Ready for some serious catfish action? Join Captain Marc Gioeli of Cats On The Rock Guide Service for a 6-hour fishing adventure on High Rock Lake, North Carolina. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is tailored to help you land some hefty cats. With room for up to 4 guests, it's the perfect outing for friends, family, or a solo fishing enthusiast looking to learn from a pro.
As you cruise out onto High Rock Lake, Captain Marc's wealth of local knowledge comes into play. He'll take you straight to the catfish hotspots, sharing tips on reading the water and locating those big whisker-fish. You'll get hands-on experience with top-notch gear and learn the ins and outs of catfish behavior. From rigging your line just right to interpreting sonar readings, you'll pick up skills that'll serve you well beyond this trip. And when you feel that telltale tug on your line? Captain Marc's right there to guide you through landing your catch, whether it's a scrappy channel cat or a monster blue.
Leave your tackle box at home - this trip's got you covered. Captain Marc provides all the fishing equipment you'll need, from rods and reels to the latest in fish-finding tech. He's always stocked with the best bait to entice those big cats, whether it's cut bait, stink bait, or live offerings. All you need to bring is your fishing license, some snacks, and drinks to keep you fueled for the fight. Don't forget to pack a camera - you'll want proof when you're telling stories about the day's catches!
High Rock Lake isn't just any fishing spot - it's a catfish angler's dream. The lake's diverse structure, from shallow flats to deep channels, creates the perfect habitat for growing trophy-sized cats. Captain Marc's trips are known for putting clients on fish consistently, thanks to his year-round dedication to tracking catfish patterns. Whether you're after numbers or that once-in-a-lifetime trophy, this trip offers a real shot at both. Plus, with Marc's patient teaching style, you'll leave with new skills and insider knowledge that'll up your catfish game wherever you fish.
Channel Catfish: These whiskered warriors are the bread and butter of High Rock Lake. Averaging 2-5 pounds, with some topping 10 pounds, channel cats put up a great fight and are excellent table fare. They're active year-round but really turn on during the warmer months. Look for them around structure like sunken trees and rocky points.
Blue Catfish: The heavyweights of High Rock, blue cats can grow to massive sizes. While 20-30 pounders are common, fish over 50 pounds are caught every year. These brutes prefer deeper water and respond well to cut bait. They're most active in cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for trophy blues.
Flathead Catfish: Often called "mud cats" or "yellow cats," flatheads are the ambush predators of High Rock. They love live bait and tend to hang around woody structure. While they average 10-20 pounds, 40+ pound flatheads aren't unheard of. Night fishing or targeting them during low light conditions can be especially productive.
Whether you're chasing your personal best or just looking to bend a rod, this High Rock Lake catfish trip delivers. With Captain Marc's expertise, top-notch gear, and a lake full of hungry cats, you're in for a day of non-stop action. Remember, catfish this good don't stay a secret for long - spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your fishing buddies, clear your calendar, and get ready for a whisker-fish adventure you'll be talking about for years to come. Book now and let's get those lines wet!
Blue cats are the bruisers of High Rock Lake, with some real giants lurking in the depths. These slate-blue beasts can top 50 pounds, with state records pushing 100+. They prefer deeper water than other cats, often holding in 20-50 foot holes near channel edges or creek mouths. Blues are opportunistic feeders, chowing down on everything from shad to smaller fish. They're most active in cooler months, making fall through spring prime time. Anglers love targeting blues for their sheer size and powerful fights. Fresh cut bait is key - try gizzard shad or white perch. Here's a local tip: use your electronics to find schools of bait fish, then drop your offering nearby. Blues often hang below the bait waiting to ambush. Bring heavy tackle and be ready for a battle when you hook into one of these High Rock Lake monsters.
Channel cats are a popular target on High Rock Lake, typically weighing 2-10 pounds with some monsters pushing 20+. They're bottom feeders, hanging out near structure in depths of 5-30 feet. Look for them around submerged logs, rocky areas, and deep holes. These whiskered fish put up a solid fight and make great table fare. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. They'll eat just about anything, but stinkbait and cut bait are go-to choices. One local trick: use a santee rig with a float to keep your bait just off the bottom where channel cats like to cruise. Be careful handling them - those pectoral fins are sharp! Overall, channel cats are a fun, reliable target that'll keep your rod bent and give you a tasty dinner option.
Flatheads are the apex predators of High Rock Lake's catfish world. These olive-brown brutes can top 50 pounds, with some real monsters pushing 70+. Unlike other cats, flatheads prefer live bait - the bigger, the better. They're ambush predators, lurking around submerged logs, deep holes, and rocky areas. Look for them in 10-30 foot depths, especially where creek channels meet the main lake. Flatheads are most active at night and during low-light periods. Summer through early fall is prime time when the water's warm. Anglers target them for their size, powerful fights, and excellent table fare. Here's a local secret: use big live bluegills or white perch for bait, fishing near cover during a full moon. Be patient - flatheads don't bite often, but when they do, hold on tight!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 48
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200