Lumber River redbreasts

Redbreasts are fun to catch, tasty to eat

The Lumber River is home to one of the prettiest and feistiest panfish species in the Carolinas – the redbreast sunfish. And that’s what host Chris Douglas goes after in Season 4, Episode 9 of Carolina ALL OUT.

Douglas joins up with Brandon Freeman of Gator’s Outdoor Adventures and Guide Service, fishing out of small one-man boats to get into all the nooks and crannies of the river.

Other panfish species like bluegills, warmouths and shellcrackers make their presence known as well, but the “robins” are the real highlights.

“The Lumber River is one of the few rivers left where you can consistenly catch quality-sized redbreasts,” said Freeman. “In most other rivers, the catfish have really put a whooping on these fish.”

Using a combination of small spinning lures, crickets and green worms, the two anglers spend the day casting with ultralight rods and reels.

“This kind of fishing really takes you back to being a kid,” said Douglas. “It’s fast-paced action, and it’s just pure fun.”

Doubling the fun, they pull over toward the end of the show for a good old-fashioned catch-and-cook.

Check out “Lumber River – Pan Fish to Pan Fried” at youtube.com/@CarolinaAllOut. ■