6 Hour High Rock Lake Catfish Charter
Looking for a serious catfish adventure on one of North Carolina's premier fishing lakes? Captain Marc Gioeli's 6-hour guided charter on High Rock Lake delivers exactly what seasoned anglers and newcomers alike are searching for. This isn't your typical afternoon on the water—it's a full day dedicated to putting you on blue cats, channel cats, and flatheads using proven techniques that only come from years of fishing these waters. Marc's hands-on approach means you'll leave knowing more about catfishing than when you arrived, whether you're bringing the kids for their first big fish or you're a veteran angler looking to dial in your game.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early with Captain Marc, who's been working High Rock Lake's catfish population longer than most guides have been on the water. This 6-hour trip accommodates up to 3 guests, making it perfect for families, buddies, or anyone wanting personalized attention without feeling crowded. Marc provides all the gear, bait, and tackle—you just need to bring your drinks, snacks, and appetite for catching fish. The beauty of fishing with a local expert is that he's already figured out the seasonal patterns, structure locations, and bait preferences that make the difference between a slow day and a fish-filled cooler. You'll learn to read sonar, understand how catfish relate to structure, and pick up rigging techniques that work specifically in High Rock's unique environment. Don't expect to just sit there holding a rod—Marc's teaching style keeps you engaged and learning throughout the trip.
Techniques and Tackle
High Rock Lake's diverse structure calls for multiple approaches, and Marc's got them all dialed in. You'll likely start by targeting specific pieces of structure using bottom rigs and fresh bait, learning how to position the boat and present baits where big catfish feel comfortable feeding. Sonar work is a huge part of the equation here—Marc will show you how to identify fish-holding cover, read bottom composition, and spot suspended fish that other anglers miss completely. When the bite gets tough, don't be surprised if you switch to trolling techniques that cover water and trigger aggressive strikes from fish that weren't interested in stationary presentations. The tackle setup varies based on target species and conditions, but expect heavy enough gear to handle the lake's population of 20-plus pound blues and flatheads. Marc's bait selection changes with the season and recent fishing patterns, using everything from cut bait to live offerings depending on what's producing. The hands-on instruction means you're not just catching fish—you're building skills that translate to future trips on your own.
Customer Stories
"Marc did a great job getting us on fish, caught a PB and a total of 13 or 14. Extremely knowledgeable and a great guide. Thanks Marc!" - Dale Lytal. "My Grandson and I had a great time with Marc on Sunday. Marc works very hard to get you on the fish! My grandson wanted to catch bigger catfish and we did. It was an enjoyable day, both blues and flathead were caught. Thanks again, Marc. We will return next time we're in the area…" - Al. "Great time. Put us on some good fish . Caught a lot of fish , several over 25 lbs ." - Paul.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Channel catfish are High Rock Lake's most consistent performers, and they're perfect for anglers wanting steady action throughout the trip. These fish typically run 2-8 pounds, though the lake kicks out plenty in the double-digit range when you know where to look. Channels are active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall transitions when they're feeding heavily in preparation for spawning or winter. They're aggressive biters that don't require finesse presentations, making them ideal for teaching kids or inexperienced anglers the basics of catfishing. What makes channels special is their willingness to bite during daylight hours and their tendency to school up, so when you find one, there are usually more in the area.
Blue catfish represent High Rock's trophy potential, with fish regularly exceeding 20 pounds and occasional monsters pushing 40-plus pounds. These are the fish that get your heart pumping when they grab the bait and start that deep, heavy run that screams "big fish." Blues prefer deeper water and current areas, making them more challenging to locate consistently, but when Marc puts you on a school of feeding blues, the action can be absolutely electric. Summer and fall are prime time for trophy blues, though they bite year-round if you know their seasonal patterns. The fight from a big blue in open water is something every serious catfish angler needs to experience—they use their size and the lake's depth to their advantage.
Flathead catfish are the ultimate predators in High Rock Lake, and they require a completely different approach than channels or blues. These ambush feeders love heavy cover, rocky areas, and deep structure where they can pin baitfish against hard surfaces. Flatheads are primarily nighttime feeders, but Marc knows specific daytime patterns that consistently produce fish in the 10-30 pound range. What makes flatheads special is their pure aggression when they strike—there's no mistaking the violent hit of a big flathead crushing a bait. They're also excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for the dinner table. Landing a quality flathead requires patience and the right presentation, but when everything comes together, you'll understand why serious catfish anglers specifically target these fish.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Marc's reputation for putting clients on quality catfish isn't accidental—it comes from years of dedicated time on High Rock Lake's waters and a genuine passion for helping others succeed. This 6-hour charter gives you enough time to experience different techniques, work various spots, and adapt to changing conditions without feeling rushed. Whether you're after your first catfish, looking to break a personal record, or wanting to introduce family members to serious fishing, Marc's hands-
5.0(12 Reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Top Rated
High Rock Lake
Six
