some fish that wanted to bite.
 
   Now that may not be why everywhere we went we had trouble catching anything but tomtotes and ringtails, but that's the best excuse I can come up with on such short notice. But, I didn't give up and perserverance finally paid off with a nice catch of Red Groupers, Black Bass, Grey Snapper, Sharks, Silver Snapper,Triggerfish, and a few B-Liners.
 
   We finally had a beautiful day to go fishing. Dave and his gang have had a bad run of nasty weather everytime we wanted to go fishing in the past, but this time he hit it perfect, light winds and calm seas. We all had a great time and caught a bunch of fish. Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch Foster and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, Capt Chris we love you and miss you very much, and I will second that one!!!!

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THURSDAY 9-28-06
  Today we went on a bottom fishing trip with Ronald Grubb, Jerry Lester, and Crystal Holloway from West End, NC. We started on the Raritan wreck in hopes of getting an AJ. They were there but would just look at the live pogys we had and then turn away, guess they were not in the mood.
 
  We hit several Grouper rocks with fish on them but they didn't want to bite, so I moved to fishing ledges and this was the ticket. On the first one, Crystal hauled up a nice Red Grouper and as we worked up and down the ledge, they were putting  Silver Snapper, Black Bass, Vermillion Snapper, Grey Snapper, Trigger fish, and even got an Amoco Jack and an Amberjack.We all had a good time and even caught some fish too!!!
 
   In other news, The King Mackeral and Spanish Mackeral have finally invaded the beach. As I was heading out this morning, I heard Capt John (QB)of the boat SEAWITCH, and Capt Chris on the boat LIQUID ASSET report they had put some nice King Mackerals in the boat off Yaupon Reef and that they were "skying" all around along with Spanish Mackeral jumping every where. So, it sounds as though the "FALL BITE IS GOING DOWN NOW ON THE BEACH"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
 
  Weather looks good for this weekend at this time,(but,it can change) so come on down and catch some Kings and Spanish!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch Foster and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!.

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TUESDAY 9-26-06
  Today we had a late evening trip with the gals from COASTAL LIVING MAGAZINE, they were Jean Allsopp, Elizabeth Beeler,Kay Fuston, and Keri Payne. We started off Spanish Mackeral fishing after Capt Buster on the SEA HAWK III gave us some #'s where he had caught some Spanish and Blues earlier today.
 
  It was obvious that a bite had been there earlier. Birds were sitting all over the water and the bait had gone back down deep, not on top as they are when the fish are feeding in them. We caught a few, about a dozen Spanish Mackeral and a few Blue fish and I overheard one of the girls say lets catch something big. With this in mind and some blues and Spanish for bait we set out for some sharks.
 
   With the girls having plans for the evening, I didn't have a lot of time to work with, so, we rigged up a 50 lb. class outfit and went to an area that is known to hold sharks. From this point on it went from fishing to catching!!!  Elizabeth,Kay, and Keri all caught a 30 to 40 lb.+ Sandtiger shark then it was Jean's turn. A little apprehensive about catching a shark, it didn't take long after the bite until she was fully involved and determined to land the  big Black Tip shark see had hooked up with. We finally brought it into the boat and it was just an inch short of being the legal size of 54 inches, all the sharks were released to fight again another day.
 
  Now, these girls are going to e-mail me some pictures to put with this report. I was so busy helping get the fish into the boat I didn't have time to get any pictures, however, I did get some video of Jean fighting her big shark and hope to have it on the CD we show at the fishing shows!!
 
  It was a pleasure and an honor having you lady's on board today and fishing with us!! We hope to see you again soon!!! Till then FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch Foster and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, "come on back and get another big shark, I KNOW I can whip one, I'll show you next time"!!!

MONDAY 9-25-06
  The word of the day lately has been "Cancelled for winds" and that continues today. Tomorrow we have a 1/2 day and with a N wind, we will be able to get this one done. Will let you know what we do, don't know what they want to fish for yet, maybe kings, maybe trout, maybe spanish, what ever we do, I'll let you know right here. Also, the spots are starting to show up!!!

SATURDAY  9-23-06
  Winds blowing the seas up to 5 feet plus today, so, we cancelled todays trip offshore. Tomorrow doesn't look much better at this time, but, it can change fast, if we go you will know right here!!!
 
GEORGE, The "slabs" you refer to are skate wings, there is a recipe for these on the "recipe page" on my web site, and, they are REAL GOOD. If you like scallops, you will like this!!!
 
  RICK, My opinion that the inshore King Mackeral bite has been delayed by the rains from hurricane Ernesto. All the fresh water that flooded the Cape Fear river ran into the ocean lowering the salinity of the water so this dirty and fresh water pushed everything back out to sea.  The water is getting back to normal, slowly, the bait is returning and the inshore King bite should happen at any time. This scenerio of lots of rain is actually worse for our fishing than a full moon and an East wind, and the latter two are pretty bad and all three are a charter captains nightmare!!!  FISH ON!! Capt Butch

FRIDAY 9-22-06
   Today we were fishing with Amy, Steven, and Capt. Austin Surrett also along were Brian Oldham, and Bradie Hayes from Lexington,NC, the Silver Valley area. These were some "hometown" folks, I being from the Lexington area myself,  was wanting to get them offshore SW of the Tower today, but, when I reached the Horseshoe #1 area I knew this was the end of the line so to speak!!
 
  We would have to try to get hooked up here or go back in. The seas were not as they were predicted to be today, now isn't that hard to believe!!  There I couldn't find much of anything, so I went about 8 miles to the SW to a little number, that move would also give us a better ride back with the East wind. Yeah, I know, East wind, fish down here don't bite on an East wind, but, I had to get these guys some fish, somehow!!
 
  Here we found some fish on the bottom and a little bait suspended. There was enough bait to hold a decent King Mackeral that we landed and had another run but missed that one. " Bet there were some FLW TOURNAMENT  fishermen today that would like to have had that King Mackeral, remember, East wind!!!"
 
  Steven was hot on the trail of Amoco Jacks today, and his wife Amy, helped him with some of them and she also helped with some sharks also!!. Now,Bradie, she was on a mission to catch all the sharks in the ocean, and was doing a good job of it.
 
   Now, I promised I would not tell who got the "bug" but, we were reduced down to one fisherman before it was all over with. Now I didn't tell who the one was who was still fishing!!! It's nothing to be ashamed of, it happens to us all eventually. Besides, it turned rough enough today that most anyone would get the "seabug" today. Suprised I didn't!!! 
 
  The fishing was tough to say the least, but, "Private Bodie" the fish dog pulled it off again and got them some fish to eat for dinner and some to pull on their string so they could have some fun catching and not just fishing!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch Foster and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, tell Capt Austin Surrett I said HI!!!.

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THURSDAY 9-21-06
   Nothing to report lately, waiting for the winds to settle some. Just like in the spring, the fall and winter is a transition time, meaning fast changing weather patterns which means winds, which means rough seas, which means trip cancellations, Yep, it's time of year again!!!! Hopefully we can get out Tomorrow, time will tell!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch.

MONDAY 9-18-06
  Fished today with Jason and Larry Blackburn and Reverand Roger Radcliff from Pikeville, Kentucky.  We started off looking for King Mackeral. The first stop was at the South 40. We put the lines in and in short order we had a King Mackeral screaming the drag. Then we had another run, missed him, had another, missed him, then missed a few more and had several short strikes. We thought we had found the "mother lode" of Kings that have been so elusive for so long!!! Don't ever think you have fishing figured out, it will bite you!!! Then the bite for us and the other boats that were there just quit. We had King Mackeral "skying" around the boat with bait fish in their mouths, but, our baits were not to their liking, so, we quit trying to figure them out and went bottom fishing.
 
  Now, the bottom fish are biting. We caught Black Bass, B-Liners, Triggerfish, Yellowtail Snapper, Grey Snapper, Silver Snapper, Grouper, and sharks. If you see Jason ask him about wishing for a big fish and what can happen. He wanted a big shark all day. We were getting ready to call it a day around 3:00PM that's when it happened. Jason got a bite, then nearly 3 hours later, he had his big shark at boat side for a photo shoot. Congrats Jason, we were glad you were able to get your shark fishing with us.
 
  Fishing tales and memories made again today!! I THANK YOU, all the men and women of the armed forces for keeping our country free so we can have the opportunity in this country to do what we want to do and I THANK the LORD for giving me the health and drive to do what I do and I THANK all the fine folks that have chose us to fish with, MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch Foster and "Private Bodie" the fish says, man, I got a workout today, where did all those fish come from????

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SUNDAY 9-17-06
   Didn't go fishing today, had a cancellation!!  But, I recieved a "Guestbook" comment that all you Spanish Mackeral fishermen will be interested in. I have copied and pasted it here for your convience, Please be sure to let Cary Kearns know that we all appreciate his generosity in sharing this info. with us. This is the way it is supposed to work!! Cary, if I can ever help you let me know, I'll do my best!!! Enough talk, here is where the Spanish were at the other day!!
 
  
Name: Cary Kerns
Date: 9/17/06
Comments:
Yesterday I decided to go out of Lockwood Folly. I headed towards the beach on Holden beach to get bait. I saw very few birds diving. So I decided to go on to the Horse shoe. On my way there  I saw lots of bait and spanish. I made a stop to try to net bait and my boat wouldn't crank back up. so there I sat waiting for Sea Tow to give me a jump.Disgusted, I went home to polish battery terminals and charge batteries. Anyways, my reason for posting was that the clear water  line is on the east side of Holden beach from shore on out. Also the spot where all the schools of spanish were passing was N 33 50.28 / W 078 10.86 . The schools were one after another. Hope this helps.

 
SATURDAY 9-16-06
My report is running a little late today. Had a 1/2 day trip, but, when I got back I worked the rest of the day until 11:00PM  on a new windlass that I just put on the boat. It is a shame that you have to pay an arm and a leg for items like these then have to machine out parts to make them work right. Guess I should be thankful that the Lord gave me the talent to do these kind of things, and I am!!!!
 
   Now, to the fishing. We left South Harbour Marina this morning on a 1/2 day trip with, Richard Turner, Cerrie Turner, Lisa Ramirez, Marro Ramirez, Gilberto Cruz, and Julueta Cruz. We dropped the Spanish Mackeral lines in at the Hot Hole where there were a few birds diving. After a few circles, it was evident that they either were not there or if they were, they were not biting.
 
    I kept watching and saw nothing that represented a Spanish Mackeral or the bait fish that they would feed on. OK, time to go to plan "B". You don't have a lot of time to put it together on a 1/2 day, especially when the water is as dirty as it is right now. However, it is clearing up, the cleaner water is getting closer to the beach day by day.
 
 I asked if they wanted go to some rocks I have about 8 miles out and see if we can get some bottom fish, they did, so we did!! As I pulled up to the rock ledge, the fish were stacked up. I dropped anchor and immediately they started hauling in some nice grey trout, some mixed sizes of Blues, and a few Black Bass. Even hooked up a few sharks.
 
   Just as it started it stopped, the fish were there but the bite turned off. I checked my tide watch and sure enough, the tide had gone slack, dead low, and that usually means the bite will shut down until it turns again. But, only problem, when it turns today, we will be already back at the dock!! We still picked up 1/2 a cooler of fish, more than likely a whole lot more fish than we would have had if we kept on Spanish Fishing!!
 
  Today, we were able to put the puzzle together. What's the saying, "Someday's you get the bear, and someday's the bear gets you". Thankfully, we have managed so far to stay one step ahead of the bear!!!
 
  The arrival of the grey trout is a sure sign that the fall fishing is about to kick off. So, if you have been to busy to go fishing yet, you have just been too busy, it's time to go!!!
 
  In closing this report, I would like to share a suprise with you that I recieved the other day. I was at dinner, and the phone rang, and I answered it as usual, but, on the other end was George Poveromo. Now George is  the man at SALTWATER SPORTSMAN MAGAZINE that does articles for the magazine, he also has a Saltwater Fishing Show on ESPN, plus, he heads up the SALTWATER SEMINAR SCHOOL that travels the country each winter teaching people how to fish. I have been honored by being invited to join their seminar sessions this year and I have accepted their offer.
 
  And with this invitation I must thank all the people that has made this possible, for without the blessings of the Lord, and the people that I have had the honor to take fishing, this would have never been possible. THANK YOU ALL for fishing with us and the comments that you put on our "Guestbook". As I have said before, "without all of you, what I do would be useless" THANKS AGAIN!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, Man, I sure love them trouts!!!!

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FRIDAY 9-15-06
   Today we finally were able to get back offshore. It wasn't the calmest day I've seen, but, it wasn't too bad. Mostly in a big swell. We had one of the crews from Washington, DC with us today and when we left the dock they said we want to catch some grouper. So, off we went to the East side with, Reuben McNair, Clifford Stone, Rev. John Myers, Donald Stancell, James Hunter,and Samuel Cole.
 
  Upon arriving at the first grouper rock, they were there!!! We got the boat anchored on top of them and only had to move a couple more times all day. We caught Grouper, Reds, Scamps, Gags, we also got Triggerfish, Grey Snapper, Amorings,(Amoco Jacks), B-Liners, Silver Snapper, Bigeyes, Sharks, and we hooked some BIG sharks,Black Bass, Porgys, and be sure to look at the BIG Hog Nose Snapper that Clifford Stone caught, I wasn't sure just who was going to win that battle, but Clifford came out victorious!!!
 
   Finally, after two weeks of being landlocked, we got back offshore, and I think we started off the weekend pretty good. I bet these guys won't have to be rocked to sleep tonight, they stayed busy all day. As always, another good day of fishing with some great guys!!!!
 
  Got a 1/2 day tomorrow, we will see if the inshore bite has gotten any better!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch and "Private Bodie' the fish dog says, I stayed home today and got some rest!!! 

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TUESDAY 9-12-06
   Today we had an offshore trip that I cancelled due to the winds and predicted 8 to 16 ft. seas. I hate to cancel trips, some people wait all year and drive long distances to go fishing, but as I have said before, you have a gamble that the weather won't cooperate when you book a trip and NO fish is worth risking a life over. You can always go again later.
 
  Well I want to thank you all that have e-mailed reports and fishing experiences, I enjoy reading them all and I will eventually get them all posted on here for all to see.  It sure helps when the fishing is slow, plus, it is interesting to read what others have experienced on the water. KEEP 'EM COMING!!!
 
  Check this one sent to the "GUESTBOOK' I pasted it here for you. It sure brings back some memories of me and my son. Capt Chris that I will cherish the rest of my life and into eternity!! Time is too short that you have with your children, It's over all too soon!!!! But, anyway, check this one out from David Sasser from Atlantic Beach, He has had some awesome days on the water!!!!!!!!
 
  
David Sasser
Date: 9-12-2006
Comments:
found your website in an online search for fishing info about 6 mos. ago and read it every day. Would love to come and fish with you sometime.  We fish out of Atlantic Beach with a friend who has a private boat and usually get offshore about a dozen or more times a year. My son, now 16 has made every trip for the past 10 years; On one of them that he missed, we caught a 278 lb. bluefin. He said he'd never miss another! I wanted to tell you a sailfish story. You seem real close to your son and I certainly can relate to that. Four years ago when he was 12 we were coming back in from offshore with a boat full of kings, wahoo,tuna and dolphin (a really awesone day). Just as I reached for a rod to stow away, the drag started screaming and a sailfish jumped. I asked my son to take the rod but he refused. Long story short, we caught and released 82 inch sail. I asked him why he wouldn't wind it in and he responded-you are older than me and I'll probably get another chance later. Well it came 4 years later. This summer, i'm proud to tell you that Grayson caught and released a 83 inch sail at the 14 bouy off Atlantic beach. I couldn't even talk for 2 hours. I was and remain a very proud Dad. Thanks for all t

MONDAY 9-11-06
  Even though the fishing has slowed and the winds have picked up for now at the beach, I would like to share a couple of fishing reports sent to me by e-mail; Thought you might like to read what's happening at other places, let me know if you like to read these along with the regular saltwater reports. Thanks in advance: you can e-mail me at  captainbutchf@earthlink.net
 
 The first one is from John Reams who fishes the boat out of Holden Beach called KINGSWILD II
 
  

Captain Butch as I read and have experienced those BIG BAD WINDS down east I can only imagine how it must be affecting your industry. I read your reports daily and have always looked forward to reading the events of your adventures and gleam green with envy wanting to be there. I guess we kind of forget how good things can be at home. I went fishing the other day for Big Blue Cats and I have caught many fish in the 45 to 50 pound class but I may have missed the state record Thursday night. I fought the fish for 25 minutes on 20 pound class outfit, by myself the fish come up beside the boat and made a beeline back for the 45 foot bottom. When he returned to the surface he almost took me and the rod under the boat. Trying to trim both motors up he got tangled in the rear anchor line and broke off. The impressive thing about this was there I stood soaking wet from the thrashing, a limp and hook less rod as I watched a fish turn and swim away. This fish tail section had the girth of a 5 Gallon bucket. I did boat a 38, 27 and my brother next to me boated a 63. Not to bad of a day. If you ever have the desire to lower your standards of fishing and want to just do some POWER CATCHING give me a call.

Lake Gaston

KINGSWILD II

 This one is from John Gallo from Raleigh, NC. This sorta reaffirms that the fishing is slow now, but, these were some "BIG" Spanish Mackeral!!!! 

Butch,
 
I read your fishing reports on a regular basis even though I fish out of Topsail Island.  I enjoy seeing how your charters are going and the fish you catch.  I fish in the SKA tournaments as much as we have time for which has only been 3 times this year.  We fished in the CCSA tournament last weekend and needless to say the fishing was poor after the storm.  No kings but we managed to put two citation spanish mackerels in the boat.  8 lbs and 10 lbs.  This was pretty good concidering the conditions.  Hope you have continued success, and the fishing will get better!!!!!!!!
 
Tight Lines
JG
 
John K. Gallo

SUNDAY 9-10-06
   I had the honor today to fish again with some GREAT people. Cheryl and Willie Ford from Lincolnton, NC have fished with me in the past and they are some very fine folks. Their sons Brian and Chandler fished with us last time, but like Capt Chris, they now are in college. I talked with Mr. Ford on Saturday evening and discussed the fact that the fishing was not good inside at this time due to the recent storm that we have had. They talked it over and decided that they wanted to give it a shot anyway.
 
   Now, as most of you now know, I report the good "catching" and the "Bad" Catching days and today fell into the later category. Capt Ron had found some Spanish Mackeral and a lot of bait a few days ago around Shallotte inlet, well, today as luck would have it, it was gone. We did manage a few Spanish and some Blue fish, and we lost more fish than we put in the boat. The reports from other boats around the Cape Fear end were about the same, a few fish and that was all!!
 
   After a honest to goodness try to catch Spanish Mackeral without much luck, we decided that maybe we could pick up some bottom fish on the rocks out of Lockwood. The fish were there but were just reluctant to bite. We picked up a few Black Bass, one nice Grey Trout, a few sharks, and caught a lot of Black Bass that were too short.
 
I am embarrased to post pictures of so few fish, but this is all we got on a 1/2 day trip. And as I have said before, you will get it straight from me, be it a good catch or be it a not so good catch. I can't fill the boxes up with fish every time, but, those that have fished with me know I will try my hardest too and won't give up trying to find some fish until the last minute!!!
 
  Until this dirty and fresh water gets flushed out of here and the bait gets back in here the fishing is going to stay tough on the inside. Anyhow, we had a good time. It was nice to sit and talk about things to some people I consider as friends, and we still caught a few fish. Willie and Cheryl, it's been a while, it was good to see you both again, tell your sons HI for me!!! Till next time FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, I love those Spanish Mackeral!!!!

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SATURDAY 9-9-06
   At this rate, I need someone to send me a fishing report!!! Today's charter wanted to go offshore, but, with 4 foot plus seas at the Tower Bouy no one would have had a good time today out there. Spanish Mackeral fishing on the beach was about all you could do today, and a report I got from another fisherman was that they were not biting today either. I wonder, let's see, NE-E winds, Full moon, maybe, I don't know for sure, but that sounds good to me right now until I can think of a better excuse!!! When all this fresh and dirty flushes out of here I think the fishing will explode because the bait is getting thicker and there is a lot of bait to the west. And my guess is that this will take place in a week or less. Lets hope so!!!
 
  I have a 1/2 day tomorrow and they want to catch some fish. I am going to let them know that the fish aren't biting very well right now so we may not have a report tomorrow either. I just can't take someone out fishing knowing that the fishing has been slow without letting them know that their chances are slim of the fish biting. Now, that's different than when the fish have been biting and then slow up while you are out!!!If they want to try their luck, then I will let you know how it goes right here. 
 
  Next week, we have finally been able to finalize a date for some video to be made. We will be shooting video for two days next week for the "AMERICAN OUTDOORSMAN". Also, if you are free at 7:00PM on Wednesday, Sept. 27th. call BOATERS WORLD or drop by and sign up (it's free) and come on by that evening, I will be doing a seminar on FALL KING MACKERAL FISHING!!
 
   Also, while I am on this type subject, mark your calenders for the saltwater/fishing shows this year: The first will be at Greensboro,NC on January 5 thru 7th. The seacond will be January 12th thru 14th at the JIM GRAHAM BUILDING in Raleigh. We will be at both shows doing seminars again this year, be sure to come out and join us and if we don't know you, be sure to introduce yourself, we would be honored to meet and talk fishing with you!!!!
 
  If you have had a good day fishing lately, please e-mail me and let me know. All this wind is causing me to have withdrawal pains!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch. 

FRIDAY 9-8-06
  The SW winds of summer are starting to give way to the NNE winds of fall and this is the scenerio every year about this time. It makes our business of deciding when to go fishing and when not to go a lot harder. We have been locked into the SSW winds of summer and don't want to give in to the fact that it's starting to get where we are going to have fewer days coming up that we will be able to get offshore. But, the sooner we decide to realize this, the better off we will be!!!
 
   Today was one of those days. We had a two boat charter today offshore but the weather was predicted to be NNW 10 to 15 with gusts up to 25 knotts. Offshore in that is not a pretty place to be.So, we decided to try it again at another date. It was being predicted to be the same all weekend, but, I checked the offshore forecast just before writing this and now they are saying that we might salvage saturday. Be sure to check the forecast again often, it can change fast down here and often does!!!  You can find all the weather info. right here on the "FISHING REPORTS" Page.
 
   If the weather holds, we may get out tomorrow, only time will tell, it's that time of year!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch.

THURSDAY 9-7-06
   Today we had a 1/2 day from Bald Head Island with Brent Belch, Tom Fultz, Chris Kennedy, and Andy Cooper. Capt Ron Farnsworth of the boat "SHE'S SLICK" helped me today. Capt Ron and I go back farther than we both like to think about!!!The water on the beach was and is dirty. There is some bait starting to show back up on the beach so look for the fishing to improve on the beach, most likely, daily.
 
   We did manage two decent keeper Spanish Mackeral, a half dozen "throwbacks," a few got off, and a few Blue fish. Another boat said he had one flounder off the reef and when I left, the King Mackeral bite had not happened yet.
 
   Let's all hope this other hurricane stays away!!!!!!!!!!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, now, this is my kind of weather!!!!

WEDNESDAY 9-6-06
   We almost had a report today!! We went to Bald Head Island today to pick up our charter group but the threatening weather just would not go away, so, we opted to wait till tomorrow. So, maybe, just maybe, we will have something to report on tomorrow. It will be a 1/2 day trip, and as much fresh water that is coming down the Cape Fear and as dirty as the water is, well, I hope I get a big surprise tomorrow and the fish are biting real good. We will find out, weather permitting!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says: this was the shortest fishing trip I've ever been on!!!!

MONDAY 9-4-06
   Didn't go fishing today!! Took the day off to get ready for the rest of the month. We will be back at it tomorrow. I hope I have the camera fixed, if it's not I guess I will have to get another one. will know tomorrow for sure!!
 
  We will be going offshore tomorrow, weather permittimg, this will be my first time offshore since the storm. I will let you know if it's as dead out there as it was in the 18 mile rock area Sunday. I don't see how it could be!!! But, you never know. Check back, I will try to have everything up here before too late tomorrow night. Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and"Private Bodie" the fish dog says; Capt. Chris, we all miss you!!!

SUNDAY 9-3-06
    Today, we went fishing with Casey and Keith Cronan, and as I expected, the storm's rains had dirtied up the water and the bite was all but non-existant. All we could come up with were a few sharks. All boats were reporting the same results, slow, slow, slow!! Did hear of a good Spanish Bite at the jetties at Little River inlet, but, that was all I heard of biting today. Haven't heard of what went on offshore yet, we were in the 18 mile rock area and it was dead there. Hopefully in a few days the fresh water will flush out of here and the fish will get back on track!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch

THURSDAY8-31-06
   OK, the weather guru's down here are saying that the weather is going to be just fine for the Labor Day Weekend. I'd check with the Highway Patrol, call (*HP) and find out if the roads are open where you are going. We are supposed to have mainly trouble from localized flooding. Ernesto has speeded up and is supposed to be out of here tomorrow. If things change for the worse. I will post it here, but now it looks as though the weekend will be salvaged!!!! FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch...

WEDNESDAY 8-30-06
   OK, we have a hurricane/tropical storm heading this way. But, it looks like it just might be out of here in time for the weekend. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it won't be too bad. I am sure we will have to deal with some dirty water on the beaches with all of the rain that is expected. Just another "fly in the ointment" so to say, but, all will be back to normal soon!! Till next time, FISH ON!! Capt Butch.

TUESDAY, 8-29-06
   OK, Here's the deal!! All that rain we had last week that flooded Wilmington has finally gotten down the river to the ocean. the water on the beach is dirty and the winds are blowing. Like it or not, we have got to get through "Ernesto's" winds and rains before the fishing will get back to normal again. This may take a week or so, time will tell for sure!!
 
   No, we didn't get any Fishing articles made today, we will try again when things settle down and clear up. This is a good time to get your mainteance done on your boat and tackle to get ready for the fall run we will have soon!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch.

MONDAY 8-28-06
   Didn't fish today, took a break, tomorrow we will try to do several Fishing Magazine articles in one day. Not real sure what species we will be after or how many we will be able to cover in a day. The weather (winds)may not let us do any. Hopefully, it will hold off till Thursday!!! If it does we may get Wednesday's fishing in also, but, after that it looks downhill for a few days until this proposed hurricane gets out of here!! Till next time, FISH ON!! Capt Butch.

SATURDAY,8-26-06
   Today the saga continues!!! We picked up Larry Housand, Kyle Saburn, Gary Saburn, Chris Pruitt, and Eddie Hollifield, and again we were cursed with a ENE wind. This is the "fish bite stopper" wind here in Southport,NC.  I don't know why a E wind "turns them off" but, it does. Maybe someone can enlighten me on this, I have my theories, but that is just what they are, my theories!!!
 
   As we were leaving the dock, I called  Capt. Buster on the SEAHAWK III and he said the Spanish Mackeral were biting so we decided to try for a few of those. It wasn't long before we spotted a school up on top chasing bait out of the water, then it wasn't long before the long awaited call of "FISH ON" was heard!!
 
   We were picking up Spanish on a regular basis then the decision was made to go bottom fishing. I knew that my work was "cut out" for me from that point on!!! Remember, I said in the beginning, "The saga continues" we were still dealing with an East wind. The first several places we hit revealed real slow action. We had to get to deep water, so I headed South, this way I would have a little trough to come home in this evening!!
 
   We couldn't go to our regular places due to the time we used Spanish Mackeral fishing, but we ran out to 80 feet plus water and here Larry Housand found himself hooked up with a real nice Gag Grouper to go with the Spanish Mackeral that were caught earlier. They also added Black Bass, Grey Snapper's, and some good size B-Liners
 
   Another good day on the water, although it was a little rough, we had a good time with some more great people. I am very fortunate to be able to do what I do and get to meet so many Great people, you know they are great before you ever meet them, how could they not be? They are fishermen and fisherwomen, need I say more!!!! Till next time FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and"Private Bodie" the fish dog says, I had to rest today, two days in a row is hard on these little bones!!!

***** We took pictures, but when we tried to download them from camera, they turned out pink and you couldn't see them, we are in the process of resolving the problem*******

FRIDAY 8-25-06
    Today we were fishing with Billy Owens, Fred White, Albert Craig, and Joe McMillan. Our destination this morning was to start in the 350's and work our way to the 360's. The bite was tough and staying on the fish was even tougher with the building NE winds that were predicted to be 5 knots and variable, "YEAH RIGHT"!!!! they were more like 15 to 20 steady!!
 
   But, just the same, we found some fish and kept aggravating them till they bit. Our creel today consisted of Grouper, B-Liners, Black bass, Grey Snapper, Triggerfish, and some sharks!! We even had a few fish hooked that we couldn't turn or stop, some acted like Big sharks and some acted like Big Grouper!! All we can tell you for sure is that what ever they were, they were more than the electric reels could handle!!
 
  Although we didn't have the numbers of fish we usually have, we all still had a good trip, and these guys are always a pleasure to fish with and we always have a good time, Thanks for the memories!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch & "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!.

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THURSDAY 8-24-06
   Can you believe this month is almost gone, where does the time go? This week has been a week of improving conditions. It started off with some rough conditions on Monday, got worse on Tuesday, was a little better Wednesday, and was fairly nice today. We will see what tomorrow brings.
 
   To start the week off, we tried to bottom fish on Monday, that was a "bust". The weather was just too bad to do any thing!! Tuesday was so bad we cancelled everything!!! Wednesday, we ran two 1/2 days. The first half  found the fish not wanting to cooperate at all. Everyone was looking for fish, with not much luck being reported. I had Douglas Rogers and his three sons, Colin, Brendan, and Quinn Rogers. We tried for some Spanish Mackeral, as did everyone else, no luck.
 
