Content Archives - Page 174 of 205

May 1, 2026

Two years ago, N.C. anglers had no trouble landing striped bass in the ocean from December through February. Often N.C. boats would reach a limit of striped bass within 30 minutes. During 2007, some N.C. boats headed to Chesapeake Bay to find the fish.

Bugged by Stripers

Theories are rampant as to what caused a major decline in N.C.’s winter striped bass fishery. North Carolina Sportsman asks some experts in this story. […]

This N.C. State University student (or fan) got a thrill by catching a 25-pound king mackerel off Bogue Banks while fishing with Capt. Jeff Cronk.

Two-Front War

Dan Kibler

It’s a terrible thing to be invaded on two fronts, especially if you’re a soldier.

However, it’s a wonderful thing if you’re a fisherman. […]

Watts, a retired Cape Fear River pilot, discovered White Lake’s fine perch fishing last year while checking out nearby Bladen Lakes State Forest Game Land.

Jerking Perch

Mike Marsh

It’s no small wonder White Lake is one of the state’s most popular tourist and pleasure boating destinations. […]

At reefs, flounders may be in the sloughs between the structure or at some of the little ledges near them. Many will be right up against the reefs, according to local guides.

Doormat Daze

Dan Kibler

Like swallows to Capistrano, flounder return to the Cape Lookout area every year. Sometime in mid-May, a few fish begin showing up near reefs and wrecks a few miles off the beach. […]

Good topwater bass lures for Lake Wylie include buzzbaits, prop baits, Zara Spooks or frog imitations. But frogs are best when tossed underneath docks or piers, not in open water.

Topwater Mark

Dan Kibler

To say Lake Wylie has undergone a tremendous transformation during the past half-dozen years isn’t to take away from the transformation it underwent about 80 years ago. […]

Specks such as these should be commonplace in the creeks of the Neuse River during June. With five straight mild winters, N.C.’s inshore trout should be growing to some prodigious sizes.

Speck-ulation

Craig Holt

Good and bad news exists for speckled trout — and anglers — in the creeks near Oriental and perhaps at other tributaries of the lower Neuse River. […]