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Top-Rated Catfish Charter on High Rock Lake

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • High Rock Lake
  • $250 - $550 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious catfishing on High Rock Lake? Join Cats On The Rock Guide Service for a 6-hour trip targeting Blue, Flathead, and Channel catfish. Captain Marc Gioeli knows these waters like the back of his hand after 12 years of guiding here. He'll take you right to where the big ones are biting and show you the tricks to land them. No need to bring gear - they've got you covered with all the equipment you'll need. Just pack some drinks and snacks, and you're set for a day of hauling in whiskered giants. Whether you're new to catfishing or looking to improve your skills, this trip is perfect for anglers of all levels. High Rock Lake is known as North Carolina's catfish capital, so get ready to feel some serious tugs on your line. With Marc's expertise guiding you, you might just catch the fish of a lifetime.
Top-Rated Catfish Charter on High Rock Lake

Catfish Conquests

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Channel catfish caught while trolling in Mocksville NC

Stormy skies couldn't stop this catfish from taking the bait!

Blue Catfish caught while trolling at Tamarac Marina

Trolling for treasure: Blue Catfish hooked at Tamarac Marina!

Blue Catfish caught while trolling at Tamarac Marina, fishing at its best

Trolling for catfish in stormy skies - the thrill of the chase!

Blue Catfish caught trolling in Mocksville NC, best fishing

Trolling for Blue Catfish in stormy Mocksville skies!

Best fishing techniques at Tamarac Marina: trolling, bait casting, heavy tackle, drift fishing

Storm's brewing, but the fishing's on fire at Tamarac Marina!

Flathead Catfish caught trolling in Mocksville NC

Flathead Catfish strikes gold in stormy Mocksville!

Channel Catfish caught while trolling in Mocksville NC

Reeling in the best catfish while storms brew in Mocksville!

Channel Catfish caught while trolling at Tamarac Marina

Huge 22-inch Channel Catfish hooked during a partly cloudy day!

Channel Catfish caught trolling at Tamarac Marina

Reeling in a 16-inch Channel Catfish on a stormy day!

Channel catfish caught while trolling in Mocksville NC

Stormy skies couldn't stop this catfish from taking the bait!

Blue Catfish caught while trolling at Tamarac Marina

Trolling for treasure: Blue Catfish hooked at Tamarac Marina!

Blue Catfish caught while trolling at Tamarac Marina, fishing at its best

Trolling for catfish in stormy skies - the thrill of the chase!

Blue Catfish caught trolling in Mocksville NC, best fishing

Trolling for Blue Catfish in stormy Mocksville skies!

Best fishing techniques at Tamarac Marina: trolling, bait casting, heavy tackle, drift fishing

Storm's brewing, but the fishing's on fire at Tamarac Marina!

Flathead Catfish caught trolling in Mocksville NC

Flathead Catfish strikes gold in stormy Mocksville!

Channel Catfish caught while trolling in Mocksville NC

Reeling in the best catfish while storms brew in Mocksville!

Channel Catfish caught while trolling at Tamarac Marina

Huge 22-inch Channel Catfish hooked during a partly cloudy day!

Channel Catfish caught trolling at Tamarac Marina

Reeling in a 16-inch Channel Catfish on a stormy day!

Channel catfish caught while trolling in Mocksville NC

Stormy skies couldn't stop this catfish from taking the bait!

Blue Catfish caught while trolling at Tamarac Marina

Trolling for treasure: Blue Catfish hooked at Tamarac Marina!

Blue Catfish caught while trolling at Tamarac Marina, fishing at its best

Trolling for catfish in stormy skies - the thrill of the chase!

Blue Catfish caught trolling in Mocksville NC, best fishing

Trolling for Blue Catfish in stormy Mocksville skies!

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Catch Monster Catfish on High Rock Lake

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!

What to Expect on the Water

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!

Catfishing 101: Gear and Tactics

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.

Customer Stories

"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

The Big Three: Meet Your Targets

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.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

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.

A Day in the Life on High Rock

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!

Gearing Up for Success

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!

Time to Book Your Spot

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!

Customer Reviews

Catfish Bonanza

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Had a blast. Marc worked really hard to out my boys on some nice Catfish.

JT
Jonathan Todd

October 26, 2024

Expert Guidance

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Fantastic guide

JB
John Bosanek

July 2, 2025

Savvy Pro Guide

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Great guide, very accommodating, knows his stuff, highly recommend!

KW
Kathryn White

May 18, 2025

Family Fish Fun

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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!

Read More
CH
Christopher Haley

May 24, 2025

Learn more about the species

Blue Catfish

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.

Blue Catfish

Channel Catfish

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!

Channel Catfish

Flathead Catfish

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!

Flathead Catfish

About the G3 Sportsman 200

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 48

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready to go after some monster catfish on High Rock Lake? Join Cats On The Rock Guide Service for a 6-hour fishing trip that'll have you hooked. Captain Marc Gioeli knows this lake like the back of his hand after 12 years of guiding here. He'll take you right to where the big ones lurk - we're talking Blue catfish, Flatheads, and Channels that'll put up a serious fight. Don't worry about gear - it's all provided. Just bring some drinks and snacks to keep you fueled up while you're reeling 'em in. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying catfishing for the first time, Captain Marc will make sure you have a great day on the water. High Rock Lake is known for producing some real whoppers, so get ready to snap some epic fish pics. Book your trip and come see why this is North Carolina's top spot for catfish action!
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High Rock Lake: Reel in the Fun

Ready to reel in some trophy-sized catfish on High Rock Lake? Book your fishing outing with Cats on the Rocks Guide Service today and experience the excitement of a lifetime. With expert guidance from Guide Marc Gioeli and a passion for providing memorable fishing experiences, you're guaranteed a day on the water you won't soon forget. Don't miss out—reserve your spot now and get ready for an unforgettable fishing trip!


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