     We had a report of some Black Bass caught on the rocks just off the beach. I and another charter boat went there only to find a bunch of small undersized ones, but we searched on without much success. We did manage a few sharks and a few Black bass and a Blue Fish. Now, I was really down on myself for not being able to find more fish that would bite. Well, I was humbled very much and brought back to earth to realize that it isn't always how much you catch and how easy it is to forget that sometimes even a bad day for me is considered a great day for someone else. Don't believe me, look at the smiles of joy on these kids faces!! So, in their eyes, just maybe I did do my job after all!!! Thanks guys, you were all GREAT!!!
 

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Now, that evening, things were improving a little. I had called Jeremy Hall, Regina Brooks-Hall, and Josh Ort, to let them know about the slow conditions. Their decision was to go fishing, they knew there are no guarantees on catching and besides, he said, it sure beats sitting on the beach.
 
   This afternoon we had some good conditions to try for some sharks. These will give you a good fight, and if you catch one in the "slot limit" they are good to eat also!!! Only problem, I wish someone had told the sharks the conditions were good, end of that story!!!
 
   Let's go see if the bottom fish were doing any better, ditto on this one also!!! I was running to another spot, a last resort type of place, if you fish, you know the type place. I was about three miles from the next place when my 1st mate, Eric Ross said, look, they are on top over there!!!
 
    Yes, there they were, those elusive Spanish Mackeral that everyone had been looking for all day, finally, here they were. They were jumping and running bait fish every where and in just a short period we boated 35 Spanish Mackeral. The action was fast and furious and we soon had all we wanted and called it a day!!

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  Now, we are to Thursday. We went offshore today to the Grouper grounds with Davis Troxler, Rick Troxler, Joshua Troxler, Joseph Troxler, Matt Kutz, and Jim Maness.
 
  The grouper were there and were biting, but they were all to small to keep. We must have thrown back a fish box full of 19 1/2 inchers, 1/2 inch short of legal size.  We did get a keeper Speckled Hind. The Grey Snappers, Black Bass, and B-Liners were biting pretty good and we did get a mess of those. we also caught a fish that I have never seen before, I looked it up in my book of fish and it is called a "BIGEYE" and the book said it was good to eat and it was a tropical reef dweller. I took a close up of it for you to look at!!!
 
   There is something new out there just about every day!! The weather is supposed to be nice this weekend, but who knows, it can change overnight or even hourly, and often it does, and not always for the better, but, if it is bad, it will be nice again, shortly!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!!!!!.

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WEDNESDAY 8-23-06
    Had two 1/2 days today and the fishing was slow at best but we found some fish. It's after 11:00PM, you see, when I got in today, I had to replace two batteries and a mascerator pump and a wash down pump that all went to the bad all in the same day. I will try to get caught up tomorrow night, Now, I said I would try, I have a 10 hour trip grouper and bottom fishing tomorrow so check back, hopefully I won't have to replace everything on the boat again tomorrow night!!! FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!!.

SUNDAY 8-20-06
   I could go on and on about this fishing trip!!! But,I will say this, when we were through, Joe West, John Sharpe, Ralph Crowe, Mike Tollins, Larry Bowles, and Bobby Sharpe had a pile of fish for their fish fry back in Sanford,NC and Charleston,SC!!!
 
   We caught various species of Grouper, Sharks, Triggerfish, Joltheads, Grey Snapper, King Mackeral, B-Liners, Black Bass, Pinkys, well as I said earlier, I could go on and on, but I think the picture of this trips says it best!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch.

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FRIDAY 8-18-06
   Everything wouldn't come together for todays trip. Weather early, trip plans delayed,etc. So we got another day to finish up some needed tackle repairs.
 
   Tomorrow, Saturday, we will be leaving out on an overnight bottom fishing trip. This will be our last one!! Capt Chris has lost interest in the charter business, and you have to have two Captains on board to run overnighters, plus, I am not as young as I once was so the decision to give up the night trips was made!!
 
   To all those in the past, they were fun, and a lot cooler in the hot summer months,and the fish bite well at night. But, as my late mother always said, "The only thing that stays the same is that everything changes". And it's time for a change in the overnight trips!!
 
   Check back later, when I have regained my composure after being up all night, I will post the results here. Till then, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch.

THURSDAY 8-17-06
   The last two days have been offshore trips that we couldn't run due to the winds, and  no one was interested in fishing on the beach for, Kings, Spanish Mackeral, Flounder, Spadefish, Sharks that are usually available on the inside when we have a NE wind. Our south facing beach is calm when the wind blows from the North direction. So, if you want to go fishing and we have a North wind, all is not lost!! Fish the inshore reefs and  surrounding areas, you will most likely catch some fish, and wait for calmer winds from the South  SW, SE, to head offshore!!
 
   Will be back at it tomorrow and every day next week,(weather permitting) so, I will have some reports here again soon!! Till then FISH ON!!! Capt Butch.

TUESDAY, 8-15-06
   With the day we had Monday, we were excited to go fishing this morning with Ray Pahl, Dave Pahl, Andy Reinhart,Terry Hemrick, Brian Hemrick, and Dave Lagrou. The report on the beach was that the Spanish Mackeral was biting decent, but, we wanted some King Mackeral, so, since we had just a 3/4 day trip, we took off to the Horseshoe.
 
    It was dead, no bait and no fish. Went to the Raritan, here there was some bait and some fish marking on the color scope, but, they refused to bite our baits. They have got to bite, I thought, there's to much bait and to many fish not to bite!!!
 
   "YEAH RIGHT" they showed me what they thought about my thoughts. We were running out of time, so we decided to run back to the beach and get some Spanish Mackeral. "YEAH RIGHT", by now they had stopped biting!! We wound up with 8 Spanish Mackeral for today's trip. I guess we should have stayed inshore and fished for what was biting at the time!! What's it called? "Hind site is 20/20"!!!!
 
   I know this is no excuse for me not catching much, but, in my own defense, All the boats that were on the radio were reporting the same results as we were having. Boats on the East side were reporting "Not a bite". A boat at the Tower reported "Not a bite", Boats at the Horseshoe reporting "Not a bite", even had another charter boat farther offshore report that this was the worst he had ever seen it!!! He couldn't even get the bottom fish to bite!!!
 
   I guess this just re-affirms the old saying' "WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY CAN MAKE". But, I want to THANK the guys that were fishing with me today. They were from Ohio, and they were fishermen that understood that the fish don't always bite when you want them too!!! Even though we didn't load the boat down with fish, we still had a Great trip with some Great Guys!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and "Private Bodie", the fish dog took the day off today!!!!.

MONDAY, 8-14-06
    OK, I'll admit it, I got lazy and didn't put yesterday's report on last night. In fact, after the day we had, I was too tired to put it on last night. So, I'll see if I can get caught up here.
 
   We had the pleasure and honor to be able to fish again with Joe Davis and Terry Goyer from Toronto, Canada. We went after Grouper, bottom fish, and what ever else would bite!! We went on the East side and were greeted at our first stop with Grouper, black bass, Grey Snapper, Sharks, "BIG SHARKS, Joltheads, Pinky's, King Mackeral, even had Mahi-Mahi all around the boat but they refused to hit anything we threw at them!!!! The next stop proved much of the same. We threw at least 40 Grouper back in the 18 to 19 1/2" range.
 
   The fishing was fast and furious all day long. There was something pulling on a line just about constantly all day!! Good to see you guys and fish with y'all again!!! Hope to see you again next time you're in town. Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, HI!!!.

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SUNDAY,8-13-06
   Today was another windy day and our offshore trip was pushed back to a 1/2 day inshore trip that proved to be a beautiful day, just too windy to head offshore.  In my previous report I mentioned that the Spanish bite was improving, well, it was, but todays ENE winds had it shut down nearly completely. Out of all the boats that were Spanish Mackeral fishing, there probably was not a dozen fish total caught. I know my contribution to the tally would have been only one about 6 inches long!!!
 
   We decided to try some shark fishing. This was not hot by any means, but, it was better than the Spanish bite!!! We caught two that we put into the boat, had one to break off and had two that missed the hooks.
 
   Now, please forgive me for not getting everyones name that went with us today, I didn't even get a picture!! You see, yesterday, Capt Chris left to go back too school and may have given up the fishing business for good, and I am having a hard time adjusting to him being gone and the thoughts that he may not be back. He plans on helping me from time to time, but very possibly not full time anymore.
 
   I have a new mate, his name is Eric Ross. I have known him for more years than I want to talk about. You will find Eric to be  very knowledgable about the tactics and ways of fishing, he will also give you that personal attention that we are known for, and I feel very lucky to have him to take over and help me out in the charter business, but, Capt Chris is my only son, and my only child, and I am going to miss him dearly as will a lot of our past fishermen that have become more than our customers, but, have also become our friends. We are still going to give you that personal attention that you have come to expect from our charter service, but there will be an empty place in our hearts as we move on with the business!!
 
  The weather is supposed to improve by tomorrow, and we may possibly be able to get back offshore!! If so, I will try to pull myself together a little better and remember to get names and photos. Till next time, FISH ON, Capt Butch and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, we're going to miss Capt Chris, even if he does aggravate the stuffings out of me!!!
  

FRIDAY, 8-11-06
  Today we were going offshore but with the forecast of severe weather possible this evening we decided to stay close in and do some Spanish Mackeral fishing.
 
   We were fishing today with Steve Greer, Lynn Parker, Laura Parker,Jenny Parker,Jordan Parker,and Harrison Parker. The seas were a little "bumpy" on the beach this morning, but it wasn't too bad of a ride down the beach  to the area off of Lockwood Folly where there were some Spanish Mackeral being reported.
 
   We started trolling the area and were picking up one here and one there, and then the birds started working the area and the bait was pushed up to the top and the Spanish were jumping every where, we were hooking up one, two, three at a time everyone was getting into it and the fishing was getting hotter by the minute , then it happened!!!!
 
   The most feared and dreaded thing in a ocean fishermans world!! Yes, that's right, seasickness!!! Don't laugh, it can happen to anyone at anytime. And when it does, all the fish in the world are the last thing you want to see, all you want to see is some dry and solid ground.
 
   So, that is where we headed, to solid ground, but we did manage 22 nice Spanish Mackeral for the short time we were in them today!! It was a pleasure meeting you all and having the opportunity to share a part of my life with yours today. Till next time, FISH ON, Capt Butch & Chris Foster, "Private Bodie", the fish dog says HI!!!.

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THURSDAY, 8-10-06
   Fished with some locals and some from Raleigh today!! They were Jason Hunt, Cassie Hunt, Sharon Hunt,Doug Hunt, David Hunt, and Steve Shirley.
 
    We went back to the Tower area today in search of some more King Mackeral. Sorta wanted to do some Grouper fishing, but with the Full Moon Current we have now, it would have been tough.
 
   The Kings had moved about 5 miles North of where we were at yesterday. The bait had moved, and the King Mackeral followed them!! The bite was not as good as yesterday, but it was good enough to suit everyone, and keep us relatively busy.
 
   We didn't have any shark or barracuda trouble today. We did hook up a few 'cudas just to have them jump and throw the hooks!  We even lost a few kings due to premature hook removal!!Another great day on the water with some more great people!! Thanks, guys like y'all keep me doing what I am doing!!! Till next time FISH ON!!! Capt's Butch & Chris Foster and "Private Bodie" the fish dog has "crashed and burned" on his bean bag bed!!!
 
 
Jason asked about Buster and how he was doing?
He is doing as good as anyone could with what he is having to deal with!! He is taking treatments and hopefully later will be able to undergo surgery and get well. We all sure hope so!!! Just keep him in all your prayers and he will make it if it's GODS will!!
 
 Lee asked if we had a guess as to what kind of fish we lost to the hammerhead?  The most accurate guess we have is it was a "BIG" fish that encountered a "HUGE" Hammerhead!! Out there it could have been a lot of things, but, our guess was a large African Pompano or a large Amberjack. But, your guess is as good as ours!!

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WEDNESDAY,8-9-06
   Today Capt Chris and I picked up Tom Storrs, Thomas Storrs, and John Storrs, from Greensboro,NC at the dock at Bald Head Island. We were headed offshore to catch some King Mackeral. The first stop we made was a little short of our first destination to wait out a storm and let it move on out of our way. The bait was there, but we didn't get a bite.
 
   The storm moved on offshore so we left and went to the Horseshoe. The bait was there along with a few fish. We picked up one king around 8 lbs. but that was it.
 
   We moved on to another spot, much the same results, plenty of bait,but, no fish. From here we went to the Tower. Again, plenty of bait, but couldn't get a bite. I was almost getting ready to take the easy way out and blame it on the Full Moon. I know there are some fish out here that will bite, and I AM GOING TO FIND THEM!!!!!!
 
   Let's move over to one of our "old Faithful" spots, I told Capt Chris. We went there and it happened. First line in and " FISH ON!!!" Got that one in the boat, a good 14 pounder, then we got a bite and the drag screamed and the fight began. Tom was the first on on the rod!!
 
   He fought a long brutal battle with a fish that did not want to be landed, and he was making it known. Tom would gain a few feet of line, then would loose it. This went on for around 30 minutes. Tom finally got the fish at boat side but could not get him up, it was a stand-off.
 
   At this point, I think it was John who took over. He worked the fish up a little then he would go down a little. It was getting obvious that the fish was tiring. We had not seen the fish yet, It didn't fight like a big shark, but, we knew what ever it was it was big!!! John was in a stand off with the fish, slowly working him up inches at a time.
 
   All of a sudden, to everyones suprise the fish took off like he was just hooked!!! How could that fish regain that much strength we were all thinking, then the line went limp, yes the line was broken, we couldn't believe what just happened!!
 
   All of a sudden, Tom yelled, LOOK!!! The fish that we had on was attacked by a BIG Hammerhead Shark. It had it on top of the water and the water was red with blood. We still could not tell what kind of fish we had, but the water was red enough to have been a cow!!! And it took a good 12 foot Hammerhead shark 5 tries before it ate it all!!! This was an awesome sight to see happen right in front of your eyes, and just as soon did it happen, it was over, and we sat just amazed at natures wonders and the survival of the fittest in it's true glory!!
 
   After this was all over, we got back to the job at hand, finding some King Mackeral that would bite! And, we did just that!! We found a school and we had trouble getting more than one line in.  We were a couple miles SW of the Tower, and the King bite was ON!!! We limited out in short order, everyone was wore out from all the king Mackeral, Spanish Mackeral, Barracudas, and the "BIG" one that got away, so we called it a day.
 
   Another good day on the water catching some fish, enjoying some of natures ways and getting to do it while in the company of some GREAT people!!! Enjoyed it guys, we hope you did also!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt's Butch & Chris Foster and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!

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TUESDAY 8-8-06
    Today we were fishing with Kim Jackson, Christopher Lester, and Dylon Lester from Lexington,NC. This is my old "stomping grounds"!!!
 
   The day didn't start off as I had hoped or planned.  In fact, this morning at 4:00AM the wind was already blowing some, this usually is not a good sign. We had hopes of going offshore and doing some grouper fishing, but, this was not going to happen today.
 
    The winds by 7:00AM were blowing a steady 15 out of the SW. Everyone that fishes much down here knows that the best thing to do in this situation is head to Carolina Beach. All we had available today was shark fishing and Spanish Mackeral.
 
   We elected to go Spanish Mackeral fishing, and they were biting fairly well, but, just as they started, they also stopped!! The bait that they were feeding on was still there, they were still there, they just got full or tired of feeding, only they know for sure why they stopped, but they did.
 
   With the forecast for evening storms and the skys looking more like they may hit this forecast, we all decided to end this trip at a 3/4 day. All in all I would say we had a "reel" good day of fellowship and fishing. Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt's Butch & Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog said hello!!!

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SUNDAY, 8-6-06
   Today I was "between a rock and a hard spot" as they say. I had Doug Lewis, Darryl Henderson, Dennis Dunston,and Edward Robinson from Raleigh, NC. The problem was that we had a 1/2 day trip and the fishing has not been that good in the areas you normally fish on a 1/2 day.
 
    I made the choice to travel to a spot offshore where the fish were known to be biting. You see, fishing for a couple of hours where the fish are biting is better than fishing four hours where not much is happening. We had flat seas so I could make the run fairly fast, which made it possible to do this!! Most times on a 1/2 day, you don't have the conditions that will provide you this opportunity, but today we did!!
 
    Most that hit either cut the wire or got off or short striked. The biggest King Mackeral got cut in half by a big barracuda. We had him on for a few seconds until he jumped and threw the hook!!!
 
   Not to bad a trip when you consider that  in an hour and a half we boated 3 and 1/2 King Mackeral, missed about 10 more, and hooked up with a 40 lb. plus Barracuda and this was a new experience for some of them!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt's Butch & Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says FISH ON!!!

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SATURDAY,8-5-06
   We had the Fayetteville guys fishing with us again today!! they were Tony Cameron, Herb Campbell, Benny McDonald, James Williams, and Clyde Brooks.
 
  These guys know how to "get-R-done"... We had numerous black sea bass,Grey Snapper, Joltheads, Vermillion Snapper, Triggerfish, Scamp Grouper, Red Grouper, Strawberry Grouper, Almaco jacks, Pinkys, King Mackeral, and even got another big Hog Nose  Snapper!! I think I got them all, there was so many we had trouble keeping up with them all!!! As usual guys, it was fun!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!  Capt Butch & Chris Foster, and of course, "Private Bodie" the fish dog sat this one out, Too Hot!!!

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THURSDAY 8-3-06
   Today we had SW winds in the 15 knott range, this had our beach kicked up 3 to 4 feet. So we headed up the river to calmer water at Carolina Beach. Here Bald Head Island  would block the SW winds. When we got there, just as I had figured, the beach was flat!!!
 
    We went to the Dredge wreck and was pulling for some King Mackeral. The action was slow when about that time Capt. Mike, on the Salty Dog called me and told me he had just run into a bunch of Spanish Mackeral on the East side of Bald Head. Thanks Capt. Mike, hope I can soon return the favor!!!
 
    Spanish Mackeral have been a rare commodity this year. I checked the mileage, we were only 16 miles from there and todays group, which consisted of Mike Lair, Margery Dalton, Karen Dalton,Dan Dalton,and Brian Mitchell, from Mechanicsburg,PA were very interested in catching some Spanish Mackeral!!!
 
    With the seas a little rougher than I like, we put up the curtains we designed over the winter, we had a strong cross wind, and these curtains keep the water out of the boat real well, got the bean bags out of the cabin,everyone got comfortable, and off we went.
 
    Upon arriving, there were birds and bait and Spanish Mackeral jumping everywhere. And as they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words" we even picked up a King Mackeral by pulling a long line with a cedar plug on it while we were Spanish Fishing.
 
    The Kings and a few Mahi-Mahi are available on the normal  King  Mackeral areas. Look for the Mahi on the offshore spots. Spanish can be anywhere at anytime. The bottom fish and grouper offshore are usually always ready to attack your baits.
So, come on down and catch yourself some fish to put in the frezor, they will be mighty good this winter when it's cold outside and you fix yourself some "fish and cheese soup"(found on our recipe page), that will warm you up in a good way, much different than the hot weather we are experiencing now!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, Too Hot for me right now!!!

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Pete was kind enough to offer Jason some fishing info. 
Hi Pete,
   I wanted to thank you for helping out my readers with some local fishing knowledge, this is the way it is supposed to work!!!! Thanks Again,
FISH ON!!!
Capt Butch
 
K.V wanted to know why I didn't post on NC SPORTSMAN anymore?
Hi K.V.
  I will post on NC Sportsman as soon as I have the time again. My charter business has me running 15 to 18 hours a day. I barely have time to post on my own web site. When I get in at night, I usually answer 30 to 50 E-Mails about fishing, send fishing reports to local papers, and keep my site up. When we have time off or bad weather, we have a list of repairs for the boat and equiptment that get broken in daily use. Sometimes, we work harder on the days off!!!! I agree, NC sportsman is a great publication, but there are only so many hours in a day, and this time of year(peak charter season) 24 hours sometimes is not enough. But Please know, I THANK YOU for asking, it lets me know that what I do is appreciated, and for that I Thank You!!!! FISH ON!!! Capt Butch
 
Jason needs some places to get started fishing.
Hi Jason,
   You have to be patient, it will come. You will have to put your time in just like we all do and did. You will learn, and you will prevail!!!! It takes time. I can remember when I thought that there were not any fish in the ocean, and sometimes, that thought passes by my mind again when the fishing is tough!!
 
   These numbers are some tried and true, the up coming fall season should prove to make these better. The bottom fishing will be better right now on the ones the fartherist out. In the winter months they can all be good for bottom fishing. They are all good for King Mackeral. I hope these get you started off on the right track, and build your confidence. Remember, patience!!!
 
AR-425    33 53.06    78 06.52
AR-420    33 51.03    78 06.59
AR440     33 49.80    78 13.08
Horseshoe #1  33 31.93   77 58.18
Horseshoe #2  33 30.70   77 52.63
12 mile ledge     33 40.98  78 08.98
15 Mile Rock   33 38.41   78 11.71
18 mile rock    33 35.76  78 15.55
light house rock  33 46.17   78 05.90
 
   These are just a few, they are not magic numbers, sometimes the fish are there, sometimes they are not. But, I think these will get you started off in the right direction. Pay attention to how you are rigging your baits, make them look as natural as you can, and remember to try to fish around bait, find the bait and the predators will be close by(99% of the time). I hope this will help you and maybe some others!!!
FISH ON!!!
Capt Butch 

MONDAY 7-31-06
  Today we had a full day trip and after explaining the situation with the charter  they still wanted to try to catch something. Offshore was not an option today, too rough. With the SW winds predicted to be in the mid 20's, I figured our best bet would be go up to Carolina Beach where Bald Head Island and Fort Fisher would block most of the winds.
 
  It was the right choice. The beach was flat as a pancake up there. Being tied to the beach with the winds supposed to blow didn't leave much to choose from. We had all the ingredients for shark fishing, except the sharks were not aware of this. Other boats were there and the only report I got was one had had a hit, but, no hookup.
 
   We tried this for a while and soon realized that the shark bite was not going to happen today. OK, we will try some Spanish Mackeral fishing. These results were not much better. Only three Spanish to show for our efforts.
 
   I had saved a number up there last year that was not too far out and I felt that the winds would not be a factor no farther out than it was. I was right and the fish were there just as they had been there when I found it last year!! Thank goodness I logged that number when I found it, it saved the day today!!! At this spot, we caught Grey Snapper, Black Bass, Sharks, one "BIG" shark, Three nice Flounder, Amorings, triggerfish. Not to bad for a windy day!!!
 
  We were fishing today with Troy Ham, Victor Imtemda, Mark Flemings, Ron Ferguson, and Kerwin Steele from Fayetteville. Hopefully, our next trip in October will give us better weather and we can get offshore next time!!! Till then, FISH ON!!! Capt's Butch and Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!!.
 
 
P.S. Jason, be patient, I am going to post some numbers where you and my readers can catch some King Mackeral soon. A lot of these places will offer good bottom fishing this fall as well..... I will try to get it on here tomorrow!!!

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SUNDAY 7-30-06
   Today we had an offshore bottom trip and after checking the Tower Bouy and the forecast, and discussing the options with todays charter, we decided we would give it a try another day when we had better weather.
 
   Here I will answer a few questions I have recently gotten::::
 
   Matt, wanted to know when I thought the Kings would turn back on!!
  I sure wish I had the answer to that one, we have had some great king fishing this year, a lot of it has been in spurts, you can look for it to get better as fall season approaches. We are in the hot dog days of summer now and things are always a little slower this time of year, but it won't last long and things will fire up again.
 
   Cary, Thanks for the information, FISH ON!!!
 
  Pat needs downrigger parts!! Don't feel bad, if you live long enough it will happen again sometime!!
 
   A real good, FIRST CLASS, TOP OF THE LINE, downrigger repair facility is in ; Cobbs Creek, VA;  it is  QUEENS CREEK OUTFITTERS, P.O. Box 900, intersection Rt. 3 and 198, Cobbs Creek, VA 23035.    Phone #  1 (804) 725-3889. FAX# 1 (804)725-5510. Internet Address: www.queenscreek.com  E-MAIL queenscreek@ccsinc.com      These guys can and will help you out!!!!!

SATURDAY 7-29-06
    Today the weather was as predicted and I had called the evening before to cancel todays trip but  Kenneth Fain from Raleigh,NC and Sam Fain, John Reeves, Tim Jones, and Stine DeRossett, from Bluefield, West Virginia decided they wanted to go to Carolina Beach where we would be somewhat protected from the SW winds. 
 
   I explained that the fishing was not that good this year on the inside. That we would be locked on the beach fishing for Spanish Mackeral and possibly sharks. They said that was fine, so away we went to Carolina Beach. We started out fishing for sharks and it wasn't long until a rod was bent with an Atlantic Sharpnose shark on the other end.
 
   We hooked up with four sharks total and was able to land them all. Oddly enough, which is most unusual, they were all Atlantic Sharpnose sharks!! Most of the time we catch more Black Tip Sharks, but not today!!
 
    But that was OK. The Atlantic Sharpnose, like the Spiney Dogfish Shark, does not come under the 54 to 84 inch regulation as other sharks do, and on a Charter Boat, you can keep one per person instead of the one per vessel rule for recreational fishing. There is no creel or size on the Spiney Dogfish Sharks. And believe it or not, sharks are rather tasty on the dinner table as well. Be sure to check the recipe page here on this web site, I do a lot of cooking and have some real good recipes on here for sharks!!
 
   The winds picked up to the 15 to 20 as predicted and the bite turned off just as quick as it turned on. we made several more drifts to no avail, and with a couple of the crew not feeling the best anyway, we decided to cut the full day trip to a half day.
 
   As for the Spanish Mackeral, we never tried for any of those and I didn't hear anyone say that they were biting.  There were several of our locals up there fishing for King Mackeral, some were in the tournament, some were fun fishing. From the radio talk, they were few and far apart also.
 
    It's been a good year for fishing in general, but things are not normal, or as normal as they have been in past years. The fish are just hard to find and figure out a lot of times this year. But, we keep on searching and scratching our head, and so far, I have been able to fill in a few pieces of the puzzle each time we go out. I think that the fish making me think about what they are doing and what they want will in the long run, actually make me better at finding and catching them in the future!!
 
   The Weather doesn't look too good for tomorrow. Haven't talked to tomorrows charter yet. But, if we go, it will most likely be the same deal as today. We can't control Mother Nature, no matter how much we would like to!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch & Chris Foster and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI Cheryl!!!!.
 
 

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THURSDAY 7-27-06
   Today we had a new crew from the Washington,DC and Maryland area, even one, Hollis Hall was from MS. The DC guys were, James Hunter, Ruebin Mc Nair. Sam Stewart and Clifford Stone were from MD.
  
   Today we were just plain old bottom fishing. Be sure to check out Hollis's catch, this was her first time ever offshore and the first fish she has ever caught in the ocean, good job Hollis!!!!
 
   To all who might be wondering, yes, the curse has been broken, Mr. Stone has finally gotten his grouper!!!! Hey guys it was a lot of fun. Some great fellowship, and several fish frys are coming up soon I am sure!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch and Chris Foster, and of course, "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!.

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WEDNESDAY 7-26-06
   We shared the boat today with some great guys that fished with us last year. You may remember them also, they were Brett (Jello) Parliman, Joe (Bait) Thompson, Mark Hayes, Shawn (Trigger Happy) Johnson, Timmy (the Grouper Man) Champion, and Brandon (Sleepy)Hayes. These guys are from Haw River,NC.
 
    We had a blast, not only did we catch fish, we had a day of laughs and fun. The weather was perfect, the bite was a little slow due in part to the New Moon, but we found the grouper!!
 
  We went to the SW side today, the winds were predicted to shift to the SW this afternoon and this would give us a following sea to bring us home in. And it did just that, we left the 150/350 area and was at the dock in less than an hour, we cruised in at  38 knots. That doesn't happen too often in the ocean!!! Not for my boat anyway!!!
 
   Shawn did something today that I don't know of ever happening before. He caught two Queen Triggerfish from the same hole . This is one beautiful fish!!!! I have no idea as to how many grouper we caught today. We threw back a load of 19 to 19 3/4 inch fish. Next year should be a banner year for grouper!!!!! We did however have some nice Scamp grouper, Red grouper, Strawberry grouper, and other various species of bottom fish along with several Mahi-Mahi we caught "lite lining" while Grouper Fishing.
 
    Weather permitting, we will be at it again tomorrow. Check back, we will let you know what we did!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch & Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, I had to have a day off today!!!

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TUESDAY 7-25-06
   This morning we left out on a fishing trip with Ronnie, Ron, and Adam Harvey from West Virginia. With the threat of thunder storms still hanging in the air, I decided to stop at the South 40 for a spell. The bite there was slow, lots of bait and fish markings on the scope, but reluctant to bite very much.
 
   We fished there until the threat of storms had let up. The report from another Captain at the Tower was that the King Mackeral bite was off also. Well, with the knowledge I had gained at the South 40 and from another boat King fishing, I knew what I had to do.
 
   Let's head East to deep water. Fish in deeper water are not affected by the moon phases as much as fish in shallower water, (now, that's my opinion), now it may not be so, but it has always worked for me!!!  We arrived at the first rock, got anchored up and things started almost immediately.
 
   We caught and released at least 30 Grouper that were 19 to 19 3/4 inches. Just shy of keeper size. They were not all too short though. We had several nice Red Grouper , a few Scamp Grouper, a few Strawberry Grouper, another nice Hog Nose Snapper, and a good mess of Black Bass, Grey Snapper, and B-Liners.
 
