Shearon Harris Lake Catfish & White Perch Charter
Private Trip
Fourhour afternoon charter targets catfish and white perch on Shearon Harris LakeAll fishing gear and live bait provided aboard 21foot center console boatFamilyfriendly trip accommodates up to four anglers of any skill level
If you're looking to get your line wet on one of North Carolina's most productive lakes, this afternoon charter on Shearon Harris Lake is exactly what you need. Starting at 4:00 PM, you'll spend four solid hours targeting some of the area's most sought-after species - blue catfish, white perch, largemouth bass, and crappie. Captain brings decades of experience fishing these waters, and at $350 for up to four people, it's tough to beat the value. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the kids for their first real fishing trip, this charter delivers consistent action in a relaxed setting.
You'll be fishing from a spacious 21-foot Riddic Bay center console that's built for comfort and performance. The afternoon bite on Shearon Harris can be absolutely lights-out, especially as the sun starts dropping and water temps cool down. Captain provides all the essential gear - premium rods, fresh tackle, and live bait that the fish here can't resist. The lake sits at about 220 feet above sea level and stays relatively clear year-round, which makes for great fishing conditions. You'll cover different structures and depths throughout the trip, from shallow coves where the crappie school up to deeper channels where the big cats lurk. Families love this trip because there's always something biting, and the afternoon timing means you're not dealing with early morning wake-up calls.
Captain runs a variety of setups depending on what's biting best. For catfish, you'll be using circle hooks with fresh cut bait or live shiners, working the deeper ledges and channel drops where these bruisers hang out. White perch respond well to smaller presentations - think light jigs tipped with minnows or worms, especially around structure. When targeting largemouth bass, expect to throw everything from topwater plugs to soft plastics, depending on conditions and time of year. The crappie fishing here is legendary, and Captain knows exactly where to find the brush piles and submerged timber that hold schools of slabs. All rods and reels are top-quality spinning and baitcasting setups that can handle anything from finesse fishing to battling bigger fish. Just bring your valid North Carolina fishing license, some snacks and drinks, and get ready to put some fish in the boat.
Blue catfish are the true giants of Shearon Harris Lake, with fish regularly pushing 20-30 pounds and occasional monsters going even bigger. These fish are most active during late afternoon and evening hours, making this charter perfectly timed to intercept feeding cats. They're aggressive fighters that will test your drag system and give you a workout you won't forget. White perch might be smaller, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and excellent table fare. These silvery fighters average 8-12 inches and travel in large schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Largemouth bass in Shearon Harris are chunky and healthy, with fish in the 2-5 pound range being common catches. They're especially active around the lake's numerous points, creek mouths, and submerged structure. The spring and fall months produce the biggest bass, but summertime fishing can be excellent during the cooler evening hours. Crappie fishing peaks during the spawn in early spring, but these paper-mouths can be caught year-round if you know where to look. Shearon Harris crappie run bigger than average, with 12-14 inch slabs not uncommon during peak times.
This afternoon charter hits the sweet spot for families, working anglers, and anyone who wants to experience some of North Carolina's best lake fishing without the hassle of launching their own boat. Shearon Harris Lake consistently produces fish, the gear is provided, and Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand. The 4:00 PM start time means you'll be fishing during prime afternoon and evening bite periods when the fish are most active. At $350 for your entire group of up to four people, you're getting professional guide service, quality equipment, and local knowledge that takes years to develop. Don't forget to grab your fishing licenses before the trip, pack some refreshments, and get ready for four hours of solid fishing action on one of the region's most productive lakes.
Step aboard our well-equipped 2018 21ft Riddic Bay center console and get ready to work the waters of Shearon Harris Lake. This fishing machine packs a reliable 115HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hotspots quickly, cruising smooth at 30 mph across the lake. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with everything you need - GPS to find those hidden structures, fishfinder to locate schools of catfish and white perch, plus a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches when the fish are finicky. The live bait well keeps your bait fresh and lively, while the built-in icebox handles your catch and cold drinks. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out and work different techniques. Whether you're casting for bass along the shoreline or dropping lines for catfish in deeper water, this boat puts you right where the action is on beautiful Shearon Harris Lake.
Ictalurus FurcatusThese slate-blue giants are the biggest catfish in North America, averaging 25-46 inches and often hitting 80+ pounds. You'll find them cruising deep holes and muddy bottoms, especially near creek channels where they follow tidal movements. Blue cats are opportunistic feeders that'll hit fresh cut bait like herring or chicken liver. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps warm up. What makes them special? They put up a serious fight and taste great on the table. The key here on Shearon Harris is letting your bait sink all the way to the bottom - these fish won't chase moving baits. Once you feel that first tap, give it a second before setting the hook. Bring good gloves because they're incredibly slimy when you land one.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are the perfect family fish - both black and white varieties running 7-12 inches with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They school up around submerged brush, fallen trees, and deeper structure during our afternoon trips. Spring spawning season is prime time, but they bite year-round when you find them. What guests love is how they travel in groups, so catching one usually means catching several. Kids especially enjoy the steady action once we locate a school. The meat is fantastic - flaky and mild with no fishy taste. Here's my Shearon Harris tip: use light tackle with small jigs or live minnows under a bobber. Work around any standing timber or brush piles you can find. Be patient when they bite - crappie have soft mouths, so let them take it before setting the hook gently.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the lake's main attraction, running 12-24 inches with that famous oversized mouth. They love hanging around submerged structure, fallen trees, and weed lines in shallow to mid-depth water. Late spring through early fall gives you the best shots, especially during our afternoon window when they're feeding up from deeper water. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they jump when hooked - pure fishing excitement. They're also decent eating from clean water like Shearon Harris. The afternoon bite can be tricky, but here's what works: focus on shaded areas under docks or overhanging trees. Use swim baits or soft plastics worked slowly near cover. Remember, these fish don't spook easy, so don't be afraid to work an area thoroughly if it looks fishy.
Morone AmericanaWhite perch are scrappy little fighters that punch above their weight class. Despite the name, they're actually bass family members averaging 7-10 inches. You'll find schools of them in shadowy areas near structure during our afternoon trips. They're most active in spring when water hits 50-60°F, but they bite consistently through summer evenings. What guests love about white perch is how willing they are to bite - perfect for families with kids who want steady action. They make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My local trick is using a multi-hook rig with small jigs or live minnows. Let your bait settle in the strike zone, then give it a little jig to trigger their chase instinct. These fish travel in schools, so once you find one, you'll usually find more.
Shearon Harris Lake