Archive
General Interest
2010
Club Schedules Rolling In For 2010
January, 2010
As light begins to get longer for North Carolina anglers and January creeps on, 2010 club schedules are beginning to flood into the offices at Fishbyte.Net. A number of groups announced their new events just this week and more are promised as dates are set. January and early February are the times when most determine what lakes and which dates will work best.
The ever-popular Yadkin River Chain One-On-One Series announced a ten-event schedule that will add an additional fish off competition in November. One change in the group's rules this year makes the fishing by invitation only. Anglers can contact either of the co-directors, Jason Poindexter at 336-302-0587 or Jimmy Sanders at 336-953-1086, for that invite.
The series grew in leaps and bounds this past year as members fished the four main bodies of water on the Yadkin River Chain. Mark Beck won the 2009 Series crown. Club membership is $20, which is paid out at the final event. Entry fees are $35 and a Big Fish $5 pot is included. The series kicks off their season February 21st.
The Harnett County-based Carolina Bassers also finalized plans for 2010. The group meets at the Highway 24/27, Johnsonville Community Center the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM. They fish a five fish limit during the thirteen event season fro February to October. For more information, contact 206@carolinabassers.com.
The Sunday Wildcats on High Rock begins its weekly competitions on February 21st. The open competition begins at safelight each Sunday at the Southmont Wildlife Access off Highway 8 on High Rock Lake. Orlando Giles will continue as director of the activities.
The NC Bass Hunters, a relatively new group from the Sanford area, announced a monthly schedule recently. The group began last season as is looking for new members to fish with them from March to October. Information can be found at the club's web site at http://www.ncbasshunters.com/Home.html. Contact them directly at admin@ncbasshunters.com.
As more schedules and information arrive for the coming season, watch the Fishbyte.net Calendar and Forums. If you know of a club or wildcat group not yet posted, contact us at tsargent@fishbyte.net with details.
Upcoming Weekend Just The Beginning of Busy Season
February, 2010
A variety of clubs kick off their 2010 season this coming Saturday, February 13th, some delayed by snow storms the prior weekend and some hitting the water for the first time. The largest event, the NC Division of the BFL, will take place on Norman. Those anglers will be joined by the Tar Heel Striper Club, while others hit Tuckertown, Belews, Badin and Tillery.
The Tar Heel Stripers had their biggest turnout ever at the last event in January on Badin Lake. Club organizers hope the bigger Norman will draw even more teams and bigger stripers. That group will use the Pinnacle Point Access area from 7 AM to 3 PM. Info can be found on their web site at www.tarheelstriperclub.com/phpBB3/index.php.
Also on Norman, the FLW NC Division of the Bass Federation League will jump off from the Midway Marina at 8693 Highway 150 East in Terrell at 7 AM. As many as 200 boats can be expected for the event which weighs in at 3 PM.
The Trolleze Bass Club hopes to make up an event canceled just the week before on Belews. The small group is sponsored by The Trolleze Company, creators of the trolling motor, foot pedal box found in many older bass boats. More info about the group can be found at www.trolleze.com.
NC Boat Shows' Mid Atlantic Boat Show will happen in downtown Charlotte at the Convention Center beginning Friday and running through Sunday. More information can be viewed at www.ncboatshows.com.
Back on the Yadkin Chain, the Shamrock Bass Club continues its Winter Trail with an event on Tuckertown. They will use the Flat Creek Access for blast off and weigh in, from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Bo Russell's Saturday Tournament Trail will be on Badin Lake and the Alcoa Landing. The weekly, open series runs from 8 AM to 3 PM this time of year. For those anglers whose clubs haven't begun a season yet, the weekly competition is a great place to work some of the winter kinks out.
The Yadkin Mastercatters will return to Lake Tillery and Cook's Marina from safe light to 3 PM. Last month's event at Badin saw numerous 30 and 40 pound catfish being hauled to the scales. Info about the group can be found at www.mastercatters2.com or by contacting Mike Chandler at 704-699-2174.
Weather patterns have left all lakes swollen and muddy as flood conditions were found across the state this past weekend. Water movement on all the hydro-river lakes has been swift.