   Another great day on the high seas with some great people!!!! And we even had a cooler full of fillets at days end!! Now, how can it get any better than this??? Till next time, FISH ON!! Capt's Butch and Chris Foster, "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, HI Caroline Baker!!

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MONDAY 7-24-06
    Today we started off with a 3/4 day trip so we headed to the Shark Hole. We got there and dropped the lines in and at about the same time a BIG storm started building off to our west. We hooked up with a small king mackeral, but, the storm was moving in fast. I thought I could go around it but as I traveled it was soon evident that it was going to wrap around us if we didn't get out of there.
 
   We took off back for the hill, and not too soon!! There was a lot of lightning and rain and wind in this one, but I managed to avoid all but a rain shower for about a mile. Once we crossed through that it was a lot better. Then we stopped to do some shark fishing, got a bite and he pulled the hooks just as another storm built and came from nowhere. This time it was time to call it quits. Hopefully, next time Richard Hess and his wife and two daughters will have better weather. It couldn't get much worse!!!
 
   I called to cancel the days evening shark trip, but we decided to wait until time and see how the weather was then. Turns out, the storms had passed by then so we went in search of "JAWS"!!! We had with us Pat Kee and his son, Jim Parrish, Kyle Parrish, Megan Minskr, and Kenny Harper.
 
  Upon pulling up on our first stop Kyle Parrish was soon hooked up with a Black Tip shark. we got some pictures and then released him as he was too small to be legal to keep. The bite was slow this evening, but we did manage to hook up Kenny Harper with a bigger Black Tip that was also too short to put in the box. So, another picture session was in store before releasing this one also.
 
   Weather permitting, we will be heading offshore tomorrow. If we make it we will give you the results here, good or bad!!! July is almost gone, fall is around the corner, if you have not had time to go fishing yet, then you need to take a break and go soon, or you will have to wait until next year to go. In other words, "If you are too busy to go fishing, then, you are just to busy"!!!!! 
 
   Be sure to check out the way "Private Bodie" the fish dog keeps cool when it's hot, you can't call him a "dumb dog"!!
 Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt's Butch & Chris Foster,and of course, "Private Bodie" the cool fish dog, says HI!!!!!!!.
 
P.S. Check out the 42 plus pound King Mackeral that was caught off the beach this past Friday by Michael Applebee, who was home on leave from Iraq, fishing with Captain Ron Farnsworth on the boat WATER BOY a.k.a. SHE'S SLICK. Congratulation on a trophy King Mackeral. Michael is married to Capt. Ron and Admiral Helen's daughter, Michelle.

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SUNDAY,7-23-06
    Didn't go fishing today, Tower Bouy said 7 ft. seas at its location this morning.  Did get a lot of "nit-picky" repairs caught up on boat today and finally got all my e-mails answered- up to this point, I see I have some more that has come in this evening, keep 'em coming, that lets me know that you like what I am doing, and I love what I am doing!!!! But remember, I am only human and this time of year I seem to run out of time and energy, so, it might take me a little bit to get back to you, but, I WILL!!! Please be patient with me. Weather permitting, we will be back out in the morning, and doing a shark trip tomorrow evening. Hope I catch somr fish so I can give you a catching report instead of just a fishing report!!!
FISH ON!!!!
Capt Butch

SATURDAY, 7-22-06
    We have had some good fishing days lately, but, as the old saying goes "all things come to an end"!! The winds are blowing again for a few days, so, maybe we can get caught up some and answer some of our e -mails and questions!!
 
  About the African pompano at the Tower and using Pogys for bait, you are right on both cases. Some African Pompano have already been caught and Pogys are as good a bait as you can use!! They should hang around until mid to late August.
 
   Jed, I use the book "GUIDE TO FLORIDA SALTWATER FISH" This book covers a lot of the fish species we catch off our coast. I am sure there are others!!
 
   The dolphin are thinning out, the Kings can be caught at most any of the usual king spots, shark hole,tower, 18 mile rock, 90/90, horseshoe, etc;.
 
   Joe, there is a launch ramp off of Fish Factory Road. Come down LONG BEACH ROAD and turn left in front of CLEMS SEAFOOD, ramp is 1/2 mile on left. There is a pay ramp in downtown Southport also.

FRIDAY 7-21-06
   This has been a very special past two days for the "YEAH RIGHT CREW" Yesterday, we had  Adam and David Hugo, from Richmond,VA, and today we had the honor of meeting and getting to spend the day fishing with four more GREAT young fishermen and fisherwomen. All these kids have been fantastic!!!!
 
    Today's group consisted of Caroline Baker, Elizabeth Baker, Sam Baker, and  Robert Baker. They even let their dads come along, they were Bryan and Steve Baker. These guys were from Kings Mountain, NC. I was impressed at these little guys, they could hold their own against most grown ups when it came to fishing!!! I know I speak for Capt Chris too when I say, today and yesterday was absolutely fantastic!!!
 
    These guys were (at times),pulling in Grouper two at a time, catching Mahi-Mahi, King Mackeral, Trigger Fish, Grey Snapper, Pinkys, Sharks, B-Liners, Black Bass, Elizabeth even had a "BIG" Tiger Shark try to eat one of her Groupers, that was unexpected!!! 
 
   What a GREAT day I had by having the honor of sharing the boat again today with some more young men and young ladies that just happen to be some real good fisherpeople also. The last two days I won't forget for a long time, hopefully, I will never forget them!!
 
   Jay, (from yesterday) Bryan and Steve, (from today) you guys I know are very proud of these kids, and you should be, I know I sure am!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt's Butch and Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI Caroline!!!

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THURSDAY 7-20-06
   Well we finally got back out today after being down a few days with engine problems. And no there are not any pictures of todays trip, Somebody, like me, left the camera in the truck this morning!!!!
 
  We left out from Bald Head Island this morning with Jay,Adam, and David Hugo from Richmond, VA. We went to the tower area only to find the king bite a little slow. I thought maybe it was me, but, everyone else was reporting that the bite was slow for them also. The Mahi-Mahi bite was good when you found them. They don't seem to be as thick as they were!!
 
  The bottom fish were biting well, good sized black bass, white porgys, grey snappers, triggerfish, B-Liners, even caught a Jack creville!!!  Reports are that the kings are biting well to the West but I haven't tried it myself, yet!! When I do, I will let you know!!! Till then, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch

WEDNESDAY,7-19-06
    WE ARE BACK!!!!! Tim at SUPPLY BOAT CO. pinpointed the problem today. He found a loose connector on the injector,fixed that and the engine runs again. SOOOO!!! we will be back at it tomorrow morning, so check in for a "hands on" report tomorrow night!!
 
  Have been told the bite is on at nearly all the King Mackeral hot spots. Was told by another captain today that they(kings) were everywhere!!! Will be leaving out of Bald Head Island in the morning, don't know yet what we are going to be fishing for, but, you can find out what we did right here tomorrow night. Till then, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch

TUESDAY,7-18-06
   Talked to the Captain that took out my charter today and they did OK on the King Mackeral and Mahi-Mahi today, along with some bottom fish to go with them.
 
  It looks as though we will be up and running very soon now. I want you to know the type of person Mike Coffelt at SUPPLY BOAT CO. is. This man has just had surgery, but he knew that I use my boat to make a living with and that I had taken it to another dealer and I would be put on the "back burner" so to speak!! He called me this morning and said I am at the shop, bring your boat up here, we will find out what the problem is and get you back on the water!! You can never say enough or do enough for someone like that. Mike, you are an amazingly careing person, and it shows you do not do your job just for the money, but instead, you truly care about others!!!! What can I say, I am humbled and beholding!!!
 
   What Mike found with the engines: 
  Number 5 cylinder was not fireing. Spark was there, so was fuel, but, there was too much fuel. A fuel injector had stuck in the open position, allowing it to "dump" fuel into #5 cylinder at a rate it could not burn it, therefore, flooding the cylinder. Now, with the fuel flooding the cylinder and not being burnt, it only had one place to go. Into the oil. when it did this, it was diluting the oil to the point it had lost a LOT of oil pressure. When it lost the oil pressure, the engine would go  into "shutdown safety mode", therefore it wouldn't run. Put fresh oil in and the oil pressure jumped immediately to over 100 lbs. A 70+ pound increase. This will keep it out of safety mode. We ordered a fuel injector and was going to have it "overnight" delivery, but, upon ordering, we were informed it was on "back order". It should be here in a few days!!!
 
   Mike, you are amazing on these Honda and Yamaha engines, the best I have ever seen!! I'm telling you guy's and gal's, need a motor fixed, Mike's the man to do it and he truly cares for you and your engine problems!!! Honda should thank the dealers they have like SUPPLY BOAT COMPANY and Mike Coffelt, It is my opinion, that these dealers are what keeps Honda selling boat motors.THANKS MIKE, YOUR ONE OF A KIND!!!!
FISH ON!!!
Capt Butch

MONDAY, 7-17-06
    I don't know how long it will be before my motors are repaired. The mfg. has voiced it's stance on the problem, and I am left to handle this on my own with no further help from them. The motors were bad from the start, and all they have done has been to put me off and when they finally did do something all they did was "put a patch" on the problem. When that didn't work, they informed Mike to "patch it up" and let it go, that was all they were going to authorize him to do!!! If they don't do what's right about these motors, I will never recommend again or buy another Honda engine, ever!!!! I have never experienced any company so insensitive to their customers problems. If they produce a bad product, they should have the gumption to make it right!!!
 
   OK, enough of my complaining. I am going to try to compile a report from different sources so you will have an idea of what's biting down here to help you plan your weekend or weekly fishing trip. I will do the best I can until I am back on the water myself.
 
   Thank all of you who have called and emailed me with your concerns about my engine troubles. Thank You all that I have had to cancel trips for understanding that I hate it as much or more than you do. I feel like I have let you down, but, my hands are tied!! Man made mechanical things break down, especially, when the were never right from the beginning!!!!
 
   The emails and calls have reinforced why I do what I do!!! As I have said in the past,"Without all of you, what I do would be useless"!!! I appreciate all of you!!!!
 
  About all I have right now is that the amber jacks are biting well. The king mackeral and Mahi-Mahi bite is still from 20 miles on out to around the tower and other offshore structures. There have been a few African Pompano caught in the tower area lately. The inshore bite still remains slow.
 
   There have been a couple of comments put in the "Guestbook", please, let's not make this site a place to air these type things. I appreciate your defence, but lets just let "sleeping dogs lay still"
 
  Jed, I will give you the name of the book to identify fish and sharks with, it is in the boat and I can't remember the name of it. The sharks we had, if I remember correctly were sandtiger.
 
   Thanks again for all your support and concerns. Fishermen and women are the best people in the world, bar none!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch.
 
SATURDAY 7-15-06
    No report today, weather was too bad for us to go out. Just as well though, one of my engines has decided it doesn't want to run anymore anyway. It is a sad case when a particular motor company preaches about "customer satisfaction" then puts one of their customers through what I have been through for the past year and a half. It has been a nightmare!!!!
 
  Hopefully, I will have it fixed before too long, will have to wait and see. Till then, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch
 
 P S: I have had a "bomb" go off in my computer, If I have been putting reports on your site, please email me so I can get it going again, I have even lost all my e mails. I have lost EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday July 14, 2006
Fished with Jeff and Layton Turner and Brad, Brandon, and Miller Boyles today.  We arrived at the dock with the weather report of 10-15 knot winds out of the southwest so we decided to head to Carolina Beach to avoid the rough seas off of Oak island beach.  However, 10-15 knots ended up to be 25 knots out of the southwest and the water became rather sloppy.  We couldn't go offshore, that was definetly out of the question.  
 
The Spanish Mackerel report out of Carolina Beach has been that they are biting GREAT!! Once again not the case, the Spanish Mackerel bite had shut completly off and we found ourselves left with only one option, shark fishing!
 
If you've never fought a 100-150lb shark on 20lb test line then you are in for a huge light tackle treat, just ask any of todays crew!  After about an hour fight the first 100lb shark was boarded and iced.... then about 30 minutes later we were hooked up on another 150lb monster on 20lb test!!!!!!!! Talk about an awesome 1 1/2 hour fight!!! No doubt the sharks were a blast and serve to be great on the dinner table.
Fish ON! Capt. Butch, Capt. Chris, and Private Bodie
 

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THURSDAY, 7-13-06
     Not much to report today. We went to South Harbour marina this morning but due to the winds, we decided to stay on the hill today and try again when things settle down some.
  Have heard that a few Spanish Mackeral are finally starting to be caught again off our beach. Have also heard that the Spanish bite is red hot at carolina beach.
FISH ON!!
Capt Butch

Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Headed out this morning with Bill May, Michael May, Heather May, and Tarrell May to an area offshore of the Tower to find the fish hungry and willing to bite!!   The weather was nice with overcast skies and seas around 1-2 feet and a soft southeasterly breeze keeping it from getting TOO hot!  The fishing action however was just that HOTTT!!
 
We arrived at the first stop around 50 miles offshore and sent the first Grouper lines down to the bottom!   Within seconds the first few RED GROUPER were in the boat and we were sending the lines back down.... the first rock resulted in several throw back grouper and 4 nice keeper Red Grouper and 2 Scamp Grouper and a Strawberry Grouper!   To add to the catch was an AWESOME 26lb. King Mackerel off the lightline landed by Bill May and another 18lb King Mackerel landed by Michael May!  3 Mahi Mahi and a slew of Gray and Silver Snapper! 
 
With the action beginning to slow at the first stop we decided to pull anchor and move to a new rock.  As we approached the second rock we sent the lines down and immediatly came back to the surface with several throw back Red Grouper!  As Bill and Michael dropped  to the bottom the result were two grouper bites that wrapped the 6/0 50-80lb class rods in double and the guys found that they had hooked into something that had as much power as they did.  Needless to say both of these monsters got back in the rocks and refused to let go until the lines broke. 
With these two rocks behind us, fish in the boat, a couple of the crew not feeling to good, and storm clouds on the horizon the crew decided that it would be best to start making our way back to the dock.  All in all we had a great day in great company and caught lots of nice quality fish!!!!
Always a Great Time!
FISH ON! Capt, Butch, Capt Chris, and Bodie

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  TUESDAY 7-11-06
Today we had a 1/2 day trip with Jody Dean, Trish Ean, Emily Dean, Arthur Goudey, and Carol Arbogast. Now, usually a 1/2 day trip is on the beach for Spanish Mackeral, Sharks, and King Mackeral when they are there. For some reason, the beach bite is slow, real slow, almost to the point of no bite at all!!!!
 
   Knowing this I decided to head to the Horseshoe so these guys would be able to get some fish. I figured it would be better to fish two hours where there were some fish than fish four hours and more than likely not get a bite.
 
  Now, I can't do this all the time, but I will do what I can if I have the time to get anyone some fish in the boat. I enjoy what I do and even though it takes money to operate any business, sometimes you have to throw away the rule book and make things work!!!
 
   We caught a few Mahi-Mahi, didn't have a king bite, all Mahi's. We left soon enough to get back to the beach to try for some Spanish Mackeral and for a Shark. And just as I had figured earlier, we did not get a bite on the beach.
 
   This was the first time out for several of my fishermen and women today, but, when the fish was on the line, you would have not known it. They all fought those fish and brought them to boat side just like seasoned pros!!!
 
   Guy's we enjoyed a beautiful day on the water today, and just good people like you all is one reason I love what I do!!!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt's Butch and Chris Foster, and of course "Private Bodie" the fish dog, says HI!!!!!!.

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In the "GUESTBOOK" David asked about a fill in. Very seldom do we have such a spot available.Most all charters now are private charters. What I try to do is get your name and phone number, then, when I get four that are interested, I contact you all and try to set up a trip. Seldom does that work because hardly ever does everyones schedule work where thay can all go at the same time. It is hard to put one of these trips together, but, I try to help everyone that wants to go fishing try to find a way they can go. David, I have your name, give me a call so I can get your number and I will try to get you a trip worked out. You can also look at this way, if you were to book a trip by yourself, you would get many many thousands of dollars worth of equiptment, and experienced Captain for the day, all for less than one boat payment!!  Plus, you will be able to do what you want to do!!Not a bad deal if you think about it!!!!
FISH ON!!!
Capt Butch

MONDAY 7-10-06
    We went fishing today with Chris Barbee, J.P. Baumann, and Charlie Lloyd. We started off on the South 40. There was plenty of bait at the 40 but not too many fish. We picked up one "peanut" Mahi-Mahi. After a couple more passes with no results we decided to move on.
 
   From there we went to the Tower. Here we had about the same results. Picked up a couple kings and Mahi, but still slow for us. I made a call that would be sorta "Feast or Famon". I went to a wreck that I found last year some 15 miles SE of the Tower. Not being there yet this year, I knew it would be a gamble. Well, as it turned out I was dealt a straight and the fish had a full house.
 
  Capt Chris looked at me and said, "Now what are you going to do"? I looked back at my crew and all their faces were asking the same question. And, to top it off, I even asked myself that same question!!! I had run and gunned for some 45 miles and didn't find any fish to speak of.
 
  I know, let's go grouper fishing and lite line. That was agreeable with everyone and I had some "Grouper Rocks" not far from where I was at. This was the "Rabbit in the hat" I had been trying to get at all day. We had trouble keeping a lite line in for a little while with the Mahi-Mahi and Kings. And the Grouper were hungry. We fished two rocks and caught several grouper that were too small to keep!!! I was going to another rock when I ran across a rock, a "BIG" rock. I told Capt Chris to look at this one!!! We got set up on it and it started, Charlie even was catching keeper sized Red's two at a time on a double drop rig. But, J P pulled off the big one for the day when he boated a "BIG" Hog Nosed Snapper. Well, I don't know, two big keeper reds at one time, I will have to say that either one ( the hog snapper or two reds at a time) is quite a deal!!!
 
   It was fun guys. Sorry it took me so long to figure out what was biting and where. But, we did it!!!! Chris, keep them all straight, OK!!
 
   The bait is starting to show back up on the beach again. Hopefully, the Kings and Spanish will follow them. The Spanish fishing on the beach has been tough here lately!!! The Mahi-Mahi bite continues offshore, I am having my best luck out in the blue "stream" colored water. Pull frozen cigar minnows on Hank brown Heads or jig up some live cigar and sardines and deploy these on king mackeral live bait rigs, either one will work. At times, we are also doing good on cedar plugs pulled around 7 knotts.
 
  Just go out there and if what you are doing isn't working, don't be afraid to experiment. You just might discover the next hot trend in fishing!!! Till next time, FISH ON!! Capt's Butch and Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, come on, let's go fishing!!!!!!!!!!!

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In the "GUESTBOOK" section, Steve Alcala asked if we could post our available dates? We checked into that at one time, but, we book up fast enough that by the time I got the dates posted, most of them were already gone. The best way is to call (910) 845-2004 when you have an idea when you want to go, and if we have any available dates open then most people will hold that date with a Visa or M/C number for your deposit. A deposit is the only way we can hold a day for you!!

SUNDAY,7-9-06
   Today we had Attorney Niles Elber from Washington,DC and Attorney Richard Pellack from Charlotte, NC and Nile's brother-in-law Michael with us on a Grouper mission.
 
  We caught  7 keeper sized grouper, although one was "quick released" at boat side. There were as many or more that were not legal size that we had to return to the sea.
 
  We managed several Black Bass, Grey Snapper, King Mackeral and 22 Mahi-Mahi on the "lite line" while grouper fishing. And on top of that, the current was running so strong, we had to drift, now, if we could have anchored, who knows how many grouper we may have caught!!!
 
  Another greay day of fishing with some even greater friends!!! It is always a pleasure to share a day on the water with these guys!! Till next time FISH ON!!! Capt's Butch and Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, cooler days and hot fishing, how can it get any better than this? Oh, I know, cooler days, hot fishing, and you sharing some of your sandwich with me, Now, that's the life!!!

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In the"GUESTBOOK" Billy asked what kind of boat is the 'YEAH RIGHT". It is a MAKO. There is a full description on the HOME page on the web site.
 
 Jason asked about the suprise: The surprise is in the boat slip at the marina. We are waiting to finish getting it equipped for fishing and all the permits necessary to charter her out. She is a CHRIS CRAFT SPORTFISHERMAN, twin diesels, fly bridge, 12 foot beam fishing machine. It takes a while to get one ready to put into service, please be patient, it is near completion.

FRIDAY7-7-06
  The winds have kicked up things around here for the next few days so we have put the fishing on hold until things settle down some. Got to get these lows and highs to settle down before we can get back out. The inshore bite on the Spanish is slow at best!! The sharks are biting well if you get your baits in the right spots. Today, I couldn't find that "right spot".  You know the feeling, "some days a hero, some days a zero"!!! There was plenty of bait today around the "hot hole" area. The reports from the other boats today were slim to none. The fishing has really slowed for now. Well, if they had kept eating like they did last week, they would all have exploded!!! We have had a streak of great weather, this is mother natures way of giving us a reality check. We cancelled this evenings and Saturdays trip due to the winds, don't know about any others yet!! When things pick up (or get worse) we will let you know right here!!!! Till then, FISH ON!!! Capt. Butch Foster 

WEDNESDAY 7-5-06
   Today we caught "Pogys" at the "condos" on the beach and we left out for the Horseshoe area with Jay and Mike Snapp.
 
  The King Mackeral and Mahi bite had slowed  there. Weeds were still a problem also. We didn't stay there long before we picked up and headed to the tower area. This still seems to be the best overall place for the bite!!!
 
  Now, if you are wondering why there are not a "BIG" pile of fish today, well, there could have been, but we lost a "PILE" of fish today. It was one of those days, you know the kind if you fish much. If it didn't jump and throw the hook it would break the line. If it didn't throw the hook or break the line, then a Barracuda would only leave the head. We even had around a 18 lb. King eat by a big shark.
 
  We still had fun and were in GREAT company. It's not always about how much you catch or kill!~!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt's Chris and Butch Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, YEEESSS, I went fishing again today, just love that "people food"!!! I'm wondering, is it the goodies or the fish, or the fisher people I like. I know, I LOVE them all !!!!

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TUESDAY 7-4-06
     I am running a day behind at the moment, but, I do see the "light at the end of the tunnel" as they say. Should be back on schedule in a few days.
 
   We went after Grouper today with Bud Cunningham and Mindy Killion from Morristown,TN. today. We went to some "holes" on the East side of the shoals, and sure enough, we found some nice Grouper. Mostly Reds and Scamps, pretty good sized one too!!! We even had a couple that we couldn't get up off the bottom before they broke us off!!! And we caught a load that were just an inch or less from being keeper size, so, those we released.
 
  We also caught some nice Vermillion Snapper, Grey Snapper, Black Bass, and Triggerfish.  We didn't catch a lot of those because we were mainly after Grouper today.
 
  Mindy, we enjoyed your and Bud's company fishing today. Be sure to come back next time so we will have enough fish to take pictures of, if you know what I mean!!! Till then, FISH ON!!! Capt's Butch and Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, I had to rest today, was too give out from fishing the day before, I will see you next time Mindy!!!

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Monday July 3, 2006
Jason Burkhart and his dad, Martin Burkhart and Daniel Crouse of Thomasville, NC caught 4 Mahi Mahi, some King Mackerel and had several more on that pulled and threw the hooks. A few Barracuda also and a 38lb Amberjack tally up today's catch. 

There are lots of weeds coming together forming up some nice weedlines and the water temp is about 82-83 degrees and the fish are in the area.  Looks like the fishing is going to continue to be good for the next few weeks!!

Til next time... Capt. Butch, Capt. Chris, and private Bodie, saying FISHON!!


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Sunday July 2, 2006
Today we were honored to have the company of James West, Billy Ford, Tim Holland, Lisa & Paul Ford and Mary Horne aboard the Yeah RIght for a day of wonderful offshore fishing! They ended up landing 4 Mahi Mahi, 11 Grouper (scamps and speckled hind and strawberrys) Triggerfish, Grey Snapper, Sharks, Almaco Jack and King Mackerel and a few other species of bottom fish. 
 
A lil excitement while we were out there, an eight foot Hammerhead Shark was behind the boat nearly all evening!!!! Talk about a sight, he was even hooked up for about 20 seconds, just to scream off the 50lb test and break it! 
Catches of Mahi mahi and king mackerel were reported around the Tower area as well as some larger Mahi around the 18 mile rock area. 
 
The fish seem to be biting good.
From Capt. Butch, Capt. Chris and Private Bodie, FISH ON!!!

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SATURDAY 7-1-06
   We had our good friends with us today from the DC and Maryland area. They were Vander Covington, John Blakely, Tony Fouch, and Edwin Brown. It's always a great day when these guys are in town!!!
 
   Today we went after bottom fish. And after the "dust settled" we had quite a good day of catching bottom fish. It would most likely be easier to tell you what we didn't have today, but I will try!!!
 
    We had Groupers, 15 to be exact, even caught a few that had the "head & tail disease" and had to be thrown back. We had Joltheads, B-Liners, Amoco Jacks, Black Bass,Triggerfish, Grey Snapper's, Sharks, we even finished up the day with some King Mackeral and even caught a Cobia.
 
   Another great day on the water with some GREAT people!!!! It was fun, Let's just hope the weather and fish hold on until next Saturday, see you then!!!!  FISH ON!!! Capt's Butch & Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog say's, I had to stay home again today, to hot, can't wait till the fall season!!!!

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FRIDAY, 6-30-06
   Today we went to the Tower area with our friends David Thornton, Perry Carter, and Steve Marler. We actually started at the Raritan then went to the Horseshoe, but, the action was slow there for us so we moved on towards the Tower. When we got there, things started off real well. First line in resulted in a "FISH ON"!!!!
 
   From that point on it was a busy day of catching fish, quick releasing fish, landing fish, and just a good day of having fun with some friends we have made while in the fishing business. I couldn't see myself doing anything else at this point in my life!!!!
 
   Today's catch consisted of King Mackeral, Mahi-Mahi, Sharks, we even stopped for about an hour on one of our "rocks" and picked up a good mess of Black Bass, Grey Snapper, and Vermillion Snapper before coming back to the dock.
 
  Guy's, it was an honor to have you on board today, Chris and I along with "Private Bodie" enjoyed your company today. Hope the fish fry's go well!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!!! Capts. Butch and Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog say's , I went fishing today, I had to take a nap while lying on an ice bag covered with a towel, I stayed real cool. Capt Butch sure does take good care of me!!!!

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THURSDAY 6-29-06
   Today was a special day for us here at "YEAH RIGHT CHARTERS". We had the opportunity to take a special young man out on a deep sea fishing trip. His name is Shane Moe, he was fishing with his mom, Sharon Goff they are from Richmond, VA.
 
  Knowing that Shane wanted to catch some bigger than Spanish Mackeral we headed to the Horseshoe area. We figured that 2 hours fishing where there were some bigger fish would be better than fishing all morning on the beach for the smaller Spanish. It proved to be just the ticket.
 
   After about an hour and a couple of King Mackeral, a shark, and a big Bull Mahi-Mahi, Shane and his mom were worn out and said that was all we can catch. I think the Mahi-Mahi was the clincher, he did not want to come to the boat and put up a battle all the way!!!
 
   Sharon and Shane, we were honored to have you two with us today. It was definately our pleasure!! Hope to see you both again real soon, till then, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, I messed up, I could have went fishing today, it was cooler, how was I to know? All those goodies eat on the boat and I missed them!!!

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WEDNESDAY,6-28-06
   The weather has settled back down some and we are able to get out again!! This mornings conditions were not so good at the Tower so we elected to stay inshore and fish for some Spanish Mackeral. Well. it wasn't long listening to all the other boats and from our own experience, that the Spanish bite was not going to happen today. Too much dirty water from the recent storms!!
 
   I didn't want to head to the East side and cross the shoals with the winds we had, so, I elected to head due south. This would give us a good ride with a following on the way home. Let's go find clean water and some bait and we should find some fish!!! Well, we did and we did!!!
 
   Today we had Bill Bryant and his son, Jeremy. Also, along with us today was Peter Malec, from Charlotte,NC. The fishing was tough to begin with and we all had our doubts from the beginning, but, perserverance and the will not to give up paid big dividends again today!!! We ended the day early with three limits of King Mackeral and a good sized Mahi-Mahi. Not to bad a start for the first day after the storms!! As the weather settles more and the water clears up more, expect fishing to get back on track soon. Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, it was a tough day for me since it was so hot, I had to stay home in the air conditioning today, maybe tomorrow I can go!!!!

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SATURDAY 6-24-06
   Today we headed to the Tower area with Tim, David, and Andrew Leonard from Churchland, NC. The fishing conditions were not the best with a 6 foot plus SE swell. But the swells were far enough apart that is was fishable. We rigged up the 50 lb. class tackle gulfstream style and set the "YEAH RIGHT" on 7 knotts and it wasn't long until someone yelled "FISH ON!!!"
 
  The fight was on, the Mahi-Mahi were there again today and were hungry. We repeated this scene all through the day with more Mahi-Mahi, King Mackeral, Barracudas, sharks, and we even stopped later that evening and picked up a few bottom fish.
 
   There have been a few African Pompano already been caught this year. They were thought to migrate by here in July and be gone around late August, now it has me thinking that maybe, just maybe some might hang around all the time. Now that's just what I am thinking, I didn't say they did, it just has me thinking they might.
 
   Looks like the weather is going to be a little rough for the next few days. I have had to cancel today and Mondays trips, will see what Tuesday brings.
 
