Ready to tangle with some heavyweight whiskered fish? Hop aboard with Captain Marc Gioeli for a 6-hour catfish throwdown on High Rock Lake. Whether you're a seasoned catfish chaser or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip's got you covered. We're talking blue cats, flatheads, and channels – the trifecta of North Carolina catfishing. Marc knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on some serious fish. Bring your A-game and let's see if we can't boat a new personal best!
This ain't no lazy day of bank fishing. We're talking about a full-on catfish assault, targeting the big boys that call High Rock home. Captain Marc's got all the gear and knowhow to make it happen. He'll school you on reading the lake, working the sonar to find those honey holes, and rigging up for success. No need to lug your own gear – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and all the bait these cats can't resist. Just remember to pack some grub and drinks to keep you fueled up for the fight. With room for up to three anglers, it's perfect for a day out with your fishing buddies or introducing the kids to the thrill of catfishing.
Forget about bobbers and worms – we're bringing out the big guns for these whiskered giants. Captain Marc's playbook is stacked with proven techniques to entice strikes from High Rock's catfish population. We might start off anchored up, working deep holes with cut bait or live offerings. If the bite's slow, we'll switch it up and try some drift fishing or even bust out the trolling rods. Marc's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using stink bait for channels or giant live bait for those monster flatheads. Throughout the day, you'll get the inside scoop on reading the lake, understanding catfish behavior, and perfecting your presentation. By the time we head back to the dock, you'll be armed with skills to up your catfish game anywhere.
"Had a blast. Marc worked really hard to out my boys on some nice Catfish." - Jonathan
"Marc is a excellent guide with many years of experience on High Rock lake would recommend him highly to anyone" - Derek
"Great guide, very accommodating, knows his stuff, highly recommend!" - Kathryn
Blue Catfish: These are the heavy hitters of High Rock Lake. Blues can grow to massive proportions, with fish over 50 pounds not uncommon. They're aggressive feeders and put up a heck of a fight. We target blues year-round, but the action really heats up in late spring and summer. Nothing beats the adrenaline rush of hooking into a big blue and feeling that rod double over.
Flathead Catfish: If blues are the bruisers, flatheads are the brutes. These ambush predators love structure and can grow even bigger than blues. We're talking potential 100-pounders lurking in the depths. Flatheads prefer live bait and are most active at night, but Captain Marc knows how to entice them during daylight hours too. Landing a big flathead is a true test of an angler's skill and strength.
Channel Catfish: Don't let their smaller average size fool you – channel cats are a blast to catch and make for excellent eating. These opportunistic feeders are abundant in High Rock and eagerly take a variety of baits. We often target channels in the 2-10 pound range, but bigger ones are always a possibility. They're perfect for introducing new anglers to the sport, providing plenty of action and a good chance at a personal best.
Look, if you're itching to tangle with some serious catfish, this is your ticket. Captain Marc's got the know-how, the spot-on local intel, and all the gear you need to make it happen. Whether you're gunning for a new PB or just want to feel the thrill of a bent rod, High Rock Lake's catfish are calling. Don't let another season slip by without getting in on this action. Grab your fishing buddies, clear your calendar, and let's get after those whiskerfish. The big ones are waiting – all you gotta do is book that trip and show up ready to fish. Trust me, once you've felt the power of a High Rock cat on the end of your line, you'll be hooked for life. So what are you waiting for? Let's make some catfish memories!
October 26, 2024
Marc is a excellent guide with many years of experience on High Rock lake would recommend him highly to anyone
August 4, 2025
Fantastic guide
July 2, 2025
Great guide, very accommodating, knows his stuff, highly recommend!
May 18, 2025
It was an overall slow day. Marc set us on a couple of spots which produced a couple fish. The fish just went interested. We started trolling and it happened for us. Not amazingly, but lots of fun for my kiddos. We landed 11. Kept 1 blue cat and 8 channels. Had one get off the hook at the side of the boat. I highly recommend booking with this guy!
May 24, 2025
Great down to earth guide. Willing to ask any questions. Would highly recommend.
August 10, 2025
Blues are the heavyweights of High Rock, with trophy fish topping 50 pounds not unheard of. These big boys prefer deep, open water and love to hang out near channel edges and river bends. We'll be using heavy tackle and fresh cut bait to tempt 'em. Blues are aggressive feeders and put up an epic battle - it's like trying to reel in a Volkswagen. They're most active in cooler months, so fall through spring is prime time. Catching one of these monsters is a real rush, and they make for some great photos. Pro tip: when a blue takes your bait, give it a few seconds to get it in its mouth before setting the hook. These guys have big mouths and sometimes play with the bait before committing.
Channel cats are a High Rock Lake staple, typically running 2-10 pounds with some bruisers pushing 20+. You'll find 'em hanging around structure in deeper holes, especially where creeks feed into the main lake. They're bottom feeders, so we'll be targeting them with stinkbait, cut bait, or nightcrawlers near drop-offs and ledges. Channel cats put up a good scrap for their size and make excellent table fare. Spring and fall are prime times, but we catch 'em year-round. One local trick: fish the night bite in summer for bigger cats. They're more active after dark when the water's warm. Just watch those fins when you're handling 'em - they can give you a nasty poke if you're not careful. Bring some gloves if you want to get hands-on with these slimy critters.
Flatheads are the apex predators of High Rock, growing to massive sizes - we're talking 40+ pounds regularly, with some topping 60. Unlike other cats, these guys prefer live bait. We'll be using bluegill or other small fish to entice them out of their lairs in deep, woody cover. Flatheads are most active at night, so evening trips can be super productive. They're ambush predators, so we'll be targeting spots with lots of structure like sunken trees or rock piles. When you hook into a big flathead, hold on tight - they fight like demons and will try to wrap you around every obstacle in the lake. The meat on these fish is excellent, with a firm texture and mild flavor. Here's a local secret: try fishing near underwater points where creek channels meet the main lake - flatheads love to hang out there.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
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Had a blast. Marc worked really hard to out my boys on some nice Catfish.