Magazine schedules saltwater fishing school for March 16 in Wilmington

Top guides, captains will present seminars in conjunction with Cape Fear Wildlife Expo

Dan Kibler

North Carolina Sportsman's annual saltwater fishing school has been scheduled for March 16 in Wilmington.

North Carolina Sportsman’s annual saltwater fishing school will return to Wilmington and the Cape Fear Wildlife Expo on Saturday, March 16, providing fishermen with plenty if in-depth information from guides and other fishing experts on inshore and offshore fishing, tackle, baits and rigging.

The school, presented by Mercury, Sea Striker and Star Rods, will begin at 9 a.m. in the Wilmington Convention Center and Coastline Conference & Events Center. Seminars will continue through mid-afternoon, with lunch provided for all fishermen who sign up.

Cost of the school is $125 per adult, plus $75 for each additional family member, to include spouses or minor children living at the same address. To register, call 800-538-4355 or visit www.northcarolinasportsman.com.

The first 200 adults who register at the full price will receive a Star Rods Aerial spinning combo valued at $99.95, and they will be eligible for a drawing for fishing trip to Costa Rica or a hunting trip to Argentina, donated by Down East Guide Service. Lunch, admission to the Expo and a year’s subscription to North Carolina Sportsman will be provided to all fishermen attending the school. Space is limited.

Guides and expert fishermen from the entire North Carolina coast will present seminars on offshore fishing for grouper, wahoo, dolphin and tuna, nearshore fishing for cobia, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel and striped bass, and inshore fishing for trout, redfish, flounder and tarpon, plus cast-netting, rigging, tying knots, reading charts, navigation, weather and fish-finding.

Teaching seminars will be Capt. Bryan Dehart from Oregon Inlet, Capt. Chris Kimsey and Capt. Rick Patterson from the Morehead City area, Capt. Ray Massengill and Capt. Noah Lynk from Harkers Island, Capt. Ricky Kellum from Jacksonville, Capt. Rick Bennett, Capt. Butch Foster, Capt. Lee Parsons, Capt. Jody Gay and Capt. Dave Tilley from the Wilmington area, Capt. Jimmy Price from Southport and Capt. Jerry Dilsaver from Oak Island, Capt. Rod Thomas of Georgetown, S.C., and instructors John Knight, Ritchie Gerard, Chip Berry, Ty Conti and Ron Dorsey.