  Tim, David, and Andrew, we hope you guys enjoy all those Mahi steaks on the grill. It's making me hungry just writing about them!! Take care, and hope to see ya'll again soon. Till then, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, it was cooler Saturday, so I got to fishing again, and I love it, or let's see, maybe it's the food I love. maybe the people, shucks, I LOVE IT ALL!!!!!!.

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FRIDAY 6-23-06
 OK, I will try to get caught up a little. Sorry this report is late, just not enough hours in a day this time of year, plus, I am definately not getting any younger either. On Wednesday, we went to the Tower area with Eddie Czarnetzry, Greg Alemain these guys were from DC. Chris Barnhart, you know him, he was the one getting married today, he was from Raleigh, then  the other guy, Jason Hewitt, he made it here all the way from California. I sure hope we made the trip worth all their trouble!
 
   We started off with some "jacks" after a couple of rounds each, that was enough of that. If we had kept on everyone was going to be too tired to fish the rest of the day. They don't call these fish "Reef Donkeys" for nothing!!! Now we moved off shore of the Tower a little and hooked up with some King Mackeral, then it happened!!! A reels clicker screamed in mercy, Eddie, if I remember right, got the rod, and the fight was on. After what seemed to be an eternity but was only around 45 minutes, the rod flew up and the hooks had pulled loose from a "BIG" fish. There was all kinds of guesses as to what it was. We will never know, we never had a chance to see what it was, but it was "BIG"!!!!!!
 
    We licked our wounds and pushed on!! The rest of the day was active with King Mackeral, Mahi-Mahi, and various bottom species included in the creel along with several more big fish and average fish earning their freedom as they would manage to wiggle their way off the hooks. But hey, you can't catch them all all the time, that's fishing!!!
 
  Now, on Thursday, 6-22-06 we went back to the same area with Martin Shaw and his son Mark. These Guys were from Greenville. The fish were not as active in that area as they have been in the past few days. It sounded on the radio that the best activity was to the West of the Tower. You have to make a call in this business as to where to go, sometimes your a hero, sometimes your a zero!!
 
   Even though the fishing had slowed, we went to work to figure out what we needed to do to get some fish. First, we tried for some "jacks". Today they weren't interested!! Next we limited out on King Mackeral, then we went after the Mahi-Mahi. We threw the live bait back in the tank, put the cigar minnows back on ice. We fired up the stream tackle with CAPE LOOKOUT LURES SKIRTS and Ballyhoo's. We run a modified diamond spread out behind the boat and set the speed on around 6 knotts and started trolling the line of "Grouper Rocks" we have on our LORAN, knowing these would most likely have bait around them. IT WORKED!!!!! Before long, we were having "BIG" Bulls crashing our baits. The 50 lb. class rods would bend over and the 50 lb. class reels clickers would scream!! If you don't get excited when that happens, you need to check your pulse!!!!!!!!!!! We watched as several Mahi's crashed the baits several times, jumping out of the water, trying to get the baits, over and over but never hooked up. We had one big bull, around 40 lbs. get just inches from the gaff, the hooks pulled out and we all gave him a "standing ovation" as we watched him swim away. He looked as though he was saying, not today guys, maybe next time!!!
 
   Now, as for the pictures. A camera for some reason will not work with dead batteries. I don't know why, but it won't. We also stopped a little before we headed back in and picked up a bucket of black bass, trigger fish, Vermillion Snapper, and Grey Snapper.
 
  The bait has been hard to find. Mostly it's been in the river around Sunny Point. There were some around Battery Island yesterday, these were bigger than what we have been getting up the river. Who knows where they will be tomorrow.
 
   The ocean is being predicted in a SE Swell, if it holds true, we will have a "good ride" at least Saturday. The last report I heard has me doubting Sunday.
 
  Last report I got on the Spanish Mackeral was that they are starting to bite again on the beach.
 
  The fishing in general is good now. It's that time of year. The southern areas are starting to get a better bite now, 18 mile rock, Shark Hole; etc;
 
   Just talked to Ocean Crest Pier,(no I didn't talk to the pier) I talked with Melinda. The Kings have been biting all week. If you have live shrimp, you can literally murder the trout!!!! The Spanish are starting to show back up and the Pompano are biting as well. You can reach them at (910)278-6674.
 
   If you don't have time to go fishing, then you are just too busy!!! Come on down, take a break, and take a kid fishing!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt  Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" The fish dog says, it's too hot out there for me now, will seen you when it cools down!!!

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TUESDAY,6-20-06
   Today we headed back offshore with Peter Malec, J D Grose, Andrew Long, from Charlotte, NC and Bill Bryant from Ohio. I mentioned something earlier in the week about being shocked back to reality, well, today the electricity was turned on. Yeah, the flat calm ocean we had grown to love was a little on the rowdy side today. Still not too awful bad, but not as nice as it has been!!!
 
    We headed to the Tower today to troll for some King Mackeral and were soon rewarded with our quarry. Mixed in were some Mahi-Mahi as well. The shift in the winds seemed to have slowed the bite a little, but not a whole lot. Our biggest problem today was fish screaming the reels and then shortly after a brief fight, would come unhooked!! We probably lost as many or more than we boated!! We even bottom fished for a little while and they bit good until the tide went slack.
 
  Got some reports that the flounder are biting good on the inshore reefs. That's all I have heard about though, been offshore most of the time. The Spanish Mackeral bite on the beach has been slow, don't know if it has picked back up yet or not, but it should anytime if not already!!
 
   The weather prediction looks good for the weekend at this time, but as you know it will change several times before the weekend gets here. Let's hope it changes for the better!!! Till next time, FISH ON!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, come on wind, I need a break!!!

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MONDAY6-19-06
   All I can say is FISH ON!!!!!!. I  am here to tell you the fish are biting!!!! Today's trip was a FULL DAY and we limited out on bottom fish. Never once did we troll for any Kings or Mahi-Mahi. These were caught on a "lite line" while anchored up bottom fishing!!! Doug, who is pictured far right brought the "BIG" Shark up from the deep to have his picture taken then released to fight another day!!
 
   All these fish gave Michael, Tom, Doug, Max, Frank, Capt Chris, and Capt Butch a workout today. You can set back and imagine how the fishing was today, but you have to had been there to live it in real life. Look at the pictures, you will know then it was a good day with some GREAT people!! Hope you had half as much fun catching these fish as we did putting you on them!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog is give out from attacking all those fish!!!!

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SUNDAY,6-18-06
    The fishing, weather, catching, biting it's all just getting better and better. I said yesterday that I had a short trip and would not be out as far. Well, three hours of fishing where I know the fish are is better than five hours fishing barren grounds. So, with this way of thinking, we took back off offshore.
 
   We had with us today Don Cable, Debbie Carter, Geri Preslar, and Deanna Baucom. When we got to our fishing spot things started happening quickly. Before Capt Chris could get all the lines in we had a good sized Mahi-Mahi on, around 20 pounds. While Don was fighting this fish, a King Mackeral hit another line. Things slowed for a few minutes after this until we moved a little more to the SW. Then it was on!!! A Chinese Fire Drill, extroidnaire. We lost as many fish as we boated due to multiple hook ups and lines getting crossed and tangled,"what a problem to have"!!!
 
   I think everyone on the boat hooked at least one fish that they could not turn around or stop, and some of the big ones we just about got to the boat before they either pulled free or broke the leader. Don had one real nice Cobia almost in gaff range, estimated to be in the upper 30's and he sounded and broke off.
 
   For a short fishing day, I don't see how you could ask for more than what we had today!!!! GREAT people to fish with, a GOOD bite from the fish, and one of the most beautiful days you will ever see on the ocean, till next time "tomorrow"  FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!.

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SATURDAY,6-17-06
    This morning we left out with James Braswell, Phillip Turner, and Glenn Callaway in search of mostly bottom fish. Since we had fished some of our spots fairly heavy the past few days, we decided to hit some different ones in the same depth zone of around 70 feet. This turned out to be a wise decision.
 
   Not many times can you bottom fish and limit out on King Mackeral and catch Mahi-Mahi while fishing a "light line" while anchored up. Right now this is happening!!! To say the fish are biting is an understatement. It's as good of a bite as I have seen in a long time!!!!
 
  Once again I will let the picture do most of the talking. Have a 3/4 day tomorrow, check back and see what we find a little closer to shore. It will be a challenge for me also because I have been offshore and have no idea what is biting inside. Maybe the Spanish Mackeral are biting again by now, will find out tomorrow possibly. But, if you can get to the area around the tower, pull some frozen cigar minnows or live bait if you have it, and you too will catch some fish!! Till next time,  FISH ON!!! Capt Butch, Capt Chris and "Private Bodie' the fish dog says I'm tired, all this fishing is hard on a little guy like me!!!

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FRIDAY,6-16-06
    Today things went a little better. We left the dock this morning to go get some bottom fish. With us we had Karen Cashion, Herman McGill, Walter Blue, Ronnie Moore,Andrew Burton, and Jim Laufair. We stopped on several places on the way out, but the big payoff was to the SW of the Tower about 5 miles.
 
   There is a ledge out there that I found a while back and it has a BIG rock pile on it. The ledge is in 70 feet of water and the rock pile comes up 35 feet off the bottom. This spot has proven several times to hold a lot of quality fish, and today was no different!!! All I can tell you is, is to look at the picture below. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, well, maybe in this case two thousand words. Check out the "Hog Nose Snapper" that Karen caught, somewhere in the 22 to 25 lb. range. Congrats Karen, that is a rare trophy in our waters to catch on a rod and reel!!!
 
   There is a good King Mackeral and Mahi-Mahi bite at the tower now. Live bait works well, as does frozen cigar minnows. Bottom fishing is good now also, the best way to put it is THE FISH ARE BITING, GO FISHING!!!!!!!
 
   Keep checking back often, if the weather holds up and the boat and motors hold up, we will be fishing every day now for a while, and I will do my best to keep you informed as to what I find out about what is biting where. FISH ON!!! Capt Butch

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THURSDAY,6-15-06
    We almost made it out today! We were looking for bait on the beach and couldn't find any so we decided to just jig up some live cigar minnows offshore. So, we pointed the "YEAH RIGHT" towards the tower and  pushed the throttles to around 4500 RPM's. Everything was fine, then suddenly, she dropped to 2000 RPM's. Man made and mechanical, they are going to give trouble from time to time. We had to abort the mission and haul her to the shop. Turns out it was an oil pressure switch mal function. She is fixed and running again. Should be offshore tomorrow on a bottom fishing excursion. Will have the results here ASAP!!!. Had a call this morning from Saturaday's charter, all his guys have backed out on him, so, we now have Saturday, the 17th open if you would like to go fishing. It would make a GREAT fathers day present!!! The next available saturday I have open after this weekend is on August 26th!!! Come on down, the storms are gone, the weather has gotten beautiful and the fish are biting!! FISH ON!!! Capt Butch

TUESDAY,6-13-06
    
    I got up this morning at 4:30 and monitored the weather until around 5:30AM. the radar on the "Intellacast" showed storms approaching our area with more behind them, so, I called todays fishing party and in the best interest for every one's safety, I called the trip off.
 
   Well as it turns  out, it looked as though we could have fished today, all this forecast bad weather never materialized!! It is a real pain in the rear end trying to de-code all this weather mess and trying to make the right decisions with everyone's safety in mind. Well guys, it looks as if I made the wrong call today and I am sorry you missed your fishing trip. My call to cancel was with the information I had to work with and your safety in mind. And if there is any doubt about your safety, I can not and will not risk anyone's life for a fish. If I make the wrong call, I have to live with the consequences.
 
   OK, with that decision, I don't have a fishing report for today!! I won't have one for tomorrow either, it is supposed to be real bad tomorrow, strong winds and storms from Alberto!! But all is not lost!!! I do have a report that Capt. Jeremy on the "HOOKED UP" sent to me about a Gulfstream trip he went on Sunday, if any of you have a good day, send it to me and I will "TRY" to get it on here so fishermen and women will have more than one report to help them decide what's happening in the World of Salt Water Fishing!!! THANKS for your report, Capt. Jeremy.
 
   We will be back at it as soon as the weather breaks again later in the week!!! Till then, check out Capt. Jeremy's report below , they had a GREAT day. It's the time of year for the Mahi-Mahi and you don't have to book a Gulfstream trip now to get them. They are eaisly accessed on a Full Day Trip now!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt. Butch
 
P.S. No, Capt. Jeremy, I have not heard anything else about the boat that capsized this weekend!!
   
Capt Butch, 

Just to let you know, I motored the Hooked Up to the Tower on Sunday, where we found a hot Mahi bite. We had 15 strikes, boated 8,( 3 over 20 lbs), and lost a few at the stern. Even had 2 strikes that snapped 30 lbs test after a 200 yard run!! It was a good day!.

The boat you mentioned that capsized at the tower was about a 24-28" boat. We are unsure of the details, but we saw those men suiting up as if they were diving. They had a dive flag atop their T-top, and were very closer to the base of the tower. Then I believe it was like 2 hours later, we saw the v- hull sticking up out of the water, and around the hull looked like a yard sale!! There was stuff everywhere. Another boat was already at the hull, and I believe that they assisted the guys. I am unsure of the situation, and we could never raise anyone on the radio. Did you get any more information on that? If so, I would love to know. Anyways, I just thought I would give you our fishing report. Thanks

Jeremy

MONDAY,6-12-06
    Today we were greeted with rain and storms so we waited until around 8:30AM before we left the dock. We had with us today Ricky Stevens and his daughter Katharina, Bill Newberry, and Markus Von Linden and his daughter Cordula, and son Kai. These guy's were from Germany. It was a pleasure to have you here in the USA and to go fishing with us!!!
 
   Now, as for the fishing, it is being hit hard by the recent low pressures and storms lately. Up until the past couple of days it has been real good fishing. With the stiff SW winds we have been limited to heading up the river to fish out of Carolina Beach where it is somewhat protected from the SW winds. It has been too bad to go off our beach lately!!But, even at that, we are limited to mostly Spanish Mackeral fishing, which has not been the best up there at Carolina Beach lately.
 
   Today we were able to get out to the dredge wreck but there was not any life around it anywhere!! The winds started building later so we came back inside and resumed Spanish fishing. Talked to some other boats in the area and the reports from them were anywhere from no fish, to one fish, to a few fish. I think we were one of the higher catches today, we wound up with eight fish. To give you an idea how the bite has slowed, eight fish work out to about 1 1/2 fish per hour. Now don't even ask how you catch that 1/2 fish, that is definately a "trade secret"!!!
 
   Even had a report from a flounder fisherman that had a hot bite yesterday only to find the bite very slow today!! So, this weather is taking its toll on all the fish. Look for things to heat back up as soon as these storms and "hurricanes" get out of here. Give it a couple days for the water to clear back up and things should be getting good again!!! The offshore bite is most likely still good as ever, but you can't get out because of the winds.
 
   Guys and Gals, take this wind and ocean for what it is. A friend of mine told me that a boat, around 25 foot went to the Tower yesterday. Now yesterday, we had some strong winds, and he told me he saw it upside down out there around the Tower. What was my friend doing out there you ask, well he was in a 65 foot Viking. A little more boat than a 25' center console. PLEASE be careful, the ocean has no concience!!! By the way, they had a good day in the Stream on the Mahi-Mahi, think he said they caught ten!!!
 
   If the weather is decent, we will be going back to Carolina Beach tomorrow. I called tomorrows charter and told them about the slow bite  and the fact that Carolina Beach is all we can do with the conditions we have. They told me "even if we don't get a bite, we are still going to go and have a good time"!! So, hopefully tomorrow I can report that the Spanish Mackeral are on fire at Carolina Beach, you never know, that's why it's called fishing and not catching!!! But, catching or not, we are going fishing and we are going to have a good time!!!!
 
     Sorry we don't have any pictures for today!! I left the camera at the house again!! As I have said in the past, this is most likely a report you don't want to hear!! It definately is one I don't want to report, but, this is "real life" in the world of fishing!!! Like it or not, we have to play the cards that mother nature deals us and sometimes we hit an inside straight and sometimes we have to fold. I am dedicated to giving it to you "straight" no matter how bad it hurts. You know the old saying"you have to weed out the bad to get to the good". The good days will return again soon, but till they do,  FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!.

Sunday 6/11/06
Today we were given the pleasure of treating Archy Kress, Josh and Rocky Hager, and Bill Gluck to a day of fishing!  What we were origionally hoping for was to make it to the Gulf Stream today in search of some nice Mahi Mahi and Wahoo and Tuna but it seemed that the wind had other plans for us.  With the forcast predicting increasing winds to 15-20 knots and the seas building up we all decided to make the day into a Spanish Mackerel fishing trip off of Carolina Beach. 
 
We made our way up the river to Snow's Cut (Carolina Beach Inlet) and after getting out of the breakers found a slow start to the action.  We picked on them all day and finally ended up with a mess of 45 decent sized Spanish Mackerel!  They seemed to be on every color clarkspoon and #00 and #0 on #1 and #2 planers and using a 4oz trolling sinker.  

We had a great day on the water and really enjoyed our crew's company! Hopefully next time we are going to be able to get out to the Gulf Stream and the winds will be nice to us!
Till next time. Capt Butch, Capt Chris, and Private Bodie....Saying FISH ON!!

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Saturday 6/10/06
We had two trips today, an all day offshore trip and an evening shark trip that I will detail secondly. 
 
We started out the morning with Josh Seiferth, Chuck Booth, Bill Newcomb, Mike Moretz, Hikishima, and Ima. Making our way offshore was out of the question with the weather that Mother Nature was dealing us so we decided to troll the beach for a little while to see if the Spanish Mackerel action was turned on.  Reports all up and down the beach were that the wind and systems had the fish shut down and there were none to be found.  We trolled for awhile with no success on the spanish mackerel as well.  So we decided to begin to try to venture offshore.  Althought it was a little bumpy we knew the only way that any fish were going to come on board was to continue to venture out slowly as the seas were seemingly becoming more and more calm.
 
We made our way to some bottom fishing number a little bit offshore and found that a few vermillion Snapper and Black Sea bass, Grey Snapper, were willing to bite as well as a few Sharks!  We fished the area for a few hours and managed a box of fish and then were greeted with a somewhat decent following sea on the way back in.
 
For the Evening shark trip.  We took Brian, Pat, and Kim Morgan out for what we hoped to be an adventure of a lifetime.  We dropped in the lines a little after 6p.m. and with less than 30 minutes wait the first fish grabbed the bait and wrapped the Penn 6/0 60lb class stand up rod under the boat peeling off the line!!!  Harnessed in, Brian took hold of this fish and after about a 30 minute battle we saw a 75-90lb Blacktip Shark about 58" long come up.   
 
It's a shame, we left our camera in the truck this morning but we are supposed to be getting a picture of the day's catch sent to us and I will post them under this report as soon as I get them.
Until next time, Capt. Butch, Capt. Chris, and Private Bodie....telling you FISH ON!!

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Friday 6/12/06
 Today we took Randy, Ryan, Ronnie, Phillip and Phillip, and Holly out to some bottom fishing numbers.  The bite was kinda slow to begin with the current screaming and not the optimal conditions... however by the end of the day the crew pulled out a load of Nice Black Sea Bass, some Vermillion Snapper and Grey Snapper and Silver Snapper and all the sharks you could want!!  A Gag Grouper was also caught but he came up short on the measuring board by about one inch.  He'll be bigger next time :-)!
 
Throughout the day there were several fish that were hooked that ripped off line just to find that they would break the lines in the rocks.  First thought either Large Grouper or some really nice sharks in the area.  Not to be let down, as the day was beginning to wind down one of these monsters struck again and the battle was on.  After about a 1 1/2 hour fight a Bull Shark in the 250 pound range was brought to boatside. As we were perparing for a picture of this amazing fish he decided to sound once again and broke the 50lb test line.  Talk about one heck of a fish!!
 
Overall we had a great trip offshore with this crew and can't wait until the next time we have the pleasure of adventuring offshore! Capt. Butch, Capt. Chris, and Private Bodie reminding you.... FISH ON!!!

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  Wednesday, 6-7-06
       OK, I have one more day of not fishing, then, we will be at it every day from here on out, weather permitting!!! I want to touch base about the suprise I told you about coming to "YEAH RIGHT CHARTERS". I still can't tell you what it is, but, the thru hull transducers are in and the bottom has been repainted. Both diesel engines have been throughly checked out and the props are being tuned now. I should be able to reveal what it is in a week or so, as soon as it is in the slip at SOUTH HARBOUR MARINA. Stay in touch, it won't be long now!!!!  FISH ON!!! Capt Butch

  Have taken a couple days off to get all my permits and paper work caught up. I will answer a couple of questions that I have been trying to get to:
 
  Daniel asked abot Cobia, chumming, and Dolphin.  The Cobia's are here. A live bait ptched in ones face is nearly a quaranteed hook up. Live eels are a treat they can not refuse, if you can find some!!! A big buck tail tipped with a squid is a good "pitch bait" to keep rigged up and have ready at any moment. Keep a watch around the boat, they are a curious fish and you will often find them checking you out in the boat!!
 
  Chumming, we grind our own chum. Pogys ground and frozen in gallon zip lock bags is as good as you can get. We use a commercial electric grinder so it won't take all night to get a good bunch of chum. We put a block in a chum bag and just hang it on a cleat on the boat where it is in the water. Don't forget to pull it in when playing a big fish at boat side. Also, easier and less work is Menhaden oil dripped from a dispenser.Both are good, I like the ground chum better myself!!
 
  Dolphin, yes June is a good time to hook up with the Dolphin on the closer in areas. Already some been caught at 18 mile rock area and Tower.
 
 
  DEVIN, If you are limited to 8 miles out, you are going to have a tough time this time of year getting many keeper black bass. Winter time, you can do good out this distance. you would be better off targeting King Mackeral, Cobia, Flounder, and Spanish Mackeral this time of year with your distance limit.

MONDAY,6-5-06:
   Today we woke up to thunder storms and heavy rains. We were to go fishing with Orvin Severeid, Kyle Severeid from Montana, and Joel Herrmann from High Point. We waited until 9:00AM before we left the dock. By this time the "Intellacast" on the computer showed it to be moving on up the coast with clearing behind it. By the time we get to where it is it will be gone!!
 
   It was, and after a 2 foot sea ride out this morning, the seas laid out flat for the evening ride back. But before we came back, we gave Orvin, Kyle, and Joel a sample of deep sea fishing off the coast of Southport,NC.
 
   The first stop was instant action, the bite was non stop for a little while before it slowed up some. Being from Montana, we wanted them to experience a little of all of it if we could. We next went fishing for a few King Mackeral. It wasn't long before we had a double on!!! Also, we got a few grouper, but they were all too small to keep. But Joel made up for that when he landed a Hog Nose Snapper around 15 lbs.
 
   Would be nice if I could get them a Mahi-Mahi I was thinking to myself. Well, I must be living right, for about that time one "skyed" with the pogy. Now, it was a "peanut" but it was a dolphin. Next time, I'll think about getting a big dolphin!!! We continued to troll the area aroung the Tower and pulled out another decent sized King Mackerel off of a dead Cigar Minnow; but for some reason once again the action slowed and we decided that it would be worth a try to see if we could get an Amberjack from around the legs of the Tower so that these guys could experience the awesome power of these 40-60lb mosters! No luck on the Amberjacks but Chris did manage to hook up on what we believe to be an African Pompano that resulted in a broken line :-/! Maybe next time
 
After awhile of Jack fishing we decided to try for some more bottom species. Capt. Butch located another ledge and we dropped anchor, soon after to find the 3-5lb Triggerfish and Silver and Grey Snappers coming over the side. On the way in we stopped at a rock just offshore of the South 40 and found there to be many NICE sized Black Sea Bass that were ready to feed, except one problem... the Sharks were there too!  What a "grand finale" to the day exclaimed Kyle and Joel!!! "We catch all these good eating fish and then we get to hook into some that can REALLY pull back!!" 
All in all despite the later start and the bands of rain and storms this morning we had a great day on calm seas and were even able to get out of the rain. The fish were hungry and willing to cooperate and the Captain and crew of the Yeah RIght experienced another Great day on the sea!!
Capt. Butch, Capt. Chris and Private Bodie...Fish ON!! 

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Sunday June 4, 2006
    The winds died down last night and gave us an awesome day on the water today!! Cobia, Gag Grouper, Scamp Grouper, Red Grouper, King Mackerel, Triggerfish.... you name it, it was caught today on board the Yeah Right!  Carroll Lupton and Russ Peck of Charlotte, and Bill Rigsbee and Troy Kassab of Wilmington found themselves on not only a fishing trip but a workout today! The fronts moved through yesterday and the fish were HUNGRY today and wanting to bite!
 
We started the day off to some King Mackerel fishing just offshore of the Tower and found some action, not hot and heavy but some scattered fish were anxious and ready to scream some line off the reels! So I deployed the dead cigar minnows and two hours later the results were several decent Kingfish! With things going kind of slow the decision was made to make our way to some grouper rocks a little further offshore! So Capt. Butch maneuvered the Yeah Right over the spot and we droped anchor. No sooner than we got there the crew were hauling up nice 3-5lb Triggerfish and Carrol even managed to find a BEAUTIFUL QUEEN TRIGGERFISH!! 
 
 Before we made the trip to the bottom a good friend of ours, Ricky, on Reely Miss Behavin was kind enough to lend us some fresh pogies and they most definetly proved themselves to be the golden ticket!  No sooner had i put out the lightline and a King Mackerel hit and a 30lb Cobia surfaced beside the boat, I put another live pogey on and BAM!! the Cobia was on and Carroll found himself in for the fight of a lifetime! During the fight w/ this Cobia Russ managed to pull in an Amberjack and a couple more King Mackerel were boated!  Not to mention that during this entire FRENZY of fish catching mayhem Bill and Troy were consistantly pulling in 3-4lb Grey and Silver Snappers and Troy even wrestled up a 16lb Gag Grouper and an 8lb Scamp Grouper!
 
No sooner had Carrol landed his Cobia and I had gotten the lightline back out, another 28lb Cobia nailed the live pogey and Bill suddenly realized why Carroll was so worn out after his fight! Bill's Cobia was landed and they crew went back to bottom fishing, pulling up more nice Grey and Silver Snapper, a couple of Black Sea Bass and some Triggerfish!  A little while into the bottom fishing Carroll finally hooked up on a nice 12lb Red Grouper to go with Russ's Red Grouper from earlier in the day!
 
Finally things slowed down for a few moments and everybody got to take a drink and Capt. Butch and Carroll began to joke about "well we haven't caught a toadfish today and we haven't caught a Mahi today...." and about that time a NICE MAHI-MAHI skied on the lightline! Bill skillfully landed this nice Dolphin!  As we were putting up the rods and things to head to shore Russ pulled up on the rod only to find that it didn't come up, but rather straight back down and the drag started to SCREAM off the reel!!! About 30 minutes later Russ muscled up a Nurse Shark that would weigh about 300+ pounds!  ON 50LB TEST LINE!!! WAY TO GO RUSS!!
 
Carroll, Bill, Russ, Troy, I really enjoyed your company today and I am glad that we were able to get offshore on these numbers.  Capt. Butch did a great job of boat manevering and knowing where to go and in the end we had a blast, caught lots of quality fish, and had an all around GREAT TIME!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!
Capt. Butch, Capt. Chris and Private Bodie...FISH ON!

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SATURDAY,6-3-06: OK, I can now put in yesterdays report. The winds would not let us get offshore today, and the SW winds had dirtied up the beach again so the Spanish Mackeral is on hold again for a day or so until the water cleans back up!! So. to make a long story short, Today Saturday the 3rd was blown out and below is Friday's report!!
 
   We were on a bottom fishing mission Friday, 6-2-06: We had with us today Wes, Jon, and Luke Heafner, with them were friends Emery (Butch) Rahars, Ryan Thomas, and Donnie Johnson. We went to the East side of the shoals where we found the Bottom Fish willing to bite.
 
   Now, the current was as strong there yesterday as I can remember in a long time, so we had to do a drift. We pulled up on one spot over there and were in only 34 feet of water and anchored up with a 16 ounce weight you could not keep it on the bottom, so we had to drift!! But, that was not a problem, all of todays fishermen were seasoned pros and very few tangles occured!!
 
   We caught a wide variety of fish, but when the sharks moved in you would have to move to another spot or catch sharks 6 at a time!!! We had some big grey snapper, B-Liners, of coarse, SHARKS, trigger fish, jolt heads, Black Bass, Tau-Tog, silver snapper, King Mackeral, I think that's all, Sure I missed something!!
 
   Tomorrow, along with the next few days looks like it is going to be decent weather. So, If you can get away, come on down and catch some fish, or at least go fishing!!! Don't know yet what we will be doing tomorrow, but what ever we do, I will put it here. Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt. Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog, say's HI!!!!!!.

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THURSDAY 6-1-06: Today was tough. The SE winds didn't help any either but we finally put it together. The live pogys were not on Bald Head this morning like they were the other day so with having a short day we could not spend a lot of time looking for them. We decided to head out with cigar minnows instead. Chris Barbee, Chip Trotter, and Fred Weigel from Greensboro, NC were on board today. I don't think it would have bothered these guys if we didn't catch a fish. They were having a blast as it was. But, it is my job to try and find and catch fish for you and I am not doing my job if I don't!!!
 
   It wasn't long before we figured out that they didn't want the frozen cigar minnows we had. So, we jigged up some live ones!! Guess what, they didn't want those either. Now, long about this time, I heard a call for me on the radio. It was Ricky Holden on the "REELY MISBEHAVIN" doing any good, he asked. My reply was no man, they don't want what I am using for bait. Well, being the kind of guy he is, he said we are doing well on live pogys we found this morning and I have plenty. Come on over here and I will give you some. I would like to take credit for todays catch, but actually had it not been for Ricky's good nature, more than likely I would not have done much!!! THANKS Ricky, hope I can return the favor one day!!!
 
