Crappie/Bream
December slabs: a depth perception
Guide Dave Hilton spends a lot of time catching crappie on Lake Marion, and he’s learned specific tactics to improve success and describes them in his unique style. […]
December 2018
Sidebars
Don’t avoid black, tannic water
Water color varies greatly along the Carolinas’ coastal front, and the color of the water at the surface doesn’t always equate to unsavory conditions down below, especially when it has a blackish tint or is the color of Earl Grey tea. Tannic waters can offer exceptional conditions for speckled trout, and they often produce some whopper trout.
Catfish
Is High Rock the next catfish crown jewel?
Badin Lake on the Yadkin River chain in North Carolina has long been known as an excellent lake for blue catfish in the winter, but about 20 miles upstream, High Rock Lake seems poised to become the next winter hotspot.
Catfish
Find the forage, and you’ll find winter catfish
A recurring theme among all the catfish guides is that winter catfishing is all about the forage; you fish close to forage or you don’t catch fish.
Inshore Fishing
Fish that edge
The Northeast Cape Fear joins the Cape Fear River beside the Battleship North Carolina near downtown Wilmington, and the Black River flows into it about 10 miles upstream. The rivers combine to drain much of central North Carolina. There is also the Brunswick River, but it is basically a thoroughfare that branches off the Cape Fear just upriver from Wilmington and rejoins it across from the N.C. State Ports facility. […]
Inshore Fishing
Will hurricanes’ effects on fishing be long-lasting?
The Cape Fear area was hit hard by Hurricane Florence this fall, and then the remnants of Hurricane Michael added plenty of runoff a few weeks later. The full assessment of the damage and how these storms will affect fishing is ongoing, but one positive was that redfish and specks were feeding within weeks. Another is that no fish-consumption advisories have been issued. […]
Bass Fishing
Double down on stripers and largemouth in December
David Fritts has had some of his best days ever fishing in December, when stripers and largemouth can be caught in the same places and on the same lures. […]
Deer Hunting
Staying warm is a key to success when deer hunting
Staying warm late in deer season can be a challenge for many hunters. Cold sits on the stand are not fun, regardless of the time of year.
Deer Hunting
Late-season food needs a plan
Providing late-season food for deer begins in late summer. Planning ahead helps to put the odds in your favor when Christmas is around the corner.
Ducks
December 2018 New kayak gear
Benelli Super Vinci Shotgun
The superbly balanced Super Vinci shotgun is the world’s most reliable, softest-kicking, fastest-shooting, lightweight, semi-auto 12-gauge that shoots 23/4-, 3- and 31/2-inch magnum shells.