Half Day Catfish Fishing Trip on Roanoke River
Private Trip
River Fishing
Captain Joey provides 35+ years fishing expertise on Roanoke RiverCustom 24foot Carolina Skiff accommodates up to 4 guests comfortablyTarget blue and channel catfish during peak seasonal activity
Captain Joey VanDyke knows the Roanoke River like the back of his hand, and after 35 years on these waters, he's ready to put you on some serious catfish. This isn't your typical bank fishing setup – you'll be fishing from his custom 24-foot Carolina Skiff that's built for both comfort and getting you to where the fish are biting. The Roanoke River around Williamston holds some of the best catfish populations in North Carolina, and Joey's got the local knowledge to make sure your 5-hour trip is both productive and fun. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, this private charter for up to 4 people gives everyone plenty of room to fish and learn.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Joey at the launch, where his Fingeance Carolina Skiff is already rigged and ready to go. This boat was specifically chosen for river fishing – it's stable, spacious, and draws shallow enough to get into those back-channel spots where big catfish like to hang out. The 5-hour window gives you plenty of time to hit multiple spots along the river, from deeper holes where channel cats cruise to shallow flats where blues come up to feed. Joey's approach is hands-on but relaxed – he'll show you the ropes, share techniques that work specifically on the Roanoke, and make sure everyone gets their chance at landing fish. The river changes throughout the day, and part of what makes this trip special is watching an experienced guide read the water and adjust tactics accordingly. You'll see why the Roanoke River system has built such a reputation among North Carolina catfish anglers.
Captain Joey comes prepared with quality tackle suited for Roanoke River catfish, but he's also happy to work with your gear if you prefer to bring your own setup. The techniques here are time-tested river methods – we're talking about anchoring in strategic spots, using circle hooks to minimize deep hooking, and presenting baits where the current brings scent down to waiting fish. Joey knows which holes produce during different times of day and season, and he'll position the boat to give everyone clear casting lanes and good hook-setting angles. The Roanoke's current creates natural feeding lanes, and part of your education will be learning to read these subtle changes in water flow. Expect to use a variety of baits depending on what's working – cut bait, live bait, and prepared baits all have their place in the arsenal. The key is matching your presentation to the conditions, and Joey's three decades of experience means he's seen every combination of weather, water level, and fish behavior this river can throw at you.
The white catfish in the Roanoke River are the main attraction for good reason – they're abundant, they fight hard, and they're excellent eating. These fish are different from their blue and channel catfish cousins in some interesting ways. White cats typically run smaller, with most catches falling between 1-5 pounds, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're easy. They're aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of baits, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action throughout the day. What makes white catfish special on the Roanoke is their year-round availability and willingness to bite during daylight hours, unlike some catfish species that are primarily nocturnal. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, with fish moving into shallower water to feed as temperatures warm. White cats have a slightly forked tail and tend to be more silver in color compared to channel cats, with a cleaner, less muddy taste that makes them a favorite for the dinner table. Captain Joey has dialed in the patterns for these fish specifically, knowing which structures they prefer and what baits trigger the most strikes during different conditions.
This half-day catfish trip represents exactly what river fishing should be – productive, educational, and enjoyable without the pressure or crowds you might find elsewhere. Captain Joey's 35 years of experience isn't just a number; it's three and a half decades of learning every bend, hole, and seasonal pattern on the Roanoke River. The Fingeance Carolina Skiff provides a stable, comfortable platform that lets you focus on fishing rather than worrying about your footing or fighting for space. With room for up to 4 anglers, you can bring the family or a small group of friends for a personalized experience that larger charter operations simply can't match. Remember to grab your North Carolina fishing license before you arrive – it's required for everyone who plans to fish. The 5-hour timeframe gives you enough time to really get into the rhythm of river fishing while still leaving part of your day free for other activities. Book your trip with Fingeance Sportfishing and discover why the Roanoke River keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Meet the Fingeance, your floating command center for chasing catfish on the Roanoke River. This 24-foot Carolina Skiff from '98 might have some years on her, but she's built tough and runs smooth with a reliable 150 HP Honda pushing you through the current. The wide beam keeps things steady when you're fighting a big blue cat, and there's plenty of room for up to four anglers to spread out without bumping elbows. Captain Joey has this boat dialed in perfectly for catfish hunting – the fish finder helps locate those deep holes where the big ones like to hang out, while the GPS keeps you on the productive spots. The icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those hot Carolina afternoons. She's not fancy, but this skiff gets the job done and has been putting anglers on fish for years on these waters.
Outer Banks