   OK, now with the proper bait, we set up shop on a ledge and it wasn't long before things started to happen!!! Let's see, the first fish was an Atlantic Bonito, I don't know what it was doing still here, they are supposed to have been gone a long time ago. I guess this one hadn't heard that yet!!! Let's see, I think the next one was a King Mackeral, then we hooked into a big fish, this one finally broke the leader. Then we hooked up with a Mahi-Mahi, put him in the boat, then we lost a few Mahi-Mahi. Then we hooked up another King Mackeral. After that, another big fish hooked up, this one broke the wire leader!! Then we hooked up and landed a nice Cobia. Had another King Mackeral on but he turned into the bait we used to land a big Barracuda. Yeah, he ate the King and we caught him!!Let's see, we caught a Amoco Jack, had Amber Jacks around the boat by the dozens, they would not hit anything!!! I think that's all, But I am sure I missed something!!!
 
   Reports from fishermen coming back from the Gulfstream was that the bite had shut off out there. Talked to two fishermen that went to the Stream. Both are good fisherman, one said he caught nothing, the other one said he had three "knockdowns" from the Steeples to the Blackjack Hole and from there to the 100/400, and what he did catch were 'Cudas!!
 
   If the winds will let us, we will be bottom fishing tomorrow. Check back and see what we did!!! Till next time,  FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!!.

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TUESDAY, 5-30-06: Today we went out to get some bottom fish with Richard Drum, David Drum, Will McCrary, Brian Greer, Clayton Deviney, and Chad Moore. I knew it was going to be tough today because it was a short trip and if you fish here you know that the good bottom fishing has mostly moved back well offshore this time of year and for the best fishing you really need the time to get offshore 30 to 40 miles.
 
   We figured we could get some bottom fish and finish the tally with some King Mackeral or possibly a Mahi-Mahi on the light line around the 18 mile rock area. There was a Mahi-Mahi and some Kings caught there yesterday. Well the thing we didn't figure on was the wind coming around to the East and stalling out there until time to leave. Well, it did, and most of you know that fish here, an East wind is like putting a force field around your bait or something to that effect. It shuts the bite off!!!!
 
    As for the bottom fishing, there's no telling how many under sized fish we caught and had to throw back. The bigger fish are farther offshore now!!! When we would get set up on some fish and start catching a few decent sized ones the sharks would crash the party. When that happens, it's "GAME OVER"!!! We marked some good schools of fish, be they big or be they small, who knows, the East wind had the bite turned off. The only bites we had on the "light line" was two sharks.
 
   The reports from the other boats were not good either. The King bite was not as good as the day before!! A boat in on the beach reported a "HOT" Spanish Mackeral bite going on, that is, until the winds went East and that was the end of that!!! He reported that since the wind shifted, he had not had another bite!!! Believe it or not, that's what kind of effect the weather/winds can have on the fishing down here!!!
 
    The Gulfstream is still "ON FIRE" when you can get out there!!! Cobias are starting to be caught off the piers and by King Mackeral fishermen!  Most of last weeks dirty water that was caused by the winds has moved on out.  I am thinking that in the next few weeks we are going to see some good weather and great fishing come together. But now I have been thinking this now for over a month, we have the fishing we just need the weather!!!
 
   The Mahi- Mahi had made a showing at the Tower this past weekend. So now you can possibly get some dolphin now with out having to make the long run to the Gulfstream. WE JUST NEED THE WEATHER TO CO-OPERATE!!!! If it does we will let you know what's happening right here, so stay in touch. Till next time FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!.
 
  

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OK, This report and the two below this one I will try to get caught up some. Now, before you look at a couple of these and laugh or say "This Captain is crazy" well, yes maybe I am!!! But, my commitment to you as a captain, is to report it to you "STRAIGHT" as it really is, not some built up hype. No one, including myself can go out every day and load the boat. I have to deal with the elements dealt to me and my charter crew. If I tell them what to expect and they still want to go and the fishing is bad due to conditions, I WILL report it to you as it is happening. I CAN NOT and WILL NOT just report the "GOOD" days. Yes, I am embarrased at some of the bad trips, and if I wasn't, then I wouldn't be much of a charter captain!!! I would rather not put them here, but if I did that, then how could I look in the mirrow at myself after I tell you to "Check out our web site for up to date fishing reports"!!!! You will always get it straight from me as it is, we may not like it, but that's the way it is!!!! 
 
    So now you understand why I have posted these couple of reports that I have posted!!!
   
      Now, to get started with the first one!!!!
 
    Capt Chris and I met up with Matt, Josh, and Tony Breitbach and Wes Pollard from Montana. These guys wanted to go out on the ocean for they had never been. That Friday morning, the 26th of May, the winds were blowing quite strong from the SW. I informed them that the ONLY option we had was to go up the river to Carolina Beach where most of the SW winds would be blocked but we would have to stay close to the beach and I had not heard of anything being caught up there.
 
   They opted to do that!! Well away we went and the only thing to try to catch was obviously Spanish Mackeral. Well, the fishing was great but the catching was horrible!!! So, we knew at a 1/2 day it was not going to happen today!! But you know what, we had a great time, told some good and interesting stories, made a few new friends, gave some guys from Montana the chance to see and experience the Atlantic Ocean, and hey, we even caught a few fish!! I was reminded that day that sometimes a great fishing trip has nothing to do with how many fish you put in a fish box, but if you do get a few, they are just an added bonus!! Thanks guys, Capt Chris and I really enjoyed sharing part of our day and a little part of our lives with you. It was fun!!!! Till next time,  FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster,and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!.

Saturday, 5-27-06 This day was a total "BLOW OUT". The winds were HOWLING and no fishing or catching was happening today!!! Steve, Cyndi, Josh, and Jessica Honeycutt  and I were dissapointed with the weather, but what can you do!!! Till better weather, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch

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Sunday 5-28-06: The person that coined the phrase "What a difference a day can make" must have been a fisherperson!!!!
 
   This morning we met up with Dale and Ella Foster from my hometown of Lexington,NC. Now, Dale has the same last name as mine, but as far as we know, there is no kin involved. However, as we were talking about the times we used to hunt and fish together, we suddenly realized we have known each other far more years than we wanted to admit and had had some great times together in the past.
 
   The past couple of times we had fished together, since I totally dedicated myself to saltwater fishing, were rough!!! But not today. We finally got a good day to go fishing that got better as the day went on.
 
   Now, the past couple of days had been tough on the conditions it left for us, the fisherman. We wanted bottom fish today, especially Black Bass. I told Dale of a rock that I had found last week that was loaded with fish in nearly 100 feet of water. That is deep enough I thought they would still be there. We set the "YEAH RIGHT" on a course to the rock, 39 miles to go, get a "bean bag" and get comfortable. The ride out was a little "rolly" but not bad at all. In fact, rather pleasant compared to what we have had to deal with most of the past three months!!!!
 
    Upon arriving, I circled and circled, just my luck. They are gone, I said!!! I didn't give up, I kept circling getting wider at each circle. They aren't gone, they have moved over here!!! We set an anchor course, drove past the rock they were on and dropped anchor. As the boat settled and swung around, we were on top of the rock and the fish were in between us and the rock!! Let's drop down and see what's down there!!
 
   Now, in my mind I was already seeing those Black Bass in the 2 lb. range coming up two at a time like they did a week ago. The baits hit the bottom, FISH ON!!! was the reply, and Ella pulled over the gunnel of the boat one of the biggest  Vermillion Snappers I had seen in years. The Black Bass were gone but  what they were replaced with NO ONE was complaining!!! These were some "BIG" B-Liners!!!! It didn't take too long before we were limited out on these!!!
 
    Now, we were off to find some Black bass!! The next stop we went to didn't have B-Liners on it, it also didn't have Black Bass!! What it did have was some of the Biggest Grey Snappers I have seen in a while. We were catching these and listening to most of the other boats that were bottom fishing talking about that every where they went all they could get were sharks. So far, we had been lucky, and had avoided the sharks. About that time, Dale set the hook and I said "OH NO" we have been blessed with the sharks. The fish was fighting hard. When Dale got it up we were suprised to see it was not a shark, but instead, another American Red Snapper. This was our second one so far this year!!! Shortly after that the tide went slack and the bite dropped off.
 
   Now this was a good time to start searching for the Black Bass. We had one fish box full of B-Liners, Grey Snapper, Trigger Fish, Silver Snapper and the likes, but still no Black Bass!! Now, we weren't ungrateful for what we had, but, Dale and Ella really like the taste of Black Bass and their freezor was empty of those. So we would pull up on schools of fish and drop a bait, no Bass!!! This went on for a couple of hours!!!
 
   OK, I said. I have been every where they should be and have not found one yet. Get comfortable, I got a spot about 13 miles from here and if there is a Black Bass in the ocean still, some of them will be here, I think, I hope!!! Let's go!!! Well we get there, My heart sank, nothing!! I noticed that the current was running parallel with the ledges I was looking at, hold on a minute, I said. Over here about two miles are some ledges that run the opposite of these!! I took off over there. As the Color Scope signal went from the high mark and as it dropped off, down there, hanging on the current break, was a school of fish!!  I told Capt Chris, see what those are. He dropped a bait down and the hard jerk was evident that they were good fish. And they were BLACK BASS!!!!!!!!!
 
    We got the boat anchored on top of them and in an hour we had limited out on some nice Black Bass. Catching them two at a time nearly as fast as you dropped!! Now, don't give up in your search for your quarry. I hope you noticed the key factor here that put us on the fish!! Don't get frustrated in your search for the fish you are after. Stop and think if things are not adding up. I was searching ledges that were running parallel with the tide/current, this does not provide a current. The key here was to go to ledges where the current was going across, providing a current break for the fish. Most of the time, it's the little details that can make all the difference!!! I knew if I could find the fish, Dale and Ella knew how to help put them in the boat, and they did!! You guys were fun as always. Dale, I really enjoyed reminissing about some of our past times, they are good memories!!! You two take care and may GOD BLESS both of you!! Tell every one HI for me!!! Till next time FISH ON!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" said thanks for the deer jerky!!!! Chris too!!!

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MONDAY, 5-29-06 Today we were going to re-run the trip we couldn't make Saturday due to the bad winds and weather.  I checked the winds and waves at the TOWER BOUY and they were decent. Winds were predicted to be 5 to 10 and 2 to 3 foot seas. A good day!! This provides another opportunity to use the name of our charter boat"YEAH RIGHT"!!!
 
   We left the dock at 7:00AM and it looked as though they had hit the weather right. We were going to the Black Bass hole we fished the day before!! I wanted Steve, Cyndi, Josh, and Jessica Honeycutt from Lake Norman to catch some of these fish!! The farther offshore we got, the worse it got, not too bad to fish, but, definitely not what they were saying on the weather. Talked to another boat up in front of us and he reported that it laid down some after you crossed the shoals!!
 
     OK, I was about 1/2 way across the shoals, it will get better as I get too the deeper water. The other boat was going to the Gulfstream. Now, by the time I got to where the other boat had said it was better it was 3 to 5 feet. Now that is fishable if you are there, but I wouldn't go out in it. By this time the other boat had aborted his Gulfstream trip and we were only two miles from the Bass Hole!!!
 
   Now, we got there and the Black Bass were there!!! But, "Houston, we have a problem"!!! To get to them you first had to get past the sharks. Now, if you get past the sharks and get a Bass on, if you didn't crank like a "mad man" you would come up with a head, or, your Bass would turn into a shark!! It was worth the trip too me, we got a few Black bass, some B-Liners, even a few sharks for the dinner table plus, we had a couple of gals on board that had never done this before. I may be wrong, but I don't think this will be the last time you will see them on the ocean!!!! By the way girls, the water sometimes is calmer, it really is, and sharks don't always bite or eat your fish, they really don't!!  Thanks for going fishing with us, we enjoyed our time  with you all!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog, says HI!!!!.

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Thursday,5-25-06: We were headed to the Gulfstream this morning. But, on our way up the intercoastal water way, I was discussing the forecasted winds with Capt. Chris. Didn't sound too promising, I told him. Let's ease out and look at it. Well, it wasn't bad "YET"!!! But, with the predicted winds and the predicted wind gust and the predicted thunder storms we decided to just maybe try to go out about 20 or so miles and do some bottom fishing. Well, by this time, the winds were picking up,"Now can you imagine that" so we decided to just see if the Spanish Mackeral were biting on the inside. We dropped the first line in and immediately had a "FISH ON"!!! the bite was good, our first line went in at 10:15AM and I looked at my watch as we were heading in with 3 limits of nice Spanish  Mackeral and it was 12:05NOON. 45 Spanish in 1hour and 50 minutes. Yes, the Spanish Mackeral are here and  biting!!!
 
     We looked for some bait to do some King Mackeral fishing but could not find any. Now I know I said yesterday not to worry about bait and use cigar minnows. But, that was at the offshore structures, there cigar minnows work fine, but for some reason we don't do much inside with them. Not sure if it's a bait out of it's natural territory, or if it's a confidence thing. Which ever the case may be, we want live bait for the inside king mackeral fishing. the bait has been here, who knows where it is now. Does this every year!!!
 
   There were some good fishermen looking for bait while we were Spanish Mackeral fishing and they did not find any either, and these guys are good at finding bait and fish!!! I was watching while I was Spanish fishing and never marked any "Pogies."  I am sure it is still here, more than likely scattered now that the kings are here, there have been several caught off the piers in the past few days. They have been good sized kings, 20+ pound range, most likely they are the run that comes in on the heels of the Spanish Mackeral to feed on them!!
 
   As for the weather, right now it's anyones guess. One day they report it to be good. Then overnight it is completely turned around, then the next day it is worse, then the next day it is supposed to be fine and calm, then the next it is supposed to blow again. It is a nightmare trying to tell people that want to go fishing that it's going to be good, then that night it changes!!! It's also hard to believe that it's rough offshore when you are at the dock and not a leaf is moving!!! But, when the TOWER BOUY says it's blowing and rough offshore, you might as well believe it, it hasn't been wrong yet!!! OK, I'll quit fussing about the weather, but, this year has been something else!!!
 
   As it was today, you may not be able to get offshore, but I believe you will still have an opportunity to get out on the beach at least sometime this Holiday weekend and get some Spanish Mackeral. Now, I know it's not the fight and glory of a big Mahi-Mahi or Yellowfin Tuna. But, it sure beats working or sitting on the couch wishing you could go fishing!!! So you see, it could be worse!! Also, this is a great time to take the kids out and introduce them to some fine saltwater fishing, plus, I guarantee you will forget about the offshore fishing  when they start biting. But, if you don't then, you most certainly will when they come off the grill!!!
 
   The weather could be better, I know, but it also, could be a lot worse. So come on down and take advantage of what we have to work with, and forget about what we would like to have. I am still "sticking to my guns" the weather/winds WILL SOOOoooon get better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Till next time,  FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt. Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog, says HI!!!!.

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FISHERMEN, This weekend looks decent. Now, I didn't say great or good, I said decent. It looks like decent is the best we are going to get to fish in this year!!! The Gulfstream bite is on!!! If it stays through the weekend as it has been, you will have trouble getting all your lines out in the stream before a Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, or even possibly a Bill Fish as a Sailfish, or even a Blue Marlin crashes your bait and you will have to yell those much treasured words "FISH ON"!!!! Don't forget to watch your scope in the stream and mark a few good bottoms and when you get all the Tunas and Mahi,etc.etc. you want, drop down a bottom rod on those spots. You may get the suprise of your life. Those fish out there grow big and don't get much pressure!!!
 
    Don't forget about the Spanish Mackeral and Blues. This is a delicious fish for the dinner table, the Blues are OK if eaten fresh, but really make better King Mackeral bait!!! Also, if you have a young fisherman that you need to have a little more action to hold their attention the Spanish mackeral is a good one, they are usually fairly eager to bite when you find a school, and when you find a fish or two, circle that area a few times before moving on. Usually a Spanish on means there is a school there. Not always, but a LOT of times!!! These fish are fun to catch and will provide a youngster with a fish he can handle and have the joy of saying he caught them him or her self. When you are young, if you will remember back, it doesn't take a big fish to get the adrenalin flowing. What the heck, I am nearly 60 years old and I still love to catch Spanish Mackeral myself!!! Just remember, when the action heats up, the limit is 15 fish per person with a minimum of 12 inches fork length. Also, raise each dorsal fin on their back. If it is two colors, a bluish/white and black, that is a Spanish Mackeral. If it is a solid opaque color, it is a juvenile King Mackeral and their size limit is 24 inches fork length. Now, if you are checked by the Marine Fisheries, they will check the dorsal fin on each one, so be sure it's not a small king, and this is the best way to be sure. Two colors,Spanish, One color, King.
  
   The King Mackeral bite is good at the closer in spots like the 15 mile rock, 18 mile rock, Shark Hole, 390/390 etc; I Wouldn't worry about losing fishing time to get live bait. The Hank Brown Hookup Jig Heads are working just fine with frozen cigar minnows. We have always used the 2 ounce size with good success. You can experiment with different weights, just because I use the 2 oz. size does not necessarily make that the best. It works for us, so we stay with it!!! Also, keep your eyes open for a curious Cobia investigating your boat. It is getting time for those to show up also. If you can find some live eels somewhere, grab a few, a Cobia CAN NOT turn down a live eel!!!!
 
   Pier fisherman, Just talked to John at OCEAN CREST PIER, he said this morning two King Mackeral have already been caught, a 21.8 and a 26.8. That pretty much tells you the Kings are on the beach also. He also says there are spanish mackeral and blues biting on Gotcha Plugs. They are also catching BIG Whiting(virginia Mullet) and some small flounder. A good tip for the whiting; try to get the FRESHEST SHRIMP you can find. Fresh is the secret to catching more whiting!!! CLEM'S SEAFOOD is a good place to stop to get your fresh shrimp!! So, if you have been putting off your trip to the beach, now is the time to go. And if your main objective at the coast is to get some fish for the table, looks as though now would be a great time for that also!!! If you would like to charter the "YEAH RIGHT" this weekend, we only have Monday left open for charter, so do it now, that day will be gone soon also!!! And it will be a couple of weeks before we have another available day open!!!
 
  The winds look as though they are finally starting to settle enough we can go fishing and be fairly comfortable. The fish are here, there has been plenty of bait inside to bring them in and hold them here, the only thing missing is you!!! Come on down, IT'S FISHING TIME!!!!!!!!! Till I get back off the water, FISH ON!!!! Capt. Butch

In the Guestbook section Josh asked if any Kings, Spanish, or cobia were biting on the inshore reefs?  All I can tell you is that the winds have kept us off the water for a while now. The bait is here, and before the winds set in solid, there were some Kings and  Spanish Mackeral being caught. It is time for the cobia to start showing up anytime now. So, I would say yes, all we need is some decent weather so we can get out there. Also, there has already been an African Pompano caught around 30 miles offshore!!!! Good Luck and FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch Foster.

SUNDAY,5-21-06: If you can get to the 100/400 area, Blackjack Area, the Gulfstream is as HOT as I have seen it in a while. Mahi-Mahi, a few Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo's, the bite is on!!!!! The Mahi-Mahi's are on "fire" with 4 to 6 fish hooked up at a time. These are the reports that are coming from the boats that are going out in the rough conditions.I have chosen not to carry my fishermen out in these conditions, better to be safe than sorry!! The sea conditions have not been good lately, in fact, they have been down right "sloppy". But it looks like if you are going to fish this year you are going to have to get used to these seas!!!! Man, if you ever wanted to catch some fish in the Gulfstream, then you don't need to wait any longer,according to the boats that have been there, the bite is on!!!!!!!!!!!! The weather looks as though it is starting to settle some, and when it settles enough we can go and be safe, we will be out there also!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt. Butch Foster.

FRIDAY,5-19-06: They say practice makes perfect, well, I have had a lot of practice lately cancelling fishing trips. I can't ever recall the winds blowing this steady this late in the spring but they sure have this year. Sunday, right now looks as though it may turn out half way decent and about mid week next week it's calling for a break in the winds a little. Could this possibly be a changing trend in the winds?????? I know I speak for a lot of other fishermen  when I say, I sure hope so!!! But, only time will tell. Will have some more reports as soon as we can get back out, had to cancel tomorrows trip also. Hopefully we can all go again soon!!!!
 
   The suprise I talked about two weeks ago is almost  a done deal. It will be unveiled here on my web site most likely in the next week or so! Keep in touch!!! Also, we have launched a new West Coast Web Site that is proving to be a real success. It has been overwhelming at the charter request from the West coast we are recieving!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster.

  The question in the "Questbook" section was asked if a Fishing License was needed to fish at the coast?  This is to go into effect January 1st, 2007. However, we at "YEAH RIGHT CHARTERS" will have a "Blanket Liscense" that will cover anyone that fishes on our boat!!! That is, if the winds will ever settle down enough we can go fishing!!!!

Richard Harris asked in the "GUESTBOOK" section: Why do you use electric reels if you are sportfishing? At one time I would have asked the same question!! 99.9% of the time we do not use electric reels. But as you get older and arthritis sets in your arms and shoulders and hands, it becomes virtually impossible to crank up two big bottom fish from 100+ feet of water. The electric reel opens up a fishery for most people that are in their later stage of life. I, myself, am in that group. I hope you never have to experience the pain of arthritis, but if you do, you will one day appreciate an electric reel!! Some fisherman use them anytime they deep drop, however we use them when they are  requested.

Sunday,5-14-06; The winds are blowing again so I finally got a break long enough to catch up on some of my "paper work". Yesterday  we met up with the gang from Fayetteville, NC. They were Tony Cameron,Fred White, Billy Owens,Clyde Brooks, and James Williams. We went after bottom fish and we found a wide variety that wanted to ride to the dock on the "YEAH RIGHT" and so we welcomed them aboard!!!
 
   We had some big triggerfish, some big silver snapper, some big vermillion snapper, some big Black Bass, some very nice grouper, some big joltheads, some big grey snapper, but  Fred White's  big American Red Snapper was the rarest catch of the day!! We don't get a lot of those off our coast anymore and when you get one it is a real treet and a big surprise, not to mention some great fillets on the grill!!!!
 
   We got these fish at only three stops, two were some of our usual places but one I found as I was moving to another place. I seen it on the color scope and turned around and got it "pinpointed" on the GPS, pulled up current from it, dropped anchor, drifted back on top of it and we dropped the baits down. Now let me tell you, from that point on, it was on!!!!!! These guys had the electric reels "smoking". We even hooked two fish that took the gears right out of two of our 4/0 reels. I mean you could not stop these two fish!!!!!
 
   The last two days, first in the Gulfstream slamming big Mahi-Mahi, busting off big Wahoo's then the next day catching bottom fish till your arms ache, I love it, I could not think of doing anything else, and when you get to fish with the kind of folks like the guys from Fayetteville, why would you want to do anything else?Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie' the fish dog says HI!!!!!
 
 P.S. Fred, we saved you a few for the next time. The other guys didn't want too, but I made them!!! Sure hope Mrs. Brown is doing better!!!

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Thursday,5-11-06: Am I dreaming or did I spend a BEAUTIFUL DAY in the gulfstream yesterday with Mike, Sherry and Brian Gould and Brian's fiance Kim Smith. The weather and seas were gorgeous. We got a late start, so we set a course to the 100/400 to start our day. We left the dock at 7:15AM and we reached our destination at 9:05, yeah, it was CALM SEAS!!!!
 
   Upon arriving, there were several other boats already there. The reports were a very few fish bing hooked up. An occasional Mahi- Mahi, an occasional Wahoo, but no reports of a Tuna. We thought maybe we could be the one to start the Tuna bite so we put our lines in and set towards the Blackjack Hole. Between the 100/400 was a slightly formed weed line. Looked like what was left after the day before 10 foot seas had busted it up, but was enough there to pull the baits around. We tried and had no results!!
 
   After reaching the Blackjack, the reports were still that the bite was slow. Thirteen miles to the Steeples. Let's pull the lines in and run to there. Capt Chris, who was mating today, picked up the first rod to bring them in, and we had a double hook up of Mahi- Mahi. OK, we will stay here!! Another 30 to 45 minutes of pulling our Ballyhoos proved fruitless. OK, Let's go, I have got to try to get some fish in the boat and I don't think this is going to be the spot today.
 
   Upon reaching the Steeples, the water was a deeper blue and the temps. were 3 degrees warmer. The bait was not as thick as it was a few weeks earlier, but there was some. We fished the rest of the day here, never got a Tuna bite, but had a good day on the Mahi- Mahi. Mike even fought a big Bull Dolphin that we seen several times, even on the International 50 wide reel, Mike would take in 10 yards of line and he would take back 15. This battle back and forth finally was more than the 50 lb. line could handle and it finally parted leaving Mike with only a memory of a battle well fought with the Mahi winning this one. We don't know how much he weighed, but, it was a very large bull!!!! Now, as for the Wahoo's. Somedays, no matter how hard you try, sometimes nothing goes right. We had plenty of chances to get a Wahoo!!! We had lines cut, baits bit off, fish get off, lines broke, we had the Wahoo bites, but that was it for the Wahoos, could not get one in the boat. Today was their day, but there is an old saying something about the sun not shining somewhere all the time.
 
  We thank the LORD for giving us a beautiful day to spend in the Gulfstream with some good friends!! These are the times you cherish and remember back on as life goes on. A good day on the water with some GREAT friends.
 
   As for the weekends weather, right now they aren't  talking in our favor, but they may change it as the weekend gets closer, let's hope it gets better!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!
 
 

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Tuesday, 5-9-06: Boy did the weather man ever miss todays forecast. I thought that the light winds predicted were going to hold true. That's what I get for thinking!!! About the time we reached the Tower area this morning the winds had picked up and they were building a sea with their N NE direction. Now, If you fish the Tower, you know what that means for the ride back!!!
 
   The King Mackeral bite had diminished from the good bite to near nothing today. Only report from Kings was that they were not biting, one boat had caught a couple and that was about it. We went to the bottom, only to find the bottom bite responding some what sluggish due to the NE winds. Some of the Black Bass, B-Liners and Grey Snapper we caught were good sized ones though. Every spot we stopped on would be hot for a few minutes then they would stop just as quick as they started, so we just kept hitting other spots one after another.
 
  Around 12:00noon, the seas had built to a good 5 to 6 feet so we decided since we had a long run back in almost a head sea, to call it a day! I was feeling bad about not being able to get as many fish for Edwin James(FAST EDDIE), Bruce Miller(BRUNO) and  Jay Dean(SNAKE)  as I wanted too, but arriving back at the dock, we discovered we had actually had a real good day when compared to other catches coming in!!
 
   We would probably have had several more fish, but, we were reduced to two fishermen!! I'll not say what happened, but one of our fishermen got side tracked for a while!! We all had a Great time and got to enjoy some fishing as well! Speaking of "well," I sure hope snake is feeling better!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog, says HI!!!!!.

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Monday, 5-8-06: Today we were to head to the Gulfstream, but with the forecast of 15 to 20 knot NW winds, we decided it would be a lot nicer conditions to just stay on the beach and fish for some Spanish Mackeral then slip offshore a few miles in search of some Black Bass.
 
   We came out of the Cape Fear River and I headed to the West. I was looking for birds working the water and for possibly a Spanish "skying".  As I arrived at the "big hill" area I had not seen any of the above yet. Knowing this is a good place for Spanish Mackeral to congregate, we decided to put out the lines. The bite was slow for us this morning but we put the pieces together and discovered they wanted the 00 Clarke Spoons in gold color run a little slower than normal.
 
   Now, we usually pull them at around  6.5 knots, but this morning we were doing better when we slowed to around 5 knots. As usual, the slower speed  also meant we were going to get more bites from the Blues, and we did, but hey, these are fun to catch also and are not bad to eat if cooked fresh. We elected to release all the Blues, of course, "Private Bodie" had to inspect a few before they could be released!!
 
   After catching a good mess of Spanish Mackeral, we set out to find some Bottom Fish the last part of the day. We marked several schools of bottom fish but they were reluctant to bite very well!! We did get a few, but, didn't have the results I was hoping for. If we had stayed after the Spanish we just might have totally limited out on those for we heard another boat report that the bite was a lot hotter this evening than it was this morning.
 
   But as always when Wesley Gross and his crew, which consisted of Chaz Elam, Chase Williamson, Chris Inscoe, and Nathan Owens are on the "YEAH Right" we have a great time, the fish are just an added bonus!!!!!! 
 
   Get on out and get started in the fishing that is beginning off the coast. The winds are starting to recede some and conditions seem to be getting better!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog, says HI!!!!.

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Sunday 5-7-06: There are reports coming in that there are more Spanish Mackeral  being caught. The King Mackeral bite is still good offshore and the Gulfstream bite is on a hit and miss pattern for now. But the GREAT NEWS is that as the forecast is updated, it keeps getting better and better. Maybe, just maybe, we are going to finally get the break in the winds we have been waiting for. We at YEAH RIGHT CHARTERS are working on a new addition to our charter. We can't say yet what it is, but, it is nearing the final stages and looks as though it is going to be a "go". Stay tuned, as soon as it is finalized, you will hear about it here first!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster.

Saturday, 5-6-06: Well as it happens in these days from time to time, todays charter never showed up this morning. Too bad, looks like they may have missed a good day. But for me, it is sorta good. I haven't had the time to talk about any fishing, and this gives me the opportunity to cover what's going on and what we can expect in the month of May. Only problem, I don't know where to start!!!!!
 
    I will start with OCEAN CREST PIER, talked to Dave Cooper at the pier and he says that the Big Blues have been the main ticket at the pier lately. Also, along with those have been some pompano,flounder, whiting, and today there was a legal sized Spanish Mackeral caught. There have been smaller ones caught, but a 12 incher is a good sign they will be here in full force any day now!!!!
 
