While you'll have to release your catch as most measure longer than 40-inches...you can't beat the thrill of a great reel! "I expect to see an uptick in the recruitment of all species, with the possible exception of striped bass, in all of our lakes based on the higher water we had in 2013. We really enjoyed our time on the lake and Joel is an outstanding guide. Joel is brilliant! Family owned and operated in Wake Forest, NC. We landed about 20 fish between 3 of us, and we all had a great time. You can fish anywhere along this river and have a great time, but if you’re looking for a catch to remember, try fishing near the small town of Oriental, NC from mid-summer to mid-fall. "It's full of hydrilla and is about the only place in the state where hydrilla isn't a problem because the tidal flow flushes it every day to keep it oxygenated. Joel was welcoming, knowledgeable and encouraging & engaging with us all! Editor's Note: Author Phillip Gentry is the host of "Upstate Outdoors" a weekend radio program heard on News radio WORD 106.3 FM and can be reached at
[email protected]. Striped bass migrate to this area in winter. Depending on how you view the fish, Rankin points to the appearance of spotted bass in several of the impoundments that he oversees to be one of his biggest fisheries challenges. Get more stories delivered right to your email. We may have highlighted some of the best fishing spots in Union County based on feedback from our visitors. Home to lake record, double digit largemouth bass, SLAB crappie and world class white perch! Top 13 Glamping Airbnbs in Vermont for Nature Lovers, Top 15 Under-the-Radar Travel Destinations, 10 Best Barbecue Joints in North Carolina, Top 14 Things to Do Outdoors in North Carolina This Fall, Top 12 Airbnbs in Asheville for Every Budget & Style. Home to lake record, double digit largemouth bass, SLAB crappie and world class white perch! The time flew and we caught a whole bunch of fish. He put us right on top of the fish and the trip was amazing. High quality, digital photos of you and your catch at no additional charge. The flounder arrive here by the dozen in June. and patient. He put us right on top of the fish and the trip was amazing. The hope of most fisheries biologists across the state is that 2014 will see a return to "normal," though many are left scratching their heads to define exactly what "normal" is these days. February is the ideal time to catch smallmouth bass on Fontana Lake. Offering guided fishing on North Carolina’s BEST fishing lakes! For bass fishing fans across the state of South Carolina, 2013 was both a curse and a blessing. Fishing Spots Near Charlotte NC. It may be 125 years old, but the .30-30 Winchester retains its status thanks to modern loads. Let our years of experienced fishing help you. Another popular year-round fishing destination, the Neuse River has an abundant amount of Red Drum. You might have to fight the crowds...but the flounder you'll catch in June will be worth it. Field skills: If you want to go long, start training with these tips. He goes the extra mile. This resevoir has the best largemouth bass fishing in the state. "The lake's bass population seems to go up and down on four- to six-year cycles," he said. Joel is brilliant! We brought my son’s new rod combo and tackle box and Joel willingly answered questions about everything from gear to ecology and the sport of fishing. You have the potential to catch a 20 lb. Tell us in the comments! We’ll send you our newsletter with travel destinations, deals, and more! "We use a system where a rating of 100, based on where an individual fish should be with respect to age, length, and weight. I welcome anglers of all experience levels and offer trips for everyone. To assist those bass fans as the cold temperatures of February begin to give way to March, South Carolina Game & Fishpicked the brains of fisheries experts across the state to let anglers know what they can expect on the water this year. The Lake Murray shoreline is highly developed, so gaining access to vegetation around the banks wasn't an option. Region 2 Fisheries Coordinator Robert Stroud shared some of his region's findings from surveys conducted recently. "In 2012-13 we had a ton of big bass, crappie and baitfish. Looking to entertain a large corporate group? The experience was everything represented by other reviewers. From the Atlantic Ocean that lines the East Coast to the many majestic lakes that are scattered to the West, there are ample places to cast a line whether you enjoy freshwater or saltwater fishing. The experience was everything represented by other reviewers. Thanks Joel, we look forward to next time! Lake Norman State Park. Although you can fish from the surf, in-shore or off-shore here, the summer is usually best for surf fishing, where you can catch mackerel, blowfish, sea bass and perch. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! I have been finishing my whole life but I have never been on a fresh water charter. Andrew Jackson State Park. During certain seasons, the right angler can catch an award-winning fish. And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: While Cape Hatteras offers ideal year-round fishing, you'll want to visit during January. Rods and reels by 13 Fishing, Make your own luck! Whether you’re in town on business and want to unwind with some freshwater fishing, a tournament fisherman looking for that extra edge, or you simply want to enjoy a day on those beautiful North Carolina waters, Outdoor Expeditions USA has you covered. Our 9 year old joined in and Joel was able to keep our crew of various experience levels and skills very well entertained. In fact, fishermen come from all over the world to this lake to try to make a record-making catch. Where are your favorite places to fish in North Carolina? A super fun trip with, Always a pleasure to have Stephanie and Ethan from, What a great afternoon to be out on Jordan La, Foggy morning slab snatching on Shearon Harri, I had a blast guiding @bassmadnessboricuainus, Triton 20 XS Elite with Mercury 250 Pro XS, Suntracker 18′ Party Barge modified for live bait fishing, Minnkota Ulterra and Motorgiode Xi5 GPS trolling motors. We rounded up the local opinions to figure out the 7 best places to fish in North Carolina. Specializing in faded gel coat restoration. Mud Hole MHX Rod Building Kits: Field-Tested, Get On Board: Species 101 for Beginning Anglers, New from ICAST: Rattle Little John; Essential Series, Summer Family Fishing in Midwest: A Minnesota Mixed Bag, Top Places for Bass Fishing in South Carolina, Catch More Bass on a Jerkbait in the Cooler Months, Hunting Elk with the Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Hunter in 6.5 PRC, Action and Power Ratings- How to Choose the Right Bass Rod, Hobie MirageDrive 360 Kayak Propulsion: Amazing Control and Power. The Neuse River is the longest river in the state of North Carolina, stretching 248 miles in length and a whopping six miles in width at its mouth at Pamlico Sound. Our 9 year old joined in and Joel was able to keep our crew of various experience levels and skills very well entertained. ", "The same could be said for Lake Russell and to a lesser degree Hartwell: Spotted bass are taking over Russell, not by anything we've done at DNR, but by what I believe to be a coordinated effort, though illegal, by anglers to move them from other lakes to this lake. Heading up the Piedmont Region from his office in Clemson, Regional Fisheries Coordinator Dan Rankin supervises a large number of great bass waters. "My understanding from the creel surveys is that the numbers of fish are in the upper reaches below Gaffney, while the bigger fish are found further south as far as Columbia on the Broad.". Joel knew, where to go and had us in the fish in a hurry. You'll want to bring a warm jacket for this fishing excursion deep in the mountains. We may have highlighted some of the best fishing spots in Union County based on feedback from our visitors.