%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F13268%2Fimages%2F1708991147276image-2024-02-27t074532.170.png&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a Blue Catfish on High Rock Lake
Blue Catfish Fishing on High Rock Lake in Mocksville
5.0
8 Reviews
- 5
100% - 4
0% - 30%
- 20%
- 10%
%2F%2Fusers%2F6ad644b5-8beb-4d0d-946e-ee6c922ab318%2Fimages%2Fblue-catfish-trolling-mocksville-rainy-12633.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Blue Catfish belongs to the order Siluriformes and family Ictaluridae. It typically measures between 25 and 46 inches in length, with a weight range from 20 to 81 lbs. Habitat: river, lake, flats, backcountry. - Blue Catfish are known for their slate-blue bodies and distinctive fin ray count. - They prefer deeper waters with current flow and abundant structure.
Guided Fishing Trip by Captain Marc Gioeli in August
Meet your Captain Marc Gioeli
- Catfish Guide on High Rock Lake NC
Summary
Captain Marc Gioeli of Cats on the Rock Guide Service offers expert-led catfish charters on High Rock Lake near Mocksville, North Carolina. This Sunday August guided fishing trip targets Blue Catfish and Flathead Catfish using proven bottom fishing, trolling, and casting techniques. The 6-hour charter accommodates 1-3 guests with all fishing equipment, bait, and tackle included. High Rock Lake's excellent catfish population provides consistent action for anglers of all skill levels. Captain Marc's local knowledge and hands-on instruction in fish location, sonar use, and rigging techniques ensure a productive day on the water. Recent trips have produced trophy Blue Catfish up to 32 inches and quality Flathead Catfish, making this a premier North Carolina catfishing destination.
Fishing Charter with Captain Marc Gioeli – Rates & Booking
Captain Marc Gioeli of Cats on the Rock Guide Service on Sunday August offers comprehensive 6-hour catfish charters on High Rock Lake for $450 per trip (1-3 guests). This licensed guide brings years of High Rock Lake experience, providing all fishing equipment, bait, and tackle. Trips launch from Tamarac Marina in early morning hours, targeting prime catfish habitat in the Township of Providence area. Captain Marc specializes in hands-on instruction covering fish location, sonar interpretation, and proper rigging techniques. Book online or call to reserve your High Rock Lake catfish adventure.
Highlights of 6 Hour High Rock Lake Catfish Guided Fishing Trip for 1–3 Guests
This charter focuses on High Rock Lake's abundant Blue Catfish and Flathead Catfish populations using multiple proven techniques. Captain Marc employs bottom fishing, trolling, and casting methods to locate active fish throughout the lake's productive waters. Recent trips have produced impressive results, including a 32-inch Blue Catfish and 19-inch Flathead Catfish that provided exciting battles for guests.
The trip includes comprehensive gear setup and personalized instruction suitable for both experienced anglers and newcomers to catfishing. High Rock Lake's consistent catfish action makes it an ideal destination for trophy fishing, with the potential for landing substantial Blue and Flathead Catfish throughout the season.
Local Species Insights: Blue Catfish
Blue Catfish thrive in High Rock Lake's diverse habitat, from deep channels to shallow flats where they actively feed. These powerful fighters prefer areas with current flow and structure, making the lake's submerged timber and creek channels prime locations. Captain Marc targets these fish using fresh bait presentations near bottom structure, particularly during early morning and evening periods when catfish are most active. The lake's healthy forage base supports excellent Blue Catfish growth, with fish regularly exceeding 20 pounds and occasional trophy specimens reaching 30+ inches.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 6-hour High Rock Lake charter includes a fully equipped boat with modern electronics for fish location and safety. Captain Marc provides all fishing rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait, so guests need only bring drinks, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 3 anglers with ample space for fighting large catfish. Trips typically launch at dawn from Tamarac Marina, allowing maximum time on productive water during peak feeding periods. Safety equipment and first aid supplies are standard, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience on High Rock Lake.