   I was on the beach a few weeks ago and the bait was thick, (pogies) with the ever warming temperatures, the King Mackeral can't be far away!!! May is when we usually start seeing Kings showing up on the near shore structures such as 18 mile rock, 15 mile rock, Shark Hole, Lighthouse Rocks and those areas. they are in persuit of the bait fish and the bait is here, the determining factor will be the water temperature, and it is nearly at that magic 68* temp.
 
  Don't forget, the last of May, or some where in this time period on, we will see some Sail Fish start showing up closer to shore. Every year there are several usually caught at the same places where you are fishing for King Mackeral!!
 
   Also don't forget the arrival of the Cobia's this month. They usually come in on the heels of the King and Spanish Mackeral. Although, they are here in more numbers later in the month and into June.You can fish for the cobia's just like you do king mackeral. Live bait is best!! In fact, I would say that most likely most Cobia are caught while King Mackeral Fishing. A super bait for Cobia, if you can find some are Live eels. A Cobia can't refuse one of those!!!!
 
   The Gulfstream, when you can get out there, has been producing some good catches of Yellowfin Tuna, Dolphin(Mahi-Mahi), Blackfin Tuna, and Wahoo's. The Blackjack would be a good place to start your hunt. If flying fish are present, pull your standard Ballyhoo rigs. If you don't see any flying fish, I would use the faster paced Cedar plugs!!
 
 
  The inside fishing will or should be good. Drum, Trout, and especially Flounder should get more active to the warming water!!
 
   The Blues should be on Jay Bird Shoals now at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Just watch for diving birds, the white terns and seagulls will be a better locator than Pelicans. If the Blues are there running the bait up, they will be having a fit!! You can cast small spoons and various lures or you can troll  for these . Which ever way is your favorite, most likely will work!!
 
  The Grouper  will be making their way back from the spawning grounds way offshore this month. The same areas as the Black Bass call home now should start producing some Grouper. These will include various Rocks, Ledges, and other bottom structures that will provide current breaks and ambush points, These areas are where you will find your Grouper!!
 
   Bottom fishing is good in the 30 - 35 mile range. The Black Bass, Snappers, Triggerfish and various other bottom dwellers that feed offshore all winter long will still be there hungry and ready to provide you with some fresh fish dinners.
 
 I hope I have not left out too many species, I am sure I have missed some!! Hopefully the winds will soon die down some and we can get back out on a regular basis!! May, one of our many great months to fish here in the Southport area. If you have not tried the fishing off our coast, you may find it quite surprising as to what you can catch!! Till I see you on the water. FISH ON!!!Capt Butch Foster  www.yeahrightcharters.com

Saturday, 4-29-06:  We haven't been able to go fishing in so long that against my better judgement we tried to fish the beach today. Boy was that ever a mistake!!! The winds are still howling down here. The water temp on the beach is 68* so things should start happening before long on the beaches. I heard friday that a few spanish mackeral were caught at AR 425 last week. Didn't see them, but was told they were!! The forecasted NE winds turned more East than NE, then they soon built up to nearly a steady 20 to 30 knotts pushing the seas up to a good 6 feet. Of coarse, our MAKO BOAT, being the seaworthy queen she is, handled them with ease but it was too rough to try to fish so we called it quits. Figured we might as well with the winds we had, if you fish out of Southport,NC then you know from experience that East winds are bad for fishing, and today was no exception!!! If you have the urge to break the "cabin fever" might as well wait it out until the winds die out some or you will do what I did, burn a lot of fuel for nothing!!! I think the winds will lay again, sometime, maybe, I think, I hope, till then, FISH ON!! Capt Butch.

Captain James "Buster" Gunter, a fellow FLW member and Captain of The Sea Horse has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. If you would like to help contribute to the medical expenses we have set up a PayPal fund with Bank of America to accept the donations. It is under the James "Buster" Gunter Fund, account # 002374555373. You can make donations at any Bank of America in the country. If you do not have one convenient to you, you can mail it to Scott Buff  701 West West St. Southport, NC 28461. You may also contact Scott at the Southport Fishing Center for details. His numbers are 910-454-4000 and cell 910-294-1463. Thank you for your help and prayers for a fellow fisherman.Get well soon Buster!! Capt Butch

Also, you will notice that a lot of people and business are donating items for a raffle. Call Capt. Scott Buff above for tickets. The donations for this raffle will go into the account for Buster to help him and his family pull through these tough times. Hey guys, we need your help, Buster is a good man and the proceeds are for a good cause. If you can donate, any amount will help,PLEASE do, if not, PLEASE say a prayer for Buster and his family. With the fraturnity of fishermen and the good LORD on our side, we can all help out a fellow fisherman and his family when help is needed most. Hang in there Buster, we are all pulling for you!! GET WELL SOON!!!! Capt. Butch and Capt Chris Foster.

Seahorse Raffle Prize List

Items will be added throughout the Season

 

  • Jolly Roger Charter boat ½ or full day
  • Chum Grinder Reel Gator fishing team
  • Spray on bed liner www.bedliner.com Team Cool Profits
  • RV unit air cond. Team Offshore Carolina
  • RV unit air cond. Team Offshore Carolina
  • Landscape package valued at $2,500 Landscape Solutions / Team Germinator
  • Raymarine Auto Pilot Capt. Danny Ashley
  • E-Searider 1 bean bag of choice
  • Hilton Head Boating Center Penn Downrigger
  • Penn Downrigger Rod mount Libra fishing team
  • 12 Ribbonfish turbo rattler rigs Capt James and turborattler.com
  • Capt. Marks Chum gift certificate
  • Realtime-Navigator 1 full service subscription Tom Hilton
  • East Coast Got-em-on classic1 free tournament entry Ty Cobb
  • Cobb’s Corner $300 gift certificate Ty Cobb
  • Tackle package from kingfishgear.com
  • Greater Wilmington King Mackerel Tournament 1 free entry Tom Aberle
  • FLW Kingfish series 1 free tournament entry Chris Hoover
  •  4 Speedmasters Team SEAMENT
  • SPRO extendable gaff Team Younguns
  • Custom Entertainment Center Team Donna’s Worry Ernie Diloreti woodworks
  • 2 5lb marine fire extinguishers with brackets Team Mainevent
  • Rumble in the Jungle 1 free tournament entry Sport222
  • Flowmaster cat-back exhaust system www.SaltandBatteryfishingteam.com
  • TKA tournament 1 free entry Team Lured Away
  • Ocean Isle Fishing Center $100 gift Certificate Brant McMullen
  • 4 Dave Workman Series Kingfish rods
  • KINGFISHKOFFIN courtesy of Team KINGFISHKOFFIN
  • Grove Slam Tournament entry Team HeaVEEweight
  • 2 bottles of Dewar’s 12 Premium Scotch Team HeaVEEweight
  • 1 dozen Hook and Tackle shirts Team HeaVEEweight
  • 1 Free entry to the King of the Cape Classic Jerry Dilsaver

 

Any item that is won by someone that is regional specific...ex spray on bed liner or the landscaping package, or a tournament entry that you cannot make.....I have a person who is interested in the possibility of buying some or most of the prizes back....or the possibility of reselling them so a winner will not be getting a prize that is of no value to him or her. I agree with that and it will also open up the ticket sales to many different categories of people and not just fishermen...Just food for thought...you will not hurt anyone's feelings selling an item you have won. Thanks

Wednesday,4-26-06 I have not gone on vacation or left the country!!! As soon as the winds break we will be back out fishing!!! Maybe it won't be much longer!!!!
FISH ON!!!
Capt Butch

Saturday 4-22-06: Sorry this report is late, don't have an excuse, I just got lazy and am just now getting to it.  We left the dock Friday morning with Bill Roberson,Chris Brafford, Joe Arthur, Jon Caton, David Arthur, and Joe Cotton. We were to start off king mackeral fishing. I figured this would be easy enough. Just two days before we were catching kings to the SW of the Tower.
 
    I set our MAKO "YEAH RIGHT" on course to the spot we were at the other day. I told our crew to get comfortable, the first stop was 35 miles out. At around 8:00AM I pulled the throttles back on the HONDAS and was suprised to find that the area looked like "The Dead Sea". I made several circles to find nothing. The water looked good, the temperature was almost 70* but there was no fish or bait.
 
   No need to start here I said, let's move on to another place. I put in some more numbers and off we went. As we got closer I realized another boat was already there. Not much happening here, was the report!! OK, I got a spot about ten miles from here. The way things are looking, I believe these fish may have moved to a little shallower water. We will be going with the swell so we can make short work of the 10 mile run.
 
   By this time I was thinking to myself. I bet todays charter thinks they are on an expensive boat ride. I hate to have to ride like this, but if you make a bad call and don't find the fish, then regroup and don't waste time at that spot and go try to find them. We left the second place and now the pressure was on me!! Was I going the right way? Should I go farther offshore? Should I go to the East? maybe West? I got to find these guys some fish and not take all day!!
 
    I arrived at the 3rd place. By not wasting time at the areas where we marked no fish or bait it was only 9:00am. Not bad for running 35 miles offshore then another 5 miles then another 10 miles. Upon arrival, I told everyone this looks good!! Capt. Chris baited up the rods and put them out, I set the trolling speed at around 1.1 mph on the GPS. As we crossed over the high spot, I said, these fish are feeding. No more did I get that out when the first rod went off, FISH ON!!!! someone yelled!!!!
 
   The bite was starting to heat up, we put 5 kings in the boat rather quickly, then just as it started, the bite went off. We trolled on and kept circling the bait to no avail. The reports from the other boats were that the bite for them had also shut down. So, with this info. we decided to quit wasting time and go bottom fishing. We were in luck, I was real close to some of my favorite bottom structures. We got anchored up and the bite was on!!! We hit four places and at each one the bite was fast and furious but they didn't last real long, maybe an hour and a half at each one. But as the bite would taper, we went to another place. That evening, the tide went slack, the bite shut down and we came home, but, not before we had a good catch of fish for everyone!!!!
 
   Another good day of fishing with a great bunch of guys!! Thanks for being patient with me while I was hunting the fish!! Sometimes they seem to not want to play fair!!! Goes back to the old saying "it's called fishing, not catching" But we did find some of them, they can't all hide all the time!!! Enjoyed it guys, looking forward to our next trip!!!  Todays Gulfstream trip was blown out, tomorrows trip has been blown out, Mondays Gulfstream trip is in question right now. The weather forecast does not look good for a week at this time. If we get to go we will let you know how we did right here. I am beginning to wonder if the winds are ever going to settle down where we can get back offshore more consistantly. Yeah, they will eventually, but until they do, just make the best out of what you have by fishing inside and just be glad we are free and can go fishing, period!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog, says HI!!!!!.

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Mr. Funderburk, From Wrightsville Beach, Got your email, can't get my server to deliver a response, Please give me a call and I will help you!!! FISH ON!!(910)845-2004.

Thursday,4-20-06: Yesterday we went bottom fishing with Joey, Patty,and Seth Vines from Granite Falls,NC. We found the fish biting well and all three stayed busy all day. If we could have kept all the fish that were caught, we would have run out of room to keep them. Most were black bass with a few B-liners, silver snapper, triggerfish, grey snapper, and a lot of sharks  were included. The king mackeral bite was slow at the area we were at, we were at the Houston Wreck, Reports on the king bite was from a few fish boated to none being caught. From what I could hear on the radio, the SW side of the Tower was slow, but the East side of the tower, the bite was off.
 
   Now, let me tell you what Seth Vines did yesterday. This young man put a approxamately 125 lb. shark in the boat. His mom got some pictures and the shark was released. Now, where are the pictures on the fishing report? I was so excited for him that I forgot to take any pictures with my camera. Yeah, go ahead and laugh, but someday remember this, If you live long enough, you too will share those "senior moments" with the rest of us.
 
    Got a report that the red grouper were biting well. The Atlantic Bonito (the good to eat ones) were to our west thick around the 390/390 and General Sherman wreck. Use your standard spanish mackeral trolling techniques for these fish. Have not heard of any being caught up our way, but, that doesn't mean that there are not any up here, I just may have not heard of any. I trolled for some an hour or so two days ago and only came up with a few small blues.
 
  The reports yesterday from the Gulfstream was very, very promising!!! It sounds as though the Yellowfin Tuna may have finally "fired off" out at the Blackjack area. I have thought this a few times in the past only for it to shut down again, but due to the fact we are well into the time for them, I have a good feeling that this may be for real this time. Time will tell.
 
   The weather, as being forecast now is border line. It is fishable, but may not be as comfortable as we would like it. They do miss it at times. Only problem is, it could easily be missed on the bad side as well as the good. Just look at the weather bouy at the Tower before you go. If it's over three feet, I personally don't care to go.
 
   If you would like to go fishing with us this year, don't wait too much longer to call, we are booking up for the fishing season faster than normal. A lot of people put it off last year till the last minute, and when they called, their preferred date was already booked. Only so many days you can fish in a year, and when they are all booked, you will have to wait another year to go with us on what we will try our best to make it a fishing trip you will never want to forget. So, come on down and and let us tell you, FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch.

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Monday, 4-17-06: Well, as usual, todays trip was cancelled due to the winds!! We are supposed to run all week, if we get them in we will have the results for you here. The weather/winds at this point, is anyones guess. Reports are that the speckled trout are biting good on the inside in the creeks and river. I know something must be biting good because the local tackle shops sell out of live shrimp almost as fast as they get them, and that is a good sign that the trout are biting. Don't forget about the "BERKLY GULP" that stuff works real good and DUTCHMAN CREEK BAIT AND TACKLE (910)457-1221, is stocked up on it now!!! If you haven't taken your boat to Mike at SUPPLY BOAT CO. (910) 754-7966 to have your HONDA or YAMAHA (or just about any motor) tuned for the new year, you need to get it there. I will have the "YEAH RIGHT" there next month to get my new powerheads installed on her so we will have dependable power for this year!!! Thanks Mike for all your help, you went above and beyond the call of duty, and I was not even your customer (at that time), no doubt, the finest dealer I have ever had the pleasure to deal with, and it has been a pleasure!!!!!!!!!! Let's hope we can all go fishing soon, till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt. Butch.

Someday, the GOOD LORD WILLING, the winds will lay out and we all can go fishing again. But, as for now, this is a good time to answer Petes question about the king mackerals growth rate and to Thank You all for your emails and guestbook entrys. I answer all questions here that I feel would be of interest to all fishermen and the others I do by direct email. Thanks again, and Pete, This is the most accurate and up to date info. available at this time!!!
 
   LONGEVITY AND GROWTH:  Recent estimates of age, growth, and mortality of
king mackerel are probably more accurate than older ones because the
database includes more of the larger and older king mackerel collected from
North Carolina to Texas.  The von Bertalanffy growth equation is as follows:
       lt = Linfin (1 - exp(-K9t - to)))
where lt is length at age t, Linfin is asymptotic length, K is the growth
coefficient, and to is the age when the theoretical length is zero.
King mackerel were aged using otoliths.  Although there was good correlation
between the growth of otoliths and length of fish, neither of two studies
clearly demonstrated that opaque otolith growth rings were valid indicators
of age.
Females live longer than males and usually grow faster after Age II.  The
oldest females collected were 14 years of age or older:  a 1.4 m FL fish
from Louisiana and a 90 lb (40.8 kg) fish from Key West.  The oldest male
(979 mm SL) was 12 years old.
King mackerel growth is highly variable.  For example, females 850 to 899 mm
FL could be 1 to 8 years old;  males about the same size could be 3 to 8
years old.  It has been suggested that compensatory growth occurs in "slow
growing" fish during their second year when their growth increment surpasses
that of "fast growers."  Nevertheless, "slow growing" mackerel remain
smaller than "fast growers" throughout their lives.
Total annual mortality estimates were 0.37 (more recent) and 0.54.

Thursday 4-13-06. It is 11:00PM Thursday night and I hit the floor running at 4:00AM this morning, so, I will probably make this as detailed as I have the ability to right now. We left South Harbour Marina this morning with Mike and Tim Laudicina, their friends, Rob Wilson and John Fleming. Our mission was the Gulfstream and Tuna and dolphin and Wahoo.
 
   The first stop we made was at the 100/400, the water temp was fine and there was a little bait around but I didn't like the water color so we moved on to the Black Jack. Here things looked a lot better!! We put out a spread of Cedar Plugs and a deep diving lure, a Manns stretch 50 in a pink color. It wasn't long before a reel sounded off as a Mahi-Mahi crashed the bait, a black and purple cedar plug. We boated him and not long after that something attacked the deep diving plug we had out. I mean literally attacked it, and as far as I know, he still has it!! Figured it was a Wahoo as it cut the line just above where it was tied on!!!
 
   Now, the reports from the other boats were very slim to none!! I only heard of one Wahoo and one Yellowfin being caught today on other boats,. I decided after trolling for about another hour with nothing happening to head to the Steeples. When we got there, the water was that beautiful cobalt blue gulfstream water and the temps were warmer and there was some flying fish here and a lot more bait than at the first two stops.
 
   Here I marked a school of bait and pulled the lures through it to have three reels go off. One cut off a "Green Machine" the other one had a smaller blackfin tuna, and the other "had" a good size Blackfin Tuna, but, when the dust settled all we had was 1 and 1/3 Blackfin Tunas in the boat. Something big ate the biggest blackfin, all but the head!!! The stream is still slow to get fired up this year, it is past time and it should explode at any time!!
 
   We continued to circle the bait where we caught the blackfins but it was soon obvious that we were done here so we left and finished the day bottom fishing. The bottom fish are still cooperating rather well along with the sharks. We caught nice sized Black Bass, Big Pinkies, Big Grey Snapper, Nice Joltheads and Triggerfish, a good Flounder, and even a few B-liners. The King Mackeral also decided to bite fairly good today after a terrible day yesterday!!
 
   We have cancelled tomorrows charter due to the forecast winds. Saturday doesn't look any better as does Sunday and Monday. Yeah, it's that time of the year, we don't have to like it, but, we can't do anything about it but wait until it decides to settle down and be ready to go when it does!!!
 
  You may want to consider this if you fish much!! You can get the "Road Use Tax" you pay on gas refunded to you on fuel you use in your boat or any other appratus that is not used on the hwy ie; tractor, lawn mower, etc. Just keep all your reciepts and call the North Carolina Dept. of Revenue Motor Fuels Tax Division at (919)733-3409 before the end of the year and request form "Gas-1201". If you are also commercial as we are, you can also save the Sales Tax. You may want to consider this, it can save you a lot of money on fuel if you fish much.
 
   Well, when the weather breaks again we will be back out there and we will let you know what's going on! Or at least what's going on with us anyway!!! So. until we can go again, FISH ON!!!!Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!.

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Wednesday, 4-12-06:  We left out this morning on a King Mackeral trip. I had second thoughts about this this morning because of the East wind and the full moon. And I was right, the two together did not help out the situation. All the boats out were having the same luck. Most were not even getting a bite and the ones that did had only a couple of fish. So, after a couple of fishless hours, we went to the bottom as most everyone else had done.
 
    We found the bottom dwellers to be quite cooperative!!  Some of the black bass were in the 3 to 4 lb. range with an average of 1 1/2 lbs. The grey snappers were quality size as were the B-Liners and Pinkys. We hooked a few sharks and landed some but a few of those were more than our 50 lb. tackle could handle. My fishing took place in the Tower area. Other boats were off to the WSW with the same luck on the Kings!! The charts are showing the water has cooled down off to the East side.
 
   Will be heading to the Stream tomorrow. The reports have not been good out that way lately!! Maybe we can offically kick off the Gulfstream season tomorrow, maybe not, but we are going to try!! If we do, you can find out right here!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!.

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Sunday, 4-9-06: As all you fishermen know, the winds have had no mercy on any of us lately, and it's still howling!!! But, things are shaping up. The high pressure should move on this week enough to settle things down later in the week, (maybe i'll be able to finally write something in my charter book besides CANCEL WX).
 
   Look for the winds to lay out and the Gulfstream to "light up". Also, for the smaller boats that can't make the run to the Gulfstream, the Atlantic Bonito should be here right off the beaches. Trolling around the artificial reefs off the beaches would be a good place to start your hunt, but not necessarly where you will find them. If this doesn't produce, try other spots like Light House Rocks etc: Troll for these like you do for spanish mackeral, use #1 & #2 planers and we like to use a #1 and #2 clarke spoons. we pull them around 5 to 6 knotts. These little Tuna's are great eating, do not confuse these with the false albacore. The false albacore has "wiggly lines" on the top of their back, the Atlantic Bonito has straight lines on their back.
 
   Bottom fishing should be good at the closer in spots, Places like the Shark Hole, 390/390, 15 mile rock, 18 mile rock, Light House Rocks, etc: should get you some tasty fresh fish dinners of various bottom species.
 
  Reports are that the Redfish and Speckled trout are biting well on the inside in the creeks and rivers. If you want to fish a fantastic lure for the Redfish, then you need to get some of CAPE LOOKOUT LURES new Redfish baits, they are called the FLATSMASTER ASSASSIN. Also, if you haven't tried his Gulfstream skirts and King Mackeral Skirts, you do not know what you are missing!! If you can't find any, call Bailey Tucker at (919) 219-1142, (919) 341-4690 or you can get his email at  www.capelookoutlures.com 
 
   The Whiting are biting in the Cape Fear river and off the piers, this is a great eating fish. These little fish have a following because of their great table fare. Fresh shrimp is the preferred bait to entice these to bite.
 
   It is the 9th of April, If you have procrastinated getting ready to go fishing, well, if you have much to do to get ready you ain't goin' to make it this year. Give us a call here at "YEAH RIGHT CHARTERS" we are ready to take you on a GREAT FISHING TRIP!!!! So, boys and girls, take your boat to Mike at SUPPLY BOAT CO. in Supply to get it tuned up for the season (910) 754-7966, he is the best YAMAHA and HONDA tech. I have personally ever found!!!  Get your tackle ready, I am predicting the last of this week for the fishing to explode. This Easter weekend should be the start of a great fishing season!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch.

Ronnie, Thanks for attending our seminar at BOATERS WORLD. Your Question in the "GUESTBOOK" was about 30 lb. class tackle and the Gulfstream.
 
   I wouldn't go any lower than 30 lb. class. Match your drags to the tackle and you should have plenty of fish in the boat at days end. Providing they are willing to bite!!!That size tackle is a lot of fun!!! You might get a few you can't land, but, you can't catch them all anyway. We use 50 lb. class tackle, but, 30 lb. class will do fine. I would run an 80 to 100 lb. wind on leader on those outfits about 30 to 40 feet long. Thanks for writing and give us a call when you are in the stream on channel 06, if we are on fish we will let you know!!FISH ON!!! Capt Butch.

FRIDAY 4-7-06: Hang in there, the winds are howling down here!!!! We will be back on the water soon!!! Right now all we can do is cancel trips and wait!!! The Speckled Trout and Redfish are biting well on the inside, as for myself, I think while I can't get offshore I might try to find a few of those crappies!!!
FISH ON!!!!
Capt Butch

On 4-4-06 I reported that I might have a lot to report towards the end of the week. Well, according to the weather forecast and the weather patterns and the approaching cold front, it looks as though Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Mondays trips are going to be blown out if something doesn't soon change.
 
   We can complain and fuss all we want, but, we can't change the weather. So, just be content tackle shop hopping and talking about fishing. I really do believe that some day soon we will be able to go again!!! You have got to believe that the winds will settle down soon, or you will go NUTS!!! Or as in my case, Nuts, then bankrupt!!!
 
  As soon as we can get out there, I will report the results right here!!! Till then, FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch.

TUESDAY, 4-4-06: First of all, THANK YOU ALL FOR THE "GUESTBOOK" COMMENTS THAT YOU HAVE LEFT ON OUR SITE!!!! YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH THIS MEANS TO US!!!!!
 
  I have not been out since last Friday, but, a few have and the report is that the fish are still biting. If the winds will let up we will have a lot to report (we hope) towards the end of the week. Let's just hope the spring winds will soon lay out a little more and calm the seas to at least 3' or less!!!
 
  I have had a lot of calls for a Friday or Saturday this time of year and they are all booked . My next available Friday was May 26th. However, due to some circumstances, I have had FRIDAY, APRIL 21st. to come open due to a cancellation. This is "smack dab" in the middle of our prime Gulfstream Fishing. However, it is available for any charter. This may be your last chance to get a date this time of year, First deposit holds it for you!!! It want last long!!! FISH ON!!! Capt Butch.

Tom, THANK YOU for your comment in my "GUESTBOOK". I do understand what you are saying and I do appreciate it. However, this is a chapter in my life I am trying to close and just looking at it as part of lifes high price for an education. I do learn and so will others. THANK YOU again, but I would prefer not to use my site to discuss these types of matters. I have found an excellent dealer in Supply, SUPPLY BOAT COMPANY, he is an excellent YAMAHA and HONDA tech and has a very pleasant attitude and just a great guy to know and deal with. So as the old saying goes, "life goes on" so put the bad times behind you, log them into your memory so you won't make the same mistakes twice, and move foreward. If you continue to look back, you will always be tripping and falling .

I really do thank you all for your questions and I do answer every one. Sometimes it takes me a while to get to them, but I do eventually. I want to address one here that I get asked a lot and I really can't answer.
 
 I am asked the question, IS MY BOAT SUTIBLE TO GO OFFSHORE IN?
 
  This is a question I can't answer. There are so many variables involved in this question, and you are not going out on a lake.If you do not respect the ocean, It will kill you!!!! I don't know the condition of anything on the boat, or the condition of the boat. I don't know your experience in boating, how well the boat is equipped. In my position, if I told you that your boat was sea worthy enough to go offshore in and  you came off a big wave and the transom was rotten and the bracket or motor ripped off, well you get the idea. I love to answer your questions on fishing and boating, but this is one that I can not tell you it is OK for you to do. I sure hope you understand the position this could put me in if something went wrong!!! FISH ON!!! Capt Butch.
 
 
As fot the question about our Tuna fishing in the area.
 
  It can be rather good!!! In fact, from the month of March until the last of May, it can be fantastic, then good again in the fall!!!! We have areas like "the same ole', "steeples",  "100/400" "blackjack." As for the tackle to fish for them with, I would use a minimum of a 6/0 size reel,ie:" 50 lb. class tackle" and you should be able to do well!! FISH ON!! and GOOD LUCK!!!

Saturday 4-1-06: Friday morning at 3:30Am until around midnight last night, "yep", those are the kind of days you put in when you fish for a living!! But, It's what I love to do, and I am fortunate to be able to do what I love and be able to earn a livelyhood at the same time. But just like any other job, some times it has it's downfalls, but, not Friday!!!!
 
   We went back East of the Tower this morning and the Kings were still there. The bite was not as hot as we left it the evening before. We were starting to do fairly good then a fish  hit and the reel screamed as he went straight down. Looks like a tuna run we said!! Guess what, an hour and a half later we saw a "BIG" Blackfin Tuna on the hook. Capt Chris worked him to boat side like the seasoned pro he is. Now, as for the gaff man, well, that's a different story!!!!!!!!!!
 
   As he made his circle I drove the gaff home, "YEAH RIGHT". As things happen in fishing, I don't know what went wrong, but he came off the gaff and as Capt Chris was bringing him back to boat side the hooks just pulled out. Let's see, wasn't there a phrase for that one time that went like: "The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat", or something like that!!
 
   We set the lines back out and then it happened again. Only this time it was a much larger fish. The battle was on again. the fish was finally brought close enough in the crystal clear water and what we saw looked like a 60 to 70 lb. Yellowfin Tuna. Try that on king tackle. The decision was finally made to tighten the drag and try to pull him up off the bottom. We nearly did it, but three+ hours into this one and the line broke!!
 
   Well, now the morning bite on the kings was all but over. We put the lines back out and as every one else was reporting, the bite had shut down. QWe had missed the morning bite fooling with those tunas on light tackle. We ran back inshore about 8 miles and dropped on some bottom structure and started catching some nice bottom fish. We did this a little while until the tide went slack and they stopped biting.
 
   We left there and went back to the spot for some more king fishing. We found it to still be real slow. I hated to leave because the bite had been hot there just yesterday, and it was good that morning. But, the day was running out and we had messed with those tuna's all morning and we didn't even have a "box" of fish yet.
 
   Reel them in, I told Capt Chris. Somebody has got to make a call, might as well be me!!! If we don't find them, then I'll take the blame!! Now, yesterday in the Tower area the bait was "stacked up". That,s where I am going, I said. We made the run there and put out the lines. A few boats were there hooked up. We started out sorta slow, and I was starting to think that maybe I had made a wrong call. Pull them in again Chris, let's move over to that rock ledge we have on our LORAN!!
 
  We did, and let me tell you, as the old saying goes, the rest is history!! we could not keep the lines in the water. Four fish on at any one time. The kings were hitting the baits as you were putting them out. These are the kind of days you dream about. It's supposed to be nice tomorrow, but be sure to check the weather before you head out, it can and does change quick down here. If you can get away, go on out to the Tower and get you some kings. Now, if you are in my spot when I get there, well, that's quite all right, but, you might have to move over a little.
 
   I sure hope my fishing reports help out in your search for fish. I know it is running me a small fortune in fuel these days just to go to the Tower and back, and if I can cut your search down, then I feel like I am doing my job!!! I said a small fortune, but it is getting close to a big fortune!! If you like my reports, let us know, it takes a lot of time and effort to keep all this up, but, if you guys like what we do, then that makes what I do worth while. Like I have said in the past"without all of you, what I do would be useless"!! If you have the time and opportunity, we would appreciate a comment on our "GUESTBOOK" or an email. But, this is totally if you would like to!!The "GUESTBOOK" helps us keep our ratings up!!!
 
