Extended Afternoon Shearon Harris Bass Trip
Private Trip
Fishing
Six-hour afternoon charter targeting bass, crappie, and catfishAll equipment, bait, and tackle provided by experienced captainAccommodates four guests on fully equipped center console boat
When you want serious fishing time without the early morning wake-up call, this six-hour afternoon charter on Shearon Harris Lake hits the sweet spot. Captain Hunter knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and white perch from his well-equipped 21-foot center console. Starting at 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM, you'll have plenty of daylight to work different spots and techniques while the afternoon bite heats up. At $500 for up to four anglers, it's one of the top-rated extended trips in the area.
Shearon Harris Lake offers some of the most consistent fishing in North Carolina, and this extended trip gives you the time to really dial in on what's working. You'll fish from a comfortable 21-foot center console that's built for serious angling - complete with fishfinder technology and a quiet trolling motor that won't spook the fish. Captain Hunter provides all the gear you'll need, from quality rods and reels to a solid selection of lures and live bait. The beauty of a six-hour trip is that you're not rushed - if the bass are hitting topwater lures near the shoreline structure, you can work that pattern thoroughly. When the bite slows, there's time to switch tactics and target crappie around submerged timber or drop lines for catfish in deeper water. The afternoon timing works perfectly because many species become more active as the day progresses, especially during cooler months when the water temperature is more stable later in the day.
Captain Hunter runs a variety of proven techniques depending on what the fish are telling him. For largemouth bass, expect to throw everything from crankbaits around rocky points to soft plastics in deeper structure. The lake's numerous coves and creek channels hold bass year-round, and with six hours on the water, you'll get hands-on experience with different presentations. Crappie fishing here often involves working jigs and minnows around standing timber and brush piles that Captain Hunter has marked over years of fishing these waters. The boat's fishfinder is crucial for locating these underwater structures and marking schools of suspended fish. For catfish, you'll likely bottom fish with cut bait or live offerings in deeper holes and channel bends where these fish concentrate. White perch can be caught using similar techniques to crappie, often as a bonus catch when working the same areas. All tackle is included, but the real value is learning which baits and techniques work best in specific conditions. Captain Hunter tailors the approach based on weather, water temperature, and recent fishing patterns, so every trip becomes a fishing education.
Largemouth bass are the crown jewel of Shearon Harris Lake, and these fish don't mess around. The lake consistently produces bass in the 2-5 pound range, with bigger fish always possible. Spring and fall are prime times when bass move shallow to feed aggressively, but summer and winter patterns can be just as productive if you know where to look. What makes catching bass here so rewarding is their willingness to hit a variety of baits - from topwater explosions at dawn and dusk to deep-diving crankbaits during midday. The fight these fish put up in the lake's clear water is something every angler remembers.
Crappie fishing at Shearon Harris is a customer favorite, especially during their spring spawning runs when they move into shallow coves. These slab-sided fighters typically run 10-14 inches, with some real slabs pushing over a pound. They school up around submerged timber and brush piles, and once you locate a school, the action can be fast and furious. Crappie bite delicately, so detecting the strike and setting the hook properly takes some finesse - skills that Captain Hunter loves teaching to anglers of all experience levels.
Blue catfish in Shearon Harris Lake can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds caught regularly. These bottom-dwellers are most active during warmer months and provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience on the lake. They're not picky eaters, readily taking cut bait, chicken livers, or stink baits. What's exciting about targeting catfish here is you never know if you'll hook into a 5-pounder or a 25-pound monster that will test your drag and your patience.
White perch might not be the biggest fish in the lake, but they're scrappy fighters that often save the day when other species aren't cooperating. These silvery fish school heavily and can provide fast action when you locate them. They're excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle. White perch feed actively throughout the day and are less finicky about bait presentation than some other species, making them perfect for beginning anglers to build confidence.
This extended afternoon trip gives you the best of both worlds - no early morning rush and plenty of time to really fish the lake properly. At $500 for up to four anglers, you're getting six solid hours with an experienced guide who knows how to put you on fish. Captain Hunter's boat is comfortable and well-equipped, and his knowledge of Shearon Harris Lake's seasonal patterns and productive spots is second to none. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce friends or family to serious fishing, or just spend quality time on one of North Carolina's premier fishing destinations, this charter delivers. Remember to bring your valid NC fishing license and get ready for some world-class fishing action. Book your date now and see why anglers keep coming back to fish with Sticks Guide Service on Shearon Harris Lake.
Step aboard our 2018 21ft Riddic Bay center console and get ready to work the productive waters of Shearon Harris Lake. This well-rigged fishing machine runs smooth with a 115HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hotspots at a comfortable 30 mph cruise. The boat's set up perfectly for targeting bass, crappie, catfish, and white perch with a quality fishfinder to mark structure and schools, plus a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to those finicky fish. You'll have a live bait well to keep your minnows lively, an icebox for cold drinks, and GPS to navigate the lake's many coves and points. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines. Captain Hunter has this rig dialed in for success on Harris Lake's diverse fishery.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the heavyweights of Shearon Harris, often running 25-40+ inches and putting serious bend in your rod. These slate-blue fighters love deep holes and muddy bottoms, especially around submerged structure. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit fresh cut bait like herring or chicken liver. Spring through early fall gives you the best action when water temps warm up. What makes them special is that massive underbite - they'll actually surface feed more than other catfish. The meat is excellent eating, firm and mild. Here's a local trick: let your bait sit completely still on the bottom. Blue cats are scavengers at heart, so they want that bait sitting natural, not bouncing around. Once you feel that first tap, give it a few seconds before setting the hook hard.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are the perfect family fish - usually 8-12 inches and just over a pound, but they travel in schools so you can fill the cooler quick. Both black and white crappie call Harris home, hiding around brush piles, fallen trees, and deeper structure. Spring spawning season is magic when they move shallow, but they bite year-round if you find the right depth. What people love most is the sweet, flaky meat - some of the best eating you'll find in freshwater. They're also great for kids since the action stays steady once you locate a school. Small jigs and live minnows work best. Here's the trick: crappie are light biters, so use a sensitive rod and watch your line more than feel for the bite. They often just swim away with it rather than hitting hard.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the main attraction here at Harris, typically running 12-24 inches with plenty of 3-5 pounders mixed in. They love hanging around submerged timber, grass lines, and rocky points in 5-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time, but they bite year-round if you adjust your approach. What makes them special is that famous fight - they'll jump, run, and give you everything they've got. The bigger ones are smart and experienced, making each catch feel earned. They're decent eating from clean water like Harris. Swimbaits and jigs work great, but here's a local tip: focus on transition areas where deep water meets shallow structure. Cast past the target and work your lure back through the strike zone - bass almost always position themselves on the deeper side.
Morone AmericanaWhite perch might be small - usually 7-10 inches - but they school up thick and provide steady action all afternoon. Despite the name, they're actually bass family and fight like it. You'll find them in open water near shore, often following baitfish schools. Spring through summer is prime time when water hits that 50-60°F sweet spot. What guests love is the fast action - doubles and triples are common when you locate a school. They're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Best technique is using small jigs or live minnows, working them with a slight jigging motion to trigger that chase response. Here's the key: when you catch one, stay put and work the area hard. Where there's one white perch, there's usually a whole school waiting underneath.
Shearon Harris Lake