Full Day Lake Hickory and Rhodhiss Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Eighthour guided charter targeting hybrid bass and blue catfishProfessional tackle and fish cleaning services included with tripExpert Captain McCaslin covers Lake Hickory and Lake Rhodhiss
When you're looking for a serious day of freshwater fishing in North Carolina, Captain Dexter McCaslin's full-day charter on Lake Hickory and Lake Rhodhiss delivers exactly what dedicated anglers want. This isn't just another guided trip – it's an 8-hour commitment to putting you on fish across two of the region's most productive lakes. Based out of Denver, NC, you'll hit the water with a captain who knows every submerged stump, creek channel, and drop-off where the big ones hide. Whether you're chasing your first hybrid bass or looking to fill a cooler with crappie, this charter gives you the time and expertise to make it happen.
This full-day adventure starts early and keeps you fishing until the bite slows down. Captain McCaslin runs a tight operation, moving between Lake Hickory and Lake Rhodhiss based on conditions, season, and where the fish are most active. You'll cover serious water – these river-fed systems offer everything from shallow flats where spotted bass ambush baitfish to deep channels where blue catfish prowl the bottom. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is the flexibility to adapt. If the morning bite on Hickory is hot, you'll stay put. If the catfish are stacked up in Rhodhiss's deeper holes, that's where you'll spend your time. The captain provides all the gear you need, from rods rigged for different techniques to fresh bait that these fish can't resist. At day's end, he'll clean your catch so you can head home with fillets ready for the table.
Captain McCaslin's approach combines old-school knowledge with proven techniques that work on these lakes. You'll spend time bottom fishing with cut bait for catfish, especially in the deeper sections where Lake Rhodhiss drops off into old river channels. For bass, expect to work structure with plastics and crankbaits, targeting the rocky banks and fallen timber that both lakes are famous for. Trolling comes into play when covering water for stripers and hybrids – these schools move constantly, and the captain knows how to track them down. Crappie fishing means precision work around brush piles and standing timber, using jigs and live minnows to tempt these finicky biters. All tackle is tournament-grade stuff that can handle whatever bites, from a scrappy crappie to a 20-pound blue cat. The captain matches techniques to conditions, so whether the fish want finesse presentations or aggressive retrieves, you'll be ready.
Largemouth bass rule the shallow cover on both lakes, especially around the numerous creek arms and coves. These fish average 2-4 pounds but don't be surprised when a 6-pounder crushes your topwater lure near a fallen tree. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, though summer early morning and late evening bites can be lights-out good. What makes largemouth fishing special here is the variety of structure – you might catch one off a dock, another from a grassline, and a third suspended over deep water chasing shad.
Spotted bass bring serious fight for their size, and both Hickory and Rhodhiss hold excellent populations. These scrappy fish prefer rocky areas and points, hitting fast-moving baits with aggressive strikes. They're most active during cooler months and often school up in predictable spots. Spots typically run smaller than largemouth but make up for it with acrobatic fights that'll test your drag settings. Captain McCaslin knows exactly where to find them staging on main lake points and secondary structure.
Crappie fishing peaks during spring spawning season, when these tasty panfish move shallow and feed aggressively. Both lakes hold excellent numbers, with fish averaging 10-12 inches and occasional slabs pushing 14-15 inches. The key is finding the right depth – crappie suspend at specific levels based on water temperature and time of year. Winter fishing can be spectacular when schools concentrate in deeper brush piles, while spring offers non-stop action in shallow cover.
Striped bass and their hybrid cousins provide the charter's biggest thrills, with fish ranging from 5-15 pounds that'll peel drag and test your endurance. These open-water predators school up chasing shad, creating surface feeding frenzies that are pure magic to witness. Summer offers the most consistent striper action, especially during low-light periods. When you hook into a school, the action stays hot until they sound again – it's the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back.
Blue catfish represent the lakes' true monsters, with fish over 20 pounds a real possibility on every trip. These bottom-dwellers love the deeper holes and channel bends, especially where current brings in food. Night fishing produces the biggest cats, but daytime action can be steady when you're fishing the right spots with fresh cut bait. Blues fight like freight trains, making long runs that'll have you questioning your knots and tackle choices.