  The last report I got from the Gulfstream was not good. Only heard of one Wahoo caught. We are scheduled to head out there Monday. The weather is "iffy" right now. If we get to go, you can find out what happens right here. Stay in touch, and if I can help, don't hesitate to ask!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI and FISH ON!!!!!!.

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THURSDAY NIGHT 3-30-06: It is late and we started this morning at 4:00AM. we are going to be at it again Friday so I have got to get up at 3:00AM so this one is going to be real quick. The Kings are East of the tower in 90 to 100 feet of water. The water temps out there are in the mid 70's and they are hungry. Bottom fish are hungry too. We didn't find them today until 2:00PM. Hope this helps save you a lot of looking and searching!! Will try to have a full report tomorrow night or Saturday. Looks as though Saturdays charter is going to have to be called off due to winds again!!!  Till next time,  FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster.

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In the "GUESTBOOK" section Josh asked if we released the Marlin's we hook up with::
 
  Josh, Hook up with- that is the "key" word here. As you know, everything has to go perfect for a fish of this size and endurance to be brought to boat side. So far, no one has been able to do that. We have NOT had any lines broken, but every fish that has been hooked up with has thrown the hook in a jump situation. But, when that lucky angler finally brings one to boat side, it will be tagged and measured for a possible mount then released. All the information from the tagging will be sent to THE BILLFISH FOUNDATION to help them in their research on the species. This practice is also encouraged on Sailfish as well!!! THANKS for your question and keep them coming!!!  FISH ON!!! Capt. Butch.
 
  My charter log book is starting to fill up with the words "CANCELLED WX". But, it is that time of year when the winds are going to blow and all we can do is wait it out. July and August, we will be wishing for some of this wind when it is hot as blue blazes and dead calm.
 
   Yeah, your right, this is not much of a fishing report. It's hard to get reports when you can't get out. I feel sure though that the Black Bass are still available on the near shore reefs and ledges and most likely the spiney dog fish can still be caught. The seas at the Tower Bouy are still over 3 feet and anything over that takes the fun out of fishing, it then becomes work just trying to walk around!!!
 
   We have several Gulfstream trips slated for this week and a full day. The weather doesn't look too promising at  this point, but if we are able to run these trips we will have the results right here along with pictures!!
 
   Not sure yet about the rate increase we have talked about last week. If the fuel prices don't go any higher, we may be able to keep our rates where they are, if not, I will be forced to cover the added expense. But, as I said before, If your trip is already on the books before the increase, your trip rate will NOT increase!!!!
 
  Last week I heard the Speckled Trout and Reds were biting in the creeks. I haven't had the opportunity to try it myself, but, I do know that they love those BERKLY GULP baits, and DUTCHMAN CREEK BAIT & TACKLE (910)457-1221 has a good supply of them, give John, Billie, or Angie a call and tell them how you heard about them, thanks!!
 
   The weather is fixing to break anytime now. Check and see if you are stocked up on CAPE LOOKOUT LURES SKIRTS for the Gulfstream fishing that's ahead. These are the best skirts I have ever used!!!! His King Mackeral Skirts are Fantastic!! If you can't find any give Bailey a call at(919) 219-1142 and he can direct you in the right place to get some, you won't be sorry, they are GREAT!!!! www.capelookoutlures.com  Oh yeah, DUTCHMAN CREEK BAIT & TACKLE also carrys these skirts as well!!
 
  Get the boat out and get the tackle tuned, when the winds lay down in the next few days or weeks, IT WILL BE TIME TO GO FISHING!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt. Butch.

FRIDAY 3-24-06 We are in that time of year. The winds will blow!!! We have had to cancel all our trips this week and Thursday, the weather was descent, but the water at the tower has cooled down and the King Mackeral have either relocated or are on a fast. Three boats yesterday that were commercial fishing only had eight fish among all three!! This weekend looks as though we are going to be blown out also. But, if we do get a break and can get offshore, I will post the results here!!
    The speckled trout are reported biting good in the creeks, the GULP baits are doing well catching them. DUTCHMAN CREEK BAIT & TACKLE, 910-457-1221.(beside Brunswick Cty. Airport) has a good supply of them "now". Be sure to tell them how you heard about them, I would appreciate it!!! There was a report of some Atlantic Bonito, (the good to eat ones) being caught off of the Wrightsville beach area, so, they are on the way, and the Spanish Mackeral should not be too far behind!!
 
   The Black Bass fishing is descent at the inshore reefs. Last weekend we were even able to catch some and were not bothered with the Spiney Dog Fish. Hopefull the winds will soon settle, and they will, and we can all get back offshore and relocate the fish again!! Keep in touch, and when we get back out we will post the results here, maybe we will have found the fish again, or maybe we can save you some fuel on your hunt by eliminating some water we have already searched!! If you can get to the Gulfstream, you should be able to catch some fish there, it is time for that fishery to fire up!!! Till the winds lay down again,FISH ON!!! Capt Butch.

MONDAY, 3-20-06: There are four things in life that you don't brag on!! They are your wife,your children, your dog, and your ability to fish!!! This past weekend, my charter wanted some black bass, but, we couldn't catch them for the dog sharks. Well, today I had Walter Hudyma and his son Wally from DeMoine, Iowa and Ed Hudyma and Tim McNulty from Holly Springs. Well, these guys wanted a few black bass but mostly wanted sharks.
 
   Sharks, no problem, I replied. We immediately left the dock and headed straight to the spot where all the sharks were. Not a problem, I just hope we can get a few bass before the sharks find us. We checked a few schools of fish and finally dropped down on some descent sea bass. We turned the boat around and got anchored up. Maybe we can catch a few of these before the sharks get started.
 
    It wasn't long before we had two limits of bass in the boat, but, no sharks. I couldn't believe it, all the bragging about how sharks was no problem, and if I was a millionaire and sharks were 10 cents each, I couldn't have bought  one!!!! We pulled anchor and went looking for sharks. Two days before today, you could not get away from the spiney dog sharks, today we did manage 5 sharks, but, I searched hard to get those!!! At my defense, I will add that we are starting into our transition time, one day warm the next cold, the fish say "should I stay or should I go" you know the drill, "here today, gone tomorrow"!!
 
Ever wondered why they are called Spiney Dog Sharks? Here's why: Of coarse it's obvious about the spines on top at the base of their fins giving them the name "spiney" as for the nick name "dog" that's because they school, or run in a pack, ie: "A pack of dogs" therefore the name "dog" add these together and you come up with"Spiney Dog Sharks", they are more commonly called "Spiney Dog Fish". As for the white spots on their sides, that's because that's the way the the GOOD LORD made them!!! Thought you might like that tid bit of info. I thought it was unique!!!
 
   Your wife, your dog, and your fishing, bragg on either one of those and they will make a liar out of you every time!!!! But we still caught plenty of fish, had a good time, and made some more friends!!  And before you go to bragging about how catching a particular fish will be no problem, remember this, there is a reason it's called fishing and not catching!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt. Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!.
 
   P.S. YEAH RIGHT CHARTERS has been asked to be a major contributor, writer, for a new Sportfishing Forum on the West Coast. This will place our web site on the West Coast based publication along with our own reports page/Captain's Page and our own rotating banners along with top listings in the search engines on the web. This will be a new adventure for us as we enter into a new form of  reaching our clients that should prove to be an over whelming experience for us and our sponsors!! We are very excited about this opportunity and consider it an honor to have a web site that has drawn attention from a major Sportfishing Forum to be included on their site!!! It takes weeks sometimes months to build these sites. This site is in it's infancy, only being started being built a few days ago, however, you can get a sneak preview by going to www.hookupsportfishing.com and click on forums in the "news & info". section.  Capt Chris and I can hardly wait until it is finished, it should be awesome!!!!FISH ON!!! Capt Butch

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In the "GUESTBOOK" section Joseph stated that he read where dog fish were endangered and illegal!! The 2006 Regulations states that Dog Fish have no creel or size limit. And yes, they are rather tasty off the grill!!! It is very possible to make a mistake with all the regulations and constant changes imposed by all the fisheries management regulatory commities, but as for now, the Dog Fish are plentiful. Just try to catch some bottom fish inshore this time of year and let them find you. When they find you, it's over, and THEY WILL FIND YOU!!!! THANKS Joseph for your question, maybe these guys had some other species of sharks in their creel along with the dog fish. The regulations on sharks can be quite complicated!!!  FISH ON!! Capt. Butch. P.S. Better keep your eyes open, you just might run into "Jimmy Buffet' here on this site, you know what I mean???

SATURDAY 3-18-06: The great King bite and bottom fish bite offshore had us wanting to head back out offshore this morning. But, we knew that was not even an option!!! We thought we could maybe fish the Light House Rock area since the wind was from the North. That didn't work either, it was too rough there also. Well we were already out, so let's see if we can catch something!! We stopped on the way back at AR-320, Tom McGlammery Reef area where we anchored up just south of the sunken Potter Barge!!
 
   I thought we had hit the jackpot. First lines in pulled up two nice Black Sea Bass. Then in came a couple more, then a couple more, then the fear I had in the back of my mind happened!!! We were bombarded with Spiney Dog Sharks, and I mean they were thick!!! But that was OK. It sure beat sitting on the couch wishing you could go fishing, and they fight very well for their size. Plus, they are rated at "very good" table fare and you can catch all you want as there is no limit!! If you haven't tried any before, get one and steak it out, and grill it with some butter, lemon juice, and salt & pepper to taste, you just might be suprised. Be sure to watch out for the two sharp spines on their back at the base of their fins, they can hurt you real bad with those things!!!!
 
   So we elected  to catch everyone a good mess of these before we headed back. Since we were supposed to go offshore and couldn't make it, todays crew said they were going to take care of the fuel today for me trying anyway!! So with that in mind, I had to get these guys some fish of some kind, and I did what I could with the conditions I had to work with!! Todays crew consisted of a regular on the "YEAH RIGHT" Fred Brown, and then there was Fenwick, he kept everyone laughing all morning. We had another Fred, along with Tony, Leonard, and Mike. These fellows were a blast to be out fishing with!! They know what it means to go fishing and have fun, the catching is just an added bonus for these guys!!!
 
   Have hope guys, the weather will improve, and we will have a good day before long that will fall on the time you are here!! Let me know how you like those sharks. Everyone that has tried them so far have really liked them!!!
 
   Every fishing day is different!! Sometimes you have to take what Mother Nature throws at you and make it work for you in your favor. You may not be able to obtain your targeted quarry, but you can usually turn it into a good day with a little perserverance and strategy to work in your favor!! In other words, keep on trying until you figure out something that will work for you that particular day. Remember, try as you might, somedays just won't come out right, that's why it's called fishing and not catching!!! Enjoyed it guys, till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!!.

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FRIDAY, 3-17-06:  Yesterday,we took off to the Tower in hopes of doing another commercial trip on King Mackeral. I took some help along today, I had David Nowers, Zeb Todd, and Adam Ross plus my wife, Barbara went along to man the helm while we fished. Well if you fish you will know what I mean when I say that I could not do anything right. It was one of those mornings. People around me was staying hooked up regularly. Not us!!!  Everything we did screwed up, it was a  typical "chinese fire drill" only thing, there was no fire!!! Every time we put out lines they would tangle, when we did get a fish on, it would get off or break the line, if that didn't happen, then the fish would run and get  tangled in the prop on the motor. We had a rod to break, a reel to lock up. But hey, my crew learned a lot this morning, and besides that, I saw a big whale this morning!!!
 
   OK, by this time I was ready to give up on the bait trolling. It was obvious we needed to "re group" and hit this at a new angle. Let's troll the spoons!! Oh boy, this has to go better, "YEAH RIGHT" (no pun intended). First line out, my wife, who was driving , made a sharp turn and the prop got the first planer. Re rigged, finally got them out, and both of them tripped. Alright, I thought, now we got it going. Upon bringing them to the boat we discovered they had tangled and tripped each other. This was repeated several times until I said, I QUIT!!!  WE ARE GOING BOTTOM FISHING!!!!!!! Thank goodness that worked out pretty good!!
 
   As I said before, If you fish much, I think you can relate to the kind of morning I am talking about. If you can't then you are either in denial or you don't fish much!! Now we had gotten settled down after catching a good mess of bottom fish. We had some rather large grey snapper and some black bass near the 3 lb. range. Also, a few quality sized B-liners, and some of the biggest pinkys I have seen in a while. These might pay for todays fuel, someone said. I hardly ever sell bottom fish, we are going to eat these!!! Some things you just don't do for money!! There are enough people selling bottom fish, I eat mine!!! Now, you should have seen the look on every ones face when I said, let's try the Kings again. With the memories of the morning still in their minds, it was short of being a look of pure terror!!!
 
   Well, everyone was settled down by now, you see, I was breaking in some new fishermen. Two of my crew had never been on the ocean before, much less fished for saltwater fish, and that morning they were nervous, and that's to be expected!!  My strategy was to go bottom fishing, give everyone time to settle down and allow a little time to think about what we had done that morning!! It worked, by this time they had gotten the idea of how it was done that morning and things went smoother that evening. We were finally "in the hunt"!!!!!! We were operating like a well oiled machine. I was putting out the baits and handing off the rods as the fish hit while putting them out. We were fighting them three at a time on a steady basis. But, as it always does, it was getting late in the day and the calm seas that were predicted actually turned into a stiff 20 knot wind kicking up the seas to a good 4 to 5 feet so it was time to go!! My wife turned to me and said, I'm sorry!! For what I asked? I didn't  think you were going to pull it off today, but as usual, you did it!! As I have said before, "never give up"!! It was an eventfull day for everyone, and I just might have introduced two more guys to the world of saltwater fishing!!! After all, isn't that what it's all supposed to be about anyway!!
 
   March is being March this year! Our Charter trips are in question for this weekend but if we get to run them we will have the results here, good or bad!!! Keep in touch, and if I can help you in any way, I will try my best. Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog, says HI!!!!!!.
 
  

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In the "GUESTBOOK" section, Josh asked if I would venture to the Tower in a 21 foot Center Console. My answer to this Question is this: There are a lot of boat Mfg. that are making some real sea worthy 23 foot boats. High sides, flared bows, self bailing, capable of holding two engines, large fuel capacities, etc. I am asked at a lot of my seminars "What size boat do I need to go out in?" my responce to that question always is, You buy a boat to come back in, not go out in!! The ocean has no mercy or concience, you mess with it and it will kill you!!! My personal opinion, I wouldn't want anything smaller than 25'. If you have one of the 23' boats I am speaking of and you watch the weather close, that would be the smallest boat I would go in. Also, I would opt for dual engines, (I have came back on one engine many times, once, I lost both engines, but usually you won't loose both). Another factor is safety equipment. This time of year the water is cold, you need a life raft and epirb.Most people migrate from a lake to the ocean thinking they know what rough water is. There have been a lot of lives lost, some were good friends of mine because they got over confident and dropped their guard and if that happens, the ocean will win every time. Sure, there are times when you could go to the Tower in a jon boat. But what are you going to do when you go out there in a small boat and a "freak" storm blows up between you and land and you got 35 miles to go back to safety. I will never tell anyone it's ok for them to head offshore, there are just too many factors involved that I have no control over. But if you want to go, you need to have a boat that can handle the type of water that the ocean can dish out at any given moment. Don't just take my word for it, talk to others that fish offshore. If they have fished offshore any length of time, I am sure they can tell you some "Horror Stories of their own" BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!!!!!!!!!  FISH ON!! Capt Butch

TUESDAY3-14-06: If you haven't been able to check the weather forecast, well Thursday looks like a possibility. If it doesn't change this weekend looks like a "Bust". But don't give up yet, it can change, and often does!! However, they are still predicting 15 to 25 knots winds this weekend. If they change it, I'll post it here as soon as I find out!!!! FISH ON!!! Capt Butch

Monday 3-13-06: It looks as though the 2006 fishing season has kicked off here in Southport,NC. The water at the Tower was 68 degrees this past weekend and the King Mackeral were hungry. The weather was too nice for me to stay here at the house. So with Capt Chris gone to Lexington,NC to visit with his girlfriend Michelle, that left  me to run a commercial trip by myself. If I had known before the last minute I was going I could have called and rounded up some help!! But as it is most of the time in the fishing business, you have to play the weather and most of the time you don't know if you will be able to go until the last minute and calling someone at 4:00AM to ask if they want to go fishing is probably not a good idea.
   Now, I have recieved some comments from some other Captains saying that they think I should not be posting pictures from a commercial trip since I am a charter service. I don't understand the reason behind this. I am a Charter boat Captain, but I am also a commercial fisherman. I have purchased all the license and permits and fill out all the log books and reports on a by fishing trip and monthly basis, and by posting the commercial trips we run helps you know what is biting where and when. Sure, there have been some rude and critical remarks about all the fish we catch sometimes, and that's to be expected from people that don't understand how it works. There are quotas set, and when those are met, then a particular season will be closed to prevent over harvest, and when I am asked if we can do a commercial trip on a charter, the answer is no, it is illegal to combine a commercial trip with a charter trip. I fish for a living, so why not share the results with other fishermen. Good info. on fishing can be hard to find sometimes!! And as a lot of you already know, I do not have to know who you are, if you want to know where a particular fishing spot is or any kind of info. all you have to do is ask!!!
  I will tell you one thing, spend a day on the water in the middle of a bunch of hungry King Mackeral by yourself, and if you are my age, they will tell you the next morning that you are not getting any younger!!!
   This weekend as of this point doesn't sound as though it is going to be good for fishing. They are predicting it to be windy, but it is still a week away, and we all know how fast it can change. So let's all keep our fingers crossed that the front will either speed up or slow down and the winds won't be here Saturday as predicted now!! If you can get out to the Tower area, the Kings are "chewing down" on frozen cigar minnows or you can troll Drone spoons at about 5 knotts behind a #8 planer. Either one will work, but, if the spoons slow down, try going to the minnows, they will usually hit those when they won't hit the spoons.
  The bottom fish are stacked up out there also. If you are interested in those just go out there and get anchored up and go at it. You may have to move though when the sharks find you!! The fishing season is under way, and remember, if you keep putting it off to go fishing, another year will pass you by, and you will still be wanting to go. Life is too short to not do some of the finer things in life, so give us a call and let's go catch some fish!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog, says HI!!!!!.
 

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THURSDAY 3-9-06: If you can get away this weekend, and the weather man hits his forecast, it will be a pretty weekend to shake off some of that "Cabin Fever".  Predicted light winds, warm temps, and last weekend the Kings were at the Tower and the bottom fishing has been good all winter!!! If you haven't yet, it's time to get your boat to Mike at SUPPLY BOAT CO. in Supply so it will be ready to go when you are ready!!! Don't wait too long to call, I was there the other day and the phone was ringing pretty steady, so give him a call at (910)754-7966, you won't be sorry, he is the best engine tech. I have ever seen!!! Come on down, it's time to go fishing!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt. Butch Foster

SUNDAY 3-5-06:  Well we did it!!! We took the weather mans forecast and headed offshore today. We were beginning to wonder if he had missed it though. It was down right nasty going out this morning. A brisk NW wind was blowing the seas up and they were close together. Several times I almost aborted the mission, but I kept telling myself that I had been in a lot worse. Guess the older you get the less you like it rough!! You can get an idea of what the seas were like by looking at the pictures on the right, then look at how it laid down that afternoon by looking at the water at the Tower that evening. The winds went from NW to SW, and the reversal of the winds will lay it out like that!!
 
  The water has been cold offshore for the past few weeks. But we were on a mission to find some King Mackeral to start getting our Federal King Mackeral Permit qualified for this year. The water at the Tower was 63 degrees, normally a bit cool for King Mackeral, but not today, they were there. We had a good bite up to around mid afternoon then they slowed way down.
 
   When they slowed, we fished a little for some bottom fish. We did pretty good on those also. Caught some big black bass, also some decent B-liners and some huge Grey Snapper. The sharks were not too bad all though we did catch plenty. We even hooked up with some that proved to be too much for our 50 lb. test line!! We caught just enough bottom fish for a couple of fresh fish dinners, then we decided to head to the hill.
 
   OK King Mackeral Fishermen and women, this is the news you have been waiting all winter to hear. Get a pretty day, go get 'em. We will see you there either on the way to the Gulfstream or after we limit out at the stream and stop there on the way back to finish up a day of fishing. That's right, Gulfstream fishing will be in full swing in just a few weeks. The fish are there we just need weather where we can go to them!!!
 
   As for the King's today. We trolled frozen cigar minnows today and they seemed just happy as could be to eat 'em!! If you wanted to jig up live ones, you shouldn't have any trouble there were plenty there to jig up!! Also, be sure to run some CAPE LOOKOUT LURES skirts in front of your baits. This will add more bulk and flash and can make a big difference. If you can't find any at your favorite tackle store, give Bailey a call at (919) 219-1142 and be sure to tell him how you found out about him and he will direct you to where you can get yourself some. I think you will find these to be a remarkable fish catching addition to your bait spread!!
Get the boat out of mothballs and take it to Mike at SUPPLY BOAT CO. in Supply and get her tuned up and checked out so you will be ready to go fishing when you have the chance. Wait till the last minute to get it done and instead of fishing you will be waiting in line instead of being out catching those first fish of spring!!! IT IS TIME!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!.

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Friday 3-3-06; If the weather prediction hits its mark then offshore this weekend is going to be "Blown Out". However the winds are predicted to be out of the N switching to the NW  and letting up a little, so you may be able to get out to around the lighthouse rocks area and catch a few sea bass and a whole lot of sharks. Mabey not the most desirable way to spend a saturday, but sure beats sitting on the couch all day!!! I have heard that there is a good trout bite going on in the inside waters and some are big ones. until I hear more or have a hands on report,  FISH ON!!! Capt Butch

In the "GUESTBOOK" section Will asked about our spring Gulfstream spread. We like to use cedarplugs in the early spring!!!  This will allow you to troll a little faster than using 'hoo's and you can cover more water faster to locate the fish. Ballyhoo's have caught many fish in the stream and using them works also. But, if you are using 'hoo's and not much is happening, switch up to some cedar plugs and pick up your speed to around 10 knots and sometimes this will "turn 'em on." We like to troll the naturals around  5 - 6 knots. They will "wash out" if you go much more than that. Also, as the bait gets more abundant and the fish start to run bait to the surface, this is when we will switch to the ballyhoo's first. As far as amount of lines, we run two outrigger lines, two in release clips off the transom, two off the gunnels, a center rigger line, and a diving type plug run next to the boat for a total of (8) eight lines. This can be real tricky, so remember it is better to run two good lines than four that do not look natural!!!! We will mix up the ballyhoo's with skirts but we always will have at least one "skipping" and  one "swimming" in the spread without any skirt="naked". Another thing, be sure to run your baits back far enough. Most fishermen getting started in Gulfstream Fishing will have the baits too close to the boat. Our closest bait (other than the diving plug) will be 150 feet. Now, when you get a bite, keep going, you may possibly loose that first fish, but by not pulling back on the throttles, you may very well load up all the rods with Tuna shortly after hooking that first fish!!! If you have never tried Gulfstream Fishing, You don't know what you are missing. I hope this helps get you started, and thanks for your question!!!FISH ON!!! Capt Butch

Monday 2-27-06: Today Capt Chris and I had the pleasure of sharing the boat with Clayton Netzel from Brookings,Oregon and his Father-in-law Leon Gochanour from smith River, California. In the process we made some more good friends!! Now the winds were predicted to blow from the NW until lunch then switch to the SW. With that in mind, we headed towards the 18 mile rock/Sharkhole area to do some Black Sea Bass fishing.
 
   Well, in case you are wondering, yes, the Spiney Dog Sharks are still here but we still managed two limits of decent Bass. We caught four Gag Grouper, all too small to keep, a nice Flounder, even a legal size Red Fish. Several Grey Snapper were boated along with a few Joltheads.
 
   The fish we caught were just an added bonus. These guys were a lot of fun to spend the day with in a boat persuing a sport that showed they truly love to do. And I might add that they do it well!! We would have had fun today if not a fish was caught, this is what it is all about!!!
 
   The California and Oregon areas of the West Coast are fortunate to have these guys there!! If you two ever get back this way again be sure to let me know. It would be good to talk about and relive our day on the Atlantic once again!! Thanks Guys for the memories, hope we can do it again sometime!!! But till then, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster,Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!.
 
 

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Saturday, 2-25-06: We are back from the FISHERMANS POST FISHING SCHOOL and it went very well I thought. Thanks to all who attended and everyone else that made it possible!!
 
  OK, here goes as promised:::
 
  we met up with Jason Simmons and his wife June along with Gary Gilbert and Mark Talton. I thought we were going after just some Black Sea Bass when I heard someone say I sure would like some grouper. This changed everything!!! Knowing that this time of year the Grouper were offshore in deep water, and the forecast was for the winds to pick up offshore that evening, I had to form a game plan. We would head out to a deep rock 45 miles offshore SE of the Tower and when the winds picked up we could head to the shoal area around the tower. Since the winds were supposed to be from the NW, the shoals would have a tendency to keep the seas laid out.
 
    I LOVE IT WHEN A PLAN COMES TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We had a good ride out, we were crusing at 31 knots and were at our first spot by 8:30AM. The current was running fairly strong and the first pass was in vain. I thought, did I make a wrong call and run all this way for nothing, then I noticed I had made a pass up current from the rock (still early in the morning, being as I was up till 3:30AM the night before and got up at 5:00AM).
 
  I repositioned the boat and crossed down current where the rock/ledge was being used as a current break. OK Chris, get on the anchor windlass, here they are!!! Down went the anchor and when it hooked up the boat swung right over top of our projected fishing hole. The usual bite started as it so often does in Grouper fishing. The feeding activity was more than they could handle. We were putting some nice bottom fish in the boat when the grouper said, "enough is enough" two small reds came aboard, then two nice reds in the 9 to14 lb. range, then a gag around 16 lbs.
 
    Now June Simmons, not to be out done, hooked up with a big fish. There were all kinds of predictions as to what it was. When it was finally boated, she had landed a 28 lb. NC Citation Jack Cravelle, YOU GO GIRL!!! Now, about this time, as we had figured, it was time to pull anchor as the seas were building out here in the deep water fast. It's time to go to calmer water, so we pulled anchor and ran the 15 miles back to the tower/shoal area. Here at the end of the shoals, the shoal had it knocked down to only 2 feet. We finished up the day here in this area and by the time we left to head home the seas were down to around 1 foot or less.
 
    Everyone had a great day of fishing with plenty of fillets for the grill!!  Today we caught; Bonito's, Amorings, Black Sea Bass,2 Flounder,B-Liners(vermillion snapper) triggerfish,sharks, Jack cravelle, Joltheads, Pinkys, Grey Snapper, Red Grouper, and gag grouper. What a day of fishing we all had!!!!
 
  The report from the Gulfstream is promisingwith Yellowfin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna,and Wahoo being caught this weekend. With the mild winter we have had so far, The stream action may get off to a little earlier than usual start this year. Don't think that will make anyone mad!!
 
   As I have said before, find a day you can get out, go to the fish, and you can have a great day like this too!!!! It sure looks like this is going to be a GREAT Fishing Season!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!.

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Thursday 2-23-06: The weather for this weekend is not the best forecast I have ever heard but it also is not the worst. We will be running offshore tomorrow, weather permitting, to do a little bottom fishing and whatever else we find out there.
 
   Don't forget, Saturday at Vector Marine is the FISHERMANS POST FISHING SCHOOL. You have to sign up to attend and get a ticket, There is still time, but it is running out fast, give Gary a call at (910) 452-6378 or email gary@fishpost.net and Capt Chris and I will see you Saturday at VECTOR MARINE in Wilmington,NC, hopefully you will be the winner of the 8' Menhaden cast net that our sponsor LEE FISHER NETS has provided for a drawing!!
 
    The Gulfstream season is right around the corner, we are geared up now and ready to hit it head on. Give us a call if you would like to join us on a trip for Yellowfin Tuna, Black Fin Tuna,Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and possibly a Bill Fish hook up or even a Blue Fin Tuna that may possibly still be in the area.
 
   I am looking for this to be a good year for fishing and for the next few weeks we will be running fishing trips as the weather and winds will let us. The water at the Tower is still cold, in the 60's, but the bottom fishing is good now, so why not take advantage of what's biting. Last time I was out last week, you could catch all the spiney dog sharks you could ever want and the Black Bass were biting real well, until the sharks moved in on you, then you would have to move and find some more Bass, catch a few, then the sharks would move in and you had to repeat it over again.
 
   You might want to try this trick! And rest assured it will be a pull!! Do like Capt. Chris does and tie on five hooks in a line and catch them five at a time. At a 20 fish limit per person, you can possibly limit out on Bass before the sharks find you. But, when the sharks do find you, you need to experience FIVE sharks on at a time, and it can happen, It's all I can do to manage two on at a time!! So if you are like me, getting a little older and have a touch of arthritis in the shoulders, it may be a little too much. I stay with the 2 hook rig myself!!
 
   Check back here tomorrow night, hope to have a report of some fish we find out there!! But as usual, be it good or bad, we will let you know how we did and where we found them at. Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!.
 
  

FRIDAY 2-17-06: Todays charter couldn't make it due to some unexpected problems so Capt Chris and I headed offshore for a little quality time between us before the charter season kicks off full time. We were in the chase for some Black Sea Bass. We found them in small schools and we had to hit them hard and fast, here's why!! SHARKS, SHARKS, and more SHARKS.
 
