(I-Newswire) - On a local Minnesota fishing website, many fishermen are expressing their outrage at PETA’s aggressive anti-fishing campaign. In response to recent posts on My Fishing Pals' message forum ( www.myfishingpals.com ), anglers from across Minnesota are showing a united front against the efforts of PETA. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and other animal rights groups are aggressively attempting to inhibit all hunting and fishing in Minnesota and other states. These groups are intently focusing their attack on sport fishing, a traditional Minnesota pastime. PETA's message is that recreational anglers cause extreme and needless pain to fish and bait. Their agenda is to heighten the public's awareness to the killing of any fish or animal. In addition, they desire to promote animal rights at the grassroots level, spreading awareness in communities and making sure their message is visible and heard.

To spread their animal rights agenda on a public fishing forum, though, is a slap in the face to all who enjoy hunting and fishing, especially in a state like Minnesota. Known as the "land of 10,000 lakes," Minnesota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the nation and these traditions are considered Minnesota’s heritage, recreation, and a vital part of the State’s economy. Regular members of the forum are expressing their rights to hunt and fish and the positive role they play in wildlife management. They are telling PETA to "…go home, we don’t want you here."

My Fishing Pals ( myfishingpals.com ) originated in 2003 as a hobby-fishing site that welcomes Minnesota fishermen to share fishing reports, information, and other items related to fishing. In 2005 a controversial forum was created on the site so that Minnesota fishermen could address fishing and hunting issues. These controversial forums have

THE CRYSTAL COAST'S INSHORE/NEARSHORE FISHING FORECAST- April 2009

FINALLY!   We've been blessed with some warm weather!  I think Spring has finally Sprung!  and here's what to expect along the Crystal Coast in terms of fishing.

The backwaters are warming quickly.  Along the beaches anglers will be able to locate schools of Albacore within 5 miles of the beach, often schooling up around the tidelines of the inlets, nearshore structure, and even coming into the surf zone.  Try casting small topwater baits for the best action!  But these fast, false Tuna will also strike a variety of small, heavy jigs including crippled herring, sting silvers, Double Spec Rigs, diamond jigs, and more.  Be sure to use an extremely fast retreive while working the bait along the surface.  As we move into mid April the Bonito will make their showing around most nearshore structure such as live bottoms (ie, Keypost, Station Rock, Bear Rock, Lost Rock) as well as our Artificial Reefs (best are AR 315, 320, 342) for small boats.  The Bonito love a 1 to 2oz Pink Stingsilver either cast and retrieved to surfacing schools of fish or jigged around structure holding fish down deep.  Be sure to get to your favorite location shortly after daybreak as these fish often surface best in low light conditions/early morning/late afternoon.  If you find they are staying down, switch over to deep jigging or you can troll deep diving lures such as the Yozuri baits.  Dudley's marina is stocked up with all you need.

The Redfish have already begun migrating back north along our beaches and are currently moving into the backwaters.  We've been finding schools of 500 to several 1000 or more along the beaches this month.  Capt. Mike Taylor, Capt. Rob Koraly, and myself recently filmed an episode of Carolina Fishing TV which focused on this amazing Winter/ Spring Fishery along the NC Coast.  Check it out on Fox 8/14 the first Sunday in April at 9:30am  or  Fox 26 the first Sat. in April at 8:30am in the Wilmington/Myrtle Beach area.  These fish can be targeted from the surf with cut bait and artificials.  Most soft baits fished on jigheads work well as does cut mullet or shad. 

The Neuse River, Pamilco River, and New River will be on fire this month with all inshore species.  Expect to catch your largest Trout of the year during April.  I've already gotten reports from anglers in all three river systems of trout exceeding 5lbs.  Capt. Mike Taylor landed a 6+lber during a recent episode of our show in the Pamlico River and several large fish have come from the Neuse River Tributaries this week as well.  I know Capt. Ricky Kellum is finding good fish in the New River.   Along with the Speckled Trout,  anglers can also find plenty of Rockfish, Redfish, and some small Southern Flounder. 

April should also provide plenty of action on bluefish, gray trout, seamullet, and some spot, blowfish, and other small bottomfish.  Be sure to keep up with the Pier reports before heading out for a weekend of fishing. 

-Capt. Jeff Cronk