Winter Blast Cancels Big Valentines Weekend Kickoffs
February, 2010
It's time to throw in the towel and call uncle. Mother Nature has done everything she can to thwart fishing efforts since early January, and the Valentines Weekend is no different. Eight tournaments scheduled from Norman to the Yadkin Chain and Jordan found themselves skidding off track as snows swept into the region Friday night.
The biggest event on the docket, the NC Division of the BFL, was forced to postpone the FLW event on Lake Norman. The Charlotte and Concord area received copious amounts of snow in a storm that began about 5 PM Friday evening. Over 200 boats were expected in the first event of the NC Division. The FLW has not rescheduled the event, but info will be posted on the FLW Outdoors web site in the future.
Jay Childress, the president of the Tarheel Striper Club, announced the cancellation of that groups' event on Norman Friday evening. He noted weather conditions as well. The club's last outing on Badin Lake just two weeks prior had seen the largest turnout ever for the striper anglers. No date has been set to make up the competition.
The Shamrock Bass Club Winter Trail made the hardiest attempt. Organizer Dean Minor made it to the Tuckertown ramp at Flat Creek, but only one other boat team was able to make it.
The Yadkin Mastercatters were scheduled to use a swollen Tillery for their catfish tournament. The group planned to use the Cook's Marina Wildlife ramp. That event was also canceled, but has been rescheduled for February 27th.
Any events on Jordan are off the table as that lake is far beyond full pond. Access ramps are flooded requiring state wildlife officials to shut down all ramps. With weather conditions dumping tremendous amounts of precipitation in North Carolina for weeks on lands that are already holding as much water as possible, officials expect the water levels there to continue to rise for another couple weeks. Special use permits have been retracted and no tournaments will take place there.
Season Kicks Off With Crowds At Badin And Tillery
February 20 & 21, 2010
Winter has finally given North Carolina anglers a break and a pile of club tournaments will take advantage of a weekend of mild and clear days. Seven bass clubs begin their 2010 season on Saturday and Sunday with blast offs on Badin and Tillery both days.
On Saturday, the bass of Badin will take hits from both the north and south ends as The Yadkin Tournament Trail of Carl Benton uses the Circle Drive Access and the Southfork Bassmasters visit the Alcoa Landing. Both groups should field as many as twenty to twenty-five boat teams each. Anglers will hit the waters about the same time and weigh-ins are at 3 and 3:30 PM respectively.
Lake Tillery's Swift Island ramps will see more traffic than they have seen in months when the Montgomery Bassmasters and Bo Russell's Saturday Trail roll in. The Montgomery gang kicks off a nine-event season that will culminate in a fish-off in September. The club will also host two open events during the season.
The Saturday Trail is an open that goes year round and alternates between Tillery and Badin. Weather has hampered turnouts in the past few weeks, so numbers are expected to be way up. During the height of the bass season, as many as thirty to thirty-five boats participate in the weekly opens. Single anglers or partner teams are welcome.
On Sunday, bass in Tillery need to find their best hiding hangouts as three events will arrive at Swift Island in the early morning hours. The Yadkin River One-On-One, The Randolph Team Trail Invitational, and The West Side Anglers all hit the lake at 8 AM.
The One-On-One competition, run by Jason Poindexter and Jimmy Sanders, is a popular series that plays out from this event to a final Fish-Off Championship November 21st. The Randolph club usually fields twenty-five highly competitive boat teams that fish the Yadkin Chain, Jordan, and Falls lakes. Their season ends on October 3 at a lake to be decided that morning.
The West Side Anglers decide on a lake each month at club meetings, but will begin their 2010 season on their home lake. President Red Tucker returns as organizer of that group. The club will sponsor the 12th Annual West Side Anglers Bass Tournament, Saturday, April 10, at Lake Tillery from 7 AM to 3 PM at Cook's Marina. Kevin Mason can be contacted at 910-576-1949. The club notes that the phone number advertised in the event brochure is incorrect.
Largemouths... it's Showtime!
