Half Day Afternoon Striper Trip in Weldon, NC
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fivehour afternoon striper fishing trip with experienced Captain JoeyPrivate charter accommodates up to three guests on custom Carolina SkiffTarget striped bass during peak season with expert guidance provided
Picture this: you're casting lines in some of North Carolina's most productive striper waters with a captain who's been working these spots for over three decades. That's exactly what you get with Captain Joey VanDyke's afternoon fishing charter in Weldon. This isn't your typical crowded fishing trip – we're talking about a private 5-hour adventure for just you and up to two buddies aboard the custom Fingeance Carolina Skiff. The 24-foot boat is built for both stability and comfort, so you can focus on what really matters: hooking into those hard-fighting striped bass. Don't forget to grab your North Carolina fishing license before you head out – you'll need it for this top-rated charter experience.
Captain Joey runs a laid-back operation that puts fish in the boat without all the unnecessary drama. You'll meet at the launch in Weldon, where the Roanoke River system opens up into some seriously productive striper habitat. The afternoon timing works perfectly here – as the day cools down, these fish start getting more active and aggressive. The Carolina Skiff design means you're not fighting rough water all day, and there's plenty of room for everyone to fish comfortably without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Joey knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing the local knowledge that separates successful trips from just another day on the water. With 35 years of experience guiding in these parts, he's seen it all and knows exactly where the fish are holding based on season, weather, and water conditions.
Captain Joey keeps things effective and straightforward when it comes to targeting stripers in the Weldon area. You'll be using a mix of live bait and proven artificial lures, depending on what the fish are showing interest in that particular day. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle the power these striped bass pack, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need. Expect to work with everything from cut bait rigs for bottom fishing to casting spoons and soft plastics when the fish are more active in the water column. Joey's approach focuses on reading the water and adjusting techniques based on what's working – sometimes that means slow-trolling through deeper channels, other times it's sight-casting to surface activity. The beauty of fishing with an experienced local captain is that he's constantly adapting the game plan to put you on fish, whether they're staging in creek mouths, working bait schools, or holding tight to structure.
Striped bass are the main event on this charter, and for good reason – these fish are absolute bulldogs once you hook them. In the Weldon area, you're looking at fish that typically run anywhere from keeper-sized 18-inchers up to genuine bragging-rights bass pushing 30 inches or more. Spring and fall are prime time for stripers here, when they're actively feeding and putting on weight. These fish are notorious for their initial run when hooked – they'll peel drag and test your skills as an angler. What makes striped bass so popular with both novice and experienced fishermen is their willingness to hit a variety of baits and their tendency to school up, meaning when you find one, there are usually more nearby. The Roanoke River system provides ideal habitat with its mix of deeper holes, current breaks, and abundant baitfish. Captain Joey knows the seasonal patterns these fish follow, from their spawning runs in spring to their fall feeding frenzies when they're bulking up for winter.
If you're looking for a genuine North Carolina striper fishing experience without the crowds and chaos of party boat fishing, Captain Joey's afternoon charter delivers exactly that. The combination of his decades of local knowledge, the well-designed Carolina Skiff, and the productive Weldon waters adds up to a fishing trip that consistently puts smiles on faces and fish in the cooler. The intimate three-person maximum means you get personalized attention and instruction, making it perfect for everyone from first-time striper anglers to seasoned pros who want to learn some new water. These afternoon slots fill up quickly, especially during peak striper season, so don't wait around if you're serious about getting out on the water. Book your half-day adventure with Fingeance Sportfishing and find out why Captain Joey's been the go-to guide in Weldon for over 35 years – the stripers are waiting, and they're hungry.
Get ready to chase stripers on the Fingeance, a reliable 24-foot Carolina Skiff that's been working these North Carolina waters since 1998. This motorboat packs a 150 HP Honda engine that'll get you to the hot spots quickly and quietly, perfect for sneaking up on feeding striped bass along the river channels. The boat's wide beam design keeps things steady when you're fighting fish, while the onboard fish finder helps locate schools holding in deeper water. Keep your catch fresh in the built-in icebox, and let the GPS guide you to Captain Joey's proven striper holes. With room for three anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without tangling up. The boat handles river currents and wind chop with ease, so you can focus on landing that trophy striper instead of worrying about rough water.
Outer Banks