Captain Dexter McCaslin's full-day charter offers serious value for dedicated anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water. With two lakes to choose from and techniques to match any conditions, you're looking at 8 hours of focused fishing with a captain who lives and breathes these waters. The single-angler format means personalized attention and the flexibility to target whatever species gets your blood pumping. From the first cast at sunrise to cleaning your catch at the dock, this charter delivers the kind of day that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most cooperative.
This 22-foot Sea Pro center console is built for serious fishing on Lake Hickory and Lake Rhodhiss. The 200HP Mercury gets you to the hot spots quickly, hitting 39 knots when you need to chase the bite. With room for up to 4 anglers, this 2007 boat offers plenty of deck space for casting and fighting fish without getting tangled up. The wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking the bass and crappie, while the fish finder helps locate schools suspended in deeper water. GPS keeps you on productive waypoints, and the onboard icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold during those long summer days on the water. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the action, whether you're bottom fishing for catfish or trolling for hybrids.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue catfish are the heavyweight champions of our lakes and a blast for anglers wanting to tangle with something substantial. These bottom-dwellers commonly reach 15-30 pounds, with some true giants lurking in the deeper holes. They patrol main lake channels, creek mouths, and muddy flats, especially near structure. Summer and fall are prime seasons when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes blues special is their incredible pulling power and stamina - they'll test your drag and your patience. The meat is surprisingly good too, firm and mild when cleaned properly. They're opportunistic feeders that'll eat almost anything, but fresh cut bait works best. Here's a local trick that works consistently: fish the deep channel bends with fresh-cut herring on a slip sinker rig. Let it sit on bottom near drop-offs where the channel makes a turn. These fish cruise these areas at night, and the scent trail draws them in.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are hands-down the best eating fish in these lakes, which is why they're so popular with families and newcomers. These silvery panfish usually run 8-12 inches and travel in schools, so when you locate them, you can often fill a cooler. Look for them around brush piles, standing timber, and creek channels in 8-20 feet of water. Spring spawning season is peak time, but they bite year-round if you find their depth. What makes crappie special is their delicate fight and that sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're also forgiving for beginners - not too finicky about presentation. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times. Here's my local secret: in summer when they go deep, find the creek channels with your electronics and fish small jigs vertically. Use 1/32 ounce jigs in white or chartreuse, and let them fall slowly through the school. Patience pays off with crappie.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the classic freshwater fighter that brings most folks back to our lakes. These green machines typically run 12-24 inches and weigh 1-4 pounds, though bigger ones definitely swim in Hickory and Rhodhiss. They love hanging around structure - fallen trees, docks, weed lines, and rocky points. Spring through fall are prime times when water temps hit their sweet spot. What makes them special is that explosive strike and aerial show when hooked. They'll jump, dive, and test your drag like few fish can. The meat's decent eating too, especially from these clean mountain lakes. Here's a local trick - early morning, throw a topwater lure near those submerged stumps in the creek arms. The bass use them as ambush points, and you'll often see the strike coming. Just be ready for that head shake!
Micropterus PunctulatusSpotted bass are the scrappy cousins of largemouth that often surprise first-time visitors to our lakes. They typically measure 12-16 inches and school more than largemouths, which means once you find them, you're usually in for steady action. These fish prefer rocky structure and clearer water - think points, channel drops, and bridge pilings where they can dart out after baitfish. Spring and fall are your best bets when they're actively feeding. What guests love about spots is their aggressive nature and deeper fight compared to largemouth. They'll dive hard and stay down, using every bit of structure to try breaking your line. The meat's excellent - firm and sweet. Key difference from largemouth: their jaw doesn't extend past the eye. My go-to local tip is fishing small crankbaits along the rocky shoreline drops in 8-15 feet of water. Cast parallel to shore and let it bump the rocks - that contact drives them crazy.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the apex predators in our lake system and the fish that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. Most fish we catch run 4-8 pounds, but double-digit stripers definitely cruise these waters. They're nomadic, following baitfish schools across main lake areas and points. Spring and fall offer the hottest action when water temps are in their comfort zone. These fish are pure dynamite when hooked - long runs, powerful headshakes, and they never quit fighting until they're in the net. The meat is outstanding too - firm, white, and perfect for grilling. What makes them unique is their schooling behavior; when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Dawn and dusk trolling with umbrella rigs or live bait around main lake points produces consistently. Here's my tried-and-true method: watch for diving birds or surface activity, then position yourself uptake from the school and cast swimming plugs through the action.
Denver, NC