Fishing in High Rock Lake: Blue Catfish
Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) represent North Carolina's premier freshwater trophy species, belonging to the order Siluriformes and family Ictaluridae. These impressive fish display distinctive slate-blue coloration and can reach substantial sizes, with specimens ranging from 25 to 46 inches and weighing 20 to 81 pounds. In High Rock Lake waters this August, anglers consistently encounter these powerful fighters near submerged structure and creek channels.
Blue Catfish Overview
Blue Catfish rank among North America's largest freshwater fish species, prized by anglers for their impressive size potential and fighting ability. These fish inhabit rivers, lakes, flats, and backcountry waters throughout their range, with High Rock Lake providing ideal habitat conditions. Their distinctive appearance and aggressive feeding behavior make them a favorite target for serious catfish enthusiasts.
Blue Catfish Habitat and Distribution
Blue Catfish prefer deeper waters with moderate current flow, typically inhabiting main lake channels, creek mouths, and areas with abundant structure. In High Rock Lake, they concentrate around submerged timber, rock piles, and drop-offs where forage fish gather. These adaptable fish move between shallow feeding areas and deeper resting zones based on water temperature and food availability.
Blue Catfish Size and Weight
Adult Blue Catfish typically measure 25 to 46 inches in length, with weights ranging from 20 to 81 pounds. High Rock Lake produces consistent catches in the 15-30 pound range, with trophy specimens exceeding 40 pounds caught annually. The lake's abundant forage base supports excellent growth rates, making it a premier destination for trophy catfish fishing.
Blue Catfish Diet and Behavior
Blue Catfish are opportunistic predators feeding on fish, crayfish, mussels, and aquatic insects. They actively hunt during low-light periods, using their excellent sense of smell and taste to locate prey. These fish often feed in groups, creating competitive feeding situations that benefit anglers using fresh bait presentations.
Blue Catfish Spawning Season
Blue Catfish spawn during late spring and early summer when water temperatures reach 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Males construct nests in cavities, hollow logs, or undercut banks, aggressively defending eggs and fry. During spawning periods, these fish concentrate in shallow areas with suitable nesting habitat, providing excellent fishing opportunities.
Blue Catfish Fishing Techniques
Successful Blue Catfish fishing relies on fresh bait presentations near bottom structure using circle hooks and heavy tackle. Popular baits include cut shad, chicken liver, and prepared catfish baits fished on Carolina rigs or three-way swivels. In August, anglers around Mocksville find them concentrated near creek channels and submerged timber where they ambush passing prey fish.
Blue Catfish Is It Good to Eat?
Blue Catfish provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor when properly prepared. The flesh contains high-quality protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while maintaining low mercury levels compared to many game fish. Popular cooking methods include frying, grilling, and blackening, with smaller fish typically offering the best eating quality.
Blue Catfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Blue Catfish?
A: Fresh cut shad, chicken liver, and prepared catfish baits work exceptionally well. High Rock Lake Blue Catfish respond strongly to fresh bait presentations fished near bottom structure.
Q: Where can I find Blue Catfish near Mocksville?
A: High Rock Lake offers excellent Blue Catfish habitat, particularly around creek channels, submerged timber, and drop-offs in the Township of Providence area.
Q: Is Blue Catfish good to eat?
A: Yes, Blue Catfish provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor. They're high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids with low mercury content.
Q: When is the best time to catch Blue Catfish?
A: Early morning and evening hours produce the best Blue Catfish action, particularly during summer months when they feed actively in cooler water temperatures.
More species you can explore on this trip
Cats on the Rock Guide Service Available Trips
Other customer memories from this trip
Captain Marc operates a well-equipped fishing boat designed specifically for High Rock Lake catfish charters. The vessel features modern fish-finding electronics to locate productive catfish habitat and comfortable seating for up to 3 guests. All safety equipment meets Coast Guard requirements, and the boat's layout provides excellent access for fighting large catfish. The setup includes multiple rod holders, live wells for bait storage, and ample deck space for landing trophy fish safely.
