Ready to tangle with some serious whiskers? High Rock Lake is North Carolina's catfish capital, and we're here to get you on the big ones. Our 6-hour charter puts you right in the thick of the action, targeting blue cats, flatheads, and channels that'll make your arms ache (in the best way). With over a decade of experience on these waters, Captain Marc knows every honey hole and catfish hideout. We've got all the gear you need - just bring your game face and some snacks. Let's get those lines wet and see what's biting!
When you step onto our boat, you're in for a real treat. High Rock Lake is a catfish angler's paradise, with over 15,000 acres of prime fishing grounds. We'll cruise out to the best spots, whether that's deep channels, submerged timber, or rocky points. Captain Marc's got a sixth sense for where the cats are hanging out, and he'll share all his local know-how. You'll learn pro techniques for presenting bait, setting the hook, and battling these whiskered giants. And trust me, when a big blue cat decides to take your bait, you'll know it - these bruisers can top 50 pounds!
We use heavy-duty tackle to handle High Rock's monster cats. Think stout rods, baitcasting reels spooled with 30-pound test, and circle hooks that practically set themselves. Depending on conditions, we might be anchored up, drifting, or even trolling. Cut bait is the name of the game here - fresh shad or bream chunks are like catnip to these whiskered predators. Captain Marc's got all the latest fish-finding tech, so we'll be zeroing in on the most productive areas. Whether you're a seasoned catfish pro or it's your first time, you'll pick up new tricks to put more fish in the boat.
"Had a blast. Marc worked really hard to out my boys on some nice Catfish." - Jonathan
"Fantastic guide" - John
"Great guide, very accommodating, knows his stuff, highly recommend!" - Kathryn
Blue Catfish: The heavyweight champs of High Rock, blues can grow to truly massive proportions. These open-water prowlers love to cruise the main lake channels, and they're suckers for cut bait. Spring and fall are prime times to tangle with trophy-sized blues. There's nothing quite like the heart-pounding fight when a 40-pounder decides your bait looks tasty!
Flathead Catfish: If blues are the bulldozers of the catfish world, flatheads are the ambush predators. These bad boys love to hunker down around sunken logs and rocky ledges. They've got a soft spot for live bait, and they're most active at night. Hooking into a big flathead is like trying to winch up a Volkswagen - get ready for some serious rod-bending action.
Channel Catfish: Don't let their smaller size fool you - channel cats are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fighters in the lake. These spotted whisker-fish are abundant in High Rock, and they're suckers for stinkbaits and chicken liver. They're great eating too, so if you're looking to take home a mess of fish for the fryer, channels are your best bet.
High Rock Lake isn't just a fishery - it's a catfish angler's playground. The sheer variety of habitat means there's always a hot bite somewhere. One day we might be pulling monster blues from deep river channels, the next we're finessing flatheads out of gnarly timber. And let's not forget the scenery - towering pines, rocky shorelines, and the occasional bald eagle soaring overhead. It's not just about the fish (though they're pretty darn awesome) - it's about making memories on the water.
Picture this: The sun's just peeking over the trees as we idle out of the marina. There's a chill in the air, but you know it'll burn off soon. Captain Marc's got the first spot in mind - a deep hole where the channel swings close to shore. We'll set up, toss out some fresh-cut shad, and let the clicker reels do their thing. Maybe we'll swap fishing stories, or just soak in the quiet morning. Then - zzzzzzzz! A reel starts screaming, and it's game on. Could be a chunky blue, or maybe a tackle-busting flathead. Either way, you're in for a tussle. And that's just the start of our 6-hour adventure!
No need to raid the tackle shop - we've got you covered with top-notch gear. We're talking sturdy catfish rods, reliable baitcasting reels, and terminal tackle that can handle anything with whiskers. Captain Marc keeps a variety of baits on hand, from fresh-cut shad to secret sauce stinkbaits. All you need to bring is weather-appropriate clothing, some drinks, and snacks to keep your energy up. Oh, and don't forget the camera - you'll want proof when you land that personal best!
High Rock Lake is calling, and the catfish are waiting. Whether you're a seasoned whisker-chaser or looking to land your first big cat, this trip is your ticket to some serious rod-bending action. Captain Marc's got the local knowledge, the prime spots, and the passion to put you on fish. With only three spots per trip, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention and have room to battle those High Rock giants. Don't let another season slip by - book your High Rock catfish adventure today and get ready for some whisker-pulling fun!
October 26, 2024
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
Blue catfish are the big boys of High Rock Lake. These beasts can top 100 pounds, though most we catch are in the 10-30 pound range. Blues prefer deeper, cooler water and often hang out near channel edges or deep holes. They're opportunistic feeders, so we use fresh cut bait like shad or herring to tempt them. Blues are most active in spring and fall when the water temps are milder. Anglers love targeting them for the sheer size and power - hooking into a big blue cat is like trying to reel in a Volkswagen! My best tip is to use a sturdy rod and reel combo spooled with at least 30-pound test line. When you hook one, be ready for a battle royale.
Channel catfish are a popular target here at High Rock Lake. These slippery critters typically weigh 2-10 pounds, though we occasionally hook into 20+ pounders. You'll find them hanging out near the bottom in deeper areas, especially around structure like fallen trees or rock piles. They're most active at night or on overcast days. Channel cats put up a good fight and make great table fare. To catch 'em, we use stinkbait or cut bait fished on the bottom. A local trick is to add a few drops of anise oil to your bait - it seems to drive the cats wild. Be careful handling them though - those spines on their fins can give you a nasty poke if you're not careful!
Flathead catfish are the apex predators of High Rock Lake. These aggressive hunters can reach monster sizes over 50 pounds. You'll find flatheads lurking around sunken logs, deep holes, and rocky areas. Unlike other cats, flatheads strongly prefer live bait - we use bluegill or small carp to entice them. Night fishing is most productive, especially during summer. Anglers target flatheads for the thrill of the fight and their excellent eating quality. These cats have serious power, so heavy tackle is a must. My go-to rig is a 7-foot heavy action rod paired with a baitcasting reel spooled with 50-pound braid. When a flathead hits, set the hook hard and hang on tight!
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Had a blast. Marc worked really hard to out my boys on some nice Catfish.