No Place Like Home

There is nothing like the thrill that comes with being able to catch your target species using a technique that you have planned for many days. It is exciting, satisfying, and often gives me a strong sense of accomplishment. I guess that is why I have always loved fishing, whether it be during my own personal time or when I am touring guests around. Knowing that I know my way around my favorite fishing spots, as well as what to do in order to have a productive fishing day, brings me so much happiness. For instance, on calm cloudy mornings in the early days of summer, I know that I can target redfish and striped bass on the shorelines using nothing but topwater bait. The explosion and the fight that comes with a topwater strike is truly exhilarating, more so once I manage to haul them onto the piles of other catch in my boat and marvel at the game of the day.

This kind of thrill is something that I enjoy sharing with my family, friends, and guests, too. Through a story or two, I want them to feel what I feel whenever I am in the waters and for them to appreciate fishing as much as I do. One of my favorite fishing memories took place last summer. I was with my stepson and his friend and we were fishing for old drum. That time, we were in an area that was loaded with large menhaden so it was no surprise that there were plenty of people. In fact, there were about 20 other boats. A few moments later, we saw some drum roll right in front of our boat. We cast towards the front and within 20 seconds, all three of us were hooked up on more than 40 inches of redfish at the same time! Landing three fish simultaneously is a challenge in itself, but to see the look on the boys' faces and the surprise on the other person around us was priceless.

My Go-to Fishing Spots and Techniques

I consider myself lucky to have the unique opportunity to fish in different bodies of water around the United States, as well as a few locations overseas. It was a nice experience to be able to witness how different and similar fish behaviors are across different regions. So, if you are comfortably able to do so, I encourage you to do it. Try fishing in locations outside of your comfort zone and your usual spots, explore different places, and experiment with various fishing items.

Despite having been to various fishing locations, though, my favorite place to fish would always be right here at home on the Neuse River in coastal North Carolina. I guess it is true what they say about how there is no place like home. There is something relaxing about fishing in an environment that has always been familiar to me. In addition, the Neuse River has always given me different experiences and each quest is unique every time I go there. So, whether I am taking clients and friends out for speckled trout in the wintertime or hunting trophy redfish in the heart of summer, the Neuse River always provides for quite a quest.

As for fishing techniques and equipment, I typically use conventional spinning reels and rods. I find that I can cast farther and more accurately with them. Such familiarity with this equipment has really helped me in the services I offer to my guests as a fishing guide. It makes it easy for them to learn how to use the equipment and translates to their fishing productivity on every trip. Regardless of their fishing experience, they can easily handle and work many different types of baits without switching to a new style of rod and reel. My favorite rods to use are from Temple Fork Outfitters matched with Diawa or Shimano reels. I believe that using quality fishing equipment directly impacts landing and fighting fish.

When I am fishing in the Neuse River, my usual setup is a 7’ Medium or Medium Light rod matched with a 2500 spinning reel with 10 lb braid and a 20 lb leader. I have had great success with this setup and it allows myself and my clients to successfully land and fish many different species of fish without failure.

Favorite Species and Targets

Truth be told, I have always had a special place in my heart for speckled trout. There are multiple delicious ways to cook it and the texture is amazing. I tend to target speckled trout in the fall, winter, and springtime.

What makes speckled trout unique is their ability to keep you on your toes and really make you hunt them down! They are relatively challenging to catch and who does not enjoy a good challenge, right? They are constantly on the move and for this reason, what works today may not function the same way tomorrow. So, it is always fun to think and experiment with ways to catch them. My favorite way to catch them, though, is either by using a twitch bait or a topwater bait.

In the summer, I target trophy redfish. These fish exceed 40 inches and are so fun to hook into. I typically fish for them using a large popping cork. It simulates a fish breaking the surface in order to feed. Normally you fish pretty slow since the fish do not tend to move quickly in order to feed, but rather see your bait as an easy meal. Once you are hooked up the fish will fight with all they have to get away, resulting in so much splashing and fighting to get a secure hold until you haul them into the boat.

Much of my great experience has been with Neuse River Fishing with Cap's Fishing Charters. If you’re in the area, never pass up the chance to fish the Neuse River.

A Message for Aspiring Anglers

Becoming a more proficient angler means regularly spending time on the water and learning a thing or two in each trip. The more time you spend trying to catch fish, the more fish you will catch. You will also learn the pattern that the fish are keying in on. Pick a couple bait types and styles and perfect them before you try something new. I started out just using soft plastics and topwater baits before I moved on to different techniques and baits or bugs. Eventually, you will have a tackle box full of confidence baits and know exactly how to use them for every fishing situation.

Another helpful skill is building your proficiency in knot tying. It is one of the basics of fishing that will really get you far in this endeavor. Learning all the different types of knots can be daunting, but mastering just a few knots while you are at your house can save your whole trip. Becoming a master of the knot types that you want to use will allow an angler to be able to tie those knots in any condition or risk.

It is never too late to learn how to fish because this hobby is some thing that anyone can get into as long as they have an interest in it as well as the drive to learn. Hope to see you on the waters soon! Book your next fishing trip with me here.