2009
Ice Fishing in the Piedmont
OK. I never thought I'd hear myself saying this, but turns out what's great for fishing under four feet of ice in the frozen north is slaying bass here in central North Carolina! And, it works best during the heat of day when finding big bass slows to a standstill.
Rapala's Jigging Rap™ and Jigging Shad Rap™ hit it big last summer and word is spreading fast. It's being called the world's best vertical jigging rap and is luring the big hawgs out of the deep waters. Suspended, sluggish game fish are snapping it up as its slow, downward, swim pattern swims in circles. A center eyelet provides a great jigging point with reversed hooks front and rear. A center treble hook awaits below. It is zinc weighted for quick drops.
“I can't keep them in stock,” said Nathan Davis, owner of God's Country Outfitters. The Albemarle, NC sporting goods expert reported he had to argue with the Rapala reps to stock more. “I told the rep I needed as many of the Jigging Raps as he could ship me, and the guy just looked at me sort of funny!”, Davis said.
The Rapala rep asked if he didn't mean to say this or that jig, but Davis continued to insist the ice fishing jig was delivering the best of any lure he's seeing. “He didn't believe me and I finally told him that he didn't need to believe me... just send me the jigs!” Davis continued, “Whether he ever truly realized the jig meant for under-ice applications was death to bass in our area, I don't know. But, I got my order and will continue to.”
How do you fish this jig? Tie your line to the top eyelet or use a Rap Snap for quick change outs. For deep submerged structure in the summer, lower the Jigging Shad Rap™ until you reach the bottom. Reel back 18 to 20 inches. Slowly raise the rod tip 12 to 18 inches and drop it back in a rapid motion, allowing the Jigging Shad Rap™ to swim in a slow, circular, downward path. Raising your rod with a sharp motion causes the bait to circle faster. Try a quick "vibrating" action with the Jigging Shad Rap™ suspended at fixed depths for added attraction.
God's Country Outfitters is located on Highway 52 in Albemarle. Visit http://www.gcostore.com for more information.
Crankbaits, Reels, Jigs, and a Dream
March 4, 2009
Your best day of any week, usually Saturdays, involves stopping by a favorite haunt where you can talk with other people about the things you enjoy the most. Some of us dream about getting paid to do exactly that five days a week. Stand around, talk fishing, and make a living at it? You're in heaven, right?
Jeremy Allen of Albemarle has had that dream since his earliest days growing up in Georgia. He's one of the lucky few who has made it happen. “I've always wanted to be engulfed in a hobby I'm passionate about,” Allen stated. “My job is to play with toys'” he laughed.
His “playground”? Since its opening over three years ago, Allen has been employed at God's Country Outfitters in Albemarle as the Manager of the Fishing and Hunting Department. “We are big on customer service here, and I think that's why I like doing this so much. GCO stresses helping people find what they actually need and not just selling them stuff,” he stated. By all accounts, that goal is paying off big. The Highway 52 North store boasts probably the largest selection of gear and biggest fan base in the region. Allen's daily chores includes all merchandising and buying for both sections of the department... kind of like second-guessing what the fish will be hitting months in advance.
“People ask me what's working at what lakes and I enjoy passing along the information I get from other customers,” the manager said. “We're a clearinghouse of the best tips and advice, and that might be the best product we can deliver. I need to know a half season before what's working out there and I need to have it in the store.”
According to Allen,”The best things going right now are the football head jigs, one-half to three-quarter weight at 12 to 20 feet. If I could sneak out right now though, I'd be using the Live Target Series by Kopper Baits.” You could tell he had gone into fishing mode and his head was somewhere out on the water. He continued,” They are the most-realistic looking shad and crawdad imitation baits on the market right now. They're so pretty I'd probably die if I lost one on a snag.” He grinned once at that and then snapped back into manager mode.
He does get his chances to fish, though. According to Allen, a favorite part of the job is what he calls,”product testing”. He smiles when he talks about that aspect of his work.
Many of the customers come in just looking for equipment that will work well for the fish they are after. “If the average bass fisherman comes in not wanting to spend a bundle, but needing good equipment for the money, he's made the first right step,” commented Allen. “You can buy most anything off the rack and do some fishing, but spending some time here will show you the big difference in pairing up a rod, reel, and line that match. You won't spend more than you would have on that stock gear, but you will have much higher performance.”