    Yes, sharks, it looks as though the spiney dog sharks have made an earlier than normal apperance. If you are in the market to catch sharks, now is the time to book a trip and we will show you how to (most likely) catch all the sharks you will want to catch. At one time today, we were catching sharks two at a time, on one rod!!!!!
 
    We would get on a school of Black Sea Bass and I was watching the color scope and would tell Capt Chris when the sharks would move in. By doing this, we were able to focus more on the bass than the sharks. But we still probably boated somewhere in the neighborhood of fifty sharks today, and some we could not turn or stop before they broke the line!!!
 
   Well, the last rock we stopped on was the best!!! I was using a double drop rig and Capt Chris had on three hooks. Five at a time the Black Sea Bass came into the boat, and before the sharks had a chance to move in we had limited out on Sea Bass. They were mixed in size, we didn't get any of the jumbos like you get sometimes, but we had several two pounds plus with most in the 1 to 11/2 pound range. We had Black Sea Bass coming in the boat so fast at one time that all "Private Bodie" the fish dog could do was just stand and look, he didn't have a clue as to which one he needed to pounce on!!!!
 
   I know it's February, but the fishing is great when you can get a pretty day to get out on the water, and today was a beautiful day, light winds, warm temperature, and almost calm seas, 2 ft. or less!!
 
   Yes, you want sharks, we got'em, You want Black Sea Bass, we got'em. You want bottom fish in general, we got'em. Have not heard of where or looked for the King Mackeral. I am sure they are out there somewhere, but too much other stuff is biting right now to mess with them yet!! If you can get away to do some fishing, come on down, and you can find the fish starting about 10 miles out and beyond. If I can help you in any way, call or email, I will be glad to help you if I can!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster,and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says hi!!!!.
 
  

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THURSDAY 2-16-06; Well, as for the Shark fishing we caught several small and one approximately 40 pounder. Then the bite came!!! A big SHIMANO TIAGRA spooled with 130 lb. line with a 10 foot stainless steel cable rigged on an OUTER BANKS OUTFITTERS stand up rod was no match for this Shark. As nearly quick as the bite came it was over. We stood looking in amazement at the broken 130 lb. line. That quick it was over!!! We had a long ride back and so we decided to give it another try another day. Had we known this was going to happen, we would have taken pictures of the smaller sharks. We didn't, so we have no pictures to back up this fish tale, you will just have to take our word for this one!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!!.

   Had to go to Lexington Monday and take care of some business. So Capt Chris and I took along the 16 footer and hit High Rock Lake for some crappie fishing while we were there. The water was a chilly 43 degrees so we worked our jigs at a dormant speed and were able to invite Capt Chris's girlfriend, Michelle, and our good friends Capt Ron and Admiral Helen over and we had some fresh crappies for dinner. It was a refreshing change, although Michelle may have thought different.
 
     Tomorrow, I, and mabey Capt Chris, if he can get out of his classes at NCSU, will be heading offshore on the "JAWBREAKER'" a 32' LUHRS out of Little River SC, in persuit of some "BIG" sharks. We hooked up with some really big ones last weekend in the 340's so I plan on heading to that area again. I'll let you know how we did right here when we get back. Hope to have a good report for you tomorrow night!!! 
 
    Don't forget, next weekend on Saturday, February 25th, is the FISHERMANS POST'S FISHING SCHOOL at VECTOR MARINE in Wilmington,NC. If you haven't signed up yet, you are running out of time. Call Gary at  (910)452-6378 or email at gary@fishpost.net for all the details and to sign up. Our sponsor, LEE FISHER NETS, has given us a 8' Menhaden Net to give to some lucky person as a door prize. If you have never used one of their nets, you will be pleasantly surprised!!! They are, in our opinion, the best we have ever used!!!!
 
    Also, if you are in Wilmington on March 8th at 7:00PM, come by BOATERS WORLD. I will be "kicking off" the new Gulfstream Season with a seminar on Bluewater Basics to get you started in the right direction for some Bluewater Action!!!
 
   The Gulfstream Fishing in March, April, and May will be here and gone before you know what happened!!! We have a few dates left in these months for charter. It has come to my attention that some of you have thought that these months are for Gulfstream Fishing Only. These months are considered our best months for springtime stream fishing, however, there is a lot of good fishing offshore these months that is done on full day trips. So DO NOT think we only fish Bluewater these months, we do a lot of offshore trips in March, April, and May also!!!
 
   This is the 15th of February, March is only two weeks away!! Get your gear out and get it tuned up, Check and see that you have plenty of "CAPE LOOKOUT LURES" skirts to pull in front of your ballyhoo's, these will help  you catch more fish!!! If you can't find any, call Bailey at (919)341-4690 and he will get you "hooked up" on some at your nearest dealer. Visit his site at www.capelookoutlures.com  I got to go get ready to go catch some SHARKS tomorrow, till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch, Capt Chris and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!!.

SATURDAY 2-11-06; Today we had to call off our trip due to the winds. But I can't complain. Yesterday we started off our charter season with pretty good results. We left the dock with Fred Brown and Gary Hunt from Charlotte, they had some friends with them. They were Ben McDonald, Tony Cameron, James Williams, and Charles McNair, these guys were from Fayetteville, NC. The first stop was in the Horseshoe area, not much there!! The fish were hard to find, other boats in the area were reporting the same results. I was determined not to stop on the small schools of fish we were marking due to the difficulty of getting anchored on them in a "straight up" tide. We went to an area where the fish were reported being caught just two days prior to today, but it did not look too good so I made the decision to head 15 more miles to the SW to a rock I had found last year.
 
     Upon arriving, I was getting the feeling that this was going to be a terrible way to start the new charter season. On the approach to the rock it was dead. As it rose up off the ocean floor, dead!!! Then I started down the back side, several fishermen were looking over my shoulder at the color scope. What's that? was the reply, that is what we are looking for, I replied.
 
   Capt. Chris got a bottom rod and dropped down to make sure we were not going to anchor up on a pile of pinfish. That was a good hit, he said. Upon bringing the two pound black bass to the boat we drifted a bit more to establish an anchor course. We got the boat anchored and from that point on it was fast and furious for the next four hours. There is no telling how many big sharks were hooked and broken off. Some of them were estimated in the several hundreds of pounds. We did get two to the boat that were around 150 lbs. each.
 
    Well, when the tide went slack four hours later, and the fish went into a non feeding stage, we re-grouped, seperated the fish and when they were placed into the on board fish boxes we had a problem, there was no room for ice. Both of the fish boxes were full of some of the best eating fish in the ocean!!
 
   Yes, I would call it a fantastic way to start the new charter season!!! Even though when we started, it looked like all the fish had migrated south. But, my crew today never complained and they had the confidence in me too find them some fish today. Thanks fellows, I know you probably thought I was going to ride you around in the ocean all day on a boat ride, but sometimes you have to make the decision to leave an area to find the fish. All you  guys were a real pleasure to fish with and we all had a ball!!! Now, isn't that what it's all about anyway, the fish are just an added bonus!! P.S. THE ELECTRICS ARE SERVICED, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!!!! Till next time, FISH ON, Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and Private Bodie, the fish dog, says HI!!!.

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Thursday, 2-9-06; Tomorrow looks like it is going to be a good day to get out on the water and do some fishing. But, as it does so often this time of year, it will be deterioating fast and by Saturday the weather forecast is for gale force winds for a few days. Maybe we will get lucky and they will miss this one for the weekend. Let's hope so. FISH ON!! Capt. Butch

MONDAY,2-7-06: We are back from the Greensboro Bass & Saltwater show now and I would like to THANK YOU ALL for coming by our booth and saying hi. It was a real honor to meet all of you!!! I believe that Fishermen and Fisherwomen are the GREATEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!!! We all have a love for a sport that we all know that deep inside all of us tends to form a bond among us all!! We appreciate each and every one of you!!!! FOR WITHOUT ALL OF YOU, WHAT WE DO WOULD BE USELESS!!!! Thank You also for supporting and taking the time to talk to our sponsors!! It was Great to have Bailey Tucker, the owner of CAPE LOOKOUT LURES, to be able to be with us on saturday to answer any questions about his lures. We use his lures exclusively, we have used them several years,even before he became a sponsor. WHY!!, Because he makes, what we at YEAH RIGHT CHARTERS believe, are the finest OFFSHORE SKIRTS and King Mackeral Skirts we have ever used. When we started using CAPE LOOKOUT LURES, our catch average went up and we caught more fish on his skirts, because for us, they lasted longer than what we were using. We found a superb product and an honest company,and we stayed with it. Bailey had a new lure there at the show, the FLATSMASTER ASSASSIN, I don't think Redfish fishing will ever be the same again!!!! If you fish for Red Drum, you owe it to yourself to give this one a try!! If you can't find CAPE LOOKOUT LURES in your favorite tackle shop, give Bailey Tucker a call at 919-341-4690 and he will be able to guide you to where you can find some. YOU WON'T BE SORRY, THEY ARE GREAT!!!!  www.capelookoutlures.com
 
   Thanks goes to LEE FISHER NETS, They have what we feel are superb cast nets with their 6 panel design and patented brail line horn. You can replace each brail line individually if you break one, what a great idea!! They also carry many other saltwater related products. If you want to mark your underwater "hotspots" with a marker bouy, then you need to give their"CHERRYBOMB" Marker bouy a try, it's a unique concept that works. Give Mark a call at 1-800-356-5464, be sure to let him know how you heard about them, (I would appreciate it). www.justcastnets.com
 
   Another Thanks goes to Gary Hurley and Capt. Rick Croson at FISHERMANS POST. These two were kind enough to watch our booth and help you out while we were in the seminar room all three days. If you are not familiar with the FISHERMANS POST you need to pick up a "free" copy at your local  retailer and learn all about what's happening on the fishing scene. This IS the BEST FREE FISHING PUBLICATION I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!!! Also, don't forget about the FISHING SCHOOL at VECTOR MARINE in WILMINGTON,NC on FEBRUARY 25th, 2006. This is being offered to you by FISHERMANS POST. This should be one of the most detailed, hands on school you will ever attend!! You can find out more or to pre register call Gary at (910)452-6378 or email gary@fishpost.net  for more info. www.fishermanspost.com
 
    As for the fishing, we are in the toughest time now for the weather. All we can do is wait and watch for those few and far apart opportunities when we get a break in the weather patterns that will lay out the winds. The fish are there, we just need to be able to get to them.  Talked to a Captain friend of mine yesterday, he is an inshore guide, said they fished all day for trout and never had a bite!!! That doesn't sound promising at all for the inshore fishing, it will get better soon, it always does!!!
 
   You may not realize it, but, the beginning of Gulfstream season is less than a month away. THAT'S RIGHT, LESS THAN A MONTH!!!! We have a few dates left in April for booking, April is our prime Blue Water Month, March and May are good also, but April is prime!!! If you are thinking about going, better call fast, we tend to book up two months in advance, and when 30 trips are booked for April, that month is gone!!!! Already had reports of a few Yellowfin Tuna and Wahoo hooked up out there. last year everything was running real late. This is my opinion, and it is only an opinion, but I believe that if this mild weather continues, we may very well have an early spring bite, only time will tell!!!
 
   Last week, the King Mackeral bite was hot around 35-40 miles out. The first day of the GSO. show, a friend of mine called and said he was only able to fish until lunch time before the weather turned bad and had to leave. But, he had 6 boxes of King Mackeral and the smallest one was 24 pounds. That's what I mean, you only need good weather so you can get out there, find a temperature break (usually 65* or more)with bait in the area, put out some frozen cigar minnows and have fun!!!
If you prefer live bait, you should not have any problem finding plenty to jig up on sibiki rigs.  Live cigar minnows are premo baits when you go grouper fishing, just be sure to get plenty!!!
 
    Now, when you limit out on king mackeral, just look around in that same area, find a school of fish on the bottom, (we like to anchor on them) but you can drift if you prefer, and load up on some tasty Black Bass, Snapper, grouper, etc, etc. Just keep an eye to the sky, watch the iso bars and high pressures on the weather maps. Far apart iso bars and the back side of a passing hi pressure are usually the days with less winds.
 
   Let's all get ready for the up coming fishing season. As they have all been great in the past in their own way, I expect this one to be just as great as all the past ones have been!!! TILL NEXT TIME, FISH ON!!! Capt. Butch

WEDNESDAY,2-1-06: As luck would have it, the fish are biting, several of my friends are out there, and I am having to get ready to go to the Greensboro Bass & Saltwater expo. Oh well, you can't fish all the time. But to be honest with you, I really do enjoy meeting people at these shows and talking fishing just as much, if not more, than fishing!!!
  
    The weather is supposed to be real nasty this weekend. So come on up or down to the Greensboro Coliseum Complex this Friday, Saturday,and Sunday. There will be seminars and boats and tackle and fishing everywhere. I will try to round up what happened today when I get back from the show!! If you get the chance to go, and have a good trip, let me know, and I'll try to get it on a report!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!!! Capt. Butch

Saturday 1-29-06: We left out this morning with Bluefin Tuna on our mind. But around lunch time we were fairly convinced, due to the lack of gannet bird activity and the bait was scattered, could not find any "balled up" as they do when being persued by predator fish, plus no one had hooked up all night or that morning. With all this evidence, it was an easy call to pull off and go catch a few king mackeral and some bottom fish.
 
The grouper bite was reported real hot the first of last week, but we found the bite had slowed for us. We did find some nice black bass that we picked up while we were king fishing, could have loaded the boat with them if we had stopped and anchored up on them. It's hard to bottom fish while slow trolling for kings in 110 feet of water. But all we wanted was enough for a few fresh fish dinners!!
 
  Now, if your game is amorings, there were plenty of those to be caught also. Bonito's were schooling everywhere. If you like to catch false albacore on a fly rod, now is the time to head offshore. These fish were in big schools everywhere. Of coarse you have to take into context that the seas were flat and you could see a bait fish flip 100 yards away. The seas were as calm as I have seen it in a long time!!!
 
  The water is cold around the horseshoe and tower areas, we found warm water 68* in the 370's. The 370's, for those that don't have loran, is in the area around the "Navy wreck". This is where the kings were, they were not thick, but if you get on a school of bait, you can have a good bite. The spoon bite was decent, but it seemed like the minnow bite was a little better.
 
    Some friends of mine went to the Gulfstream, the bite there was slow. A wahoo was caught, but the stream is not real active as of this report. But, be assured, it want be much longer until nature says it's time to migrate and when they do, they will use the stream as their "road to new grounds" and we will be there with the "toll gate" up.
 
   Keep a watch on the weather and when you get a high pressure come in and lay the winds down that's the time to go fishing!! I won't be fishing this week, I will be at the Greensboro Saltwater Show. This will be at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex this coming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Be sure to come by our booth and say hi. Also, on Friday at 6:00PM we will be giving a seminar on Offshore Bottom Fishing. On Saturday we will be doing it again on Offshore Bottom Fishing at 10:00AM. Now on Sunday, at 12:00Noon, we will be doing a seminar on Gulfstream Fishing. Come on out and join in and bring your questions!!!
 
    That's about all I can think of at this time. If you have any questions or if I can help you in any way, be sure to email or call. We really do enjoy your questions and being able to help out our fellow fishermen. As I have said before, If not for all of you, what I do would be useless!!! Till next time FISH ON!!!Capt. Butch Foster, Capt. Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog say's HI!!!.

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THURSDAY 1-26-06: The weatherman is still holding to his story for Saturday, tomorrow, Friday, doesn't look the best but the winds have started to back off a little at the tower bouy. Just have to see what they are in the morning. as soon as they lay out some and the seas hit 3' or less, I'll be back on the hunt for those mysterious monsters, The BLUEFIN TUNA'S!!!  Now is the time to catch yourself some of these POWERFUL fish, right here in Southport,NC!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt. Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!.

TUESDAY 1-23-06: The weather is getting better each day!! The weekend is looking good with light winds predicted and 70* for saturday. If they don't miss the forecast, it should be one of those days you dream about this time of year!! With the winds shifting behind this front and a high pressure taking over the low pressure, well, the fish should bite!! I'm talking about all the species that we have available in the winter months, bottom fish, King Mackeral, and if the Bluefins are still here, well we'll see if they also turn on!!! Looks like if the weather holds we are going to have a good fishing day on saturday, get out there if you can!!! FISH ON!!! Capt. Butch

SUNDAY 1-22-06: The weather has dealt us a "Blow". fishing most likely won't resume until late in the week. As soon as we get a break, we will be back at it again,and as usual, when we do get back out, we will report the results right here!! Till then, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt. Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog, says HI!!!.

RESPONCE TO JOE FROM "GUEST BOOK"
 
JOE,In responce to your comment in our "Guestbook", you are absolutely right!!Even though I highlighted the word USUALLY and underlined it, that statement was in very bad taste, and for that I humbly apologize. It has been removed from all posts. I would never intentionally judge or hurt anyone!! Even my competition knows if they need something, all they have to do is just ask!! I am only human and I got carried away with all the excitement of the Bluefins being in our area! Again, I apologize, and THANK YOU for bringing me back down to earth!!!

FISH ON!!!

Capt. Butch

SATURDAY 1-21-06: THIS HURTS, THIS REALLY HURTS, but I have got to admit it. The Bluefins whipped our butts again today. There were only a very few fish hooked up today. But, we have another front passing through the next couple of days and there should be another good bite like we had last Thursday,( the day I was getting ready to go), this bite should be around Tues. or Wed. of next week. If you get the chance to go by the OCEAN ISLE FISHING CENTER in Ocean Isle, and you are going tuna fishing be sure to get yourself some of the Ballyhoo's they have there. These are the best baits I have ever used!!! We pulled those baits all day at 5 to 6 knotts and they held up all day. Toughest and best looking baits I have ever used!! The winds are supposed to blow for a few days, so get ready for  what should be the next good bite after the front passes!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt. Butch Foster, Capt chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog, says HI!!!.

FRIDAY 1-20-06: You would know it!! I get back on the water and the bite slows up. Today there were around 100 boats out after the Bluefins and there were some hook ups. Only problem is most were lost to pulled hooks, broken lines, I heard of some being lost due to other boats getting too close to boats hooked up and cutting their lines with a propeller. These fish are large, I mean HUGE FISH. Fish this size tend to roam around by themselves, so the bite will at times be slower. We did have a few seconds of excitement today. We had a downrigger down about 35 feet in 85 feet of water when something "slammed" the downrigger ball and nearly took the rigger off the boat, we don't know what it was but it ate a 10 lb. downrigger ball.
 
     Tomorrow we will try it again, maybe our luck will be better tomorrow. It's just like riding a horse, if they throw you off, you get up and try it again!! We seen some huge Bluefins today jump, we even saw what looked to be a pilot whale or the granddaddy of all Bluefin Tuna!! Don't think it was a Tuna, but, there have been some Bluefins hooked up and seen that are estimated over 1000lbs. That's a big Bluefin Tuna!! We will let you know tomorrow night what happens, if, we are not out all night fighting a MONSTER BLUEFIN TUNA!!!! Oh yeah, the BIG fish I told you about last night, that fish was fought for 11 hours before it finally broke the leader, and another fish of approximately the same size broke another fishermans leader at about the same time!! Got to get ready for tomorrow, till tomorrow night-FISH ON!!! Capt. Butch Foster, Capt. Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, "these things are almost as big as my boat"!!!
 
WESLEY, In responce to your questions, the Wilmington water front around those old pilings are good places to look for stripers. The MANNS STRETCH lures work good trolled close to those. A bucktail or lure like a "rattletrap" works well cast to structure along the river. Downstream, the Brunswick River, comes into the Cape Fear on the right side, this is a good place too try. Be careful in there, a lot of stumps!! Work any points or places where you have current breaks.Hope this helps you some and you catch some BIG'UNS. Capt. Butch.

THURSDAY 1-19-06: The Bluefin bite was awesome today. I am ready for tomorrow now. Today the radio reports were nearly all the boats were hooked up. Some Capt's caught two fish today. It is now 9:00PM and there is a Capt. out there right now, still fighting a MONSTER BLUEFIN that was hooked up before lunch time. You are probably looking at a 1000+ pounder here, mabey as much as 1500+ lbs. I hope to have pictures and a personal report tomorrow, I hope this time tomorrow night I am not still fighting one!! This is an awesome thing that has happened here in Southport,NC. Keep check, things could get exciting in the next 24 hours!!! If you want to hookup with the fish of a lifetime,now is the time, but dates available are running out, call soon!!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt Butch Foster, Capt Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says HI!!!.

BLUEFIN NEWS BLUEFIN NEWS

TUESDAY 1-17-06: Just got the word!!! Mike at SUPPLY BOAT COMPANY has worked overtime just to get the "YEAH RIGHT" back on the water for the Bluefin Bite we have aquired here off the Southport Beaches.
   
    Mike, what can I say? Thank you just does not seem like enough, you are a true professional and straight up guy, the boating industry could use a lot more like you!!!
 
   Hopefully this is not just a fluke, if it isin't this will be one of the greatest events too happen here in a long time!!! Fluke or not, we will now be after the Bluefins this coming weekend.
 
   Fishermen and fisherwomen, this is for real!!! You have never hooked anything like one of these powerful fish!! They have a way of destroying even the biggest and baddest of tackle!!! If you can go one on one to the finish, you can consider yourself in excellent shape with the stamina of a bodybuilder!!
 
   This is hard to believe, but I think it has finally sunk in!! Bluefin Tuna at Southport, no more having to go to Morehead, no more having to have a bigger boat to reach these fish, no more having to risk life and limb on the shoals at unfamiliar inlets, it's right here in our own back yard!!!
 
    Yes, I am excited, if this doesn't excite you then check your pulse, if you have one and your still not excited, you will need to call your local country club and get yourself a "T" time, because fishing is not your thing!!! 
 
    Now is the time to catch the Biggest fish you will probably ever catch. If not the biggest, then probably the most powerful, if not the most powerful, it will be the "baddest" thing you will ever set a hook in!!! So come on to Southport,NC and let us "HOOK YOU UP"!!!
FISH ON!!! Capt. Butch Foster, Capt. Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog, says HI!!!!.

NEWS ALERT, NEWS ALERT,

Reports today so far is that QB caught a Bluefin at 84 inches off the beach about 12 miles. Anything over 83 inches is what you want!!! Other reports of a Bluefin fought for over 5 hours that broke a rod and exploded a rod holder in a boats gunnel. Fish has been estimated at over 1000+ Pounds. I am going tomorrow and check the status of the "YEAH RIGHT". How bad can my luck get, thought I had picked the best two weeks to have my engine work done, turns out to have been the worst timing of my entire life!!!!!!!!!!!!
FISH ON!!
Capt. Butch Foster

MONDAY, 1-16-06; We are back from the Raleigh Bass and Saltwater Expo. and I and my wife Barbara, along with Capt. Chris, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog,  would like to personally thank everyone who came by our booth during the event!! It was a real pleasure getting to finally meet  some of the fishermen and fisherwomen that we have talked to via the internet, and the opportunity to meet a lot of other fisherpeople that also love the sport of saltwater fishing!!! A Big Thank You goes out to all those that attended our seminars and supported our sponsors!! we hope we were able to give you a few tips that will improve your Bluewater and Offshore Bottom Fishing! Thanks again to all, for without all of you, my being at this show would have been useless!!!!!
 
     Now, on the fishing scene. I suspect the offshore bottom bite is still strong, it always has been this time of year. I am about to go into DT's. Here is what's happening. As I said in earlier reports, the "YEAH RIGHT" is in the shop getting her engines renovated for the up coming fishing season. Yeah, I know it's supposed to be the slow part of the season, but who would have ever guessed the Bluefin Tuna would show up on our doorstep.
 
   There are Bluefins being caught in the 15 mile range off Southport and I am boat less for the next week or two. If I survive this, I can survive anything!!!  I have some friends out today, they will let me know what's going on with the Bluefins, and I will pass it on to you. Just keep check here for the latest updates on the fishing scene. we report them as we get them!!!
 
   Well, since I can't go fishing, I guess I'll go do some of my tackle maintenance to get ready for the up coming year. If you have an opportunity, grab some "horsehoo's" and some blue and white CAPE LOOKOUT LURES skirts, and go get yourself hooked up on the fight of a lifetime, a Bluefin Tuna!!!!!!!
 
   Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt. Butch Foster, Capt. Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog, says HI!!!!.

SATURDAY 1-14-06 --Bluefin Tuna !!!!!
There have been several reports over the past few days of Bluefin Tuna being caught in the vicinity of Frying Pan Shoals.  From the Horseshoe to the WR-4 buoy and a couple others off of Oak Island.  It has been confirmed that two were caught off of Oak Island, one on Thursday andt then again on Friday, as well as a couple others in the 80+ inches range on the East side of the shoals.  I know this may not seem like alot of hookups, however, the reports of these fish are coming from only about 5 or so boats that are fishing for them!!!!!
 
I just checked this morning and it appears that the weather is  going to be the furtherest from favorable for today and tomorrow; however, at this time there does appear to be a break in the winds for Monday.  It appears that the Bluefin Tuna are HERE!!!!
If this windy weather leaves yourself suffering from "Cabin Fever" come on up to the Raleigh Bass and Saltwater Expo going on right now.  From 9am to 8pm today and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday.  There are many NICE boats on display as well as many tackle booths that have all types of tackle for the offshore and inshore fisherman at discount "show" prices!!!!! We hope to see you there!!!!
FISH ON!!!
CAPT. BUTCH, CAPT. CHRIS, PRIVATE BODIE

FRIDAY 1-6-06: There hasn't been much fishing going on this week, but, there has been some. But, before I touch base on the fishing, I'll try to remember all the up coming events and give you a run down on those. To start off with, our BOATERS WORLD SEMINARS will resume around March!!!
 
    In February, on the 25th, at VECTOR MARINE in Wilmington, will be the fishing school. The last time I talked to Gary at the FISHERMANS POST, he had a few seats left open. The price of the school is worth the chance to win an 8 ft. Menhaden Net that "YEAH RIGHT CHARTERS" will be raffleing off as a door prize. The net is being donated by our sponsor LEE FISHER NETS out of Tampa, FL. Be sure to go by and see them at the RALEIGH BASS & SALTWATER EXPO. next week and tell them we sent you by!!!  We only accept sponsorship from companys we believe in, and we believe they, LEE FISHER NETS, have the finest cast nets we have ever used!!! We will have one at our booth for you to look at at the Saltwater expo.
 
    Speaking of the EXPO. that starts next Friday, January 13th. at  Raleigh. Be sure to come by our booth and see Capt. Chris and myself. "PRIVATE BODIE" the fish dog will be there some also.
 
    While at the Expo. be sure to come to our seminars. We would really enjoy having you there. We will be in seminar room "B", in the Graham Building. On Friday, the 13th, at 1:00PM we will be talking about BLUE WATER, (GULFSTREAM) BIG GAME FISHING, this will cover such species as Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Bill Fish. Now, on Saturday, the 14th. at 10:00AM, we will be talking about OFFSHORE BOTTOM FISHING. This will cover bottom fishing, how to find good places to bottom fish before you ever leave the house, Grouper Tactics, and tips on how to anchor. On Sunday, the 14th. at 12:00 noon, we will be doing the bottom fishing again just in case you can't make it on Saturday. Come on down to Raleigh and join us!!! If we are not talking on a subject you are interested in, I am sure someone there will be covering the type fishing you are interested in!!!
 
    Now, as for the fishing: The grouper are biting well about 40 miles offshore. The black bass are biting like "bulldogs on a rampage" about 20 miles out. The King Mackeral are anybodys guess right now. The water has cooled down in the Tower area, and no one has been able to get out to look for them because of the weather. The only decent day we had this week was spent on bottom and grouper!!!
 
   The speckled Trout fishing has been real good this winter!!!
It should still be doing good.
 
  The Redfish fishing in the shallows is good!!
 
 Striper fishing, the last time I went, was terrible. Let me rephrase that, the trip was real nice, the catching was non-existant!! The recent rains has kept the waters dirty and as I have said before, you can catch fish in dirty water, you can catch fish in cold water, but in cold and dirty water, it's all but impossible!!! It is past time for them, but the conditions need to improve!!!
 
   Now, get a load of this, the reports are that the Bluefin Tuna are supposed to have been sighted to the East of the Tower. Also, heard of one being caught off Carolina Beach this week!! Now this is what I have been told, I do not have any hardcore evidence, but was told it came from a reliable source. They have gone somewhere though, the bite at Morehead has been off this year. Either they are all gone, been caught, or are using a different area this winter. Nothing is impossible in this fishing game!!! Would that not be awesome if we were to pick up the winter Bluefin Fishery here off of Southport!! Most likely too good to be true, but, let's keep our fingers crossed!!!
 
    The "YEAH RIGHT" has now got all new full curtains. We came up with a different idea for curtains that should stop all the spray from entering the boat. Capt. Chris and I are really excited about these curtains. We have never seen any like them, and the testing so far has proved to be great!!! We will be finishing up the routine winter maintenance today, and next week she will be going to SUPPLY MARINE in Supply to get her engines updated for the up coming season. If you have a HONDA or YAMAHA engine and need service by someone that knows these two engines and knows what he is doing, see Mike at SUPPLY MARINE. The man has impressed me with his knowledge and expertise he has shown on my HONDAS. After the first trip there, my engines were finally set up and run the way they were supposed to run!!!! Keep up the good work Mike!!
 
  As the fishing picks up, or, gets worse, you can find out about it right here. We pass on any info. we get and if we go fishing, let you know what we have done, be it good or bad!!! Posting fishing reports this time of year can be real tough, but we will do what we can when we get the reports. Hope to see you in Raleigh next weekend!!! Till next time, FISH ON!!! Capt. Butch Foster, Capt. Chris Foster, and "Private Bodie" the fish dog says, HI!!!!.