South Central NC Archives - Page 103 of 124

This 32.4-pound blackfin tuna was caught offshore aboard Capt. Tom Thomas’ ‘Top Gun.’

Run For It!

The first hints of spring start to show this month, and saltwater fishermen are only too ready to big winter good-bye. […]

Black sea bass are recovering from being overfished earlier in the decade, but strict catch restrictions remain in place; the recreational fishery is currently closed.

Not too long ago, plenty of options were available for fishermen who were set up to head offshore, but thanks to the folks at the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council, those options available are dwindling. […]

Jerry Neeley said this kind of stringer of crappie has become “common” at Lake Norman in the past two or three years.

Stormin’ Norman

Dan Kibler

With the exception of perhaps striped bass, there appears to be a great awakening at Lake Norman, formerly referred to by scores of anglers as North Carolina’s “Great Dead Sea.” […]

Going offshore in March requires more preparation than do trips in warmer months. Pay closer attention to weather forecasts and carry extra clothes and warm blankets.

Conditions and safety

Bryan Bowers

March weather can vary greatly from day to day. Perfect conditions for chasing wahoo and tuna are not what most people assume they are. […]

Lake Norman’s crappie fishery has improved over the past half-dozen years, with fishermen like Chris Nichols reporting greater numbers of fish, as well as the quality fish they’ve caught in the past.

No answers just yet

Dan Kibler

Biologists with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission don’t have any solid reason for the uptick in crappie fishing in Lake Norman. […]

This 14.35-pound striper caught by Emily Underwood and her partner, Brian Underwood, was big fish in the Nov. 19 Tarheel Striper Club’s tournament on High Rock Lake.

Two pairs tops on Norman

Tony Garitta

DJ’s Lake Norman Winter trail has drawn some of the western Piedmont’s best fishermen over the past handful of years, and through the first handful of this winter’s events, two teams have been consistently cashing checks. […]

Sheepshead are much more aggressive feeders around reefs and wrecks in the ocean than they are the rest of the year around docks and rocks in creeks and rivers.

Bull Sheep

Jeff Burleson

Diehard anglers willing to tough out February’s chilly breezes can face a commanding challenge from one of the most powerful fish of winter. […]

Clumps of barnacles or marsh mussels, often found attached to docks and pier pilings in gelatinous masses, can be great sheepshead baits.

Chummin’

Jeff Burleson

Sheepshead are no different from any other fish; they will take handouts from anybody. In fact, chumming for sheepshead is quite effective inshore and nearshore. […]