He noted as an example, one of his favorites, the Shimano Curado reel matched with either the same company's Crucial or Compre rods. According to Allen, the 6:3:1 gear ratio is superb for rods six-and-half to seven feet in length. “It's an excellent setup for bass fishing and works great for a variety of other species fishing, too. If you add some P-Line Premium CX, (a fluorocarbon, low memory line), you've got one of the best-matched outfits for the money. You haven't spent more than you wanted to, but you have professionally-matched gear,” he ended.
One other bait he paused by, while walking by them on the rack, was the Sebile twitch bait. His steps slowed and you could see he was wishing again. When asked about them, he laughed. “I guess it's obvious, huh?” he asked. “Yeah, I really like those things. Since the swim-bait craze hit a few years ago, they've been the best.” One of many baits designed by Patrick Sebile, a renowned lure and bait expert, the twitch bait is a slow sinker. “It's an easy one to fish,” said Allen. “The fish seem to love the twitching motion.”
It was tough to get Allen to reveal his favorite lake to fish, but he may have given a straight answer in the end. “I like to fish Badin, but maybe that's because I know it best. There's lots of quiet shoreline and back coves. The lake just feels bigger,” he ended.
You can usually find Jeremy Allen behind the counter at God's Country Outfitters, buried in gear, fish stories and offering advice. Store hours can be found on their web site at gcostore.com. Information about the Kopper Baits can be found at www.kopperbaits.com. Had some poor outings lately, or need a little extra inside scoop before the next tournament? Drop by and talk to Jeremy Allen at GCO... he might be able to pull you out of that early-season slump!
Active Captain... A Tool We Can Use
March 18, 2009
Once in awhile a resource comes along and we miss the value of it at first glance. My guess is many of us have clicked on the Active Captain link on this page and decided it was just for boats and vessels on salt water. Have you spent any time on their free, interactive satellite maps? I am a registered user (free!) and I have been using it for some months now. I've even added some points of interest to it.
The other day, I found myself researching the internet for the exact location of a landing site where a tournament was to be held. When I tow to a new spot, I like to get the map in my head beforehand. I've hounded tournament directors for directions to sites. Let's face it, if Fishbyte.Net shows up on the other side of the lake, we won't be much good to your tournament! Then it occurred to me! Time to put a shout out to everyone about this tool.
Active Captain does cover the coastal areas extremely well. If you are looking for marina info, boat access, and mooring spots, their product is invaluable. The internet version is free... you only need to sign up. A modest fee allows you to access the same info on your fancy cell phone. We do occasionally spend time on the intercoastal waterway and we use Active Captain extensively. So, what does this rant have to do with bass fishing in NC?
Have you ever found yourself wanting to join in on an event and then spend all sorts of time trying to find the boat access? Or, have you traveled to an area and couldn't find the local tackle and bait shop? Or, do you ever need boat and fishing supplies, but are miles away from home? We can add all this information to the Active Captain maps! I shouldn't have to spend time looking for driving info to a landing on Wylie, or Jordan, or Norman. We are the “captains” of this region and can add our knowledge to their web site for everyone to use. Free!
Active Captain defines itself as “...an active boating community sharing knowledge, anytime, anywhere.” As a community of fishermen, we can use this tool to share knowledge. Imagine being able to go to central NC on their maps and locate landings, tackle shops, a Walmart, boat repair and parts shops? How about a lake marina where you can buy the fuel you forgot to put in that morning?
Once you begin to use this resource, you may find yourself lusting after their “Going Mobile” product for your cell phone. Now you can take the information wherever you go.
If we can all come together as a central NC fishing community and add our knowledge to this region, we can build an extremely valuable resource we can all use. You won't often see us endorsing a product like this, but once in awhile one comes along that can really help us all.
Trip Means Weekly Good Medicine For Father And Son
April 23, 2009
Every week, the local lakes become a prescription for two Rockingham men. They call it their “good medicine” and, obviously, the pill was easy to swallow on Lake Tillery, Thursday, April 23rd. The pair were all smiles and ready to talk as they landed their boat about 8 PM at the Swift Island Landing.
