Ready to reel in some serious whiskers? Join Captain Marc Gioeli for an 8-hour catfish extravaganza on High Rock Lake, North Carolina. This ain't your average fishing trip – we're talking big cats, insider knowledge, and a day on the water you won't forget. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Marc's got the skills to put you on the fish and show you a darn good time doing it.
Picture this: You're out on High Rock Lake, surrounded by stunning scenery, with a pro guide who knows every nook and cranny where the big cats like to hide. We're targeting the trifecta of catfish – Blues, Flatheads, and Channels. Captain Marc's got all the gear, bait, and know-how, so you just need to bring your excitement (and maybe a snack or two). This ain't no sit-and-wait game – we'll be moving, adjusting, and using every trick in the book to get those catfish biting. From working the sonar to perfecting your drift, you'll pick up skills that'll make you the envy of your fishing buddies back home.
Alright, let's talk shop. On this trip, we're not messing around with wimpy tackle. We're using heavy-duty rods and reels spooled with line that can handle the brutes lurking in High Rock's depths. Captain Marc's got a arsenal of baits that these cats can't resist – from cut bait to secret concoctions that'll make even the most stubborn fish take notice. We'll be employing a mix of techniques, from anchoring up on prime spots to drifting along productive areas. You'll learn how to read the lake like a pro, spotting underwater structure and using the boat's electronics to pinpoint where the big ones are hanging out. And when that rod doubles over? Hold on tight – you're in for one heck of a fight!
"Can't thank Marc enough for a great day of relaxing and fishing High Rock lake. Caught lots of fish and quality fish at that. Would highly recommend Cats On The Rock Guide Service." - Jeff
"Great Guide. As promissed, he found those catfish. He was great to spend the time to teach how to catch more. He knew the lake and where the fish should be and if not, he said time to move then we found a lot. Great personality. Made the trip fun for both me and my son." - Michael
"Had a great day with grandkids. Captain Marc was very good with kids and spent time explaining things to them. Catfish were more than willing to bite this day. We had enough filets to feed our 10 vacationers for several meals with at least 15 to 20 fish in the 20 to 30 lb range released. If we come back this way on another vacation will absolutely call Cats on the Rock." - Max
Blue Catfish: These are the heavyweights of High Rock Lake, and boy, do they put up a fight! Blues can grow to massive sizes, with some real monsters lurking in these waters. They're opportunistic feeders, which means they'll go after a variety of baits. Spring and fall are prime times for trophy blues, but don't count out summer nights for some epic action. When a big blue takes your bait, hold on tight – these bruisers will test your arms and your drag!
Flathead Catfish: If you're after a true Southern slugger, flatheads are your target. These ambush predators love to hang out near structure, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey. They've got a reputation for being picky eaters, but Captain Marc knows just how to tempt them. Flatheads are most active at night, so an evening trip might be in order if you're dead set on tangling with one of these beasts. Landing a flathead is a real accomplishment – they fight like nobody's business and can grow to impressive sizes.
Channel Catfish: Don't let their smaller average size fool you – channel cats are a blast to catch and make for some mighty fine eating. These whiskered wonders are abundant in High Rock Lake and are often the most willing biters. They've got a diverse diet, which means you can catch them on all sorts of baits. Channels are active year-round, but they really turn on during the warmer months. If you're looking to introduce kids or newbies to catfishing, channels are the perfect target – they're feisty enough to be fun but not so big that they'll overwhelm a novice angler.
Listen, if you're itching for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action, this High Rock Lake catfish trip is calling your name. Captain Marc's got the know-how, the spots, and the passion to make sure you have a top-notch fishing experience. Whether you're looking to land your personal best, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water with family and friends, this charter delivers the goods. Don't let another season slip by without getting in on this catfish action. Book your spot now, and get ready to make some serious fishing memories on High Rock Lake. Trust me, once you feel that first big cat on the line, you'll be hooked for life!
October 25, 2024
Great Guide. As promissed, he found those catfish. He was great to spend the time to teach how to catch more. He knew the lake and where the fish should be and if not, he said time to move then we found a lot. Great personality. Made the trip fun for both me and my son.
February 10, 2025
Son and I had a great trip. I highly recommend.
March 15, 2025
Awesome time and caught lot of fish. Will book again!
April 5, 2025
Awesome time and caught lot of fish. Will book again!
April 5, 2025
Awesome time and caught lot of fish. Will book again!
April 5, 2025
Had a great day with grandkids. Captain Marc was very good with kids and spent time explaining things to them. Catfish were more than willing to bite this day. We had enough filets to feed our 10 vacationers for several meals with at least 15 to 20 fish in the 20 to 30 lb range released. If we come back this way on another vacation will absolutely call Cats on the Rock.
July 18, 2024
Blue cats are the heavyweight champs of High Rock Lake, often topping 30 pounds with some real monsters pushing 80+. These opportunistic predators cruise deeper waters, so we'll focus on main lake channels and river bends. Cut bait is the ticket – fresh gizzard shad or skipjack herring work wonders. Blues feed year-round but really turn on in late summer and fall. Anglers love targeting these brutes for their sheer size and powerful fights. One local tip: use a fish finder to locate schools of baitfish, then drop your bait nearby. Blues often lurk below, waiting to ambush. When you hook one, be ready for a battle. These cats don't give up easily, so make sure your drag is set right. It's an arm-wrenching experience you won't forget!
Channel cats are a popular catch on High Rock Lake, typically weighing 2-10 pounds with some monsters pushing 20+. They're bottom feeders, so we'll target deeper holes and channels using sonar. These fish love stinkbait, but we also use cut bait or nightcrawlers. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're most active. Anglers enjoy channel cats for their strong fight and excellent table fare. They've got a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. One local trick: fish near underwater structure like submerged logs or rocks where they like to hide. When you feel that telltale nibble, give it a second before setting the hook. Channel cats can be wary, so patience pays off. Just watch out for those sharp fins when you're handling them!
Flatheads are the apex predators of High Rock Lake, growing to massive sizes – we're talking 40+ pounds with some topping 70. Unlike other cats, these guys prefer live bait. We'll use bluegill or perch to tempt them out of their lairs in deep, woody cover. Flatheads are most active at night, so evening trips can be productive. Anglers target these brutes for their impressive size and the challenge they present. They're known for their initial power surge when hooked, so hold on tight! One local secret: focus on sharp drop-offs near the old river channel. Flatheads love to ambush prey in these spots. When you feel that distinctive thump, let the fish run for a moment before setting the hook. The meat is prized for its sweet, firm texture – some of the best eating you'll find in freshwater.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 48
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Can't thank Marc enough for a great day of relaxing and fishing High Rock lake. Caught lots of fish and quality fish at that. Would highly recommend Cats On The Rock Guide Service.