Tight Lines

Tight Lines

Electrofishing on the Tar River in Rocky Mount
Ever wonder what those NCWRC guys were doing out there in that funny looking boat?
I have heard them called the “shock troops” or the “juice boys.” The truth is that the NCWRC started electrofishing, or sampling the Tar River in 1996 for Hickory Shad, American Shad (locally we call White Shad), and Striped Bass (Rockfish).

May 18, 2012
White Shad Bite Still On At Rocky Mount
I had every intention of doing a different article this week, but I am so impressed and thrilled with the current White Shad bite on the Tar River at Rocky Mount that I feel the need and obligation to share this exciting information with you.

May 11, 2012
Two incredible weeks of fishing for Goines
I have been fishing for more than 50 years, and I would be hard-pressed to find a more productive, enjoyable two weeks of angling. Believe me, it’s not my fishing expertise and prowess. The only time I am the most skilled angler out there is when I am fishing alone.
Seriously, most accomplished fishermen I know also possess some good mechanical skills. Not me, ain’t got none! Anyway, regardless of my limited fishing skills and diminishing physical tools, NOBODY out there on the water enjoys it more than me, I guarantee you.

May 4, 2012
2012 John Cherry Rockfish Rodeo On The Tar
Saturday was a cloudy and overcast day, but did not stifle the enthusiasm of the 61 anglers participating in the 2012 John Cherry Rockfish Rodeo On the Tar. TASS officials began inspecting and allowing the 33 boats to launch at 4:30 a.m. as anglers competed for more than $4,000 in prize payouts.

May 1, 2012 1 Photo
Rock fishing is 'well done' at Weldon
Last weekend was my 18th annual Goines Rock-A-Rama in Halifax County. Family and friends converged on Weldon for a long weekend of exciting rockfish action. The only way I can do it justice is to give you a session-by-session action report.

April 27, 2012
John Cherry Rockfish Rodeo upcoming on the Tar
Save the date, Saturday April 28! It’s the annual John Cherry Rockfish Rodeo On The Tar, and this year’s tournament promises to be bigger and better than ever, with over $4,000 in prize money.

April 6, 2012
Thank you, fellow shadsters, for a great year
Shad season started early this year, so it only stands to reason that it would end early, too, and indeed it has. We had about seven good weeks of a fantastic shad bite in the Tar River at Tarboro this year, starting the last week in January.

March 30, 2012
Incredible Shad Bite at Mouth of Fishing Creek
I have been fishing for shad for 11 years in Tarboro. I have heard about the extraordinary shad bite at the mouth of Fishing Creek since I tied on my first Tar River shad rig. I have been bugging my boating friends to take me there. As luck would have it, I get two invitations on the same day.

March 23, 2012
The fishing destination is Weldon where the shad are biting
The Roanoke River at Weldon is a wonderful, abundant fishery. During Shad and Rockfish season, it’s a good place to hang out. March and April, I spend so much time in Halifax County I joke that I should have my mail forwarded there. I usually fish until exhausted, saving just enough energy to limp home. Those back road farmers between Tarboro and Weldon know my old red Jeep, and always give me a toothy grin and a big wave.

March 16, 2012
March shadness is here for all the fishermen
Basketball fans all over the world look forward to March Madness. Shad aficionados, that's enthusiast for you dudes and dudettes who skipped vocabulary class to go fishing, have the same warm and fuzzy feelings for March Shadness. Giving credit where credit is due, Norfleet Temple coined that phrase last year. Fleet is the son of retired Doctor Peter Temple, an accomplished musician, avid fisherman, and all-around nice guy. Peter has recently hit a rough patch with his health, and our thoughts and prayers are with him. Get well soon, Peter, and join your shad buddies back on the Tar River. We miss you!

March 9, 2012
More Tight Lines Headlines