Son, Tim, and father, Tony Baldwin, both from Rockingham said they made at least one outing a week to various lakes in the region, just because it was good for them. “We try real hard not to miss it,” stated Tim. “Fishin' and huntin' are what we love to do and it's good for us to do together. He's the youngest 73 I've ever seen, so it must be good for us,” he noted.
The anglers usually take a full day and are on the water by 9 AM fishing for crappie and whatever else bites. They got a slow start this day and headed out around 1:30 PM. “We like to beat the Friday rush,” commented Tim. Tony chimed in right after. “Gets too busy out there.” That's easy to understand... it's tough to think with boats whizzing by constantly. If you're looking for solitude, mid-week fishing can't be beat.
On this particular outing, the pair ran across something they'd never seen before, and they both admitted they'd seen a lot out there. As they moved along the waters, they came across a crappie, about a 3 pounder, floating dead on the top. What was peculiar was the way in which the fish had apparently died. No observable damage or wounds appeared on the exterior of the fish, but inside the crappie's mouth and throat was a bluegill securely lodged sideways! Apparently the two had died together, probably of starvation, possibly drowned. “We had to pry that little fish out of there,” said Tony. “No way it was gonna come out by itself. I think that crappie either drowned or starved to death,” he grimaced as he shook his head. “You see something new all the time out there,” he ended.
“There's a plaque out there somewhere that says something like... no job should ever ruin a man's fishing,” chuckled Tim. Tony began to laugh. “You bought me that plaque!” They laughed together as Tim recalled that he had.
So, how was their luck that Thursday evening on Tillery? Don't think it really mattered to either of them. They'd been out together fishing.
Grand Opening Means Legend Bass Boats Are Now In NC!
June 12, 2009
It should have been an event rivaling a Bass Pro spring bonanza or a big-city, fishing convention; instead, the grand opening of the Badin Lake Boating Center happened without a lot of fanfare and noise. Owners Tommy and Danielle Roach hung up their signs, open their doors, and immediately went to work helping the customers who came in throughout the day. What the opening meant for anglers across the region was a Legend bass boats dealer had finally arrived in North Carolina.
The line up of custom-built, Legend (www.ridewithalegend.com) models out in front of the shop was nothing less than stunning. Prior to the opening, an angler would have traveled hundreds of miles to see such a sight, as the Badin Lake Boating Center (www.badinlakeboatingcenter.com) folks are the only dealer in NC. The short drive now is well worth any time and fuel invested just to see the quality built into these boats. Legend models, the only line that comes fully rigged for fishing, boasts custom paint schemes and standard features far above other manufacturers. “Our plant in Midway, Arkansas, makes only four boats a week so that each one receives the care and attention it deserves,” stated Kody Bradbury, the Legend Territory Manager on hand for the Opening. “We have only 20 people on the manufacturing floor and they provide the custom and pride that goes into each boat.”
Located just off the intersections of Highways 49 and 8 just to the north of Badin Lake (248 Badin Lake Road), the new facility is a full-service boat center with certified mechanics on site. Customers visiting the store will find boating accessories, parts, financing, and even boat detailing available. Pick up and delivery services are also provided. The center also carries the Cypress Cay – Triton (www.discovercypresscay.com) pontoon boat line along with the Triton aluminum boat products.
Owners, Tommy and Danielle Roach, hustled about the newly-opened store and service bays assisting customers along with manager, Hop Chandler. Chandler has over sixteen years in boating industry service and sales. Reps from both Legend and Triton Cypress Cay were right alongside, explaining some of the finer details of the new boat models on the floor and in the yard. “I can't begin to tell you how excited we are to bring the Legend bass boats to our state and to provide a full-service line to this area,” stated Tommy. “I fish in a lot of bass tournaments and have had a lot of bass boats in my time. I also have enjoyed many an hour relaxing on the water in a pontoon, and these companies know how to do it all right.”
Roach owns the Legend Alpha 211, which sports a paint scheme that actually changes color when wet. Bass and Wildlife Magazine recently featured one other Legend 211 with similar customizations. Legend places all their boats on an EZ Loader trailer, which is manufactured just down the street from the Legend plant, according to Roach.
Hours of operation for the new boating center are Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to 2 PM. Stop by and check out a Legend bass boat, a Cypress Cay or one of the many used boats on the lot. For more information or to speak with Hop, Tommy, or Danielle personally, call the Boating Center at 336-859-2013 or visit their web site at www.badinlakeboatingcenter.com.
Editor's Note: We'd like to welcome the Badin Lake Boating Center to the Fishbyte.net Community! Their support will bring continued Fishbyte.net coverage to your fishing events.
Bass Boat Talk.Com Moves It From Online To Reality
October 25, 2009
A group of anglers from BassBoatTalk.com recently gathered at High Rock and the Tamarac Marina to move their virtual talk to some water walk... or at least some serious casting. The web site, www.bassboattalk.com is a forum-based activity where bass anglers can gather online to swap tales and talk, tips and ideas. Registration on the site is free. The site runs its own series of competitions during the year on a variety of lakes.
A number of the boat teams were found out on High Rock last Sunday while Fishbyte.net covered four other events. A total of fourteen boats and 22 people competed. Two were gracious enough to let us step on their fish for a few photo moments. Neil Eckberg and Chad Teel had caught a pile of smaller fish and were in a cove off of Dutch Second Creek when we caught up with them. The second boat team was on the southeast side of the pond getting serious with some underwater structure. Photos of event
Biscoe's Sammy Hall Lands 11 ½ Pound Bass At Harris
October 17, 2009
Sometimes fishing the local pond gets old and you have to venture out to larger waters. That's what Sammy Hall of Biscoe and his angling partner, Grant Lambert of Asheboro decided to do last month. The pair can often be seen running the waters of Lake Tillery, but decided they needed an angling adventure.
The pair loaded up their fishing gear and headed for Shearon Harris that Saturday hoping for a new challenge. It wasn't long before they knew they had guessed right. “It turned out to be a day to remember,” stated Hall. “My co-worker and I were fishing about a mile from the boat ramp on heavy grass up towards the bridge.” He noted the water temperatures that day were 72 degrees.
“I was using a white spinner bait around 11 AM,” he stated. “The wind was pushing the shad up into the grasses.”
Those were the magic elements, as a probable, once-in-a-lifetime thing happened next. Hall felt a hard strike and reared back, setting the hook. He knew immediately he had something beyond ordinary.
After a careful, but drawn out battle, Lambert helped him boat a dream bass. The heavy hawg weighed 11 pounds 8 ounces, a prize most anglers will only hear about and never experience.
Hall wants his fellow-anglers to know, they can experience what he did, too. “The fish was released back into Shearon Harris after some photographs were taken,” he noted. It's laying out there somewhere in the Harris waters, lurking and waiting, thanks to the sportsmanship of Hall and Lambert.
Teer Wins Campus Tangle For UNCC
October 25, 2009
Well before daylight and as four other competitions gathered at High Rock's Southmont Landing last Sunday, boats from two universities gathered near the edge of the parking lot. There were no cheerleaders or grandstands; only a few parents followed along to watch as the University of North Carolina-Charlotte hosted the anglers from North Carolina State University in an all-out bass duel.
One no-show for NC State meant campus pride rested on one boat from the Raleigh campus. Four boat teams from UNCC attended. The competition was based on individual results. Joe Kinchen, president of the UNCC club, launched all boats shortly after all other clubs were gone, and the campus competitors didn't arrive back at the scales until 3:30 PM.
The top three positions belonged to the Charlotte campus as Tyler Teer caught four fish and bested all others with 8.4 pounds. His bag weight included a 3.9 pounder, the biggest fish caught during the competition. Luke Helms, who sometimes joins in open competitions local to the lower Yadkin Chain lakes, finished second with 4.11.5 pounds. Kinchen found 3.6.5 pounds to take third. Steven Turnage of NC State placed fifth with 2.14 pounds. Two other UNCC competitors finished fourth (Ben Rucker 2.6 pounds) and sixth (Wes Golden 1.2 pounds).